These young rangers are celebrating one year of care-taking Country

Launched last year, this program is marking a significant milestone in community-driven land management activities in Tamworth.

Participation in the Walaaybaa Ranger Program also facilitates access to training and development initiatives, equipping members of the Aboriginal community with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in related fields. Credit: Provided

Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC ) is hailing the one-year mark of the Walaaybaa Rangers program.

Over the past year, the program has worked towards environmental conservation, cultural connection, and providing employment opportunities and economic sustainability to the Tamworth community.

Operations Manager of the Walaaybaa Ranger Program, Terri Whitton says that since commencing its operations last year, the Walaaybaa Ranger team have hit the ground running.

“Witnessing the sharing and practising of cultural wisdom has been particularly impactful," they said.

"For instance when the team collaborated with the Local Land Services Rangers and the Gomeroi Cultural Academy to plant trees and help with site preparation to create a dance circle as part of a cultural knowledge sharing day."

Walaaybaa Rangers are learning cultural care-taking practices of Country. Credit: Provided

The program looks at embodying a holistic approach to land stewardship, and integrates traditional ecological knowledge with modern strategies.

Through practices like right-way burning, ecological restoration, and habitat enhancement, the Rangers contribute to the preservation and enrichment of the local environment.

Empowering community

The ranger program's model look to develop economic, cultural and community self-reliance. Credit: Provided

Beyond the environmental benefits, the program plays a vital role in creating cultural and economic benefits.

Tamworth LALC says that by empowering Aboriginal youth, men, and women to undertake culturally significant roles in land and water management, the program strengthens their connection to Country while providing valuable career pathways and leadership development opportunities.

A key aspect of the program's mission is the preservation and transmission of language and cultural knowledge, with a commitment to cultural protocols and practices.

Through these efforts, the program seeks to uphold cultural integrity while contributing to broader community sustainability goals.

Operating on a fee-for-service model, the program aims to achieve financial independence, reducing reliance on government funding and striving for self-sustainability.

CEO of Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council, Fiona Snape says that by reducing dependence on government funding, we’re creating pathways to long-term success and impact.

"Our Walaaybaa Ranger Program is an extension of our organisation’s goal of creating self-reliance and autonomy within the Aboriginal community."