Training and capacity-building for the Midwest Aboriginal Ranger Project is well underway with the Gunnado Aboriginal On Country Training team recently starting work at Geraldton Streetwork Aboriginal Corporations’ (GSAC) Gunnado farm in Walkaway.
The focus of this particular part of the Midwest Aboriginal Ranger Project is to upskill young Aboriginal people in Conservation and Land Management in undertaking conservation works in the region.
The team of young Aboriginal participants will learn valuable environmental and cultural heritage skills and knowledge, while at the same time doing much needed on-ground conservation work. At present, 10 participants are enrolled in the Gunnado team.
NACC Aboriginal Participation Program Coordinator Bianca McNeair said that NACC is thrilled to be once again working with our partners at Geraldton Streetwork Aboriginal Corporation (GSAC) and Central Regional TAFE to create opportunities for Aboriginal youth to build their knowledge and skills, with an aim of gaining long-term employment in conservation and land management.
Visiting @NACC_NRM On Country Training team (part of Midwest #Aboriginal Ranger program) at Gunnado. Shadehouse erected with @CRTAFE_BCMI! pic.twitter.com/qNj0KZeLXU
— Rolan (@RolanDeutekom) October 12, 2017
Gunnado farm has been a cultural teaching place for many Aboriginal youth.
Many of the participants have grown up in the Geraldton area and have a long-term commitment to GSAC and Gunnado farm. and are proud to have the chance to give back to the place that nurtured them when they were younger.
GSAC Operations Manager Merrilyn Green said “It is important for our young people to have these opportunities to learn, and to gain employment on Aboriginal country.”
Last week, NACC staff Greg Burrows and Rolan Deutekom visited the team at Gunnado Farm where the team was preparing for the bush fire season by mowing and slashing long grass, and restoring a shade house for future native plant propagation for planned revegetation activities.
The Gunnado Aboriginal On Country Training team and Midwest Aboriginal Ranger project is supported by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.
