International recognition for Western Australian Parks and Wildlife Service Aboriginal ranger

Western Australian Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger Yuddiy (Ben) Brown has been named International Ranger of the Year by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Recognised for his conservation work in remote Goldfields national parks and reserves, Brown is a Traditional Owner from the Martu lands and supports Warnpuru Aboriginal Corporation Rangers in the remote communities of Patjarr and Warburton, over 900 kilometres from Kalgoorlie.

Brown works as Ranger Lead in DBCA's Goldfields region, alongside Western Australian Parks and Wildlife Service operational staff conducting fire management, track maintenance and protection of cultural sites, including rock hole cleaning to maintain water sources for native animals such as birds, emu, bilby and kangaroo.

Announced in the Rwandan capital Kigali last week, the IUCN International Ranger Awards recognise the remarkable work of rangers in conservation areas around the world.

The nomination cited his dedication to his Parks and Wildlife Service role and helping his people secure native title over Pila Nature Reserve.

Brown’s outstanding service across a huge operational patch includes travelling from Kalgoorlie to Warburton and back again in two days (1,800 kilometres) to transport Warnpuru members so they could attend meetings with the Western Australian Government to negotiate for Patjarr community resources and funding.

Commenting on the Brown’s achievement, Western Australian Environment Minister, Reece Whitby stated "Yuddiy has a remarkable personal story. It's believed he is the last baby born in the desert to parents living a traditional subsistence lifestyle, surviving entirely off the land as his people had done for thousands of years. The extraordinary film of Yuddiy's family emerging from the desert to meet a State Government expedition during the drought in 1976 is a historic moment.

"Yuddiy has lived a life that few remaining Elders can relate to and he has overcome past hurdles and hardships to take on his current role and help protect Pila Nature Reserve.

The Western Australian Parks and Wildlife Service is part of the Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Image: IUCN International Ranger of the Year Yuddiy (Ben) Brown. Credit: Western Australian Parks and Wildlife Service.