Toll partnership with Gunggandji Aerospace a boost for employment
Toll Aviation is to boost Indigenous employment in South Australia as it takes over the State’s emergency aerial services in 2027.
The company will partner with Indigenous aerospace consultancy Gunggandji Aerospace and the Indigenous Defence and Infrastructure Consortium to staff a new emergency services operations centre at Adelaide Airport, which will come online in November next year.
“This innovative partnership sets a new benchmark in the Aviation industry, providing a career pathway for Indigenous South Australians to be part of a critical Emergency Response service,” Scott Watkins, senior vice president, Toll Aviation, said on Australianaviation.com .au
“Operational from November 2026, a full team recruited by Gunggandji and the IDIC, will be responsible for the day to day operations for the South Australian community.
‘Significant milestone’
“Toll’s commitment to innovation, safety, and operational excellence will be the cornerstone of the contract’s success, providing South Australia with a modern, reliable aviation service for years to come.”
Five full-time employees will be hired, with Indigenous employment to be prioritised. Daniel Joinbee, managing director of Gunggandji Aerospace, said it is a “significant milestone” for the company.
“At the core of this partnership is opportunity for First Nations South Australians, to develop and strengthen their career in Australia’s aviation industry,” he said.
Record investment
SA Minister for Emergency Services Rhiannon Pearce has hailed the agreement as “an exciting moment for South Australia, and for Aboriginal South Australians looking to build a career in the aviation sector”.
“Our record investment in our emergency aerial fleet isn’t just about delivering contemporary, effective emergency response aircraft, it’s about helping people get the skills they need to support that fleet,” she said.
