From restoring native gardens to gaining formal conservation qualifications as part of a program designed to connect education with culture, students from Magandjin's Murri School have spent the past year learning how to care for Country.
Their efforts are part of the Junior Rangers initiative giving Indigenous primary and secondary students the chance to learn on-Country, strengthen cultural knowledge and build practical skills that support future career pathways.
On Monday, Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy visited the school to meet with students and present them with their Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystems Management, recognising their work in the Mob on Country program.
The visit coincided with the government's announcement of 11 new Junior Rangers projects across the country, part of a $7.6 million expansion aimed at increasing on-Country learning opportunities for First Nations students.
"This $7.6 million expansion means more First Nations students will have access to learning experiences that connect them to culture and Country, while also building skills that can lead to jobs and careers," Ms McCarthy said.
"When we connect learning to lived experience and culture, especially for young people, we don't just improve outcomes, we transform lives.
"This funding ensures the next generation can continue the legacy of caring for Country."
The program builds on the success of projects such as Murri School's Mob on Country, which has seen students attend cultural camps on K'gari with Butchulla Rangers, participate in excursions to the Nudgee Waterholes with Nyanda Life Indigenous Rangers and establish a native garden on campus in partnership with the Oxley Creek Catchment Organisation.
The expansion will see new projects launched in communities across the country, including: Birrigai Junior Rangers in Canberra, Boorrumpah Goupong Junior Rangers in Ipswich, Darkinjung Junior Land and Sea Rangers in Wyong, Gudjaga-laali Junior Rangers in Wollongong, Gurri Junior Rangers in Castlemaine, Kin-ecting Cultural Links Through Education in Launceston, Maiwar Junior Rangers in Ipswich, Tangentyere Junior Rangers in Alice Springs, Yamatji Nyitty Junior Rangers in Geraldton, Yitpi Yartapuultiku Junior Rangers in Port Adelaide and Yorta Yorta Junior Rangers in Shepparton.
One of the students, Tia Pippen, said the program has provided opportunities and set her up for a ranger job, if she chooses.
"It's really good for the younger ones to come in, learn about this and realise how important it is for us to maintain Country, because it is a big part of our culture," she said.
While she's not sure ranger work is in her future, Tia has built new skills and is setting an example for younger students at the school.
At Ipswich, Boorrumpah Goupong Aboriginal Corporation will work with Elders, cultural mentors, environmental specialists and industry partners to deliver land-based learning experiences.
Nyanda Life Limited will also deliver vocational training opportunities in partnership with UQ Skills, building an employment pipeline for Indigenous ranger groups.
Nyanda Life chief executive, Nick Thomson, said the additional support will expand learning opportunities and strengthen cultural engagement.
"This funding will have a lasting positive impact on our Junior Rangers by enabling more immersive on-Country learning experiences and greater opportunities for growth and connection throughout the year ahead," Mr Thomson said.
"It will support Indigenous Rangers to share cultural knowledge, strengthen community ties and inspire the next generation of land and sea custodians.
"It will also enable the delivery of our dual certificate program, giving Junior Rangers the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications while developing practical skills and cultural knowledge which supports both career pathways and community leadership."
Murri School Junior Rangers Program Manager, Brook Hawkins, said the program has already had a significant impact on students and the broader school community.
"The funding for the Junior Rangers program has brought an array of positive outcomes for our school including a beautiful, extensive native garden, enriching cultural and environmental experiences," Ms Hawkins said.
"From the national First Nations Ranger Forum in Darwin to working with K'gari's Butchulla Rangers as well as providing formal qualifications for a significant number of staff and students.
"Now that we've seen what this project means for our school community, we're enthusiastic about what's next."
The Junior Rangers program supports the Federal Government's commitment under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to ensure students reach their full learning potential and transition into employment or further education.
