Junior Rangers

Through the 2022-23 Budget and 2023 Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, the Australian Government is expanding the number of junior ranger sites delivered to First Nations secondary and/or primary students in locations across Australia. Activities will support students to engage with their schooling through a combination of classroom and on-Country learning.

This open, competitive grant opportunity will select providers to deliver junior ranger activities at up to 35 new sites in 2023 to end 2025. Initial funding agreements will be for up to three (3) years and may be extended. Preference will be given to local First Nations providers, including Indigenous Ranger Groups or First Nations providers with relationships with Indigenous Ranger Groups, where relevant. Applicants should also demonstrate support from Traditional Owners and partner schools to deliver activities.

Funded activities should boost school attendance and support participating students to complete their schooling. Projects can include school-based activities (as well as camps, excursions and field trips) involving land, sea, and natural resource management, environmental data collection, heritage related projects and cultural studies. Activities can also support students to gain relevant qualifications, such as Conservation and Ecosystem Management (Certificates I, II and III), Maritime Studies and Senior First Aid.