Ranger Program Network Sessions

The IDA Network includes 29 desert-based Indigenous land management organisations – IDA members. The IDA keeps the network and desert region connected and discussing shared priorities by facilitating regular meetings and forums between rangers, coordinators, program managers and ranger program partners.

Sessions occur at the annual IDA Conference and continue at workshops held throughout the year. This ensures that Indigenous Ranger priorities are central to the work of the IDA. In addition, they act as a report back and evaluation for the IDA. This enables Rangers to track progress, redefine and refresh their priorities, and keep the IDA focused on our mission.

IDA Conference 

The IDA Conference is a major IDA network event and the largest gathering of Indigenous rangers in Australia. Rangers teams and their elders travel long distances to come together for the three-day IDA Conference to discuss regional matters and priorities. Past IDA conferences and other collaborative events are listed here.

Ranger-to-Ranger Sessions 

The IDA Conference includes Ranger-to-Ranger sessions, facilitated by IDA Indigenous staff, which enable rangers and elders to speak openly about their aspirations, concerns, and goals for the desert Indigenous land management sector. These Indigenous-facilitated sessions inform the IDA’s agenda over the following twelve months. The priorities are presented back to the conference on the final day. 

Ranger-to-ranger sessions are also facilitated during regional gatherings. For example, rangers have recently led a ranger-to-ranger session during an on-Country Malleefowl Workshop, and the South Australian Arid Lands Indigenous Ranger Gathering. 

Ranger Coordinator Catch Ups 

Ranger Team and Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) Coordinators are key positions in the desert, involved in the planning and facilitation of activities of Ranger groups on country. 

The IDA hosts regular sessions for coordinators to come together as a network to learn from and support one another. The sessions also provide opportunities to delve into a particular topic and discuss support needs.

Coordinators are often new to remote living and these sessions can help inexperienced coordinators seek advice from their broader peer group on work and life out bush. 

For members of the IDA Network who are interested in finding out more, please contact info@indigenousdesertalliance.com

Connecting Program Managers 

The IDA provides opportunities for Program Managers to share strategies, discuss processes and policies, as well as networking. The IDA is able to act as a conduit for shared concerns and advocate accordingly to relevant agencies that support the activities of ranger teams. 

The IDA’s Regional Support Program engages with program managers on a regular basis offering support such as field work, project development, project management, consultation, and ranger team coordination. 

Webinars 

The IDA hosts subject matter driven webinars to discuss Indigenous land management topics in depth and share information relevant to rangers and support staff. 

IDA webinars are online events that are informed, developed, and delivered with and for IDA members. Past webinars have been recorded and listed on the IDA Members Hub.