Story behind Gunggandji
Aerospace’s Yalma logo
The Yalma Takes Flight
Our Gunggandji Aerospace logo, the Yalma in flight, embodies the spirit of Gunggandji Aerospace. It represents the intersection of aerospace innovation and our dynamic services.
The Yalma Story
Key Gunggandji Aerospace Yalma logo elements:
Yalma (cross boomerang) by Simone Arnol
The Yalma: Symbolises our advanced research and development group, soaring through the skies.
Crossed Boomerangs: Represent the Rainforest Bama from Yarrabah and Cairns. Boomerangs are primarily ceremonial cultural symbols that demonstrate strength and resilience, due to their ability to hold longer flight in the air.
Concentric Circles: Evoking both flight and mimicking the Guyala (Sea Eagle). The presence of a Guyala while on Country holds of significant cultural importance to the Gunggandji people.
Design: Mimics the mastery of the sky and its unique perspective of the world below – showing us that we must look at life through difference lenses and not to be blindsided.
Colours: Deep purple and orange-based gold symbolize the earth and sky, the domains we navigate.
The artists, Simone Arnol and Bernard Lee Singleton, are descendants of the Gunggandji people and the Djabuguy and Umpila/Yirrkandji peoples, respectively, drawing inspiration from their heritage and connection to the land.
‘Yalma, rather than a weapon, is ceremonial. Country is not just nature, for Bama it is home. Bama never knew of pity and regret, only to be grounded and to be consumed by lore, to lay foundation and to maintain survival of a pure race, with concepts and ways that must be respected by those who come later.’ - Simone Arnol
The subject in the image is songline custodian David Mundraby, an Elder of the Yidinji Mandingalbay and keeper of the Law and Song. He holds Yalma to signify that culture is his religion and Yalma is his cross.
Gunggandji Aerospace acknowledges the Custodians of the country throughout Australia, and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
We proudly honour the men and women of Australia's armed forces for their courage, service and sacrifice. Their commitment continues to inspire the pursuit of excellence in aerospace. Lest We Forget.