Junior Indigenous rangers in Western Sydney are set to have greater access to on-Country training with the growth of a nationwide education program.
The federally-funded Junior Rangers program, which provides practical skills in land and water management is expanding across the country after a $50 million federal government investment.
The initiative, which presenting opportunities for youth to pursue future careers as Indigenous Rangers will see thousands of First Nations secondary students experience on-Country learning and community-led mentoring, designed to boost school attendance and engagement.
They include students involved with Sydney organisation Indigenise Pty, which will support up to 50 students annually to engage with their schooling in Western Sydney through the Murama River Rangers project after receiving $530,000 to implement the program over two years.
Delivered in partnership with the Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation, Jarara Culture Centre and 10 target schools within the Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, the initiative will see a core cohort of up to 10 Junior River Rangers receive training in caring for Country activities, cultural and eco-tourism, and leadership.
More broadly across New South Wales, 11 organisations will receive a share of $6.7 million to deliver which is now available at 50 new sites across the country.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy said expanding Junior Rangers programs keeps more First Nations students engaged in education, while strengthening the wellbeing and sense of pride of Indigenous youth through connection to Country and culture.
"I have no doubt these 11 new sites will build on the outstanding success we are already seeing through the program, with 100 per cent of First Nations students involved in Junior Rangers learning in the second half of last year, staying in school," Senator McCarthy said.
"By expanding the program to deliver on-Country learning and community-led mentoring, First Nations students in New South Wales and across the country will have more pathways to future employment as Indigenous Rangers and the opportunity to realise their full potential."
The federal government said existing Junior Ranger programs in various states and territories has demonstrated the success of locally led on-Country learning, with improved school engagement and retention rates of participants.
Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare said the nationwide Junior Rangers Program is all about improving education outcomes for Indigenous students.
"These initiatives will boost on-country education for First Nations students, delivering improved access to junior rangers and more choice for families when it comes to culturally appropriate distance learning," Mr Clare said.
The government said expanding the Junior Rangers program supports a commitment to Closing the Gap in education, employment and life outcomes for First Nations people.
