Girls Can Fly! Raising Horizons Program to Empower First Nations Youth to Choose Careers in Aviation
Image Courtesy of: Rex Airlines
Gunggandji Aerospace, a 100% Aboriginal and veteran-owned business, in partnership with NRL Cowboys House and Rex Airlines, is proud to announce the launch of the Raising Horizons program. This unique initiative, funded by the Australian Government, is designed to empower and inspire Indigenous youth, particularly girls, to explore careers in aviation.
Raising Horizons offers First Nations school students hands-on experience and direct engagement with the aviation industry, giving them a glimpse of the exciting career opportunities available.
The program will be rolled out in Townsville, North Queensland, reaching students from 29 remote and regional communities across North and Far North Queensland, including the Torres Strait Islands. This initiative combines Gunggandji Aerospace's aviation expertise with NRL Cowboys House's educational strengths and the rich cultural knowledge of both organisations to nurture the next generation of Indigenous aviation leaders. The female-founded Bespoke Solutions Consulting will support Gunggandji Aerospace in developing and delivering the program.
Set to launch in early 2025, Raising Horizons has garnered support from key partners such as NRL Cowboys House, Rex Airlines and Aviation Australia, with more to be announced soon.
Partner Statements:
Daniel Joinbee, Managing Director of Gunggandji Aerospace, said the following:
"Gunggandji Aerospace is a leading innovator in the aviation industry, and we are dedicated to empowering the next generation of First Nation’s aviation professionals through education, mentorship, and industry collaboration. I am beyond proud to see Gunnggandji Aerospace spearheading the inaugural Raising Horizons program. This is an incredibly important initiative – supporting our young remote and regional First Nations school students, especially girls. The program will really help the kids see that there are so many rewarding careers in aviation, and it provides a look into where those careers can lead.”
Ms Fiona Pelling, CEO, Cowboys Community Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm saying:
"We are thrilled to offer our NRL Cowboys House students the chance to participate in this program. It will include industry site visits, mentoring from aviation leaders, and opportunities for real hands-on involvement. Raising Horizons is a unique initiative, it not only gives our students from remote and regional areas the opportunity to explore career possibilities in the aviation industry but also provides the support needed to pursue a career in aviation if they choose”.
Mr Steve Jones, State Manager (Queensland), Rex Airlines, commented:
“Rex has a long and proud history of supporting regional and remote communities, so when we were asked to be part of this program, of course, we didn’t hesitate to say yes. There is nothing like this program for regional and remote First Nations students, especially one that encourages girls to look at careers they may not have considered. Raising Horizons just makes sense as it delivers immersive, industry-engaged lessons to provide students with practical experiences and insights into various aspects of aviation and possible careers.”
Mr Glenn Ryan, CEO, Aviation Australia, stated:
“Aviation Australia has a legacy of expertise spanning over two decades, and is renowned for its unwavering commitment to producing highly skilled professionals for the aviation industry, and we are proudly putting this experience and commitment behind the Raising Horizons program. Aviation Australia is excited to support and empower aspiring First Nations aviators to embark on rewarding careers in the dynamic aviation sector through state-of-the-art facilities, world-class training programs, and industry partnerships.”
Media Contact:
Name: Ellis Neil|
E-Mail: ellis@bespokesolutionsconsulting.com.au
Phone: (+61) 0405 146 923