Our Model
Our model describes how greater visibility and access can support young First Nations people to explore what's possible and pursue the next steps they choose.
It isn't a program every young person moves through in order, and it doesn't start from a gap. Young people already bring interests, curiosity and ambition. Our role is to widen what they can see and reach, create genuine opportunities and support the pathways they choose.
The six elements overlap rather than follow a fixed order. Seeing more of the industry gives young people more to explore against their own interests. Genuine access makes it real. Practical support is there when they choose to go further. And every outcome becomes something the next young person can see, which is how the cycle continues.
At the centre is self-determination. It isn't a stage, it's the principle behind the whole model. Young people decide what interests them, what they pursue and what success looks like.
Foundation Inspire Model
Self Determination
WHAT IT MEANS FOR A YOUNG PERSON"I decide what a good future looks like for me, and that is the pathway the Foundation backs."
WHAT THE FOUNDATION DOES Hold the centre. Young people set their own direction, Elders and Cultural Authority lead on culture, and the Foundation never prescribes the destination.
Aspire
WHAT IT MEANS FOR A YOUNG PERSON"I meet people doing work I did not know existed, and I start to picture myself there."
WHAT THE FOUNDATION DOES Make possibility visible. Learning experiences built around real people, workplaces and stories that spark curiosity.
Access
WHAT IT MEANS FOR A YOUNG PERSON"I get through the door: a workplace, a flight line, a conversation I would not otherwise have had."
WHAT THE FOUNDATION DOES Open the door. Learning experiences that bring young people into industries, networks and places that might otherwise stay out of reach.
Connect
WHAT IT MEANS FOR A YOUNG PERSON"I have someone in my corner who knows the industry and helps me work out what comes next."
WHAT THE FOUNDATION DOES Hold the relationship. Role models who show what is possible, mentors who help navigate next steps, and support that sits with family, school and community.
Grow
WHAT IT MEANS FOR A YOUNG PERSON"I take my next step: subjects, training, work experience, a job, or a clearer decision to try something else."
WHAT THE FOUNDATION DOES Back the next step. Practical learning experiences, training and work experience links, and help with the barriers in the way.
Share
WHAT IT MEANS FOR A YOUNG PERSON"I share my story, so the young people coming behind me can see it too."
WHAT THE FOUNDATION DOES Pass it on. Make journeys visible and support young people to become the role models, mentors and connectors for the next mob.
IMPACTImpact, independently reviewed by CSIRO.
200+
Students Engaged
15
Events Delivered
22+
Industry & Education Partners
2
Hubs
Cairns & Townsville
29+
Remote & Regional Communities Represented
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.