Ahead of International Women’s Day (8 March 2023), Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Rangers are celebrating being part of the award-wining Queensland Indigenous Womens Ranger Network which received the £1 million (AUD $1.8 million) 2022 Earthshot Prize for Revive our Oceans.
The Queensland Indigenous Womens Ranger Network is helping build the next generation of female Indigenous rangers with the knowledge, skills and conservation tools needed to better manage the Great Barrier Reef—including the northernmost and resilient reefs of the Torres Strait.
In 2023, TSRA’s female rangers are building on recent experiences and learnings following the first-ever Torres Strait Great Reef Census with Traditional Owners, TSRA Rangers and Sea Team, Citizens of the GBR and JCU TropWATER researchers, plus the Queensland Indigenous Womens Ranger Network forum in Brisbane in late 2022.
TSRA Ranger Planner – People and Country, Alicia Sabatino said it was important to use the momentum to challenge gender stereotypes and encourage more women to consider becoming rangers.
“The Earthshot Prize celebrates the contributions of First Nations female rangers in caring for land and sea across Queensland, including the Torres Strait, on a world stage,” Ms Sabatino said.
“We are proud to represent our region and be part of a statewide network of strong women, keeping Country strong.”
TSRA Acting Chairperson Horace Baira said channelling individual efforts into collective action was vital in responding to a changing climate.
“We can struggle with what can one person do but here in Torres Strait, but our communities, our people and rangers are showing the world how powerful community spirit can be in making local changes to adapt and be the future we envision,” Mr Baira said.
“It is inspiring to see the significant work being done locally by TSRA Rangers recognised globally, including efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef in our region.”
TSRA currently employs 8 female rangers – 20 per cent of its ranger workforce.
Keep an eye on www.tsra.gov.au or follow TSRA on Facebook for upcoming ranger jobs.
The Australian Government has also committed $15.9 million over four years (2022-23 to 2025-26) to establish the Torres Strait Climate Centre of Excellence under the 2022-23 Federal Budget to support a First-Nations led approach to climate resilience in the region.
