Kimberley Ranger Network
The Kimberley Ranger Network employs Indigenous land and sea managers to undertake cultural and natural resource projects to improve and enhance the unique biodiversity and cultural values of the region.
Facilitated by the KLC, the Kimberley Ranger Network is comprised of 18 ranger groups and works to realise Indigenous aspirations to look after and manage country using a combination of traditional cultural knowledge, western science and modern technologies.
The Kimberley Ranger Network is supported by the Australian Federal Government and is proving to be a successful business model through integrating ecological, social and cultural values to generate economic growth in remote Aboriginal communities.
The Kimberley Ranger Network is creating not only jobs in remote communities but long-term career paths in the conservation and land management sector. The network employs about 70 full-time Indigenous rangers, six part-time administrative staff and almost 100 casual rangers and cultural advisers.
Indigenous ranger positions are real jobs that require accredited conservation and land management qualifications. Ranger work can include:
Biodiversity monitoring and research
Traditional knowledge transfer
Fee-for-service contracts
Fire management
Cultural site management
Feral animal and weed management
Cultural awareness and immersion experiences
Tourism management
School education programs and mentoring
The Kimberley Ranger Network is underpinned by cultural values and the positive benefits of the program have been far and wide reaching. It has significantly improved community wellbeing, is working to reduce poverty through creating economic opportunities and is building leadership in communities.
The network has a regional governance structure founded on Indigenous cultural values. Aboriginal elders direct long-term conservation management plans, promote the transfer of traditional knowledge to younger generations and provide guidance, leadership and authority. The governance model connects all of the ranger groups together to ensure that not only are community goals being achieved at a local level but efforts are being made towards achieving targets at a regional and national level.
Kimberley Ranger Forum 2021
Country Needs People campaign
The Country Needs People campaign is fighting for the growth and security of opportunities for land and sea country management by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The campaign involves a growing group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, including individuals and organisations, calling on the Australian Government to:
Double the number of Indigenous rangers over 10 years.
Create a fund for ranger training, capacity building, networking, and infrastructure costs.
Double the funding for the Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) program over four years.
Ensure equal employment opportunities for women rangers by 2030.
You can support the campaign by visiting Country Needs People website.
