Over 200 rangers attended the end of year wrap up event

The Kimberley Ranger Network Forum, held in Broome from 2–4 December, brought together more than 200 rangers, partners and supporters from across the Kimberley for the largest end-of-year wrap-up event ever hosted by the Kimberley Land Council (KLC).

Across three days, the forum provided an important opportunity for rangers to reflect on a year of caring for Country, share knowledge and experience, strengthen partnerships, and look ahead to future opportunities across the region.

The forum opened with a Welcome to Country by Yawuru Elder Aunty Di Appleby, grounding proceedings in respect for Country and community. Rangers also took part in a monsoon vine thicket dune walk, led by Zynal Cox and DBCA Yawuru Ranger Jason Fong, creating space for on-Country learning and the sharing of local ecological knowledge.

Sharing Knowledge and Strengthening Networks

Throughout the forum, ranger teams provided updates on their work and participated in a mini exhibition, where groups showcased projects through equipment displays, photos and plans. This interactive exchange allowed rangers to learn directly from one another, swap ideas and strengthen collaboration across the Kimberley.

A regional projects expo further highlighted the scale and diversity of ranger work, featuring demonstrations and discussions on fire management—including incendiary launcher demonstrations led by the KLC fire team—nursery operations, fish measurement, ecology and camera traps, weeds and feral animal management, and bush medicine.

Building Careers, Skills and Wellbeing

Dedicated men’s and women’s sessions created space for open conversations about shared challenges and collective solutions.

Rangers also took part in sessions focused on career development and growth, exploring pathways into regional, specialist and joint-management roles, and hearing directly from rangers who have moved into these positions.

The forum included important training events, information sessions and workshops, providing opportunities to test new ideas and offer feedback on future initiatives. Wellbeing was a strong focus, with Men’s Outreach and iYarn facilitating a session supporting ranger mental health and resilience.

It was also encouraging to see Walalakoo Junior Rangers attending the forum, ensuring the next generation was welcomed, supported and inspired.

Acknowledging the Significance of Ranger Work

Special guest former Senator Pat Dodson attended the forum and spoke about the significance of the work Kimberley Rangers do across the region, recognising their leadership in caring for land and sea Country at scale.

“The work you do has meaning far beyond the Kimberley. In a changing world, your understanding of connection, balance and sustainability is critical — not only for protecting biodiversity, but for the future of humanity itself.

“Your role is not just about caring for plants and animals — it is about carrying the knowledge of those who came before you and passing it on. You know what to take, what to leave behind, and what must be respected, and that wisdom is essential to caring for Country properly.”

Former Senator Patrick Dodson addresses the crowd

KLC Land and Sea Unit Manager Daniel Oades reflected on the growth of the event and the Kimberley Ranger Network.

“In recent years we have seen the Kimberley Ranger Network has grow from strength to strength, becoming the largest it has ever been. You can’t underestimate the work of the KLC team in bringing the network together and tailoring the agenda and activities to meet the needs of Kimberley Rangers, including everything from career pathways and skills development to wellbeing and project exhibitions. The collaboration and partnerships across the network are some of the strongest in the country, supporting land management at scale while protecting Country and developing the skills of Indigenous rangers.

The strong collaboration and partnerships across the Kimberley Ranger Network continue to set a national benchmark, supporting effective land management at scale while building skills, leadership and opportunities for Indigenous rangers.”

The forum highlighted the pride, collaboration and shared purpose that underpin the Kimberley Ranger Network, and reaffirmed the vital role rangers play in protecting Country, supporting communities and building a strong future for Indigenous land and sea management across the Kimberley.

Celebrating Excellence

The forum concluded with the annual awards ceremony, recognising outstanding achievements and leadership across the ranger network:

Men’s Ranger Achievement Award

Winner: Kaunell Shaw | Gooniyandi Rangers
Kaunell has completed his Certificate III and consistently excels in training, demonstrating strong commitment and professionalism.

Nominations:

Anthony Johnson – Balanggarra Rangers: A quiet achiever, Anthony has led weed control projects, sourced funding, used drone mapping, and mentored others.
Charlo Moore – Miriuwung Gajerong Rangers: Charlo has completed his Certificate III and is reliable, hardworking, and leads by example.
Corbin Bedford-Dolby – Dambimangari Rangers: As a first-year trainee, Corbin is energetic, positive, and committed throughout training and on-country trips.
Douglas Blaine Gerrard (Blaine) – Miriuwung Gajerong Rangers: Blaine leads by example, trains others, shares cultural knowledge, and inspires future generations.
Elliot Hunter – Nyangumarta Rangers: An experienced ranger, Elliot shares knowledge at conferences and brings positivity to the team.
Kevin Nungatcha – Kija Rangers: Reliable and hardworking, Kevin contributes to firefighting and pig trapping, demonstrates positive lifestyle changes, and is a strong team contributor.
Sherwin Thirkell – Nyikina Walmajarri Rangers: Professional and culturally proud, Sherwin consistently leads by example and continues to grow in skill and confidence.

Women’s Ranger Achievement award

Winner: Sharon Everett | Karajarri Rangers
In her second year as a ranger, Sharon has an exceptional attendance record and regularly takes on significant responsibilities and training opportunities.

Nominations:

Ettalian (Ella) Jubadah – Ngurrara Rangers : Dedicated, eager and determined, Ella consistently attends and contributes on Country.
Finley Baker – DBCA Yurriyangem Taam Rangers: Finley has near-perfect attendance and actively supports fire, pest, and weed work, as well as major projects and advanced training.
Helena Chestnut – Gooniyandi Rangers: The longest-serving woman ranger on the team, Helena is reliable, communicates well, is committed to the team, and commutes over an hour to work.
Joanne Grant – Balangarra Rangers: Joanne has excelled in fire management, notably helping to stop a major wildfire during a remote response.
Shalayah Smiler – Ngurrara: A young ranger showing growth and confidence, Shalayah attends all trips and works hard.

Women’s Ranger Leadership award

Women’s Ranger Leadership Award
Cherylyn Ozies – Dambimangari Rangers
Cherylyn is an exceptional leader and mentor who has led turtle monitoring, supported Traditional Owners, shared ecological knowledge and built the skills of fellow rangers.

Jaz Cook – Yawuru: Highly organised and dependable, Jaz plays a key role in marine park projects and has represented the team at major forums.
Julie Stumpagee – Bardi Jawi Oorany: Committed and proactive, Julie never misses training and tackles tasks with enthusiasm.
Natasha George – Bardi Jawi Oorany: A strong operational leader, Natasha has led Sea Country Monitoring and advanced biosecurity training.
Romaniah Hunter – Yawuru: Romaniah has stepped up in fire and marine leadership, completed coxswain training, and represented her team internationally.
Tamara Moore – Bardi Jawi: Stepping up as Women’s Coordinator, Tamara leads an all-female Sea Country team, thriving in leadership and inspiring her colleagues.
Vallerina Aspro (Venus) – Nyangumarta: Confident and hands-on, Vallerina leads by example, shares knowledge, and drives biodiversity and predator control projects.

men’s Ranger Leadership award

Men’s Ranger Leadership Award Joint-Winner
Azton Howard – Bardi Jawi Rangers
Azton has taken on the role of Indigenous Fire Officer and was seconded to the Land and Sea Management Unit, leading fire planning across multiple groups and representing rangers at regional and national conferences.

Men’s Ranger Leadership Award Joint-Winner
Clay Peart – Miriuwung Gajerrong Rangers
With ten years of service, Clay is a respected leader known for his professionalism, calm leadership style and consistent mentorship.

Nominations:

Dominic Bradshaw – Nyaliga Rangers: Polite, hardworking, and proactive, Dominic consistently brings ideas for projects and improvements.

George Clarke (Isiah Smith) | Balanggarra Rangers: George stepped into leadership despite personal challenges, demonstrating resilience and commitment.
Hylke Vader | KLC Management: As Training Coordinator, Hylke has always shown strong leadership, work ethic and positivity particularly during the Ngumpan KLC AGM.
Ishmael Hunter | Nyangumarta Rangers: An emerging leader in fire management, Ishmael communicates complex topics effectively during workshops.
Jamesy Bellou - Karajarri Rangers: Reliable and positive, Jamesy motivates the team and provided strong support throughout a challenging year.
Jamie Brown - Paruku Rangers: Consistent and dependable, Jamie is a joy to work with and always shows up.
Nathan Cox – Nyikina Walmajarri: A cultural leader, Nathan shares knowledge generously and mentors with patience and humility.
Kevin George – Bardi Jawi Rangers: One of the longest-serving rangers, Kevin provides guidance and sets a strong example for younger rangers.
Trevor Sampi – Bardi Jawi Rangers: Also one of the longest-serving rangers, Trevor provides guidance and models leadership for younger team members.
Thomas Nnarda – Ngurrara Rangers: A senior ranger and traditional owner, Thomas mentors younger rangers and demonstrates leadership across the team.
Zynal Cox – Nyul Nyul Rangers: Zynal took a huge step up this year into the Monsoon Vine Thicket Coordinator position, expanding his skills and leadership responsibilities.

Kimberley Rangers Wrap Up a Year of Achievements