Uncle Warren Foster Senior, a Yuin Djiringanj man, stresses the vital balance between embracing modern tools and honouring ancestral wisdom in the crucial task of caring for country. He believes that equipping younger generations with contemporary technology is essential for effective land protection, but this innovation must be seamlessly integrated with the deep-seated knowledge passed down by elders.
“The elders are the custodians of our country’s knowledge,” Uncle Warren explained. “They possess an intrinsic understanding of the land’s needs and the intricate management practices required to sustain it.” He emphasised the importance of passing this invaluable knowledge to the next generation, stating, “This is the way we’ve been doing things for thousands of years. However,” he added, “culture is not static; it is always evolving and moving forward.”
This powerful fusion of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge technology was a prominent theme at the inaugural Aboriginal Rangers Conference, recently held on the stunning New South Wales South Coast.
Bridging the Generational Divide with Technology
Uncle Warren shared his observations from the field, noting how younger rangers are now leveraging advanced tools like drones. “When we venture out onto country, many of the younger ones are utilising drones to survey the land, offering a fresh perspective,” he said. “This allows them to identify areas requiring immediate attention and understand the land’s needs from a different vantage point.” He underscored the profound cultural significance of this integration: “It’s incredibly important for them to learn this from a cultural standpoint because it reinforces their identity and connection to something much larger than themselves.”
A Collaborative Hub for Indigenous Land Management
The three-day conference, hosted in the picturesque location of Mystery Bay, was meticulously organised by South East Local Land Services (LLS). It served as a pivotal gathering point for nine distinct ranger groups, representing Local Aboriginal Land Councils that stretch along the South Coast, from the bustling region of Wollongong all the way down to Eden.
Sonia Bazzacco, a senior project officer with South East LLS, highlighted the conference’s core objectives: “This gathering is all about bringing these rangers together from across the entire South Coast, fostering an environment where they can learn from each other, share experiences, and draw inspiration.”
The intensive workshops covered a broad spectrum of essential land management practices. These included in-depth sessions on cultural mapping, effective weed and pest control strategies, the traditional practice of cultural burning, and the innovative application of technologies such as thermal drone surveillance.
“It’s crucial for these Aboriginal ranger groups to gain proficiency in utilising these new technologies,” Ms Bazzacco affirmed. “However, it’s equally vital that this is done in collaboration with elders, allowing for the harmonious integration of both traditional knowledge and modern techniques for the most effective management of country.”
Embracing the Future: Innovations in Land and Sea Country Management
A particularly engaging workshop focused on the cutting-edge use of thermal drones for nocturnal animal surveys. “A thermal drone offers a remarkably efficient way to survey wildlife at night without the need for direct capture,” Ms Bazzacco explained. “This is particularly invaluable for conducting surveys of vulnerable species like koalas, greater gliders, and other threatened fauna.”
The rangers also discovered that the capabilities of drone technology extend far beyond aerial observation. “We explored a fascinating new technology that allows us to monitor what’s happening in our sea country,” Ms Bazzacco revealed. “This is a significant advancement, especially considering that not everyone has the opportunity or ability to dive and observe these underwater environments firsthand.”
Virtual reality (VR) headsets also played a prominent role, offering attendees an immersive experience of exploring Indigenous cultural heritage sites without the necessity of physical travel. Angie Kelly, an LLS Aboriginal engagement officer, elaborated on the transformative potential of this technology. “For individuals who may not be able to physically visit and experience significant Aboriginal cultural heritage sites – such as ancient rock art, grinding grooves, or scar trees – VR provides an incredible opportunity to engage with these places in a virtual setting,” she stated. “Furthermore, it serves as an invaluable tool for preserving a snapshot in time. Should any of these irreplaceable sites face damage or deterioration, we will have a digital record embedded in history, ensuring their legacy endures.”
The Deep-Rooted Connection to Country
Bettina Ellis, a Walbunja ranger and active member of the Batemans Bay Aboriginal Land Council, recently completed her first year of the ranger course. Her motivation for joining the program stems from a profound love for her ancestral lands. “I’ve always been drawn to the outdoors and cherish my connection to country,” Ms Ellis shared. “I am eager to deepen my understanding of our surroundings, and importantly, to learn how best to protect and care for our land.”
Jade Hampson, also a fellow Walbunja ranger, resonated with Ms Ellis’s sentiments. “My primary goal was to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for responsible land management,” she explained. “There’s a fundamental principle at play here: if we take care of the land, the land will, in turn, take care of us.”
Ms Ellis expressed a strong desire to see more women step into ranger roles. “I encourage all women to get involved. The work we do is incredibly rewarding and diverse; no two days are ever the same, and it’s wonderfully challenging,” she enthused. “We undertake the same vital tasks as our male counterparts, with the exception of culturally specific responsibilities for women’s and men’s business. It’s a truly fulfilling and amazing experience.”
