Four Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Rangers proudly represented the region at the recent Queensland Indigenous Women Rangers Network Forum in Cooktown (24 – 26 May 2022).
Acting Ranger Supervisor for Top Western Cluster Alice Manas, Boigu Ranger Ethel Anau, Mualagau Ranger Loretta Glanville and Mer Ranger Merelsa Wailu were among 60 participants from across the state.
The group’s presentation to the statewide forum promoted the important, ongoing work of local rangers from weed removal and coxswain training, to interagency partnerships and various land and sea activities in communities.
Rangers also participated in workshops including photography, drone training, creative activities, weaving, storytelling and heard from inspiring guest speakers.
Acting Ranger Supervisor for Top Western Cluster Alice Manas, 32, said the learnings would continue to guide on-country work.
“To say the experience was amazing is an understatement, I cannot express how much we have learnt from other female rangers across Queensland,” Ms Manas said.
“During the forum we got to yarn with other rangers about our achievements, share stories of strength to overcome challenges and celebrate our journeys so far.
“It was a privilege to share our achievements in a safe space with female rangers and showcase what we do in the Torres Strait.
“It was such a great experience and one our female rangers will remember forever,” she said.
The forum also included visits to the Laura and Yuku Baja Muliku Ranger bases at Archer Point.
Ms Manas said her family supported her journey to become a ranger.
“My parents always taught me that looking after land and sea is everyone’s job,” she said.
“It’s about leaving a legacy and I strongly encourage other women to become rangers, it sends a strong message that ‘we can do anything’.”
Did you know?
TSRA’s Ranger program supports up to 60 staff across 14 Torres Strait communities, providing employment opportunities for local people to combine traditional knowledge with conservation training to protect and manage land, sea and culture.
31 July 2022 is World Ranger Day – an opportunity to acknowledge the work rangers do to protect our planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage.
