Pilbara Aboriginal Rangers receive share in State cash splash

Six Pilbara groups have been listed in the most recent round of the McGowan Government’s Aboriginal Ranger Program grants. Round five will see $10 million shared among 17 Aboriginal organisations throughout WA, with almost a third of the sum allocated towards the Pilbara. Large grant recipients include Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation ‘s Nyiyaparli Rangers, Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation Ranger Program’s Caring for Country for 59,000 years and Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation’s Karuwayinya Cultural and Environmental Management Program. These organisations are set to receive between $700,000 and $1.1m over the next three years, to put towards the managements and conservation of the Pilbara region. Three other Pilbara corporations — Jajiwurra Rangers, Ngarlawangga Healthy Country Plan and PKKP Ranger Program — received a smaller grant of $100,000 to be allocated during the next 9 to 12 months. The Aboriginal Ranger Program has created more than 800 jobs through 49 programs since 2017 with more set to come. Environment Minister Reece Whitby congratulated those who were successful in this latest funding round and said he looked forward to hearing more about their achievements. “This program not only empowers Aboriginal people but helps develop community resilience and leadership,” he said. “The McGowan Government is building on the accomplishments of the Aboriginal Ranger Program, providing valuable opportunities and making a real difference across our great State. The State Government has allocated a further $16.5m in this year’s budget to ensure the program continues into 2025-26.