The State Government developed the Aboriginal Ranger Program to create jobs and training and community development opportunities for Aboriginal people across a range of tenures in regional and remote communities across Western Australia.
Such programs have provided an integral step towards improved community wellbeing and reducing poverty through economic opportunities and building leadership in remote and regional communities.
Led by the Aboriginal community and Aboriginal organisations with support from the Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and across government, the program is helping Aboriginal organisations manage country and protect the environment across WA in partnership with the public and private sectors. Funding is available for jobs for Aboriginal rangers, training, and community development.
Since its commencement in 2017-18, the program has continued to train and employ Aboriginal people as rangers to undertake land and sea management activities including:
biodiversity monitoring and research
traditional knowledge transfer
fire management
cultural site management
feral animal and weed management
cultural awareness and immersion experiences for visitors
guided welcome to country tours and/or talks for visitors
management of visitors or tourists and tourism assets education programs and mentoring.
Funding opportunities
ARP Expansion Fund
Applications are now open for funding under Round 4 of the Aboriginal Ranger Program.
In this round, up to $22 million is available as part of the new Expansion Fund to support eligible Aboriginal organisations with established ranger programs.
The Expansion Fund will help Aboriginal communities consolidate their ranger programs and plan for the future by supporting key ranger positions – new and existing – for up to four years.
Before you apply, it is important you read the details about eligibility, the application process, and assessment criteria within the Aboriginal Ranger Program Expressions of Interest Guidelines for Round 4, available to download at the bottom of this page.
If you wish to apply, please visit the DBCA SmartyGrants website and follow the instructions. Applications received by post or email, and late applications, will not be accepted.
Applications close 11:59pm Friday 8 April 2022.
Information on the Round 4 assessment process, methodology and probity guidelines are also available at the bottom of this page.