Caring for country and creating futures

In September, Dion was named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year at the Queensland Training Awards, after earlier being recognised for the same category in the Tropical North Queensland regional awards. Soon, he will travel to Darwin to represent Queensland at the Australian Training Awards – something he admits still feels surreal.

“Writing my nomination really made me think about how far I’ve come,” he said. “When I looked back at everything I’d achieved through training and work, it amazed me. Winning the award still doesn’t quite feel real – but it’s something I’m really proud of.”

Dion’s award reflects his growing leadership and technical capability as a ranger with the Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate (GMYPPBC) in Yarrabah – Queensland’s largest discrete Aboriginal community, located 60 kilometres southeast of Cairns.

The ranger team manages more than 8,500 hectares of land and sea Country, working to protect ecosystems, restore biodiversity, and maintain cultural landscapes.

“It really is the best job in the world,” Dion said. “We’re out monitoring seagrass, managing weeds, checking crocodile activity – every day we’re doing something that helps Country.”

Dion’s pathway began with a Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, progressing through Certificate II with Gunggandji Rangers through a school-based traineeship, and then completing his Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC31424) through a training partnership between GMYPPBC and TAFE Queensland.

The program is unique in the way it delivers learning: hands-on, on Country, and aligned to cultural and community priorities.

“Having trainers work with us here makes a huge difference,” Dion said. “They support you through the training, but they also check in afterwards – that means a lot.”

GMYPPBC Land and Sea Program Manager Patrick Wadey says the approach is powerful.

“You can’t separate skill development from connection to place,” he said. “TAFE trainers build trust, respect, and understanding first – then the training becomes meaningful.”

The partnership model has delivered impressive outcomes. Since 2021, the program has supported 29 traineeship completions and 10 further vocational outcomes, created employment pathways, and strengthened environmental management capability within the community.

The national recognition has followed: in 2024, GMYPPBC was named Australian Small Employer of the Year, honouring its ranger traineeship model and commitment to building future First Nations environmental leaders.

For Dion, this training is just the beginning. He sees his future firmly rooted in Yarrabah, continuing his role as a ranger while looking for ways to help shape the next generation.

“I’d love to mentor younger rangers and one day step into leadership,” he said. “We’re not just protecting Country – we’re protecting culture, knowledge and opportunity for the future.”

And while his upcoming trip to Darwin is an exciting milestone, Dion’s motivation remains grounded and clear.

“I just want to keep learning and keep giving back,” he said. “If my journey can inspire someone else to start theirs, that’s even better.”