More Kimberley First Nation’s rangers receive funding

Six Aboriginal organisations in the Kimberley have received a portion of $10 million for the creation or expansion of First Nation’s ranger programs. The funding comes part of round 5 of the McGowan Government’s Aboriginal Ranger Program which aims to create on-country jobs, preserve environment and foster the continuation of traditional knowledge. Up to $2 million each has been awarded to the Dambimangari Rangers, Karajarri Rangers, Bardi Jawi Oorany Rangers, Gooniyandi Rangers, Nyul Nyul Women Rangers and Nyaliga Rangers. Since the establishment of the Development Fund in 2017, more than 600 Aboriginal people employed through the programs across the state, opportunities arising in the patrol and monitoring of culturally significant sites on country. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti encourages all Aboriginal groups to apply. “Aboriginal people have expert knowledge when it comes to protecting and monitoring areas of cultural significance,” he said. “The McGowan Government is committed to ensuring that Aboriginal people have access to meaningful employment opportunities and the Aboriginal Ranger Program is helping this happen. As well as the creation of new jobs, the program accepts the unmatched knowledge of country that Traditional Owners have. “I am pleased to see that this program is helping Traditional Owners care for country,” said Environment Minister Reece Whitby. “This has flow-on benefits for our environment and biodiversity.” “The McGowan Government is building on the success of the Aboriginal Ranger Program through this latest funding round of $10 million.” Applications for the next round of funding opened on July 1 and will close midnight August 26, 2022.