Ranger Achievement Awards
Hundreds of Aboriginal rangers from across the Kimberley gathered for an end-of-year debrief and awards ceremony hosted by the KLC in Broome.
The celebration was the largest gathering of rangers from across the Kimberley Ranger Network to date!
There are more than 150 rangers employed across 17 ranger groups in the Kimberley. Rangers use cultural knowledge, western science and cutting-edge technology to help protect the natural environment.
Each year, rangers across the Kimberley to undertake training to enhance their skills and expertise in Indigenous conservation work. Training is an important part of the ranger program, and completing a certificate needs commitment and dedication over long periods.
This year over 31 rangers completed certificates with North Regional TAFE in both Marine Operations and Conservation and Ecosystem Management, which is a significant achievement.
At the ceremony, the efforts of Kimberley rangers were also recognised through four awards:
Leadership Award (Men’s)
Ranger J Leadership Award (Women’s)
Women’s Ranger Achievement Award
Men’s Ranger Achievement Award
Karajarri ranger Braeden “Bayo” Taylor won the male leadership award for 2023.
“Bayo’s leadership has been incredible. We don’t think he realises how much he inspires everyone around him. He is one of the kindest people and will always go above and beyond for his team and his elders, never once complaining. We are all stoked for him though and we know he will be back in the Kimberley again with even more skills and experience.”
Bayo joined the Karajarri rangers in 2016 and stepped up to become men’s coordinator three years ago. He is about to head south to start a marine ecology degree at the University of Western Australia.
Others nominated for the Men’s Leadership Award nominations included: Russell Chestnut (Gooniyandi Rangers), Elliot Hunter (Nyangumarta Rangers) and Preston Cox (Nyul Nyul Rangers).
Nyangumarta ranger Roberta Hunter won the inaugural Ranger J Award, which was created in honour of the first female ranger in the region, who sadly passed earlier this year. Ranger J was an inspiration and leader to Kimberley women rangers.
“Roberta has supported the Nyangumarta rangers since their inception and has assisted in growing the ladies team and recruiting casual rangers to join including her granddaughter. She recently stepped up to part time work herself.”
Other leaders nominated for the Ranger J Award included: Jackie Wemyss (KLC West Kimberley Program Manager), Karina Chillcott (Karajarri Rangers) and Lisa Toby (Nyangumarta Rangers).
Balanggarra ranger Anthony Johnson was awarded the Men's Ranger Achievement Award for his great attitude, attendance and work ethic and for always being in a good mood for work even though there are a lot of challenges for him personally.
Others nominated for the Men Ranger Achievement Award included: Zynal Cox & Aaron Cox (Nyul Nyul Rangers), Ronald Wade Jnr (Yawuru Rangers) , Peter Cooper & Phil Ngerdu (Dambimangari Rangers), Lloyd Wilridge & Huzlemi Hunter (Nyangumarta Rangers).
Dambimangari ranger Azarnia Malay won the Women’s Ranger Achievement Award for always having a positive attitude, for her initiative and dedication to putting in extra time and effort to get a job done or learn something new.
Others nominated for the Women’s Ranger Achievement Award included: Natasha George (Bardi Jawi Rangers), Gaydar Lawford (Yawuru Rangers), Nerelle Umbagai (Darran.gu Wulagura Rangers, Wilinggin), Helena Chestnut (Gooniyandi Rangers), Joanne Grant (Balanggarra Rangers), Vallerina Aspro and Kerri Hunter (Nyagnumarta Rangers).
Congratulations and well done to all of the Kimberley rangers who have worked tirelessly this year to care for Country and lead the way for future generations.
