Grow A Star

Grow a Star is supporting New Zealand student Max as he begins his driver licence journey 🚗

With support from the program, Max has completed his learner licence and five professional driving lessons, taking an important step towards greater independence and future training and employment opportunities.

He is now working towards his restricted licence, which will allow him to drive independently within restricted hours. By helping cover the costs involved, Grow a Star has removed a financial barrier that may otherwise have made this goal difficult to pursue.

The support has given Max the confidence to keep progressing at his own pace, and we look forward to following his journey over the coming months.

Max Grow a Star is supporting New Zealand student Max as he begins his driver licence journey.

For Makenzie, music is a creative outlet, a connection to her dad and a pathway towards the future she hopes to build.

The Lake Macquarie student received a $2,000 Grow a Star scholarship to support her passion for music. With help from Grow a Star’s Luke, she selected a new Fender electric guitar, amplifier and equipment to help take her playing to the next level.

Already a talented acoustic guitarist, Makenzie is looking forward to taking lessons, writing more music and performing. Her long-term goal is to join a band or play her own gigs.

The scholarship has helped Makenzie turn her passion into a real opportunity, and we look forward to seeing where her music takes her.

Read Makenzie’s full story on the Grow a Star website:

Makenzie Sixteen year old Makenzie is already showing amazing passion and talent for music.

Hayley is chasing big goals on the track!

After receiving a Grow a Star scholarship, Hayley joined the program to support her development as a sprinter. The scholarship is helping her continue building her skills and confidence as she works towards her sporting goals.

We are proud to support young people like Hayley as they work hard, back themselves and discover how far their talent can take them.

Read Hayley’s full story on the Grow a Star website: https://growastar.org/star-stories-1/f/hayley

Hayley Hayley’s hard work pays off on the track.

Grow a Star Homework Club 📖

The Grow a Star Homework Club provides Central Coast students with a quiet, supportive place to work through their schoolwork, ask questions and build confidence in their learning.

With guidance from a qualified tutor, students are developing new skills, making connections and learning that it is okay to ask for help.

The program is proudly funded by Beyond Bank, helping Grow a Star provide young people with the support and encouragement they need to make the most of their education.

Read more about the Homework Club and the difference it is making:
https://growastar.org/news/f/homework-club-builds-confidence-and-connection

Applications are now open for the Grow A Star Homework Club on the Central Coast!

This program supports students with tutoring and help with schoolwork in a safe, quiet learning environment, with guidance from a qualified tutor and afternoon tea provided.

📍The Meeting Place, 1 Northumberland Way, Tumbi Umbi
🕒 Tuesdays, 3:30pm – 5:00pm during school term
👥 Six spots per term!

Eligibility:
• Students currently in Year 5 or Year 6
• Demonstrate why support is needed and how the program will help
• Have a good school attendance record

The program is designed to help students build confidence, stay focused on their learning, and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Applications close 15 July 2026.

Apply now: https://growastar.org/homework-club

We are grateful to Beyond Bank for funding this program!

Behind every successful Lunch for the Stars is a community of organisations that believes in the potential of young people.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible 2026 event sponsors. Your generosity doesn't just make this event possible, it helps create life-changing opportunities for young people to pursue their education, sporting and artistic aspirations, build confidence and discover what's possible.

⭐Guest Speaker Sponsor: 369 Labs
⭐Platinum Sponsors: Aon Australia and PKF Sydney & Newcastle
⭐Lunch Sponsor: Community Business Bureau - CBB
⭐Beverage Sponsor: Westpac

Thank you for standing alongside Grow a Star and investing in the next generation. We couldn't do it without you.
Read more here: https://growastar.org/lunch-for-the-stars-1

A special thank you to the many in-kind sponsors and Grow a Star program supporters who helped make Lunch for the Stars such a success ✨

Your generosity plays a huge role in helping us create a memorable event while raising vital support for young people pursuing their goals in education, sport, the arts and personal development.

Thank you to:

✨ Joey Davis Designs
✨ The Yellow Door Kitchen
✨ Beaute & Be
✨ Helping Hand Group
✨ Myf Warhurst
✨ Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service
✨ Peterson House
✨ Gartelmann Wines
✨ The Deck Cafe Lovedale
✨ Noah's on the beach
✨ Savannah Estate Winery
✨ Saddler's Creek Wines
✨ Hunter Valley Gardens
✨ Oakvale Wildlife Park
✨ NOVA Cruises
✨ Dullboy's Social Co.
✨ Event Cinemas Kotara

We are incredibly grateful for your support and for helping young people shine through Grow a Star.

Photos by Justin Worboys Photography

What a day for the Lunch for the Stars ✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us at NOAH’S on the Beach for our 6th Lunch for the Stars, featuring the wonderful Myf Warhurst.

It was a fantastic afternoon of generosity and community support, all helping Grow a Star continue to remove financial barriers for young people pursuing their goals in education, sport and the arts!

A huge thank you to our sponsors and supporters:

⭐ Guest Speaker Sponsor: 369Labs
⭐ Platinum Sponsor: Aon Australia
⭐ Platinum Sponsor: PKF Sydney & Newcastle
⭐ Lunch Sponsor: Community Business Bureau - CBB
⭐ Beverage Sponsor: Westpac

Thank you also to Noah's on the beach for hosting us, our guest speaker Myf Warhurst, our volunteers, donors, prize supporters and everyone who helped make the event possible.

Your support helps young people shine.

📸 Photos by Justin Worboys Photography

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