The Tiwi Island Rangers program, administered by Tiwi Resources and dedicated to land management and ecological research, is set to expand its operations and take on more staff through a multi-million-dollar commitment from the Barossa Aboriginal Future Fund (BAFF).
The Barossa Aboriginal Future Fund has been established by the Barossa joint venture partners Santos, SK and JERA Australia to ensure Aboriginal coastal communities in the Northern Territory benefit from Barossa LNG.
The partnership will enable Tiwi Resources to create more employment opportunities for rangers and upgrade their infrastructure and equipment – strengthening the Tiwi Rangers’ ability to care for country across both land and sea.
The BAFF funding will deliver a new Ranger Base at Wurankuwu (West Bathurst Island), along with a new vessel, vehicle and equipment. It will fund the employment and training of two new Tiwi Rangers, in addition to a Tiwi Supervisor, and an Operations Coordinator. The commitment also includes new staff accommodation at Wurankuwu, and two new Tiwi Rangers in Wurrumiyanga.
Santos Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Kevin Gallagher said the program is one of several NT initiatives selected after consultation with Aboriginal communities about their priorities.
“The expansion of the Tiwi Rangers program recognises the vital role Indigenous rangers play in caring for country,” Mr Gallagher said.
“During our extensive consultation and engagement, the Tiwi community told us that supporting and funding the existing ranger program would be of great benefit to the Tiwi Islands and its people.
“The program is funded by federal and territory governments, and the additional funding provided by the BAFF, which is a voluntary fund established by Santos and the Barossa joint venture partners, will make the Tiwi Rangers program even stronger.
“The purpose of the BAFF is to contribute positively to NT Aboriginal coastal communities and deliver intergenerational progress for Top End Aboriginal Territorians, building a better future for the next generation.
“Santos and our Barossa LNG joint venture partners are committed to real and practical action to help close the gap on Aboriginal disadvantage in the Northern Territory,” Mr Gallagher said.
Chair of the Tiwi Resources Board Alice Munkara said:
“The new agreement means a lot to us. It will create more jobs, including new rangers to look after the land, which is very important. It means more people can get to the land, and to their country, which means a lot.”
Wurankuwu Traditional Owner Ron Poantumilui said:
“As a Director and Chairman of my corporation, I am happy about the new Ranger Station at Ranku, which will create great new jobs and help get people back home. Thank you to Santos for supporting us and making this partnership possible.”
About the BAFF
The Barossa Aboriginal Future Fund is supported by the Barossa joint venture partners Santos, SK and JERA Australia. BAFF investments are aimed at improving community and homeland infrastructure and services as well as programs that enable Aboriginal people to maintain cultural practices and carry out cultural obligations, care for their country and establish pathways to skilled, well-paying, secure jobs and business opportunities.
The BAFF will also partner with:
- Keep Australia Beautiful to deliver waste management and education programs in Wurrumiyanga on the Tiwi Islands.
- Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation to fund the refurbishment of a new Larrakia Art and Culture Hub in Darwin CBD.
