- Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement developed in collaboration with North Regional TAFE
- New course teaches essential skills in groundwater sampling, measurement techniques, laboratory analysis, and equipment operation
- Delivers on State Government's commitment to foster sustainable groundwater management practices and empower Indigenous communities
A new TAFE course has been developed to train Aboriginal rangers in groundwater management, empowering remote communities to actively participate in environmental stewardship and land management.
Developed in collaboration with North Regional TAFE, the Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement offers formal qualifications tailored to meet industry needs and is designed specifically for rangers from Traditional Owner groups.
The new course equips participants with essential skills in groundwater sampling, measurement techniques, laboratory analysis, and equipment operation and is a cornerstone of the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's (DWER) commitment to empowering Aboriginal communities and enhancing their capacity in groundwater management.
Formal agreements have been established between DWER, the Nyamba Buru Yawuru Corporate, and the Karajarri Traditional Lands Association, reflecting a shared vision to provide on-the-job training and skills development opportunities. These agreements underscore a dedication to building the long-term capacity of Aboriginal rangers' involvement in DWER groundwater investigation projects.
The initial intake, exclusively designed for the Yawuru Aboriginal Corporation, is scheduled to commence in May this year.
DWER is supporting North Regional TAFE, providing input into course development, industry specialists for training support, and facilitating relationships with key Traditional Owner groups to ensure active engagement with student cohorts.
Upon completion of the Certificate II, graduates will possess the competency to undertake crucial tasks such as measuring and sampling groundwater, packaging water samples, utilising monitoring equipment, and conducting visual inspections of water resources and equipment.
As stated by Water Minister Simone McGurk:
"Training changes lives - and this course for Aboriginal rangers in sustainable groundwater management has the potential to change whole communities.
"The Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement represents a significant milestone. It formally recognises Indigenous communities' active engagement in groundwater management on their land and their role in protecting our precious water resources."
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"The State Government remains committed to empowering Indigenous communities to actively participate in environmental stewardship and land management - and this course will do this one trainee at a time.
"This is an important recognition of the cultural responsibilities associated with caring for the country and is more important than ever in our changing climate."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"This course represents a fantastic opportunity for Aboriginal rangers and Country Managers from Traditional Owner groups to gain skills in groundwater management through specialised, on-the-job-training.
"Importantly, it will give young Aboriginal people the skills they need to care for their communities for many years to come."
