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Strengthening skills and connections: Wiluna Martu Rangers host cultural knowledge sharing camp for women

2 minute read

From planning itineraries, following safety and welfare procedures, budgeting, ordering camp provisions to ensuring the culturally right people are involved along the way, there are many operational tasks that go into preparing a successful on-Country ranger trip.

The longer the trip and the more people involved, the longer the ‘to do‘ list becomes for the organisers. But with many rangers skilled up in planning, logistics and teamwork, the jobs can be shared and made easier.

These planning and logistics skills can only be learned by doing, and this has been a priority for the women of the Wiluna Martu Rangers this year as part of their IDA supported Ranger Development Project. On a recent Wiluna women’s cultural sharing camp at Ululla with the Warburton Rangers, several rangers made a start on developing their event planning skills.

“It’s good all us ladies coming together to spend time learning”

Tiani Farmer, Wiluna Martu Ranger

The four-day camp, involving 26 women, enabled cultural sharing to take place between the Wiluna and Warburton women rangers. The camp was a big effort and a long time to organise, yet rewarding for the rangers who helped to experience rare moments of cultural learning across the generations.

“We’d like to host five other women’s teams now and share knowledge”

Annette Williams, Mantjiljarra Yulparirra Director

“It’s so good all the women being out at Ullula and the young one’s learning. Makes me sooo happy inside.”

Rita Cutter, Wiluna Martu Ranger

This eagerness to teach and pass on knowledge is matched with the Wiluna Martu Rangers aspirations to continue strengthening their skills for organising big on-Country cultural camps that are transformative experiences for so many women.

“I wasn’t sure about the camp at first, but now I know what it’s about, I am enjoying it.”

Heather Long, Wiluna Martu Ranger

Thank you to Lotterywest for supporting the IDA's Ranger Development Program.

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