First Nations women at forefront of ranger expansion

By PETER ROWE

More than 1,000 new Indigenous ranger jobs will be created across the country as a result of the Federal government investing $355 million over four years to expand the program.

First Nations women will make up the vast majority of the new full-time, part-time and casual roles, with up to 770 Indigenous ranger positions.

115 projects will receive funding including 35 in Queensland, 23 in Western Australia, 21 in New South Wales, 12 in Northern Territory, 11 in South Australia, 9 in Victoria and 4 in Tasmania.

“First Nations people have actively managed Country for 65,000 years and provide skilled environmental and cultural expertise that benefits all of Australia,” Minister for Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek said.

“That’s why we have expanded both the Indigenous Rangers Program and the successful Indigenous Protected Area program – continuing to support Traditional Owners to manage and protect land and sea Country for future generations.”

This is the first time in more than a decade that new ranger groups have been able to apply to join the Commonwealth Indigenous Rangers Program.

Included in the deal are grants of up to $50,000 per year over four years to strengthen ranger groups and support their long-term sustainability.

“Expanding the Indigenous Rangers Program will provide more opportunities for First Nations people to share their knowledge and benefit from the social and economic outcomes that come from meaningful employment,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.

“This expansion delivers on the government’s commitment to increase the footprint of the Indigenous Rangers Program and bolster activity in existing locations.

“I’m particularly pleased to see so many new opportunities for women Indigenous rangers who play a unique role in caring for Country.”

Women Indigenous rangers play an important role in ensuring the protection of sacred women’s sites and the preservation of important cultural knowledge and practices.

For more than 65,000 years, First Nations people have been caretakers of Australia’s land, rivers, seas, flora and fauna.

Indigenous rangers continue this legacy today, managing Country according to Traditional Owners’ objectives combined with modern conservation training.

They use traditional knowledge and cultural practices, and Western science, to manage land, river and sea Country and deliver environmental, cultural, social and economic development outcomes for First Nations communities.

More information can be found on the Indigenous Rangers website: https://www.niaa.gov.au/our-work/environment-and-land/indigenous-rangers