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Toll Aviation is set to boost Indigenous employment in South Australia’s aviation sector as it takes over the state’s emergency aerial services from November 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 2026.
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It comes after Toll signed a 15-year, $870 million contract with the SA Government in March.
“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,” said Scott Watkins, senior vice president, Toll Aviation.
“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.
“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.
“As the aviation industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that we not only include Indigenous Australians but also ensure they are actively involved in driving that growth.
“This development will go on to have significant impact, on individuals, families and communities within South Australia, and we are proud to be a part of that generational change.”
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.
“Working with Gunggandji, and the IDIC and Toll Aviation to deliver this operations centre will ensure we have a top-notch crew on the ground working around the clock to support our aerial rescue efforts – and open up exciting new training opportunities to help South Australians get involved in this important sector.”
Toll this month marked a major milestone in NSW and the ACT, reaching over 40,000 flight hours and 24,000 critical care missions.
