The McGowan Government has issued a final call for expressions of interest for the second round of the $20 million Aboriginal Ranger Program.
Under the program, Aboriginal organisations may apply for funding to employ and train rangers, and to carry out land and sea management and tourism activities across a range of tenures in remote and regional Western Australia.
The first round of the program was extremely successful, with 13 Aboriginal organisations across WA receiving funding, resulting in the creation of 85 new jobs and 80 training positions for Aboriginal people, including 47 female ranger positions.
$9 million is available in Round 2 for single or multi-year projects up to three years.
Expressions of interest can be submitted to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and are open until March 15, 2019.
An expression of interest application form and the Aboriginal Ranger Program guidelines are available at https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/aboriginalrangerprogram
As noted by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
“A lot of fantastic work has already been undertaken by successful applicants from Round 1, with many rangers being trained in fire management, cultural site management and biodiversity monitoring and research.
“With only one month to go, I encourage groups to apply for funding in Round 2 so they can build on the growing number of Aboriginal groups and rangers managing country.”
As noted by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:
“There are so many social, cultural and environmental benefits of Aboriginal ranger programs, most importantly the vital link it gives Aboriginal people to their country.
“Through this significant investment, we are delivering on our promise to create jobs for Aboriginal people, which will help increase resilience, improve community wellbeing and build leadership.”
