On World Ranger Day 2025 (31 July), the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) proudly celebrates the contributions of 55 on-island rangers across one of Australia’s largest and most diverse ranger programs.
Working across 13 islands, TSRA Rangers play a critical role in preserving the cultural and ecological integrity of the Torres Strait – the northernmost tip of the Great Barrier Reef.
The region’s waters are home to six of the world’s seven sea turtle species and abundant seagrass meadows – earning the title of unofficial Dugong Capital of the World.
From land to sea, TSRA Rangers deliver projects from turtle monitoring to traditional ecological knowledge preservation in partnership with local communities.
TSRA Chairperson George Nona said TSRA Rangers worked in some of the most remote and unique parts of Australia – rich in language, culture and environmental treasures.
“Our rangers reflect the strength of our people and the wisdom of our Elders. They are land and sea custodians, knowledge holders, scientists and role models – preserving culture and biodiversity in one of the world’s most beautiful locations,” Mr Nona said.
“From inspiring children and working with Elders, to connecting traditional wisdom with western science, and showcasing conservation leadership in international ranger exchanges, TSRA Rangers continue to prove that local knowledge and global action go hand in hand.
“We honour TSRA Rangers not only on World Ranger Day but every day as they care for land, sea and culture.”
Award-winning TSRA Ranger Alice Manas said the ranger team was critical for preserving culture, traditions and the environment for current and future generations.
“Rangers are more than boots on ground, we help bridge a gap between traditional and scientific worlds, between governments and communities, between culture and conservation,” Ms Manas said.
“We wear our ranger uniforms with pride, knowing our work makes our families and communities proud and is creating a positive legacy in the Torres Strait.”
The TSRA Rangers started in 2009 with one ranger group on Mabuiag and has grown to 13 ranger groups across 14 Torres Strait communities (13 islands).
Eighteen female rangers now work across the majority of TSRA’s ranger teams – bringing unique perspectives, knowledge and lived experiences.
The TSRA Rangers team stands out not just for its size but also the diversity of its people, project and priorities.
TSRA Environmental Management Program Manager Dr Billie Roberts made the move from New South Wales to Queensland’s Thursday Island to be part of the world-class ranger program.
“TSRA has one of the strongest ranger programs in the nation with meaningful opportunities for rangers to help their communities drive decisions and achieve local aspirations,” Dr Roberts said.
“This ranger program is the only one of its kind in Australia – bolstered by an additional local team of 21 who bring culturally informed technical experience in fields including marine biology, environmental management and ecology.
“By blending deep cultural knowledge with scientific expertise, we are setting a national standing in caring for Country,” she said.
TSRA Rangers are part of local, national and international partnerships including contributing to the Great Reef Census, oil spill and disaster recovery with Maritime Safety Queensland, collaborations with the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and JCU TropWATER, and participation in the internationally acclaimed Queensland Indigenous Women’s Ranger Network plus ranger exchanges from Arnhem Land to the Solomon Islands.
About TSRA
Established on 1 July 1994, TSRA is a statutory body and the lead Commonwealth agency in the Torres Strait for Indigenous Affairs, operating under the direction of a community-elected board.
As one of the most remote Australian Public Service (APS) agencies, TSRA supports programs across the region, including for 17 inhabited islands of the Torres Strait and the communities of Bamaga and Seisia on the Northern Peninsula Area of mainland Australia.
This federal government statutory body of 150-plus staff includes a strong local workforce with 84 per cent of staff identifying as Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people.