Registrations for the 2026 IDA Conference are now open.

Register

Staying connected on Country with Starlink

2 minute read

Arabana Rangers have brought Starlink out to Arabana Country to help them stay connected on swing.

Desert rangers often spend extended periods of time out bush, doing their work to look after Country. "Out bush" might look different for different teams – some rangers live and work on Country, while others have ranger bases on Country they can travel to and work from.

The Starlink dish set up at camp on Arabana country.

For Arabana Rangers, it looks different again. There is no dedicated ranger base they can use, and the team are based in Port Augusta, a five-hour drive to where Arabana Country begins. 

"We all live in Port Augusta and based in Port Augusta so we do work nine days on five days off, so on our nine days we're pretty much up here on Arabana Country."

Tristan Stuart, Arabana Ranger

Being out bush in this scenario can be a double-edged sword, feeling connected to Country while feeling a sense of disconnect from home life. This is where Starlink comes in as a good tool for the rangers.

The Arabana team set up a projector at camp to watch the footy.

"I've got a son, a five-year-old son in Port Augusta ... we've got our Starlink so we can communicate to family back home."

Tristan Stuart, Arabana Ranger

With access to wifi anywhere they are working on Arabana Country, rangers can stay connected on their nine day swings, whether that means staying in touch with family and friends back in Port Augusta, using social media, or just keeping up with the footy!

Watching the footy on Arabana country.
Back to top
Share
View all stories

Warning: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away which may cause sadness or distress.