Local Land Services has launched a new ranger program to enhance Aboriginal peoples’ connection to country and provide meaningful career pathways.
Business Partner Aboriginal Cultural Engagement at Local Land Services and Gamilaraay man, Graham Kelly said the Aboriginal Ranger Program would champion opportunities for Aboriginal people and provide participants with accelerated exposure to Local Land Services and its operations.
“This Program offers experience, exposure and development in our Land Services and Biosecurity teams and strengthens our ability to offer a career pathway to young Aboriginal people,” Mr Kelly said.
Welcoming the Program, Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW, Dugald Saunders said it aimed to create genuine employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal people and communities across NSW.
“This is an exciting new initiative that will not only develop skills and experience for those involved, but also increase the inclusion of traditional land management practices in on-ground projects and programs across the State,” Mr Saunders said.
“These Rangers will help engage local communities in landscape management and will create unique opportunities for Local Land Services to work and walk together with Aboriginal people and communities,” he said.
“The Rangers will work on key parts of the Local Land Services operation, including assisting landholders with livestock health, pests and weeds, biosecurity matters, native vegetation, and managing travelling stock routes.”
Mr Saunders said the Program would be delivered across the Riverina, Murray, Central and North West regions and would see 22 new Aboriginal staff recruited, including 16 trainee rangers based in local towns.
The Minister said trainees would receive culturally safe training, mentoring and support across all areas of the Local Land Services business, including conservation and ecosystem management; pest animal control; and Aboriginal site identification and protection.
“Importantly, it will also provide employee and organisational growth through increased workforce diversity,” he said.
Further information on the Agency’s Aboriginal Ranger Program can be accessed at this PS News link.
