SPARAS

Gunggandji Aerospace and SPARAS: Opening New Skies for Aboriginal South Australians

Gunggandji Aerospace is proud to partner with Toll Aviation, the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, and the South Australian Government to deliver State Police, Ambulance, and Rescue Aviation Services (SPARAS) across South Australia.

As Australia's only fully Aboriginal-owned aerospace consultancy, this landmark collaboration represents our first entry into South Australia's aviation sector and a significant milestone in our mission to create real pathways for Indigenous Australians in aviation, aerospace and defence.

A State-of-the-Art Operations Centre

Based at Adelaide Airport, the SPARAS operations centre is part of the South Australian Government's $870 million investment in new fixed and rotary wing aircraft through its partnership with Toll Aviation. Gunggandji Aerospace will provide staff for this world-class facility, with the centre expected to go live in November 2026.

Hiring for five full-time positions will commence mid-2026, with Indigenous employment a priority.

Driving Generational Change

At the heart of this partnership is opportunity. Managing Director Daniel Joinbee reflects on what this means for Aboriginal South Australians:

"At the core of this partnership is the opportunity for First Nations South Australians to develop and strengthen their career in Australia's aviation industry. This development will have a significant impact on individuals, families and communities within South Australia, and we are proud to be a part of that generational change."

As the aviation industry continues to grow and evolve, Gunggandji Aerospace is committed to ensuring Indigenous Australians are not just included but actively driving that growth.

A Future Built on Diversity and Innovation

SPARAS is more than a contract. It is a foundation for lasting change. By uniting the expertise of Gunggandji Aerospace, Toll Aviation, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and the South Australian Government, this partnership champions diversity, innovation and inclusion at the highest levels of Australia's aviation sector.

We look forward to the exciting new pathways this creates for Aboriginal South Australians, and to the success of this partnership in the years to come.