“We’re working on country, which makes you feel really good inside,” said Glenn Jonas, an Aboriginal ranger from Gloucester.
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Glenn was speaking outside of TIDE (Taree Indigenous Development and Employment), his employer, in Taree on Thursday, May 3 at a funding announcement.
TIDE is the recipient of nearly $2 million to help with environmental rehabilitation and management projects across the region.
TIDE’s Working on Country Aboriginal Ranger program currently provides employment for for 10 rangers operating from Taree, Gloucester, Karuah and Forster.
“I’ve got nothing but respect for these guys and girls who’ve done an amazing job over the last eight years and I’m delighted to see that the funding has come through to keep the program going for another three years,” program manager Chris Sheed said.
“I’d also like to acknowledge our clients - National Parks and Wildlife Service, Local Land Services, Crown Lands, Landcare, Coastcare, MidCoast Council - there’s an enormous list of clients who we work for and we really appreciate the opportunities that are presented by them.”
Biripi man and CEO of TIDE, Uncle John Clark says the funding allows for certainty of continuing employment for the rangers, and will help their Junior Ranger program.
“We’re training up five young students from years 10 to 12; they’re doing this program through the high schools and after two years they’ll have a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management,” Uncle John said.
“Through the two years I hope to convince some of my partners to take them on full time when they finish.”
“By providing $1,944,433.63, Mid North Coast Aboriginal Rangers will be supported to undertake a number of important environmental projects across the region which will help see the protection and conservation of threatened species, marine systems and cultural places, while addressing environmental threats caused by feral animals, invasive weeds, marine debris and wild fire,” Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said at the announcement.
Julia Driscoll
Julia Driscoll has worked as a journalist for the Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Times for seven years. She values the deep connection with community that being a rural and regional journalist brings. Career highlights have involved environmental stories - bringing the plight of the little known endangered Manning River helmeted turtle to the attention of the public, resulting in wide-spread knowledge in the community and conservation action; and breaking the news of the Manning River ceasing to run for the first time in recorded history.
Julia Driscoll has worked as a journalist for the Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Times for seven years. She values the deep connection with community that being a rural and regional journalist brings. Career highlights have involved environmental stories - bringing the plight of the little known endangered Manning River helmeted turtle to the attention of the public, resulting in wide-spread knowledge in the community and conservation action; and breaking the news of the Manning River ceasing to run for the first time in recorded history.
