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.

Funding Opportunities

ARP Expansion Fund

There are currently no funding rounds open under this funding stream. If you would like to be notified when funding announcements are made, please register your interest here: https://forms.office.com/r/wetftK9AzT

ARP Development Fund

There are currently no funding rounds open under this funding stream.

Up to $14 million will be available under the Development Fund to support a new or emerging ranger groups, with the first opportunities for funding being made available later in 2022. If you would like to be notified when funding announcements are made, please register your interest:  https://forms.office.com/r/wetftK9AzT

ARP Innovation Fund

More information about this funding stream will be made available later this year.

For any specific enquiries, please contact the ARP team at aboriginalrangerprogram@dbca.wa.gov.au

If you would like to be notified when funding announcements are made, please register your interest here: https://forms.office.com/r/wetftK9AzT

Evaluation

Aboriginal Ranger Program – Evaluation

The Aboriginal Ranger Program is an initiative of the McGowan Government that was launched in 2017 with a commitment of $20 million Royalties for Regions funding over five years.

The program provides grants to Aboriginal organisations for discrete projects aimed at generating new training, employment, community development or capacity building opportunities related to land and sea management, including tourism-related projects. Education, training, and employment of women are key components of the program.

To evaluate the social outcomes of the Program, DBCA social scientists Dr Amanda Smith and Dr Kate Rodger have been undertaking a scientific qualitative case study analysis. Preliminary fieldwork, including interviews and participant observation, have been undertaken with case studies involving three projects and five ranger groups. These are:

Karajarri-Ngurrara Desert Fire and Biodiversity project, which involves two ranger groups – Karajarri Rangers based out of Bidyadanga and Ngurrara Rangers based out of Fitzroy Crossing.
Dampier Peninsula Women Rangers Monsoon Vine Thicket Recovery Program, which involves two women ranger groups – Nyul Nyul Rangers based out of Beagle Bay and Bardi Jawi Oorany Rangers based at Ardyaloon (One Arm Point) on the Dampier Peninsula.
Esperance Tjaltjraak Emerging Ranger Program – Affirming Connection to Our Country, Our Boodja based in Esperance.

DBCA’s evaluation of three case study ranger projects are highlighting the positive impacts of ranger programs. Preliminary results from the ongoing study indicate that the Aboriginal Ranger Program assists in capacity building for ranger groups, creates significant social, cultural and economic benefits, and contributes to improved community wellbeing and resilience through building leadership skills and enabling partnerships with private sector organisations.

“Today’s ranger program is continuing the aspirations of the old people for looking after and caring for country and done in a way that the cultural values are embedded and protected. The ranger program is an opportunity for young rangers to learn more about the culture and go out places that they only hear about.” Elder, Esperance Tjaltjraak.

Aboriginal Ranger Program Case study, funding recipients and outcomes

For additional information about the program evaluation please contact:

Social Science Coordinator

Phone: (08) 9219 8225

Email: Amanda.smith@dbca.wa.gov.au

Karajarri Case Study - Capacity Building and Personal Development

Tjaltjraak Case Study - Healing Country and Connection to Family

News

Reference Group

An expert Reference Group has been established to assist DBCA on an ongoing basis to shape the design and roll-out of the second phase of the Aboriginal Ranger Program. The group’s Terms of Reference can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.

Members of the Reference Group were invited on the basis of their skills and practical knowledge of Aboriginal ranger programs, and were selected from across all regions of WA. Aboriginal and gender representation were also key considerations in forming the membership, and the group has committed to improving female representation in its membership over the next 12 months. Members of the Reference Group are listed below.

Rhonda Murphy	Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions	CHAIR
Julie Melbourne	Nyamba Buru Yawuru Ltd	Kimberley
Talbot Muir	Tjiwarl Aborignal Corporation	Goldfields
Kevin Walley	Bundundea / Yulella	Mid-west
Les O'Neil	Malgana Aboriginal Corporation	Mid-west
Lindsey Langford	Indigenous Desert Alliance	Western Desert
Julie Hayden	Badgebup Aboriginal Corporation	Wheatbelt
Nerida Haynes	Terra Rosa Consulting/ Jidi Jidi Aboriginal Corporation	Pilbara
Oscar Colbung	Southern Aboriginal Corporation	South coast
Helen Langley	Ngadju Conservation Aboriginal Corporation	Goldfields/Esperance
Francis Khan	Woolkabunning Kiaka Aboriginal Corporation	Southwest
Phoebe Martin	Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation	Kimberley
Brian Wall	Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation	Pilbara
Kane Watson	Northern Agricultural Catchments Council	Mid-west
Clinton Farmer	K Farmer Dutjahn Foundation Ltd	Central Desert
Stephen van Leeuwen	Curtin University	Stakeholder advisor
Peter Murray	Country Needs People	Stakeholder advisor
Stuart Bradfield	Desert Support Services	Stakeholder advisor
Justin McAllister	South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council	Stakeholder advisor

The following agencies also have standing invitations for representatives to attend as observers:

Minister for Environment office
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs office
Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
National Indigenous Australians Agency
West Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council
Tourism Western Australia
Western Australian Local Government Association.

Members of the public are also able to contribute to the work of the Reference Group by using our online form to provide comments, suggestions and feedback for consideration.

To obtain a copy of the latest reference group minutes, please contact aboriginalrangerprogram@dbca.wa.gov.au.