General News
9 June, 2026
Students soaring after big red chopper lands on oval
AFL Cape York House students from communities across Cape York and the Torres Strait have got hands-on with aviation providers, including a helicopter landing on their oval at Portsmith.
The youngsters were able to chat and learn about jobs in the aviation industry directly with aviation professionals, training providers and employers.
The event forms part of the Raising Horizons program, delivered by Gunggandji Aerospace in partnership with AFL Cape York House, connecting First Nations students with real-world aviation environments and career pathways.
Organisations who took part included AFL Cape York House, Gunggandji Aerospace, Nautilus Aviation, Aviation Australia, Cairns Airport, Central Queensland University, Rex Airlines, Toll Aviation, MAF International, National Aviation Academy, Royal Flying Doctors Service, ADF Careers and Royal Australian Air Force.
Student Simona Sandy said it was interesting.
“I liked the opportunities, like (the) little things that were going on. Yeah, it was really interesting. Like, I really enjoyed it. Like, yeah, being part of that some day,” she said.
Joseph (surname withheld) of Newman Catholic College said living in Torres Strait, there were a lot of planes flying about.
“ ... it just got me inspired by, like my grandpa, also, who used to be in the army, and when he used to talk to me about planes and stuff, he always wanted me to be with the engineers, being an aviation engineer,” he said.
“So, yeah, hopefully it takes me a long way, and yeah, just never know what will happen next.”
