Grounded in Country.
Guided by sky.
We exist to build aspiration, self-determination, and opportunity for young First Nations people by creating meaningful connections, opening doors, and expanding pathways to futures of their choosing.
Turning possibility into opportunity
The Gunggandji Aerospace Foundation was built on the belief that every young First Nations person deserves the opportunity to explore their interests, realise their potential and determine their own future.
We make possibilities visible and opportunities accessible. Through meaningful engagement and real-world experiences, we connect young people with aviation, aerospace, Defence, and other future-focused industries, providing direct access to the people, workplaces and experiences that bring the extraordinary breadth of careers across these industries to life. We help young people explore futures they may never have imagined possible.
Our ambition extends beyond individual experiences. We want to create lasting change, where the opportunities available to one generation help expand what is possible for the next.
ABOUT US
“Can’t see it, can’t be it.”
DANIEL JOINBEE, FOUNDER
How it all connects.
Three parts, one purpose: connecting aspiration with opportunity, and workforce capability with industry need.
Technical delivery — sovereign capability for Defence, aviation and security-sensitive environments.
Gunggandji Workforce Innovation
Workforce capability — inclusive, low-barrier models that strengthen participation and long-term careers.
Future workforce development — building the pipeline of young people who will fill those careers.
Latest News
Meet Raising Horizons
Raising Horizons brings aviation and aerospace to young First Nations people across Far North Queensland. Through classroom sessions, industry tours, workshops and events like Aviation on the Oval, young people meet the people who do the work, step inside the workplaces where it happens and explore the careers that match their own interests. Where that interest grows, the program connects it with real opportunity.
Raising Horizons sits upstream of formal education, training and employment. It is the space to explore what is possible before deciding what comes next.
RAISING HORIZONSIMPACTImpact, independently reviewed by CSIRO.
200+
Students Engaged
15
Events Delivered
22+
Industry & Education Partners
2
Hubs
Cairns & Townsville
29+
Remote & Regional Communities Represented
Support that continues beyond the program.
Raising Horizons is one part of a broader Foundation approach. When a young person chooses to pursue something further, the Foundation keeps working alongside them, making connections, removing practical barriers and helping to enable the next step.
Ellie is a good example. Raising Horizons gave her a close-up look at careers in aviation. When she set her sights on becoming a flight attendant, the Foundation worked with Cairns Airport, Qantas and Jetstar to make work experience possible. That placement led to a job offer from Qantas.
BEYOND THE PROGRAMWant to be part of what comes next?
Real people, real pathways.
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Ellie
From Torres Strait, Ellie finished school wanting to work as a flight attendant but wasn't sure where to start. The Foundation organised and paid for a work experience placement with Cairns Airport, Qantas and Jetstar to get around insurance barriers, which led to a job offer from Qantas.
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Joey
From Darnley Island, Joey took part in Raising Horizons' Cairns lessons, an Industry Tour of Cairns Airport, and Aviation on the Oval. He's now completing his second year of a Certificate II in Aircraft Line Maintenance with Aviation Australia.
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John
From Yorke Island, John always liked the idea of becoming a pilot, but Raising Horizons and Aviation on the Oval were what made it feel like a real possibility for the first time.
IMPACTFollow the Journey.
The best way to follow Raising Horizons and Foundation news is through social.
Let’s begin the conversation.
Whether you’re an individual, organisation, media outlet or industry partner, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to find out how you can be part of the Gunggandji Aerospace Foundation journey.