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Pathways in practice: Aviation in the Torres Strait

Jemmah Ronsen grew up on Thursday Island watching helicopters fly. She knew what they carried – neighbours from the outer islands, families in emergencies, and people needing to reach the mainland. On a remote island, these aircraft are a lifeline. Jemmah left the Torres Strait Islands in 2016 as a Yalari scholar, attending St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Brisbane before graduating from The Glennie School in Toowoomba. After a period as a Parks and Wildlife Officer in Cairns, a chance conversation with a Babcock pilot staying at her Nan’s Airbnb redirected her path back to aviation.
After interviewing with the team, she knew her direction.
“I can see myself here,” she says. “This is where I want to be.”
Jemmah is now completing her Diploma in Aeroskills (Mechanical) as an apprentice with Babcock, supporting the Lagaw Kuyup Rescue Service – the same helicopters she watched as a child.

“It’s a privilege. Especially being from the community and then giving back. I know how much these resources are needed.”

By year five, Jemmah aims to be a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, working in and for her own community.

Jemmah’s Journey
2016
Stepping out — Thursday Island to Brisbane. Jemmah begins her Yalari journey at St Margaret’s.
2017
Finding rhythm — Pulls the stroke oar in the Year 8 Quad Scull.
2021
Graduation — Year 12 complete. The Glennie School, Toowoomba.
2023
New ground — Parks and Wildlife Officer, Cairns.
2025
Back on the Torres Strait Islands — Aeroskills apprenticeship with Babcock. The goal: Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Torres Strait.

 

Jemmah is one of more than 630 Yalari alumni now leading in their professions and communities. They form one of the largest networks of Indigenous leaders in the country. Your support provides a pathway that continues beyond school, led by a connected alumni community.

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