Protecting Bardi Jawi country by land and sea

The Bardi Jawi Rangers are set to become a professional marine unit charged with the mission to look after country and assist police in sea rescues.

Located on the Dampier Peninsula of northern Western Australia, the Bardi Jawi Rangers are one of 13 Indigenous ranger groups working through the Kimberley Land Council.

And with the purchase of their new specialist marine vessel, they’re about to become Australia’s first Indigenous volunteer marine rescue group, under the guidance of the Western Australian Fire and Emergency Service Authority.

“Bardi Jawi country is on the Dampier Peninsula. We are surrounded by sea country and islands, and our waters are known for powerful tides and currents,” Bardi Jawi Ranger Dwayne George said.

“The ability for our ranger group to carry out patrols and conduct search and rescue operations would not only help our community but allow us to make sure our country is looked after in the best possible way.’’

The rangers have been working with the Fremantle Water Police to learn the specialised skills needed to conduct marine search and rescues.

“The Water Police do such an important job and to be able to help them in any way while helping keep our community safe is a great thing,’’ Dwayne said.

“The next step for our group is to keep working hard to learn the skills we need so now that we have our boat we can do our job professionally.’’