RMIT student Josh soars to second place at Moomba Birdman Rally

Bachelor of Business student Josh Ives travelled 7 metres in the iconic Yarra River Birdman Rally while raising funds for Beyond Blue.

Bachelor of Business (Professional Practice) student Josh Ives sailed into second place in the iconic Birdman Rally at Moomba Festival earlier this month.

Josh built and launched his homemade flying machine in front of thousands of spectators along the Yarra River which sees participants attempt to “fly” off a platform into the river.

The event helped raise awareness and funds for mental health charity Beyond Blue, an organisation that supports Australians experiencing anxiety, depression and suicide prevention.

Josh said the experience was both exciting and nerve-wracking.

“Standing on the platform looking out over the Yarra and the crowd was pretty surreal,” he said.

“But it was all worth it to support Beyond Blue and be part of such a great Melbourne tradition.”

Person holding kite standing on site of river

Josh with his aircraft at the Yarra River.

Learning valuable life lessons beyond the office and classroom

Josh is currently completing a financial planning internship at Partners in Planning Carnegie, who encouraged him to enter the competition.

“I think it's important for me to say “yes” to these opportunities, break out of my comfort zone and make some valuable memories along the way,” said Josh.

The team at Partners in Planning Carnegie expressed their pride and support for Josh's achievement.

“We’re incredibly proud of Josh. It takes courage, creativity and a good sense of humour to take part in something like the Birdman Rally, and he did it while raising funds for an important cause.”

Josh jumping off the Birdman Rally platform with his aircraft.

Finding courage and self-confidence through embracing opportunity

Designed and built by Josh and another intern, Josh’s simple kite-like aircraft took about two days to build from start to finish, using basic, environmentally friendly materials to create the craft and virtually no testing leading up to the event.

Josh jumped at the opportunity to 'be the Birdman' and take flight.

“I have a pretty reserved personality, but I wanted to take every opportunity presented to me,” said Josh. “I was convinced that not participating in the event would lead to me regretting it later on.”

The experience has definitely made me more confident...and I also learnt I can jump pretty far off a 5 metre high platform.

Josh building his homemade aircraft.

Raising awareness for a meaningful cause

As an intern in financial planning, Josh has observed stress in all shapes and forms, from family stress, financial stress and work stress. He chose to donate the funds he raised to Beyond Blue, who offer much-needed support for those struggling with their mental health.

I hope that through raising money and awareness for Beyond Blue I've influenced more people to speak up and share their concerns with others.

What's next?

After graduation Josh hopes to continue working in the financial advisory industry and work his way to becoming a financial planner.

“To me it's very important I can teach financial literacy and help those in financial need from retirement, investing advice, estate planning and many other areas,” he said.

17 March 2026

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