From Strength to Strength
Tjuwanpa Ranger’s First Commercial Contract
A key element of Joint Management is creating local employment. In June 2007 the Tjuwanpa Rangers successfully completed their first commercial contract - a $40,000 project installing approximately 400 bollards at Palm Valley campground in the Finke Gorge National Park. Buoyed with success after a long hard slog, things are looking good for even more business.
The Tjuwanpa Rangers are a community ranger programme providing ‘hands on’ experience for Aboriginal people in land management on National Parks and Aboriginal lands surrounding Hermannsburg, 130 km west of Alice Springs.
After many years of requests from traditional owners wanting work for young people, the program was set up in partnership between Central Land Council, Tjuwanpa Outstation Resource Centre and Parks & Wildlife. The group was initiated with financial support from the Parks & Wildlife Flexible Employment Program (or FEP).
Success leads to success and the Rangers have since secured another contract with Tourism NT to develop small campgrounds for tourists at selected outstations. They will also continue to do other projects such as looking after visitor infrastructure, weed, fire and feral animal management on Finke Gorge National Park, Tnorala Conservation Reserve and the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park.
While building up their skills, employability and self esteem, their efforts importantly provide home-grown role models for others in their community.
With further contracts, hard work and a few more wins the Rangers long term goals of being financially self sufficient will hopefully become realised.
Contact: Will Dobbie, Tjuwanpa Ranger Coordinator, PH (08) 8950 5018 Fax: (08) 8953 6957
Photos: Courtesy of CLC
