Raising Horizons.
Bringing careers in aviation and aerospace into view, and within reach, for First Nations young people.
oUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAMBuilding aspiration.
Creating opportunity.
Expanding what feels possible.
The Gunggandji Aerospace Foundation exists to build aspiration, self-determination, and opportunity for young First Nations people, because talent exists everywhere, and opportunity should too.
Raising Horizons grew from Daniel Joinbee’s belief that young people cannot pursue possibilities they have never been able to see. If the next generation is going to shape the future of aviation, aerospace, Defence, and emerging industries, they need exposure to those worlds early, before decisions about careers and what feels possible have been made.
Through our flagship program, Raising Horizons, we connect young people with aviation, aerospace, Defence, and other future-focused industries through practical experiences, meaningful industry engagement, and direct access to the people, workplaces, and pathways that shape those careers.
By making industries visible, accessible, and human, we help remove barriers between aspiration and opportunity, giving young people the confidence to explore futures they may never have imagined possible.
Seeing the industry up close, on their own terms.
Raising Horizons brings together classroom sessions, industry tours, workshops, events and community engagements. Rather than following a fixed curriculum, the program evolves with the young people and partners involved.
It makes industries and careers visible, gives young people meaningful opportunities to explore what interests them and connects that interest with real opportunity. The program sits upstream of formal education, training and employment, as one part of the Foundation's broader approach. When a young person chooses to pursue something further, the Foundation's support continues beyond the program.
REACH AND DELIVERYSince launching in 2025.
Raising Horizons has grown quickly, supported by an expanding network of industry partners.
200+
Students Engaged
15
Events Delivered
22+
Industry & Education Partners
2
Hubs
Cairns & Townsville
“The next person to walk on the moon is in school right now. Why can’t it be a young First Nations person?
We have to make sure young people can see those possibilities, access them and believe they belong there.”
Daniel Joinbee
Founder
Gunggandji Aerospace Foundation
When possibility becomes a pathway
“A young Year 7 student recently told me he’d always liked the idea of becoming a pilot. But after taking part in Raising Horizons, he could now see a pathway where that might actually be possible.
It’s the first time I’ve had a young person here tell me they aspire to become a pilot.”
Peter Cushway
Career and Transition Manager
AFL Cape York House
FEATURED ENGAGEMENTAviation on the Oval
The most recent round of Cairns engagements finished with Aviation on the Oval: a helicopter landing on the oval at Cape York House, delivered with industry partner Nautilus Aviation. It's Raising Horizons at its best, bringing the industry directly to young people on their own ground.
Backed by a growing industry network.
More than 22 industry, government and education partners support Raising Horizons. Some welcome young people into their workplaces, some share their own career journeys as role models, and some offer more personal guidance as mentors.
