Opportunities abound for junior Indigenous rangers
Pupils who helped transform a bush-filled strip of playground into a thriving native garden are proud of their work.
Students participating in the young rangers program at Murri School in Brisbane have completed a Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management and in doing so have given back to the school community.
The program provided opportunities for Tia Pippen and prepared her for a ranger job if she wanted it.
Although he is unsure whether his job as a ranger will be in his future, he has developed new skills and is setting an example for young students at the school.
“It’s really nice for young people to come and learn about this and realize how important it is for us to protect the Country, because it’s a big part of our culture,” he said.
Murri School principal Tanya Saltner said the program gave students the chance to learn the culture hands-on and she hoped to continue expanding the junior rangers initiative.
“We are already mapping the areas around the school we want to work on,” he told AAP.
Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy announced 11 new youth ranger projects across Australia, presenting certificates to Murri School students on Monday.
Groups that will create youth ranger programs include the Boorrumpah Goupong Aboriginal Company in Ipswich, Queensland, which will work with local Elders, cultural advisors and environmental experts to create In Country learning experiences for young men.
Sloane Stallan, the group’s director, said the donation would create programs that empower while developing leadership and resilience.
“It offers the opportunity to break cycles of unemployment, substance abuse and disconnection by providing culturally appropriate mentoring, training and employment pathways,” he said.
“This support can change lives, promote self-determination, and build a stronger, healthier community for the future.”
Nyanda Life Limited will use the grant towards training opportunities for First Nations students in Ipswich, in partnership with UQ Skills.
Nyanda Life CEO Nick Thomson said the funding would have a lasting impact to create a pipeline of employment for local ranger groups.
“It will support Indigenous rangers to share their cultural knowledge, strengthen community ties and inspire the next generation of land and sea guardians,” he said.
Junior ranger programs have also received funding in Canberra, Wyong and Wollongong in NSW, Castlemaine and Shepparton in Victoria, Launceston in Tasmania, Geraldton in Western Australia and Port Adelaide in SA.
Senator McCarthy said expanding the program means more First Nations students can learn, connect with culture and Country, and develop skills that will enable them to find employment.
“If we can enable our young people to take their place in society knowing that they are strong culturally, that they are strong with the people around them and that they respect the people around them, I think that is a good thing,” he said.
