all ground-based navigations aids in Australia are going to be switched off in the near future.
Incorrect.
Most navaids are part of an essential network for air traffic management by ATC, and those have been (or will be) upgraded or replaced when they reach end of life. Others not essential to the network have either been offered to local aerodrome owners or operators to take over, or been decommissioned if the aerodrome owner or operators have said they do not require them, or are currently being maintained until someone makes a decision.
Your mate should join an aviation industry association such as RAAA AOPA or participate in local RAPAC.