Latest news from the IDA and the desert ranger network.

Ngaanyatjarra Rangers hosted the 2026 Southwest Desert Ranger Forum at Walu Outstation last month! The forum provided an opportunity for rangers across the southwest desert area to come together for training, to share knowledge and experience and build connections across ranger groups. Senior Ranger, Winston Mitchell said, "Yuwa, it was a good meeting and we gave a strong message about holding the Tjukurrpa and the country for the younger rangers. This was our message about looking after country for the young people."

More than $62 million in funding has been announced through Round 9 of the Aboriginal Ranger Program! The IDA has received $5 million in funding to carry on the Southern Deserts Right Way Fire Project. This is fundamental to continuing the support for cultural burning and land management across Western Australia's desert regions. Palya!

The Southwest Desert Ranger Forum is happening this week! Rangers from across the desert are coming together on Ngaanyatjarra Lands to learn, train and spend time on Country. About 60-80 people will join the forum, including ranger teams, Traditional Owners, the IDA team and special trainers who will teach important skills. This year's big focus is fire, so rangers can learn and share good way fire practices to look after Country. Stay tuned for more.

Lots of good things happening in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park this month to kick off Mulyamiji March! The Mala Rangers spent some time teaching the young Mutitjulu Maku Rangers what Mulyamiji March is all about. Mala Rangers taught the Maku mob how to survey for Tjakuṟa by spreading out in a line and looking for scats. Elder Malya Teamay also spent some time teaching the Mala and Maku Rangers his cultural knowledge of Tjakuṟa - an important part of looking after this significant species. Mutitjulu School have been participating in Mulyamiji March since its first year back in 2023, and have done some deadly work to keep the young ones engaged with looking after Tjakuṟa, like making posters about their threats, giving presentations to tourists and even making their own local Action Plan based on the National Recovery Plan!

IDA Board Member Wanda Miller was the recipient of the Perpetual Gladys Elphick Award this year! Wanda has a long history of advocacy and involvement in community affairs with the aim of improving the health and wellbeing of her people. She is also on the Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board. Palya Wanda! It is great to see her being recognised for her hard work.