Ranger song highlights Pilbara successes

By PETER ROWE

Earlier this year Caleb Pitt-Cook made a fun song about his Ranger team in the Pilbara.

The song, which readers can find on YouTube, epitomises the great work Rangers from the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) do.

And recently they welcomed Yawuru-Ngarluma man Riley Sebastian to the team as a Murujuga Land and Sea Unit Ranger.

Born in Broome, Riley moved to Perth as a youngster, where he recently completed high school.

While visiting family in Karratha, he heard about Ranger work at MAC.

“I was looking for a job and this one came up. I knew my cousins on my Nan’s side, Malik and Jade Churnside, were working there and I thought it would be good to work with them,” he said.

A keen footy and basketball player who enjoys the outdoors and ocean, Riley had thought about being a Ranger while he was in junior high school but put the idea aside until the opportunity came up at MAC.

“It’s great to learn more about the country,” he said. Growing up in Perth, I didn’t get to learn much so it will be good to learn more.”

The State Government recently announced $4.116 million over the next three years to fund the Pilbara Ranger Network, of which MAC is a part.

Bringing together diverse Traditional Owner Ranger groups to share knowledge, training, and resources, the Pilbara Ranger Network plays a vital role in connecting the groups through on-country camps, forums, training, and Ranger exchanges.

The grant will empower individual groups within the network to develop their own tailored plans for caring for ngurra, thus supporting future generations to continue to care for country and culture.