wula wula rangers

In 2025/2026 financial year, ALALC rebranded the ranger team to Wula Wula Rangers - meaning ‘water near shrub or bush land’.

This gave them an true identity for the nature of their work within the Awabakal boundary. It has been another successful year for the Wula Wula Ranger Team, with the team continuing to build on its experience through new projects, stronger partnerships with Government and Bindelong Aboriginal Corporation and has a shared commitment to Caring for Country.

Every project undertaken throughout the year has reflected the Ranger Team's commitment to Caring for Country, supporting community and delivering meaningful outcomes for Awabakal.

Whether restoring natural landscapes, protecting cultural heritage or assisting community members, the Rangers continue to demonstrate pride, professionalism and a strong commitment to the work they do.

STRENGTHENING THE RANGER PROGRAM

As the Wula Wula Ranger Program continues to grow, so too does the need for systems that support the work being carried out on Country.

Throughout the year, existing operational systems and work practices were strengthened to support safe, efficient and consistent service delivery. Improvements to workplace safety, compliance, operational procedures and resource management have provided a solid foundation for the team as new opportunities arise and ensure the Rangers are well equipped to deliver an expanding range of land management projects.

CARING FOR COUNTRY

The Rangers continued to deliver environmental restoration and land management projects in partnership with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Local Land Services. Key projects included weed management across the Hunter Estuary Wetlands, Stockrington and Kooragang Island, fire trail upgrades, and rehabilitation works at Glenrock State Conservation Area. These projects provided valuable  xperience in environmental restoration, erosion control and revegetation while continuing to strengthen the capability of the Ranger Team.

PROTECTING CULTURE, SUPPORTING COMMUNITY

Alongside land management, the Wula Wula Rangers continued to undertake Cultural Heritage Site Surveys across Awabakal Country, helping ensure places of cultural significance are identified, respected and protected. Although fewer survey opportunities were available this year, this important work remains a valued part of the Ranger Program.

The team also continued providing lawn maintenance services for Awabakal Ltd, supporting Elders to maintain safe and accessible homes. During the Christmas period, the Ranger Team also delivered a Christmas lawn maintenance initiative, providing additional assistance to community members who needed it most. Over 30 community members took up this initiative proving that our impact is needed.

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

Supporting the next generation of Aboriginal land managers remains an important focus for the Ranger Program. Building on the success of the School Based Aboriginal Traineeship (SBAT), the team welcomed two high school work experience students, giving young Aboriginal people valuable opportunities to learn about land management and Caring for Country.

The Rangers also began new initiatives to address illegal dumping across Awabakal Country, partnering with Lake Macquarie City Council and the New South Wales Land Council on environmental rehabilitation and on-ground improvements. This important work will continue into the coming year, supporting ongoing efforts to reduce illegal dumping and protect Country for future generations.

The achievements of 2025/2026 reflect the continued growth of the Awabakal Ranger Team and the important role they play in Caring for Country.

By protecting the environment, preserving cultural heritage, supporting community, and investing in future generations, the Rangers continue to make a positive contribution across Awabakal Country. With growing experience, strong partnerships, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, the Ranger Program is well positioned to continue building on its success in the years ahead. Our current project with Landcom marks a significant milestone for the team: after years of training in weed management, the Rangers have taken the lead on their first solo project, demonstrating the value of the team's ongoing investment in training. The project runs over six to eight weeks, targeting the eradication of invasive plants across multiple sites within a biodiversity stewardship area at Hillsborough.

We are also preparing for the Gayiyaba Land Management Project, set to commence at the end of 2026, which will focus on restoring the bushland and conserving culture within the precinct as its construction phase gets underway.

ALALC will commence training in on Country Management Certificate III in partnership with long term training partner Walan Miya which is our biggest cohort yet with six rangers signed up and will start before the end of 2026. This shows our strong ranger training program and ALALC’ s commitment to education of our community. In 2024 we had four rangers and 2025/2026 we had three rangers.

our ranger Team