Junior Rangers programs get $50 million funding boost

The Australian Government has announced an expansion of the highly successful Junior Ranger program, offering on-Country learning to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across the nation.

A funding boost of $50 million means thousands of First Nations primary and secondary students will now be able to access the Junior Rangers program, at 50 new sites.

The program is designed to boost school attendance and engagement, while providing students with practical skills in land and water management, presenting opportunities to pursue future careers as Indigenous Rangers.

The Bega Local Aboriginal Land Council and Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation on the south-east of New South Wales are among the first organisations to join the expanded program.

Bega Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Leanne Atkinson said the program was an investment in future generations.

'This new initiative means we can get kids re-engaged with education in a way that leads to real employment opportunities and rewarding careers,' she said.

'We’re merging technology like drones with ancient cultural practices, including cultural burning.'

'While this is a win for the environment it also opens the door to new and engaging educational opportunities that allow First Nations youth to invest and give back to their community.'

Working closely with Bega High School, Bega Local Aboriginal Land Council will support young people to re-engage with education, pairing job-ready training with on-Country learning.

The project will build on existing partnerships with NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, VET providers, local Elders and cultural knowledge holders to provide career development pathways for students that lead to employment, including land and cultural asset management.

On the mid north coast of NSW, the Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation will also join the program, supporting at least 100 First Nations students.

Schools including Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom, Bellingen High, Gillwinga Public and Woolgoolga High will offer courses, including Certificate II in Conservation Land Management.

Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation Director Nathan Brennan said Junior Rangers opportunities help to preserve culture.

'We’re proud to provide our young people with the opportunity to work as Junior Rangers,' he said.

'It’s humbling to see our young people make strong connections with Elders, Country and our sites of cultural significance – all while building the job skills and knowledge they need to embark on rewarding careers.'

'Through these valuable opportunities, we’re creating the next generation of leaders who will carry on our culture, speak our language, and protect our country long after we have left this world.'

The Junior Ranger program is already in operation at 25 sites around Australia. These exiting programs have improved attendance and retention rates demonstrating the success of locally-led on-Country learning.

As part of the Australian Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap in education, employment and life outcomes, the Junior Ranger program will be available in more than 75 locations by 2028.