The government recognises the social, cultural and environmental benefits of Aboriginal ranger programs and is aware of the excellent work that has already been undertaken by established Aboriginal ranger groups throughout the State. Such programs have provided an integral step towards improved community wellbeing and reducing poverty through economic opportunities and building leadership in remote and regional communities.
Led by the Aboriginal community and Aboriginal organisations with support from the Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and across government, the program is helping Aboriginal organisations manage country and protect the environment across WA in partnership with the public and private sectors. Funding is available for jobs for Aboriginal rangers, training, and community development.
Since its commencement in 2017-18, the program has continued to train and employ Aboriginal people as rangers to undertake land and sea management activities including:
- biodiversity monitoring and research
- traditional knowledge transfer
- fire management
- cultural site management
- feral animal and weed management
- cultural awareness and immersion experiences for visitors
- guided welcome to country tours and/or talks for visitors
- management of visitors or tourists and tourism assets education programs and mentoring.
Round 3 Expressions of Interest open
Expressions of Interest for Round 3 of the Aboriginal Ranger Program are now open.
Four million dollars is available in this round for projects up to two years that will be completed before June 2022.
Almost $16 million has already been invested in 25 projects across the State over the first two rounds of funding, resulting in the employment of at least 180 rangers, with more to come as Round 2-funded projects get underway. View a map of the current funding recipients.
If you’re interested in applying for funding, please download a copy of the Aboriginal Ranger Program Guidelines for Expression of Interest 2020 and Application Form below, and register your interest for future updates by emailing your contact details to aboriginalrangerprogram@dbca.wa.gov.au.
- Expressions of Interest Guidelines
- Expressions of Interest Guidelines Addendum 1
- Application Form (PDF 310KB)
- Application Form (Word 250KB)
Applications for funding under the Aboriginal Ranger Program must be made in writing on the prescribed Application Form, and lodged online before 5pm Friday 27 March 2020. You may also post the application – see the Expressions of Interest Guidelines for details. Late applications will not be accepted.
The Expression of Interest (EOI) process is a competitive process to allocate funding, coordinated by DBCA and overseen by an independent probity auditor to ensure the agreed processes are followed. See the following for more information:
- Assessment Process and Methodology
- Probity Guidelines
- Sample Funding Agreement
- Sample Reporting Template
Enquiries can be directed to the Aboriginal Ranger Program Coordinator at aboriginalrangerprogram@dbca.wa.gov.au
News
- Aboriginal Ranger Program Round 3 applications open
- Aboriginal Ranger Program Round 2 recipients announced
- One month left to apply for Round 2 of the Aboriginal Ranger Program
- Aboriginal Ranger Program Round 2 applications open
- Funding for Aboriginal rangers delivered
- Interest sought for Aboriginal Ranger Program
Contact us
For additional information please contact:
Aboriginal Ranger Program Coordinator
Phone: (08) 9219 8223
Email: aboriginalrangerprogram@dbca.wa.gov.au.