Indigenous ranger projects were first funded in 2007 through the former Working on Country Program and create meaningful employment, training and career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in land and sea management. Indigenous ranger funding has created more than 2100 full-time, part-time and casual jobs for First Australians around the country.
Indigenous ranger projects support Indigenous people to combine traditional knowledge with conservation training to protect and manage their land, sea and culture. Indigenous ranger groups also develop partnerships with research, education, philanthropic and commercial organisations to share skills and knowledge, engage with schools, and generate additional income and jobs in the environmental, biosecurity, heritage and other sectors.
By achieving employment and environmental outcomes, alongside wider social, cultural and economic benefits, the work of Indigenous rangers is valued by Indigenous communities across Australia. An independent evaluation of the Indigenous Rangers and Indigenous Protected Areas programs in 2016 found that rangers had experienced increased confidence and skills through their training and work on country.
Rangers reported they felt more pride, self-worth, health and wellbeing, with closer connections to family, culture and country. Ranger groups also reported a wide range of community benefits as a result of the programs, including safer communities, strengthened language and culture, an ability to find meaningful employment, increased respect for women, and more role models for younger people.
| Funded ranger projects | 30 September 2018 |
|---|---|
| Indigenous ranger groups | 123 |
| Indigenous rangers (full time equivalent contracted positions) | 839 |
Project locations
- Interactive map and summaries of funded Indigenous land and sea management projects.
- Indigenous Protected Areas and Commonwealth Funded Ranger Groups Map - PDF 1.3 MB
Capacity Building for Indigenous Rangers Strategy
There is growing demand for a highly skilled Indigenous ranger workforce, particularly in remote Australia. The aim of the Capacity Building for Indigenous Rangers Strategy is to strengthen the compliance capabilities and related skills of Indigenous rangers. The Strategy seeks to support rangers to take up surveillance and compliance employment opportunities with government regulatory agencies and other fee-for-service work.
The Strategy is also expected to support Indigenous rangers with their career development and advancement and to encourage their engagement with students and youth, to help develop the next generation of Indigenous rangers.
