Conservation graduates the next generation of government officers protecting WA’s regional parks and wildlife

The next generation of conservationists have started their new roles protecting and preserving WA’s unique flora and fauna, taking posts throughout regional WA. The graduates’ start in the workforce marks the first regionally focused conservation program at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions since 2013. The new program was aimed at attracting young graduates to the Parks and Wildlife Service. Two thirds of the group, who all hold degrees in a range of environmental-based studies, grew up in regional areas, and 13 of the 14 graduates are aged under 25. The group completed a week-long orientation program in Exmouth and the nearby Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area in April, before they embark on a two-year graduate contract in regional offices from Albany to Kununurra, designed to expose them to a variety of roles and experiences. David Wareham is heading to Albany, with Perth graduate Ruby McLellan bound for Walpole. Taylor Whyatt, coming to WA from Victoria, is going to be based in Narrogin. William Roocke and Aurora Ewing grew up in Walpole. Ms Ewing is headed to Jurien Bay and said it would be a challenging swap, but one she was looking forward to. “We have such a unique environment here in Australia, and every little bit that gets done to help maintain and enhance our natural, cultural, heritage and landscape values is so important,” she said. “Without conservation, the natural values that we have in WA are not going to be around for future generations to appreciate and benefit from.” Ms Ewing recently completed firefighter crew training along with some of the other graduates in her cohort, and said the new skills were a highlight of her orientation. “Knowing that I can be on the fire line when there is a bushfire and help in protecting communities makes me feel a sense of pride in the work that I am involved in,” she said. Mr Roocke is headed only 100km or so down South Coast Highway to Albany, and said growing up on the wild south coast near Walpole, immersed in WA’s natural beauty from a young age, helped set him on the path to a career in conservation. Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn congratulated the 14 graduates. “With a regionally based workforce, it makes sense to recruit the brightest talent from right across the State to build careers managing some of WA’s most important natural assets, including national parks,” he said. “I have no doubt these recruits will not just be great additions to the department, but also to the regional communities they will be living in.”