The McGowan Government is calling for expressions of interest for the second round of the Aboriginal Ranger Program.
Under the program, new and existing Aboriginal organisations can employ and train rangers, and carry out land and sea management and tourism activities across a range of tenures in remote and regional Western Australia.
A total of $8.45 million was allocated in the first round of funding, with $9 million available in this round 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 http://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/aboriginalrangerprogram
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The first round of the program was extremely successful, with 13 Aboriginal organisations across WA receiving funding. This has resulted in the creation of 85 new jobs and 80 training positions for Aboriginal people, including 47 female ranger positions.
"This has helped create a pathway for Aboriginal people to develop a career in land and sea management, while providing for long-term cultural and conservation outcomes.
"Significantly, by creating more jobs and leadership roles for Aboriginal people, this program is leveraging the social and economic benefits that employment provides in remote and regional areas, and is helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.
"I encourage new and emerging groups to apply for funding in Round 2 so they can build on the growing number of Aboriginal groups and rangers managing country."
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:
"This is a great program that is achieving tangible outcomes for Aboriginal communities right across Western Australia.
"As I travel around the State talking to people and communities, I am constantly hearing of the great successes Aboriginal ranger groups are having.
"I am also constantly reminded by the communities still developing their programs that they see the establishment of their own Aboriginal ranger team as being an integral part of their long-term future.
"I am sure the opening of this round will be welcomed right across remote and regional WA, and we look forward to seeing the State's program continue to grow and thrive."
