Yirrganydji Junior & Cadet Ranger Program Cultural Camp

In September, the Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation (DWAC) hosted the Junior and Cadet Ranger Programme Cultural Camp at Ellis Beach in Far North Queensland region.

The aim of the camp was to engage and empower young people to learn about the environment, culture, heritage and the importance of custodianship of the land and sea.

The program was a great opportunity to provide practical experience and exposure to career pathway options for Indigenous youth in the environment sector.

On day three of the camp, the youth visited Low Isles off the coast of Port Douglas, to understand the importance of the Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement (TUMRA) in action.

Camp participants also had the opportunity to take part in a marine biology presentation, snorkelling activity, glass bottom boat tour and a guided heritage walk.

Their hosts at the camp were the Yirrganydji Land and Sea Rangers, who are managed by DWAC. They are a relatively small ranger group that continues to perform very well.

They have established a good reputation for themselves and therefore partnerships with many stakeholders and other management groups in the Cairns and Port Douglas regions.

These partnerships have helped to combat pest animals and weeds and manage the other natural and cultural resources on Yirrganydji country.

And of course, they are able to host the Junior and Cadet Ranger Programme Cultural Camp which is held every year and attracts 15 to 20 youth from across the Cairns region.