Adrian Appo OAM, a decorated veteran and passionate educator, founded Ganbina to empower Indigenous youth in Australia, overcoming systemic racism and creating lasting opportunities through education and economic development.
Adrian, a Gureng Gureng man from South-East Queensland, is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ganbina, one of Australia’s most successful Indigenous education-to-employment programs. His journey from serving in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to becoming a leader in Indigenous education and business development is both inspiring and impactful.
Building foundations for future generations
Adrian's dedication to improving the career and life prospects of Indigenous Australians is driven by the struggles he and his family faced. This mindset has fuelled his commitment to helping others overcome similar challenges.
“I don't want to live in a world where my children and their children have to face that same racism as my dad and me.”
After serving in the RAAF, for which he was awarded the Australian Defence Medal, Adrian pursued a Bachelor of Teaching in Adult Vocational Education at UTS. His degree equipped him with the skills to make an impact in the Goulburn Valley community as a teacher and recruitment consultant.
Creating pathways to success
In the late 1990s, frustrated by the limitations of government-funded employment programs, Adrian founded Ganbina. This program has helped over 500 young Indigenous Australians finish school, access further education and training, and secure meaningful jobs with real career opportunities. Ganbina has achieved this without government funding, relying instead on partnerships with local communities and businesses.
Adrian's innovative approach has earned him numerous accolades, including the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to Indigenous youth. He also received a Centenary Medal for his work with Indigenous young people. His leadership extends to several social enterprises, including the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship, Social Ventures Australia and Children’s Ground.
Empowering Indigenous economies
As Chair and Executive Director of First Australians Capital, Adrian is focused on helping Indigenous businesses thrive. “We want to bring more Aboriginal people into the economic environment in Australia,” he says. “It shouldn't be just my journey or First Australians Capital’s journey – it should be a journey for all Australians.
Everything we do in life is important, and we never know how what we're learning today will be valuable in the future.
Through his work with Ganbina and First Australians Capital, Adrian continues to pave the way for Indigenous success, ensuring education and economic empowerment are within reach for all. His work is a testament to the power of education and the impact one can have on a community.
Webpage
Maya Newell: capturing children’s voices through film
Maya Newell captures children’s voices through her powerful and socially transformative films.
Webpage
Amani Haydar: transforming trauma into advocacy and art
Meet UTS graduate Amani Haydar and learn how she has transformed personal tragedy into powerful advocacy, becoming a leading voice against gender-based violence through her impactful work as a lawyer, writer and artist.
Webpage
Julia Holman: the thrill of the chase in journalism
Julia Holman thrives on the thrill of chasing stories, from UTS to the ABC newsroom.
Webpage
Maya Newell: capturing children’s voices through film
Maya Newell captures children’s voices through her powerful and socially transformative films.
Webpage
Amani Haydar: transforming trauma into advocacy and art
Meet UTS graduate Amani Haydar and learn how she has transformed personal tragedy into powerful advocacy, becoming a leading voice against gender-based violence through her impactful work as a lawyer, writer and artist.
Webpage
Julia Holman: the thrill of the chase in journalism
Julia Holman thrives on the thrill of chasing stories, from UTS to the ABC newsroom.