Australia’s Junior Ranger program expands via $50 million funding boost

The Australian Government is giving the Junior Ranger program a $50 million funding boost, to deliver on-Country learning to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across Australia.

It is anticipated that the Junior Ranger program will be available in more than 75 locations by 2028.

The funding boost means thousands of First Nations primary and secondary students will now be able to access the Junior Rangers program at 50 new sites. The program is designed to boost school attendance and engagement, while providing students with practical skills in land and water management, presenting opportunities to pursue future careers as Indigenous Rangers.

The Bega Local Aboriginal Land Council and Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation on the south-east of New South Wales are among the first organisations to join the expanded program.

Working closely with Bega High School, Bega Local Aboriginal Land Council will support young people to re-engage with education, pairing job-ready training with on-Country learning.

The project will build on existing partnerships with NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, VET providers, local Elders and cultural knowledge holders to provide career development pathways for students that lead to employment, including land and cultural asset management.

On the mid north coast of NSW, the Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation will also join the program, supporting at least 100 First Nations students.

Schools including Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom, Bellingen High, Gillwinga Public and Woolgoolga High will offer courses, including Certificate II in Conservation Land Management

The Junior Ranger program is already in operation at 25 sites, run by the following organisations:

• Northern Land Council (NT)

• Kalyuku Ninti - Puntuku Ngurra Limited (WA)

• Kimberley Land Council (WA)

• Nature Foundation Limited (SA)

• Yuku-Baja-Muliku Landowner and Reserves Limited (QLD)

These existing programs have improved attendance and retention rates demonstrating the success of locally-led on-Country learning.

Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation Director Nathan Brennan shared “We’re proud to provide our young people with the opportunity to work as Junior Rangers.

“It’s humbling to see our young people make strong connections with Elders, Country and our sites of cultural significance – all while building the job skills and knowledge they need to embark on rewarding careers.

“Through these valuable opportunities, we’re creating the next generation of leaders who will carry on our culture, speak our language, and protect our country long after we have left this world.”

Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation Junior Ranger Trainee Leyland Roberts added “I feel really privileged and proud to be fulfilling my responsibility as an Aboriginal person to connect and look after the country as a Junior Ranger, as well as be a role model in my community.”