Gunggandji Aerospace: wind, sand and stars – raising horizons for Indigenous youth
Indigenous Australians were the world’s first astronomers, using the sky to navigate Country, map seasons and pass on stories and culture.
Now Indigenous youth can look to the sky and aspire to a career in space thanks to a program initiated by Gunggandji Aerospace.
A rewarding trajectory in aviation and aerospace is becoming a reality through Raising Horizons, an initiative created by Gunggandji Aerospace to connect Indigenous students with opportunities in some of the fastest-growing industries.
Founded by proud Gunggandji man Daniel Joinbee after leaving the Royal Australian Air Force, the business reflects his commitment to combining Indigenous values, leadership and innovation.
Gunggandji Country is the traditional home to one of more than 20 Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples of far north Queensland, the Wet Tropics.
Daniel is the first Air Force Officer to gain his Navy Ships Diving and Ships Diving Supervisor certifications and is now the Managing Director of Australia’s only 100% Aboriginal and veteran-owned aerospace consultancy.
Established in 2021, Gunggandji Aerospace provides specialist Defence, aviation and aerospace capability for complex, regulated and security sensitive environments.
The business also develops practical, low-barrier workforce pathways that connect First Nations people with career opportunities while helping employers build the resilient workforce needed to strengthen Australia’s sovereign capabilities.
“Success for us is not measured only by commercial outcomes.” Daniel said.
It is also measured by the opportunities we create, the barriers we remove and the pathways we leave open for the next generation.”
Launched in 2025, Raising Horizons has already engaged more than 200 students across 15 events in Cairns and Townsville, supported by a growing network of industry partners.
The program is First Nations led, grounded in Culture and built around the aspirations of the young people taking part. It nurtures curiosity and ambition, creates meaningful exposure and helps young people see pathways they may not have known existed.
Today, Raising Horizons supports students from 29 remote communities across North and Far North Queensland, including the Torres Strait Islands, and is continuing to expand across the aviation, space and maritime sectors.
“When we succeed, our community succeeds. That success allows us to remove barriers, create access and build real pathways for young First Nations people into aviation, aerospace, Defence and emerging industries.”
One of the key partners is Cairns Airport, which is among 19 diverse organisations supporting the initiative. Through the collaboration, a young Indigenous student aspiring to work in aviation is gaining valuable hands-on experience and exposure to the aviation industry, including opportunities to engage with industry partners such as Qantas.
“You can’t build a career in something you don’t know exists.” Daniel said.
“Talent exists everywhere; opportunity should too. It has nothing to do with a lack of capability. Young people need to see what’s possible, have access to real opportunities and be supported through a pathway that helps them get there.”
By connecting students with real workplaces and industry professionals, initiatives like these help young people ask questions, explore career options and make informed choices about their future.
“The next person to walk on the moon is in school right now.
“Why can’t it be a young First Nations person?
“We must make sure young people can see those possibilities, access them and believe they belong there.”
