Aboriginal trainees are being upskilled in traditional land management practices, thanks to a Department of Regional NSW program.
Michael Grant works as a Conservation Field Support Officer for Local Land Services.
A Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW) program is upskilling Aboriginal trainees in traditional land management practices.
The Aboriginal Ranger Program is facilitated by DRNSW’s Local Land Services (LLS) agency and is delivered in four regional districts – Murray, Riverina, Central West, and North-West.
Michael Grant is a Conservation Field Support Officer working on the program for LLS. He is an Aboriginal man from Thwutti and Mathiyeal Country, now based in Deniliquin.
“The Aboriginal Ranger Program aims to help upskill and employ local Aboriginal people to enhance our local Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities by working together to enhance the lands and keep a healthy and productive ecosystem,” Michael said.
“As part of the program, trainees undertake a Certificate III in Conservation Ecosystem Management to help them gain and share knowledge on how to look after Country using traditional land management practices.”
“The program aims to provide meaningful employment for local Aboriginal trainees to upskill them, help them gain exposure and development within a government agency, and provide a potential career pathway in Local Land Services.”
Michael said the Aboriginal Rangers work on different projects within LLS’s remit, ranging from weed and pest control projects to revegetation and erosion control.
“Throughout the program, each team is given a task to create and manage a project within their respective regions,” he said.
“Our team in Deniliquin has located an Aboriginal burial site along a local travelling stock route, and they are now working to fence the site to minimise any damage from travelling stock, but also keep vehicles and rubbish off the site.”
Michael has worked with DRNSW for 18 months, and his role also involves managing flora and fauna pests on travelling stock routes.
“I work with local land holders to help them better manage and deal with pests and weeds, whilst also keeping fences on stock routes in good condition,” he said.
“I also manage drovers and their cattle while they are on travelling stock reserves, including maintaining cattle holding yards and making sure there is a secure water source for them while they are travelling through the area.”
Michael said working in his role helps him contribute to his regional community.
“The most rewarding part of my role is representing Aboriginal people in a government agency and working with local organisations - both Indigenous and non-Indigenous - to improve the overall health and wellbeing of our surrounding lands and town,” he said.
“Being in a role that contributes and helps communities is especially important to me. Healthy Country equals healthy people and communities.”
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