- Pilbara Ranger Network to receive Lotterywest
grant worth $4.116 million
- Funding to provide resources for mentoring
programs, ranger exchanges, and networking forums
- Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation to also receive
Lotterywest grant worth $204,000 to support purchase of a ranger vessel
Biodiversity and
community wellbeing in northern Western Australia will receive a significant
funding boost, with Lotterywest to provide a $4.1162 million grant to support a
series of strategic programs administered through the Pilbara Ranger Network
(PRN).
The PRN is an
Aboriginal-led partnership of 10 Traditional Owner groups working together to
share knowledge, resources and opportunities to care for Country and establish
cultural land management within the Pilbara region.
Through its grant,
Lotterywest will provide funding for training, staff, equipment, planning,
governance and future sustainability of the PRN.
Included within the
three-year program are resources for mentoring programs, ranger exchanges, and
networking forums that will allow rangers to build their own career and
training pathways.
This project will support
PRN members to respond to deliver biodiversity initiatives in the region by driving
innovation and impact through a collective voice.
In addition, Lotterywest
will provide $204,000 to Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) to help fund the
purchase of a 5.8 metre vessel for managing Murujuga sea Country.
Woodside Energy has also
made a financial contribution towards the vessel as part of its ongoing
partnership with MAC.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"We are proud to continue our support for
the Pilbara Ranger Network and this significant investment seeks to support a
maturing and thriving cultural land management sector.
"Lotterywest's grant is about empowering
traditional owners and Aboriginal ranger programs to continue to deliver and
enhance biodiversity and community wellbeing outcomes in the long-term."
Comments attributed to Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
"We've invested more than
$100 million in on-Country ranger programs since 2017, resulting in 1,400 jobs
throughout WA.
"This funding will
continue to help support that important work, which is empowering Traditional
Owners to care for Country in a way only they know how to do."
Comments attributed to
Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"I'm pleased to see this
significant investment in the Pilbara Ranger Network. It's a vital step in
supporting Aboriginal rangers to protect and manage Country.
"Since 2017, I've seen
firsthand the positive impact of our $100 million investment in on-Country
ranger programs, creating meaningful jobs and empowering Aboriginal communities
to lead in land management.
"This new funding is an
important step in building long-term sustainability for the Pilbara region's
biodiversity and strengthening the connection between Traditional Owners and
their land."
Comments attributed to
Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Peter Hicks:
"Thanks to the State
Government and Woodside Energy for a funding the vessel, which will enable us
to look after sea Country and islands, as the Elders have always wanted us to
do.
"With a formal joint
management arrangement for the Dampier Archipelago coming soon, it is important
that MAC has the skills and ability in-house to get to the islands whenever we
need to."
Comments attributed to
Woodside executive vice-president and chief operating officer Australia Liz Westcott:
"Woodside is proud to
maintain our role as the principal supporters of the MAC Ranger program,
reinforcing the coexistence of cultural heritage and industry.
"This commitment
strengthens the rangers' important role in the World Heritage nomination
efforts by enhancing their operational capabilities and resources."
