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Further funding brings certainty to Malak Malak Rangers

29 June 2018
Jobs, Land and Economy
An Aboriginal woman and 4 Aboriginal men all dressed in blue ranger uniforms stand on red soil and in front of a white 4 wheel drive vehicle. In the background is a building and trees.

The crucial work of the Malak Malak Rangers in preserving the natural heritage and Indigenous culture of the Daly River region will continue with guaranteed funding until June 2021.

The Malak Malak Rangers are active in managing 30,000 hectares of land along the iconic Daly River.

Their land and sea management activities include fire management, environmental monitoring and sacred site protection.

The crucial work of Australia’s Indigenous Rangers is recognised by the Australian Government through further funding which will support them until 30 June 2021.

Anthony Kerr is a Regional Program Coordinator with the Northern Land Council (NLC) and works closely with the Malak Malak Rangers in the Northern Territory.

‘It is true to say that until the visit by Minister Scullion there was un-certainty amongst the rangers about the immediate future of their positions,’ Anthony said.

‘It was really good to hear the Minister’s words and that has definitely made them feel confident about their positions and the next 3 years.’

Another important role for these Rangers is managing invasive weed infestations, especially mimosa that has seeds that can stay viable for 20 years. To miss one year’s treatment can mean the loss of 2-3 years of hard work.

Working closely with the Northern Territory Department of Fisheries and the Water Police, the Malak Malak Rangers have also collaborated on numerous research and training opportunities.

They are a key partner in fisheries compliance along the Daly River. Two rangers recently completed their Certificate III in Fisheries Compliance with another to be trained in August this year. With Fisheries Inspector Grade 1 powers they are able to oversee fishing activities on their part of the Daly River.

The additional funding is not just a great outcome for the rangers and their training. The profile of the Traditional Owners is raised by the work of the rangers. And the Owners also benefit from the continued overall management of the Malak Malak Land Trust.

The Australian Government’s Indigenous Rangers program supports over 2,000 rangers across 118 Indigenous Ranger groups in their preservation of culture and Australia’s natural heritage.

‘This funding means that programs can be maintained or commenced with the knowledge that there is a level of certainty around them going forward,’ Anthony said.

Find out more

For more information, read about the delivery of over $250 million for Indigenous rangers jobs to 2021 on the Minister for Indigenous Affairs’ website.

For more information about Indigenous rangers, read Indigenous Rangers - Working on Country.