NSW Aboriginal Land Council has engaged TAFE NSW to deliver training to Aboriginal high school students participating in its landmark Junior Rangers’ Program, including programs at Lightning Ridge and Armidale.
The program is a culturally grounded initiative designed to connect young people with Country, culture and education and is the largest national junior ranger program.
Through this engagement, 75 students will achieve a Statement of Attainment in Aboriginal Site Works and Environmental Observation, marking the first time the nationally recognised accreditation course has been offered to school-aged participants through a community-led environmental education program run by NSWLAC.
Delivered by NSWALC, and funded under the Children and Schooling Program, the NSWALC Junior Rangers Program operates across seven regional communities, including Armidale, Dubbo, Lightning Ridge, Menindee, Orange, Trangie, and Wentworth.
The Menindee Junior Ranger Program was not a part of the TAFE NSW training.
The initiative integrates Australian curriculum subjects with practical, on-Country learning experiences, blending classroom education with traditional knowledge to foster deeper cultural connection and academic engagement.
NSWALC chair, councillor Raymond Kelly, said the accreditation milestone represents a major step forward in creating pathways that honour both cultural identity and academic achievement.
“This engagement with TAFE NSW is a powerful example of what’s possible when cultural knowledge and formal education come together,” Cr Kelly said.
“For many of these students, this will be their first nationally recognised accreditation – one that acknowledges the value of their connection to Country and the skills they’re developing as future custodians of the land.
“It’s about creating pride, opportunity, and choice for young Aboriginal people. I am looking forward to seeing what these people can achieve in the future.”
TAFE NSW Director Aboriginal Engagement and Student Support, Andrew Higgins, said this engagement aligns with TAFE NSW’s commitment to Closing the Gap through expanding access to culturally relevant education and training.
“We’re proud to collaborate with NSW Aboriginal Land Council to deliver a course that builds practical environmental skills and celebrates cultural learning and leadership,” Mr Higgins said.
“By embedding place-based Aboriginal perspectives in this course, we’re helping create pathways for students to continue into further study or employment, while maintaining a strong connection to culture and community,” he said.
Students from Orange, Lightning Ridge and Dareton have already graduated with their Statement of Attainment.
Dubbo and Armidale locations are scheduled over the coming months.
“The NSWALC Junior Rangers Program is already making an impact in schools and communities across New South Wales, strengthening cultural pride, academic achievement and environmental understanding among Aboriginal youth,” Cr Kelly said.
For more information, visit Junior Rangers Program.
