Daniel Joinbee

Daniel Joinbee is a proud Gunggandji man, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) veteran, and respected Australian business leader across the aerospace, defence and innovation sectors. He is the Founder and Managing Director of Gunggandji Aerospace, Australia’s first and only 100% Aboriginal-owned aerospace consultancy, and Managing Director of Fortified Management, providing strategic advisory services to government, industry and community organisations.

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Daniel brings over 15 years of professional experience spanning military service, space and air operations, public service, international engagement and executive leadership. He served over 12 years in the RAAF as an Air Traffic Controller and continues to serve in Space Command within the RAAF Reserves, including operational roles at Headquarters Joint Operations Command.

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Following his full-time military service, Daniel founded Gunggandji Aerospace with a clear mission: to increase Aboriginal participation in Australia’s aviation and space industries. Under his leadership, the company has delivered projects across government and industry, designing programs and pathways that enable Aboriginal Australians to pursue careers in aerospace, defence and emerging sovereign industries. In recognition of this impact, Gunggandji Aerospace was named Indigenous Space Business of the Year in 2024.

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Daniel holds an Executive MBA from Melbourne Business School, a Bachelor of Science from UNSW@ADFA, a Diploma of Aviation (Air Traffic Control), and several additional professional diplomas. He is also an active contributor to national and international advisory and leadership bodies, including:

• UNSW Alumni, Advisory Committee Member

• Australia–New Zealand Leadership Forum, Australian Co-Chair of the Indigenous Business Sector Group (IBSG)

• Australian American Leadership Dialogue (AALD), Member

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Association, Director

• Albury Airport Advisory Committee, Member
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Daniel remains deeply engaged in Aboriginal affairs across the public sector. He is currently consulting to the Department of Defence as the National Indigenous Engagement Manager for the PFAS Investigations and Management Branch within the Department of Defence, ensuring meaningful and culturally appropriate consultation with Aboriginal communities across 28 Defence sites nationally.

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His leadership and influence have been widely recognised. Daniel was named Indigenous Space Leader of the Year (2023), awarded the Australia Day Medallion, and received the UNSW Young Alumni Award (2025) for his contribution to Australia’s aerospace sector and Indigenous leadership. He has participated in multiple international trade delegations to New Zealand and the United States, advocating for Indigenous businesses and global First Nations collaboration, including engagements in Washington, D.C. through the AALD.

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Combining military precision, aerospace expertise, executive leadership and cultural insight, Daniel Joinbee is a trusted advisor and visionary leader shaping the future of Australia’s sovereign aerospace and defence industries, while creating lasting pathways for First Nations participation and prosperity.