Aboriginal Ranger Program Strengthens Land Management

The Regional Department of New South Wales (DRNSW) program develops the skills of Aboriginal trainees in traditional land management practices.

The Aboriginal Ranger Program is promoted by DRNSW’s Local Land Service (LLS) agency and operates in four regional districts: Murray, Riverina, Central West and Northwest.

Michael Grant is a maintenance field support representative working on the LLS program. He is an Aboriginal man from the Suutti and Matthière Country and is now based in Denilikin.

“The Aboriginal Ranger Program works to strengthen local Aboriginal and non-Indigenous communities by working together to improve land and maintain healthy and productive ecosystems. The aim is to help people upskill and get hired,” Michael said.

“As part of the programme, trainees will earn a Certificate in Conservation Ecosystems Management III, helping them gain and share knowledge on how to use traditional land management practices to care for the country.”

“This program aims to provide meaningful employment to local Aboriginal trainees to improve their skills, support their experience and capacity building within government agencies, and provide potential career paths in rural land services. is aimed at.”

Michael said Aboriginal rangers work on a variety of projects within the LLS mandate, ranging from weed and pest control projects to vegetation and erosion management.

“Throughout the program, each team is given the task of creating and managing projects within their respective regions,” he said.

“Our team at Denilikin found an Aboriginal burial site along a local mobile stock route. We are working to keep garbage out.”

Michael has been working with DRNSW for 18 months and his role also includes managing plant and animal pests on the mobile stock route.

“I work with local landowners to help them better manage and deal with pests and weeds while keeping stockroot fences in good condition,” he said. rice field.

“I also manage drivers and their cattle on mobile livestock sanctuaries, including maintaining cattle sheds and making sure they have a safe water source while they travel through the area. increase.”

Michael said he can contribute to the community by doing his part.

“The most challenging part of my role is representing Aboriginal people in government agencies and working with local organizations, both indigenous and non-indigenous, to improve the overall health and well-being of the surrounding lands and towns. to do,’ he said.

“Having a role in contributing and supporting communities is especially important to me. A healthy country equals healthy people and communities.”