The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has hosted a Noongar Ranger Forum at Nanga Bush Camp, bringing together ranger teams from across Noongar Boodja in a first-of-its-kind gathering focused on collaboration, knowledge sharing and caring for Country.
Held over three days in the jarrah forest, the forum brought together 50 Aboriginal Rangers from 14 Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA)-funded ranger groups. The event created a unique opportunity for groups—who often operate independently—to come together, share experiences and build stronger connections.
NLE CEO Alan Beattie said the forum marked an important milestone in strengthening relationships across ranger programs.
“Last week NLE was proud to host a Noongar Ranger Forum at Nanga Bush Camp, bringing together 50 Aboriginal Rangers from 14 DBCA-funded Noongar ranger groups from across Noongar Boodja,” Mr Beattie said.
“Over three days, rangers shared experiences, strengthened connections and discussed practical approaches to caring for Country. The forum created an important space for collaboration, learning and building a stronger network of Noongar ranger teams.”
Despite the competitive nature of funding structures, the gathering was defined by a strong sense of alignment and shared purpose, with participants focused on collective outcomes for Country and community. Throughout the forum, rangers explored common challenges, exchanged insights into land management and restoration practices, and identified opportunities for collaboration and future learning.
“Throughout the forum, rangers exchanged knowledge about land management and restoration and the challenges and opportunities facing ranger teams,” Mr Beattie said.
“The energy and commitment was inspiring, and the feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. It was clear that opportunities like this play an important role in strengthening the capacity of Noongar ranger groups and supporting long-term cultural and environmental outcomes.”
The final day of the forum focused on cultural burning, supported by Department of Fire and Emergency Services Cultural Fire Team, highlighting the importance of culturally-led fire management practices.
“The third day focused on cultural burning, with valuable support from DFES’s Cultural Fire Team, who helped facilitate discussions and practical learning around cultural fire practices,” Mr Beattie said.
“Cultural burning continues to be a key priority for many ranger groups, and the session highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing, partnerships and safe, culturally-led fire management.”
The forum provided a rare and valuable opportunity for peer-to-peer learning between ranger groups, reinforcing the importance of connection, shared knowledge and collective action in caring for Country.
“A big thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the forum such a success,” Mr Beattie said.
Through initiatives such as the Ranger Forum, NLE continues to support collaboration across Noongar Boodja, strengthening networks and building capacity to deliver long-term environmental, cultural and community outcomes.
