Speaking up for desert Country: Desert Women Rangers Leadership Exchange

4 minute read

The 2023 Desert Women Rangers Leadership Exchange was an immersive opportunity for six women rangers from three desert ranger teams to develop leadership skills, connect with Victorian-based rangers, and enjoy the sights and sounds of south-eastern Australia. Lynette, Raewyn, Sumayah, Regina, Leonie, and Yvonne were selected from the Nyangumarta, Ngurrara, and Wiluna Martu Rangers through the IDA's Ranger Development Program.

Lynette, Sumayah and Yvonne admiring Koalas at at Philip Island Nature Parks Koala Conservation Reserve

Rangers walking down Hosier Lane Melbourne

"I've learnt, just like public speaking in general, not to be afraid, just you know talk with knowledge and with, always with smiles on your face."

Sumayah Surprise, Ngurrara Ranger

Sumayah presenting to students at Mornington Secondary College

Public speaking is an important skill for leadership and was a big focus on the exchange trip. After traveling from Bidyadanga, Fitzroy River and Wiluna to Melbourne, the women spent the first two days recovering from jet lag and preparing presentations for different audiences. Each team's presentation highlighted their work as women rangers in the desert. With their presentations finalised, they hit the road with Thin Green Line, the host organisation, to put their presenting and storytelling skills into action.

"So coming here is what I really wanted and sharing, you know, I want to build that leadership in me."

Lynette Wilridge, Nyangumarta Ranger

Lynette presenting to Narrap Rangers

Visiting the Narrap Rangers in Healesville facilitated a two-way exchange on caring for country. The Narrap Rangers, managing an area including Melbourne, shared their experiences of managing country in an urban environment. They were impressed by the desert women rangers' stories and the scale of the country they protected in Western Australia.

"Just teach them what we taught you know here, it's a different thing especially in the city, and we are sharing our knowledge to them, who we talk to."

Yvonne Ashwin, Wiluna Martu Ranger

Yvonne presenting to Narrap Rangers

During the week, the women delivered inspiring presentations to high school students at Mornington Secondary College and women rangers at Parks Victoria Women in Operations.

“A bit nervous but getting there"

Raewyn Wright, Nyangumarta Ranger

Raewyn presenting to Parks Victoria

A highlight was the yarning circle with Uncle Anthony and the team at Philip Island Nature Parks Koala Conservation Reserve. They discussed their roles as rangers and how they worked in differing landscapes. Later, they witnessed over 1500 fairy penguins returning to their chicks in the sand dunes.

The final public speaking event at Koori Place in Federation Square, with Lord Mayor Sally Capp, received positive feedback and prompted engaging questions. Feeling confident after a week of speaking up, the women joked about their unstoppable talking!

"Show them what I've been learning"

Regina Thirkall, Ngurrara Ranger

The Desert Women Rangers Leadership Exchange amplified the voices of women rangers and put the desert on the map. It resulted in growth in confidence, leadership, and public speaking skills for all participants. They felt more connected to the Australian conservation network and were inspired by their interactions with local Indigenous organisations in Victoria.

"For me this week, I came to learn and go back home and be a leader for my community…so that’s the reason why I come on this trip, to get more confidence."

Leonie Anderson, Wiluna Martu Ranger