Kimberley ranger groups secure slice of new Aboriginal Ranger Program funding

Natasha Clark
Natasha Clark Published June 9, 2026 at 2.00pm (AWST)

Kimberley Aboriginal ranger groups are among 34 organisations across regional WA to receive funding under the latest round of the State Government's Aboriginal Ranger Program.

Round 9 delivers more than $62 million to back Aboriginal-led land and sea management, on-Country jobs, and cultural and environmental projects.

Member for Kimberley, Divina D'Anna, congratulated the Kimberley recipients, saying the program had supported Aboriginal-led land and sea management and created employment on Country.

"Since it began in 2017, the program has created employment in Country for more than 1,400 Aboriginal people, supporting Aboriginal-led land and sea management, and delivering lasting environmental, cultural and community outcomes," Ms D'Anna said.

Kimberley recipients range from the Indigenous Desert Alliance, funded for its Southern Deserts Right-Way Fire Project, to Rapi Aboriginal Corporation for the Lappi Lappi and Ngulupi Country Ranger Program, and MG Corporation for the MG Yarrbany Rangers.

Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation will launch a Women's Ranger Program, while Karajarri Traditional Lands Association expands its Sea Country IPA Ranger Team with new funding.

Other local groups to benefit include Gogolanyngor Aboriginal Corporation, Kimberley Land Council, and Yungngora Aboriginal Corporation, each strengthening ranger programs across the region.

The State Government said the latest round of funding would support Aboriginal ranger organisations across three streams.

Prepare funds planning and groundwork, Activate helps new ranger groups get started on Country, and Sustain keeps established programs running.

Western Australian Minister for the Environment, Matthew Swinbourn, said the program was empowering Aboriginal people to lead land and sea management on their own Country.

"The Cook Labour Government is empowering Aboriginal people to lead land and sea management on their Country," Mr Swinbourn said.

"I'm proud that through this major State Budget investment, we can continue supporting the Aboriginal Ranger Program and its partners, delivering jobs while protecting Country, culture and community."

Since 2017, the program has created jobs for more than 1,400 Aboriginal people across the State.

In total, the State Government has committed $176.5 million to Aboriginal-led land and sea management jobs across WA.

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