15 new Aboriginal rangers to protect South Australia’s parks and wildlife

The South Australian Government will employ 15 new Aboriginal rangers to work in national parks across the state as part of a $5 million State Budget initiative aimed at increasing Aboriginal management of the natural environment.

The state government is putting Traditional Owners at the forefront of South Australia’s parks network, to ensure their stories are an integral part of visitor experiences.

Other initiatives include:

• Increasing the number of co-managed parks

• Protecting Aboriginal heritage and cultural sites

• Ensuring Aboriginal people have a voice in the future of the River Murray

SA Deputy Premier, Dr Susan Close notes “co-management of our state’s parks recognises the importance of Aboriginal customs and knowledge to the proper management of our natural environment.

“Having more Aboriginal Rangers will help to support culture, story-telling and language, and provide a much richer experience for people visiting our amazing parks.”

Aboriginal ranger Jesse Evans added “having more Aboriginal rangers working in parks will be fantastic.

“I began working with the Department for Environment’s National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) nine years ago through an Aboriginal traineeship program and I’m now a full-time employee working as a ranger based in the Northern Lofty District.

“Working in parks is something I’m passionate about and it will be great to see more Aboriginal rangers out on-park.

“I enjoy working on country and being involved with local community groups, and having my voice heard and being able to make a positive change within the environment and the country that I’m working on.”