GKB Impact is proud to announce the formation of the first Women’s (Yorga) Ranger Team in the South West of Western Australia. This pioneering initiative marks a significant milestone in empowering Indigenous women and promoting caring for country within the region.
The Yorga Ranger Team, composed entirely of dedicated and passionate Indigenous women, will play a crucial role in preserving and protecting the unique ecosystems and cultural heritage of the South West. Their work will encompass a wide range of activities including indigenous-led land management, biodiversity conservation, cultural site protection, and community engagement.
Empowering Women, Protecting Country
The establishment of the Yorga Ranger Team is a testament of commitment to foster greater inclusion and representation within the conservation sector, in what is traditionally a male-dominated industry. By empowering Indigenous women through dedicated and genuine capacity building initiatives, the program aims to support self- determination and resilience, ensuring that traditional knowledge and practices are integrated into modern conservation approaches.
A Collaborative Effort
This initiative is made possible through the funding provided by the National Indigenous Australian’s Agency (NIAA) to the Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation, who shares a common vision of female participation in sustainable land management and cultural preservation.
Quotes:
“We are thrilled to welcome the Yorga Ranger Team to our GKB family, and the broader ranger team. Deep knowledge in caring for country has been formed over 60,000+ years, and this team will significantly contribute to improved land management across the region,” said Jackie Parker, CEO of GKB Impact.
“Deepening our knowledge of country across the Gnaala Karla Booja region is a true privilege. It provides us with the opportunity to expand our technical skills and put into practice our formal diverse training and experience.” said Sandra Derschow, Yorga Ranger Coordinator, having just returned from a cultural burning project within the region.
About GKB Impact
GKB Impact is the commercial subsidiary of the Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation, with designated cultural authority across the Gnaala Karla Booja Indigenous Land Use Agreement area in the South West of Western Australia. GKB Impact’s mission is to create sustainable economic empowerment and support self- determination throughout the membership, and the wider Noongar community, through employment, enterprise, and capability growth. GKB Impact works across multiple industries, including the heritage, business and land management sectors.
Contact:
Jackie Parker
CEO
GKB Impact
08 6717 0010
Jackie.parker@gkb.org.au
www.gkbimpact.com.au