More students to benefit from Junior Rangers program
Eleven new Junior Rangers projects will be created across Australia, as the Federal Government plans to deliver on its commitment to increase on-Country learning opportunities.
The Junior Rangers program gives First Nations primary and secondary students the chance to learn on-Country through cultural and education experiences, improving school engagement and retention, and supporting career development.
“This $7.6 million expansion means more First Nations students will have access to learning experiences that connect them to culture and Country, while also building skills that can lead to jobs and careers,” Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said.
“When we connect learning to lived experience and culture, especially for young people, we don’t just improve outcomes, we transform lives.
The proposed projects have been approved for funding and will align with local needs and priorities:
- Birrigai Junior Rangers. (ACT Education Directorate) Canberra, ACT
- Boorrumpah Goupong Junior Rangers. (Boorrumpah Goupong Aboriginal Corporation) Ipswich, QLD
- Darkinjung Junior Land and Sea Rangers. (Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council) Wyong, NSW
- Gudjaga-laali Junior Rangers. (Gadhungal Marring Pty Ltd) Wollongong, NSW
- Gurri Junior Rangers. (Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation) Castlemaine, VIC
- Kin-ecting Cultural Links Through Education (Melaythenner Teeackana Warrana (Heart of Country) Aboriginal Corporation) Launceston, TAS
- Maiwar Junior Rangers. (Nyanda Life Limited) Ipswich, QLD
- Tangentyere Junior Rangers. (Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation) Alice Springs, NT
- Yamatji Nyitty Junior Rangers. (Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation Limited) Geraldton, WA
- Yitpi Yartapuultiku Junior Rangers. (City of Port Adelaide Enfield) Port Adelaide, SA
- Yorta Yorta Junior Rangers. (Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation) Shepparton, VIC
At Ipswich in Queensland, Boorrumpah Goupong Aboriginal Corporation will work with local Elders, cultural mentors, environmental specialists and industry partners to deliver practical, land-based learning experiences for First Nations students.
“The Junior Ranger grant will help Boorrumpah Goupong Aboriginal Corporation create programs that empower young men, fostering leadership and resilience,” Sloane Stallan, Boorrumpah Goupong Aboriginal Corporation Manager, said.
“It provides an opportunity to break cycles of unemployment, substance abuse and disconnection by offering culturally relevant mentorship, education and employment pathways.
Nyanda Life Limited will also deliver vocational training opportunities for First Nations students in Ipswich, Queensland, in partnership with UQ Skills. The project will aim to build an employment pipeline for local Indigenous ranger groups.
Nyanda Life CEO Nick Thomson said the funding would have a lasting positive impact on Junior Rangers by enabling more immersive on-Country learning experiences and greater opportunities for growth and connection throughout the year ahead.
“It will support Indigenous Rangers to share cultural knowledge, strengthen community ties and inspire the next generation of land and sea custodians,” he said.
Nationally recognised qualifications
“It will also enable the delivery of our dual certificate program, giving Junior Rangers the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications while developing practical skills and cultural knowledge which supports both career pathways and community leadership.
This latest funding will build on the success of expansion projects which commenced in 2024.
In Brisbane, the Murri School Way: Mob on Country project at Acacia Ridge is supporting students to complete a Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystems Management.
Students have participated in a cultural camp at K’gari with the Butchulla Rangers, excursions to the Nudgee Waterholes with Nyanda Life Indigenous Rangers and built a native garden in partnership with the Oxley Creek Catchment Organisation.
Brook Hawkins, Murri School Junior Rangers Program Manager said the funding had brought an array of positive outcomes for our school including a beautiful, extensive native garden, enriching cultural and environmental experiences.
Closing the Gap
“From the national First Nations Ranger Forum in Darwin to working with K’gari’s Butchulla Rangers as well as providing formal qualifications for a significant number of staff and students,” she said.
“Now that we’ve seen what this project means for our school community, we’re enthusiastic about what’s next.”
The Junior Rangers program supports the Government’s commitment under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to ensure students achieve their full learning potential and are engaged in employment or education.
