Indigenous ranger Josh Narrier has been honoured as the 2025 Mentored Aboriginal Training and Employment Scheme (MATES) – Trainee of the Year.

Mr Narrier, 26, is based in the Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' Turquoise Coast district, Jurien Bay.

He has been working with the Department since 2022.

The Department said his love for the work and deep connection to Country "shine through every day, from protecting wildlife to caring for special places and learning from Elders".

Mr Narrier was presented with the MATES Trainee of the Year award by WA Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn and DBCA Director General Stuart Smith.

The Yamatji Nation Land Ranger Program is a partnership between the Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation and the DBCA aimed at caring for Yamatji Nation Country.

Mr Narrier, who lives in Jurien Bay with his partner and their daughter, has completed a Certificate III Land Conservation and Ecosystems Management and is currently acting in the Joint Management Coordinator role, which involves working across the Midwest – so sometimes out of Geraldton, sometimes out of Jurien.

"I feel really connected and calm when I'm out on Country. There's always that connection to my ancestors," he said.

"I feel really privileged and really grateful that I get to be out here on Country and work out here and contribute to conserving it.

"I just feel at home. I feel at peace. It helps calm my mind being out in an environment where I can kind of just take it all in."

Mr Narrier said he loves being on Country.

"I believe I won the award because of my work ethic… I think just having that opportunity to be able to gain those qualifications was something that I valued pretty well, and I dedicated a lot of time towards it," he said.

"I wanted to go for a job with the department because it's very hands on. You get to contribute to a lot of the work in conservation, and, you know, you're pretty much the first in. I care about Country. I care about the land. I care about conservation.

"Being in the department and being in this space has made me learn more and given me opportunities to be around my culture more and given me that wider perspective."

Mr Narrier said hopes he is doing his ancestors proud by working to protect Country.

"I'd love to believe, and I do think wholeheartedly, that my ancestors think that I'm doing the right thing and I'm pushing for the right direction," he said.

"I have that cultural mindset. It's what I want to do. I'm doing this because I love, love my culture and I love my Country.

"I really want to do the Elders proud, and I want to do the right thing by the Country and by the people."

Mr Narrier said listening to Elders is a key part of his work.

"When I'm liaising with the Elders and getting their feedback… hearing the Elders say to me that you're on the right path and you're doing the right thing and you're doing well makes me feel fulfilled," he said.