Bardi Jawi Oorany Rangers. Photo by DBCA

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 period closed

Expressions of Interest for Round 3 of the Aboriginal Ranger Program closed on Friday 29 May 2020.

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.

Applications for funding under the Aboriginal Ranger Program must be made in writing on the prescribed Application Form, and lodged online before 5pm Friday 29 May 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:

Enquiries can be directed to the Aboriginal Ranger Program Coordinator at aboriginalrangerprogram@dbca.wa.gov.au