The Kurrak Women’s Ranger Program by Barapa Ltd is creating opportunities for Aboriginal women to lead the way in caring for Country, strengthening culture, protecting the environment and building pathways for future generations.
As part of the Australian Government’s Indigenous Rangers Program (IRP), the Kurrak Women’s Ranger Program supports First Nations women to undertake meaningful land and water management work while maintaining strong cultural connections and sharing traditional knowledge.
Through cultural knowledge sharing, with on Country activities, environmental conservation projects and cultural leadership, the program is helping create a stronger future for both community and Country.
The Indigenous Rangers Program, delivered through the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), is one of Australia's most significant investments in Indigenous land and sea management.
The program currently supports more than 320 ranger groups through 159 organisations across the country and is working towards employing more than 3,800 First Nations people by the end of the decade. A key focus of the program is increasing opportunities for Indigenous women to participate in ranger roles and leadership positions.
The Kurrak Women's Ranger Program proudly contributes to this national vision by providing employment, training and cultural development opportunities for Barapa Barapa women on Barapa Barapa country.
The Kurrak Women’s Rangers combine cultural knowledge with contemporary land management practices to care for the environment and protect significant cultural landscapes.
Activities may include:
Site assessment and monitoring
Biodiversity and habitat conservation
Pest management assessment
Cultural fire management
Waterway health monitoring
Cultural heritage identification, assessment and preservation planning
Community engagement and education
Barapa Barapa Traditional ecological knowledge sharing
By blending traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices, the program supports healthier ecosystems while preserving important cultural connections to Country.
The Kurrak Women’s Ranger Program is about more than environmental management. It is also about creating opportunities for women to build skills, gain qualifications, develop leadership capabilities and strengthen community connections.
The program provides meaningful employment pathways while fostering pride, confidence and cultural identity. It creates opportunities for women to become role models for younger generations and encourages greater participation in caring for Country.
A Proud Part of a National Movement
The Australian Government has committed more than $1.3 billion to Indigenous Ranger and Indigenous Protected Area programs between 2021 and 2028. This investment aims to double the number of Indigenous rangers across Australia by 2030 and expand opportunities for First Nations communities to manage and protect their traditional lands.
Barapa Ltd is proud to be part of this growing national network of Indigenous ranger groups that are delivering environmental, cultural and social outcomes for communities across Australia.
Looking to the Future
The Kurrak Women’s Ranger Program represents a powerful investment in People, Culture and Country. Through leadership, knowledge sharing and environmental stewardship, the program is helping create lasting benefits for current and future generations.
Barapa Ltd is honoured to support Aboriginal women as they continue the important work of caring for Country, strengthening culture and creating positive change within their communities.