A new Aboriginal ranger program for the south-west

Media statement

• GKB has been awarded funding in the Western Australian Aboriginal Ranger Program

• The two-year funding will be used to develop a Land and Sea Aboriginal Ranger Program for the south-west

The Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation (GKB) has been awarded a substantial grant of $2,112,176 from the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) for the Western Australian Aboriginal Ranger Program.

The funding will establish a dedicated Land and Sea Aboriginal Ranger Program within the south-west region.

The GKB Executive team, led by their visionary Board of Directors, and ably assisted by the Aboriginal Biodiversity and Conservation Foundation, put a huge effort into the design of an effective and sustainable Ranger program which will be further enhanced by this important funding.

The program aims to empower and employ Aboriginal rangers to engage in invasive species management, ecological monitoring, community events, coastal erosion mapping and management, and more. Rangers will work alongside Traditional Owners and DBCA to protect and enhance the unique biodiversity and cultural heritage of the south-west.

By fostering a sense of stewardship and connection to Country, the program seeks to create sustainable environmental outcomes, promote Aboriginal job opportunities and support the cultural heritage work that GKB is investing in.

The program will commence in July 2024, providing much-needed support for the protection and management of the region's vast and fragile ecosystems. The funding is for an initial two-year period. 

GKB CEO, Bruce Jorgensen, expressed his gratitude for the funding, stating that “This investment is a testament to the importance of Aboriginal leadership in conservation. Our rangers will play a vital role in preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the south-west for generations to come.”

Download: GKB media statement