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On-Country skills training for new generation of First Nations rangers
A customised program is supporting trainee rangers to learn skills on-Country in Yarrabah, Australia’s largest discrete Aboriginal community.
Overview
- The Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate Aboriginal Corporation (GMYPPBC) is working with TAFE Queensland to provide customised training to support the future generation of First Nations rangers.
- From 2021, the GMYPPBC has been successful in securing government funding to train and support First Nations peoples to successfully deliver not only environmental outcomes but also a variety of social, cultural and economic benefits for First Nations communities.
- In 2014, the GMYPPBC was recognised as Queensland’s Small Employer of the Year at the Queensland Training Awards, specifically acknowledging its delivery of the Trainee Ranger Program. Following this achievement, GMYPPBC progressed as a finalist in the Australian Training Awards and was selected as one of the Top 3 Finalists in the Small Employer of the Year category. At the Australian Training Awards Gala Event, GMYPPBC was honoured with the Gold Award and named the 2024 Small Employer of the Year.
Yarrabah Group
Based in Yarrabah, the GMYPPBC Aboriginal Corporation is a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation that employs 15 people, including a team of local Indigenous rangers.
As a standalone corporation, they have been managing land on behalf of the Gunggandji and Mandingalbay Yidinji native title holders land since 2013.
Opportunity
From 2021, the GMYPPBC has been successful in securing government funding to train and support First Nations peoples to successfully deliver not only environmental outcomes but also a variety of social, cultural and economic benefits for First Nations communities.
Initially, seven rangers employed by GMYPPBC were supported to achieve a Certificate III in Conservation Land Management.
Since December 2021, 15 trainee rangers and 10 Junior Rangers have achieved their Certificate I in Conservation and Eco Systems Management and 13 trainee rangers have achieved a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystems Management (AHC31424) , and participated in a series of complimentary training to support safe work practices and employability post completion of the traineeship.
To help combat high unemployment in the community, the traineeship program has been specifically designed to develop vocational and employability skills and provide the trainee rangers with a pathway to employment following the completion of the traineeship.
Solution
In partnership with TAFE Queensland and other service providers, the corporation delivers a wide range of nationally recognised and non-accredited training to prepare participants to undertake a range of environmental management activities.
One of the corporation’s standout achievements is its Indigenous ranger traineeship program, which it delivered in partnership with TAFE Queensland and MAS National. Trainee rangers enrol in Certificate I program to receive tailored training and mentoring support and progress through to a Certificate III.
The corporation delivers in-community, on-Country training in alignment with its strategic plan, supported by the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Management Program and the Queensland Government. The training model combines traditional knowledge with Western science to protect and care for Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples land and sea Country.
The traineeship program is tailored to enhance vocational and employability skills, offering trainee rangers a clear pathway to employment upon completion.
I applied for the GMYPPBC ranger traineeship because I wanted to take care of my country, while giving back to my Gunggandji people and the Yarrabah community. My trainee ranger roles with GMYPPBC have had a huge impact on my life and I have completed a wide array of accredited and non-accredited training, which have further developed my skills and capacity to manage my country.
Results
By the end of 2024, the Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate (GMY PPBC) has successfully supported 29 traineeship outcomes and 10 vocational training outcomes. Of these, five trainee rangers have completed both a Certificate I and a Certificate III qualification. Rangers who have completed their training have either gained employment with GMY PPBC, been supported to secure ongoing employment elsewhere, or continued with further education and training.
In 2024, the success of the program has seen the GMYPPBC recognised as Queensland’s Small Employer of the Year at the Queensland Training Awards and the Australian Small Employer of the Year at the Australian Training Awards.
In 2025, GMY Ranger Dion Sands stood out as a shining example of the program’s success, earning the title of the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year for his work toward a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management and diving qualifications. Dion’s achievement reflects a deep commitment to environmental care, leadership, and community service.
“It has been a pleasure to watch the GMY Rangers grow and develop a wide range of new skills and qualifications that can be applied in the field to achieve positive land management outcomes on Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji country,” said GMYPPBC Executive Officer Helen Tait.
Future Plans
GMYPPBC will continue to seek ongoing funding to support the GMY Ranger team, and create further employment and environmental outcomes on Gunggandji and Mandingalbay Yidinji land and sea Country.