ABOUT JUSTIN
Justin Barnes is a multi-award-winning social entrepreneur, strategic marketing leader and recognised LGBTQIA+ community advocate based in Western Australia. He is the Founder of Rocket Launcher Group and Perth Networking Club, building purpose-driven platforms that connect business growth with meaningful community impact.
With a strong creative foundation, Justin is also a Western Australian visual artist working across painting, digital art, photography and film-making. He holds a Bachelor of Communications in Film & Video and Creative Technologies and a Master of Business Administration, both from Edith Cowan University, blending creativity with commercial strategy. He has further trained in screen performance through Annie Murtagh-Monks PAC Screen Workshops, reflecting his passion for storytelling, public speaking and presentation.
Justin is Chair of Team Perth, the peak body supporting LGBTQIA+ sport and recreation in Western Australia, and played a key leadership role in Perth’s successful bid to host the 2030 Gay Games. He is deeply committed to inclusion, mental health and community development, volunteering extensive time across sport, arts and not-for-profit sectors. Through his work, Justin consistently bridges creativity, business and social impact, using networks, partnerships and authenticity to create outcomes far greater than resources alone would allow.
​
LETS GET DOWN TO BUSINESS
-
ROCKET LAUNCHER
Founder of Rocket Launcher, a full scale solutions drive Marketing consultancy that focuses on solving marketing problems. Check out the Rocket Launcher website for more information www.rocketlauncher.com.au
Rocket launcher also loves to give back to the LGBTQI+ community and is a sponsor for the Perth Spectres Basketball Club. -
Founder is the Perth Networking Club which was derived out of a want to bring business people together while giving back to the community. The club brings professionals together and features local not for profits in the Perth Community. These organisations get given a platform and we discuss the topic of the month. Get involved and check out the events on our website www.perthnetworking.club
​
AWARDS
2026 - Nominated for Business News, 40 under 40
2026 - Nominated for the Citizenship Award, City of Perth
2025 - Finalist, Stirling Business Association Mayor's Community Innovation Award
2025 - Nominated, 32nd Belmont & Western Australian Small Business Awards 2025 for Corporate Social, Responsibility Award Achievement Award and Technology & Cyber Security Award
2025 - Nominated for Business News, 40 under 40
2025 - Nominated for the Citizenship Award, City of Perth
2024 - Finalist - Small business Champion Awards, Marketing Agency
2024 - Nominated for Business News, 40 under 40
2024 - Winner, Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce - Micro Business Award, Regional Business Awards
2023 - AIM WA Pinnacle Awards. “Notable demonstration of business leadership” - Marketing Excellence Award “Notable demonstration of business leadership”
2023 - AIM WA Pinnacle Awards. “Notable demonstration of business leadership” - REMSMART Innovation Excellence “Notable demonstration of business leadership”
2023 - Finalist, Stirling Business Association Mayor's Visionary Award.
2023 - Finalist, Stirling Business Association Mayor's Digital Intelligence Award
2023 - Nominated for Business News, 40 under 40
2022 - Nominated for the Citizenship Award, City of Perth
2022 - Winner, Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce Digital Innovation Award, Regional Business Awards
2021 - Finalist - Bx Networking Business Excellence Awards
2016 - 'Vivacious Zebra' won the "Popular Choice Award" at the Joondalup Community Art Awards.
2011 - 'Alcoholic Sleeping Beauty' won the "People's Choice Award" at the South Perth Emerging Artist Awards.
2010 - 'Snow White Vampire Bite' won the "People's Choice Award" at the South Perth Emerging Artist Awards.
2003 - Year 12 Graduation Awards: Citizenship Award
2003 - Year 12 Graduation Awards: Interactive Media Award
2003 - Ocean Reef SHS - Awarded position of "Head Boy" for year 12
SCHOLARSHIPS
2023 - Awarded a Scholarship by Pinnacle Foundation for the Inaugural LGBTQIA+ Executive Fellowship.
​
2018 - Career Challenge Scholarship by Edith Cowan University Business School. Awarded the opportunity to go on board the STS Leeuwin II
​