Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation (KAC) has been awarded a $3.7 million Federal Government grant towards its Indigenous ranger program.
The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) funding will support two ranger teams – one made up of Kokatha women and the other of Kokatha men – over a four year period.
KAC Chairperson Nyani Thomas said the funding announcement was a significant milestone for Kokatha, as it’s the first intake of NIAA funded rangers in a decade.
‘This is wonderful news for Kokatha people and Kokatha Country,’ he said. ‘One of the greatest ways that we can support our people is by creating real and meaningful opportunities to connect and care for our Country.’
KAC Chief Executive David Whitelaw acknowledged the important groundwork done by the Corporation, especially within Kokatha Pastoral, to achieve this successful outcome.
‘I’m looking forward to seeing Kokatha rangers operating in a wonderful network of caring for country practitioners,’ he said.
The grant is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to double the number of rangers by the end of the decade and to work towards gender equality in ranger positions.
Under the $355 million program, more than 1000 new ranger jobs will be created across Australia.
First Nations women will make up the vast majority of the new full-time, part-time and casual roles.
In announcing the funding, Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said women Indigenous rangers play an important role in ensuring the protection of sacred women’s sites and the preservation of important cultural knowledge and practices.
‘Expanding the Indigenous Rangers Program will provide more opportunities for First Nations people to share their knowledge and benefit from the social and economic outcomes that come from meaningful employment,’ she said. ‘I’m particularly pleased to see so many new opportunities for women Indigenous rangers who play a unique role in caring for Country.’
KAC is currently working with NIAA officials to finalise the funding agreements.