Join us for a terrific opportunity to hear about the important work that Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers are engaged in around Australia, to Care for Country.
Who are Indigenous rangers?
Indigenous rangers are at the frontline of nature protection Australia-wide and are also delivering socio-economic benefits for people and communities.
Indigenous rangers work to protect native plants and animals, control feral animals and invasive weeds, reduce dangerous wildfires, maintain tourism and cultural sites, and more. Over 20% of Australia is held in Indigenous ownership. On this land lies some of Australia’s most exceptional natural environments. These lands are rich with native plants and animals, including many threatened species, and require ongoing care to survive. They also have some of the oldest artistic and cultural sights in the world. Indigenous rangers work on these lands and beyond to combat a variety of environmental and cultural threats.
In addition to the many environmental benefits of Indigenous rangers’ work, ranger jobs also have many social and economic benefits. A report commissioned by the federal Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet found that Indigenous land and sea management delivers up to a three dollars’ worth of environmental, social and economic value is delivered for every one dollar spent. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have reported flow on benefits including more role models, better mental and physical health, strengthening of culture, women’s empowerment and more.
(The above is from the ‘Country Needs People’ website – https://www.countryneedspeople.org.au/what_are_indigenous_rangers)
ABOUT OUR PRESENTERS
Justine Dillon, Ngarang-Wal Gold Coast Aboriginal Association
Justine is the Guanaba Indigenous Protected Area Project Coordinator for Ngarang-Wal Gold Coast Aboriginal Association Inc. Justine has a Bachelor of Education (Primary), Cert 1 in Allied Health & Cert 1 in Conservation Land Management, Fire Management and Water Quality. Justine has worked as an educator at the Gold Coast and administrator for GreenCorp and the Quandamooka Lands Council.
Peter See, Country Needs People
Peter works on strategy and projects with Country Needs People (CNP), an independent, non-partisan Australian charity dedicated to supporting Indigenous land and sea management Australia wide. Prior to his work with Country Needs People, Peter was instrumental in the initial concept, detailed design and implementation of the 10 Deserts Project as well as being involved in the development of Indigenous land management programs in Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ) and other organisations.
Ross Williams, Future Dreaming
Ross [Timmulbar] Williams is a proud Bindal descendent of the Mt Elliot, Townsville and Cape Cleveland clans and the Juru people of Bowen region on his father’s side, and Erub and Mer in the Torres Straits through his mother’s ‘side. Ross lives, works, and gives recognition and respect to the Yuggera and Turrbal clans and peoples (Brisbane/Meeanjin), as the rightful Traditional Owners and direct descendants of the original inhabitants, and to their ongoing connection to their traditional estates. Ross has lived and worked for many years with First Nations land and water based cultural management and has developed that knowledge over his lifetime.