The Gulf Walk-About: Summer 2026

Keeping the community up to date

SUMMER 2026 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following publication may contain images of people who are deceased.

NEWS Queensland crocodile cull plan supported by some councils, slammed by conservationists Katter's Australian Party is proposing new legislation that would allow crocodile culls and safari style hunting trips in Queensland.

An inquiry into the bill has heard from local councils who say they are dealing with growing crocodile populations, as well as conservationists such as Bob Irwin who oppose the bill. Source: ABC Calls to protect Indigenous intellectual property from AI 'cultural theft' AI tools are rapidly generating First Nations art, stories and language without consent, raising alarms of “cultural theft.”

A recent mock ‘exhibition’ filled with ‘Indigenous paintings’ generated by ChatGPT and Midjourney highlighted the extent to which AI is threatening traditional practices.

Legal expert Terri Janke warns AI lacks cultural understanding and can misappropriate sacred imagery.

"AI has no Dreaming, it has no kinship, country, or cultural obligations," she said. "[It] doesn't understand cultural protocols about whether certain images come from places that need to be respected or whether it should make versions of them."

Governments are now reviewing laws to protect Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property in the age of AI. Source: ABC

Traditional fire practices reintroduced in North Queensland Traditional cultural burning has returned to Yuwibara Country in North Queensland for the first time since colonisation, marking a significant cultural and environmental milestone for the Yuwi people.

Following formal recognition as Traditional Owners in 2020, Yuwi Elders and rangers partnered with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to carry out a planned cool burn at Cape Hillsborough.

The practice uses low-intensity fire guided by seasonal knowledge to manage vegetation, reduce wildfire risk, and support ecosystem health.

Participants described the burn as culturally and emotionally significant, helping reconnect younger generations with traditional knowledge and strengthening ties to Country.

The revival of cultural burning reflects broader efforts to restore Indigenous land management practices and improve environmental outcomes through traditional ecological knowledge.

Source: ABC Flooding cuts off Gulf community for up to four months Doomadgee, a remote Aboriginal community in Queensland’s Gulf of Carpentaria, has been cut off by flooding for three months and is expected to remain isolated for up to four.

Food and fuel supplies are running low, with limited deliveries quickly exhausted. Residents face high prices and shortages of essentials, while fuel scarcity restricts access to bush food.

Community leaders are also raising concerns about the prolonged isolation’s impact on mental health. Source: ABC

Women-In-Fire training comes to Far North Queensland For the first time, Australia hosted the Women-In-Fire Training Exchange (AUS WTREX), taking place in Far North Queensland last May. The 12-day program was designed to bring together women and fire practitioners from across the globe to build skills, share cultural knowledge, and strengthen leadership in fire management.

AUS WTREX marks the 13th international event in the series but the first-ever held in Australia.

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Photo: Scott Morrison

Ewamian Rangers manage cultural values of Hot Springs From cattle country to cultural sanctuary: Talaroo’s next chapter At the heart of North Queensland’s Gulf Savannah lies Talaroo Station, home of the Ewamian Rangers and the iconic Talaroo Hot Springs. Visitors are drawn to this unique landscape not just for its natural beauty, but also for the chance to connect with Country cared for by its Traditional Owners. Now, an exciting new chapter is unfolding with the planned expansion of tourist facilities, including a multi-use trail for walking and cycling.

The trail will guide visitors through areas of deep cultural significance—past ancient scar trees, along riverbanks, and across land long impacted by past grazing practices. But this is no ordinary tourist development. Before a path was even mapped, the Ewamian Rangers carefully assessed the ecological and cultural risks and opportunities. Their aim? To ensure the trail brings benefits to Country, culture, and community alike.

Particularly significant was a burn near the firesensitive Hot Springs, removing old fuels that had built up over decades. By restoring these ecological processes, the rangers are also protecting fragile tea-tree vegetation and encouraging native species to return.

Feral pig damage, long a threat to the area, is being reduced as weed-infested pig habitat is cleared.

New boot brush-down stations will help prevent the spread of weeds by visitors, while educational signs along the trail will share the story of Talaroo’s transformation—from a cattle station to an Indigenous Protected Area. Through these efforts, Ewamian Rangers are inviting all who visit to walk gently on Country and become part of its healing journey.

Already, the project is delivering positive outcomes.

Traditional burn programs have been reintroduced, reducing wildfire risks and clearing out invasive weeds that once choked native habitat.

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Junior Custodians Our Junior Custodians boys camp was a big success. Everyone just got back from a two-night camp out on country. They learnt Gu Gu (language) from Moogai Qawanji, and visited the Imbala habitat to look deeper into plant and soil knowledge with senior ethnobotanist Gerry Turpin.

Build Mapping Skills to Protect Country Members of the Jawaiyaba Warra group recently spent time learning valuable mapping and spatial technology skills to support their work in caring for Country. Through hands-on learning sessions, the group explored maps, identified key cultural and environmental areas, and discussed priorities for protection and management.

This training strengthens local capacity to record and share traditional knowledge while using modern tools to safeguard important places for future generations.

A big thank you to Keerah Steele and Mahtsente Tadese for generously sharing your knowledge and supporting our mob on this learning journey.

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Brady Boys: Garina, Kawanji Jnr, Nathaniel, Mananji, Micha

Burning Our custodians/rangers led our first ever cultural burn on bubu. A hazard reduction burn was carried out around high significant areas — the butterfly habitat and Jawiyaba Manjal (Two Brother Mountain). Big appreciation to Streams in the Desert David and Maria Turpin for assisting with the burn.

Normanton rangers monitor mangroves on the Leichardt River

Protecting Country Since 2008

Normanton Land and Sea Rangers The Normanton Land and Sea Rangers have been working on Country since 2008, delivering vital conservation and land management programs across the Lower Gulf of Carpentaria.

Funded by the Queensland Government, the program was originally established as the Wild River Rangers Program before becoming part of the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers initiative in 2011.

The team of six full-time Rangers—all Traditional Owners from the Kukatj, Gkuthaarn, and Kurtijar Tribal groups—undertakes a wide range of activities to care for Country. Their work includes feral animal management, weed control, fire management, and wetland and biodiversity monitoring.

Importantly, these activities are guided by the cultural values and aspirations of Traditional Owners, as set out in locally developed Sea and Land Management Plans.

Protecting our rivers is necessary, water is life!

SUMMER 05

Kowanyama Rangers shine at Savanna Fire Forum Darwin - Indigenous leadership in Australia’s carbon and nature repair markets took centre stage at a major national gathering in Darwin this year, where Traditional Owners, rangers, scientists and policymakers met to shape the future of Indigenous-led land management and carbon projects.

The 2nd National Indigenous Carbon Forum (NICF) and the 8th Savanna Fire Forum were held on Larrakia Country from 24–26 February 2026, bringing together more than 500 participants from across Australia. The three-day event focused on strengthening Indigenous participation in carbon markets, improving fire and land management practices, and ensuring Traditional Owners have a central role in emerging environmental economies.

Hosted by the Indigenous Carbon Industry Network (ICIN), the forums highlighted the rapid growth of Indigenous carbon projects across the country and the increasing demand for frameworks that recognise Indigenous knowledge systems alongside Western science.

Strong Roots, Strong Futures Under the theme Strong Roots, Strong Futures, discussions centred on both the opportunities and challenges facing Indigenous communities involved in carbon and nature repair markets. Delegates shared case studies from savanna fire management projects, carbon farming initiatives, and cultural land management programs that are delivering environmental, cultural and economic outcomes.

A key message throughout the forums was the need to ensure Indigenous communities are not only participants in carbon markets, but decisionmakers in how those markets are designed and governed.

Traditional Owners and Indigenous organisations called for stronger investment in Indigenous-led carbon method development, as well as dedicated start-up funding to support new projects. Concerns were also raised about the need for free, prior and informed consent in carbon developments on Indigenous land, with leaders emphasising the importance of ensuring projects are community-led and culturally appropriate.

The Kowanyama Rangers shared insights from their savanna fire management work and on-ground experiences managing country, demonstrating how cultural knowledge and contemporary carbon methodologies can work together to reduce emissions while strengthening connections to land.

Their continued presence at the forum was widely seen as an example of the sustained leadership emerging from remote Indigenous communities, particularly in northern Australia where savanna burning projects are increasingly central to carbon reduction strategies.

Government and sector engagement The forum also featured participation from federal government representatives, including Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy and Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson, who acknowledged the importance of Indigenous leadership in shaping Australia’s climate and environmental policy agenda.

Across workshops and plenary sessions, participants explored a wide range of topics including savanna fire regimes, blue carbon, environmental planting methods, and the emerging “nature repair” market framework. Technical discussions were paired with cultural knowledgesharing sessions, reinforcing the role of Indigenous science in environmental management.

Growing influence in carbon markets ICIN noted that Indigenous participation in Australia’s carbon market has expanded significantly in recent years, with a growing number of projects registered under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme.

However, leaders warned that continued growth must be matched by stronger safeguards, longterm investment, and genuine power-sharing arrangements to ensure benefits flow back to communities.

As the forums concluded, a clear message emerged: Indigenous leadership in carbon markets is not emerging - it is already established, and continuing to grow in strength, scale and influence across the country.

Rangers share on-Country experience Among the Indigenous groups contributing to the forum were the Kowanyama Rangers from western Cape York, who attended and presented for the third consecutive year. Their participation highlighted the long-term commitment of their community to land and fire management, and the growing recognition of ranger groups as key players in Australia’s carbon economy.

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Kowanyama Rangers present at the 2026 Savanna Fire Forum

Tagalaka Rangers upskill in field training Tagalaka Aboriginal Corporation www.facebook.com/tagalakarangers Email: admin@tagalaka.comz

This year, the Tagalaka Rangers focused on building their skills through hands-on training. They concentrated on chainsaw safety and tree felling, essential for land management and habitat maintenance.

Rangers also learned how to install and use audio recording devices for Gouldian Finch research, a key part of their Work Plan with the Department of Environment, Science, Tourism and Innovation (DETSI).

Training took place on Ewamian Rangers’ Country at Talaroo Nature Reserve, providing valuable collaborative experience.

The SD cards from these devices will be sent to James Cook University (JCU), where experts will identify the calls of all animals in the area, helping to inform conservation efforts and protect local biodiversity.

“From red dirt to tall gums – the bush is our heartbeat.”

Blast from the past: Indigenous Landcare Program 2018

SUMMER 07

Water planning for people and Country Story by Lucy Graham, CAFNEC Cape York campaigner For the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC), water planning is not an abstract policy exercise. It defines how our future is shaped, whose knowledge is valued, and whether decisions made today protect people and Country in an increasingly uncertain climate.

WATER & COUNTRY

In recent years, the Queensland government has emphasised climate resilience and First Nations engagement in water planning. New legislation and policy intentions highlight science-based planning and recognition of cultural values. However, this important progress occurs within a water planning system still rooted in colonial frameworks. It treats water as a resource to be allocated, traded and ‘unlocked’ for development, rather than as a living system that sustains culture, ecosystems and future generations. This approach is exemplified by the State’s ‘Unlocking Water Project’, where political priorities influence planning.

For First Nations peoples, the consequences are profound. Water is not a commodity; it is culture, ancestors, and deeply spiritual. Rivers, creeks, springs and wetlands hold stories, lore, ceremony and responsibility. Traditionally, Traditional Owners decided how water was shared, protected and cared for, guided by deep knowledge accumulated over thousands of years. Those systems sustained people and landscapes through climatic variability long before modern water planning existed. Today, despite rhetoric about inclusion, Traditional Owners are still largely positioned as stakeholders to be consulted, not decision-makers with authority.

Across Queensland, these reviews are shaping futuredefining plans. Yet the overarching framing remains focused on making more water available for use, reflecting a persistent development narrative that privileges expansion over ecological and cultural constraints. Cumulative impacts across catchments are not adequately assessed, even as climate change, over-allocation and ecosystem decline place increasing pressure on rivers and aquifers.

Water planning continues to be framed around how development can proceed in a changing climate, rather than how water should be managed for Country, culture and community wellbeing. A futurefit approach would start from ecological and cultural limits, recognise water as a constrained resource, and allow all other uses to be shaped by these realities.

Without this shift, water planning risks locking in decisions that undermine resilience, entrench inequity and further distance Traditional Owners from authority over their own waters.

“Water is not a commodity; it is culture, ancestors, and deeply spiritual.”

Climate change makes this failure even more urgent.

Northern Australia faces greater rainfall variability, longer dry periods and more intense extremes.

Ignoring Indigenous knowledge which is grounded in observing, responding to and living with climate variability, is not just unjust, it is irresponsible.

Communities are already moving between extreme droughts and floods with little respite. Water planning continues to ask “how do we make more water available?” rather than “how do we manage water, society and ecosystems in a drier, more volatile climate?”

Planning for this future demands a fundamental shift.

Water must be prioritised for ecosystems, communities and culture. Water is a constrained resource, and all other uses, including industry, must respect these limits. Real water security will not come from bigger dams or more extraction, but from restraint, care, respect and acceptance that water is becoming less reliable.

CAFNEC is currently engaged in the Gulf Regional Water Assessment, the Gulf Water Plan review, and the Mitchell Water Plan review, and will engage in the Cape York Water Plan Review later this year.

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Mitchell River Delta 5 ways. PHOTO: Keery Trapnell

Originally published by The Conversation

Indigenous Australians are crucial to hitting our 2035 climate targets Story by Duygu Yengin, Andrew Taylor, Rohan Best and Ruth Wallaoe

That’s what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told a special climate summit at the United Nations in New York on Wednesday, as he shared Australia’s new 2035 climate target with other world leaders.

And the prime minister is right: climate change isn’t just a threat. It’s also an opportunity to do things differently – and more fairly.

As our research shows, First Nations people and Indigenous-managed land will play a crucial part if we want to hit our 2035 targets. But energy justice and sovereignty need to be central in our climate policy.

Our recent research, using two decades of Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey data and recent Energy Consumers Sentiment Survey data shows Indigenous households consistently struggle to consume the energy they need.

In 2023, more than 70% of Indigenous households reported energy stress — 15 points higher than nonIndigenous households.

Recovering from energy stress is hard. Our research shows that Indigenous households that had previously fallen behind on bill payments were 47 percentage points more likely to struggle again.

Having a rainy day fund of around A$4,000 can prevent a household falling behind. But Indigenous households often lack these reserves.

What’s the solution?

Two key challenges stand out: reducing energy stress, which we found is a significantly bigger problem for Indigenous households today, and ensuring self-determination in renewable energy or critical mineral developments on Indigenous land.

Unless we close the gap in energy stress, First Nations people will stay more exposed to the worst impacts of climate change. Looking overseas offers possible policy solutions.

Higher rates of energy stress

In Europe, for example, seasonal disconnection bans and minimum supply guarantees can prevent energy loss during crises. Emergency credits and automatic vouchers further protect vulnerable families.

Canada goes even further for Indigenous households, offering targeted bill support, home upgrades and retrofits.

For too many Australians right now, power bills are rising, their homes are too hot or too cold, and decisions about big energy projects can be made without local voices being heard.

That’s certainly true for many Indigenous households and communities, right across Australia. For those in remote communities, they can face harsh weather, poorly insulated housing, and reliance on expensive diesel power.

Prepaid energy schemes – where you pay for power in advance and the meter cuts off when the credit runs out – are common in remote communities and drive up disconnections, leaving households especially vulnerable during extreme weather.

But energy stress isn’t confined to remote communities. For the 85% of Indigenous Australians living in urban and regional areas, energy stress often goes unnoticed.

Canada also has a range of renewable energy and efficiency programs aimed at reducing dependence on diesel for heating and electricity.

Indigenous landholder sovereignty But Indigenous Australians are not just energy consumers – they are landholders. And land matters.

Meeting Australia’s net zero targets won’t just happen anywhere. According to research by Net Zero Australia, almost half (43%) of new renewable energy infrastructure – from wind and solar to transmission and storage – will need to be built on recognised First Nations land to get to net zero emissions by 2060.

Almost 60% of critical energy minerals projects already sit on land where Indigenous peoples have a right to negotiate. With pending native title claims, that could jump to nearly 80%.

Indigenous peoples hold the keys to Australia’s net zero transition – so should share the benefits fairly.

Read the full story in The Conversation.

Duygu Yengin is Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Adelaide and President of the Economic Society of Australia (SA), as well as Deputy Chair of the Women in Economics Network; Andrew Taylor is Associate Professor in Demography at the Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University; Rohan Best is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics at Macquarie University; and Ruth Wallace is Director of the Northern Institute at Charles Darwin University.

SUMMER 09

CLIMATE CHANGE

“If we act now and move with common purpose, then we can do more than just guard against the very worst. We can protect our environment and build a stronger and fairer economy for the next generation.”

introducing the ‘carbon rainbow’ ‘carbon Key Definitions

Carbon is often criminalised, when really it's the foundation of all life on earth! Today, initiatives like ACCUs are trying to incentivise responsible carbon management through financial markets; by implementing approved methods, like savanna burning, Traditional Owners and landholders can earn money while protecting their land and the planet.

ACUUs (Australian Carbon Credit Units) are a tradable financial product. They incentivise carbon reduction activities through projects ranging from reforestation to energy efficiency. One ACCU represents one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2-e) that would have otherwise been released into the atmosphere.

Savanna burning method allows projects to earn ACCUs by reintroducing controlled fire burning of savanna vegetation during the early dry season. This reduces the frequency and severity of fires in the late dry season, therefore reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

TEAL carbon stored by freshwater and wetland environments, such as marshes, swamps and peatlands

BLUE carbon stored by marine and coastal ecosystems, including seagrass meadows, tidal marshes and mangroves

PURPLE carbon captured from the air or industrial emissions (rather than newly-extracted fossil carbon) and then used in manufacturing processes, such as cleaning products

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the ‘good’ stuff: ways we can capture and reuse

GREEN carbon stored in plants, including forests, grassland and soil; projects can focus on cropping, grazing and soil to achieve more carbon absorbant ground cover

Turning ‘smoke and air’ into carbon units: advice from GSNRM Ag Officer, Julie Nicolosi Understand the method: Do your research to know whether you’re using savannah burning, soil carbon, or another method. Understand how credits (ACCUs) are earned and how they could be lost.

Check if it suits your Country: assess if the method actually fits your rainfall, soil, and vegetation. Some areas (like tropical savannah) may not gain much benefit because of high decay and low carbon storage potential.

Many carbon projects were written for more temperature climates, like south-east Queensland.

Think long-term: be prepared to manage the project for decades, some lock you in for up to 25 years Get the right help: make the most of any opportunity where you can train someone up, especially in a succession style system, like elders and the young people coming through. Use carbon projects to pass on knowledge. Invest in technical skills — monitoring, mapping, drones, or soil sampling.

the ‘bad’ stuff: emissions we’re pumping into the atmosphere

RED carbon released through particles on snow and ice that reduce how reflective the earth’s surface is

BROWN carbon released through incomplete combustion of organic matter (e.g., burning wood)

GREY carbon released during production, processing and transport (e.g., exhaust emissions from cars and factories)

BLACK carbon released through the burning of fossil fuels

SUMMER 11

Ngumari Waanyi Rangers Update from Waanyi Country

News Highlight: Boodjamulla National Park to reopen

The Ngumari Waanyi rangers care for Waanyi Country in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria. This includes Country surrounding Gregory, the Nicholson and Gregory River catchments, Lawn Hill, Riversleigh and Gregory Station.

More than two years after devastating floods closed Boodjamulla National Park, the park is scheduled to reopen on 4 July 2025 under a restored and improved visitor-infrastructure plan.

Let’s take a closer look at the work they do on Country: implementing an annual fire management plan to protect environmental and cultural values of Waanyi country increasing knowledge and protection, and improving the condition of cultural heritage sites reducing Weeds of National Significance (including rubber vine and bellyache bush) and associated improvement to the health of native vegetation communities controlling large vertebrate pests, with associated improvements to land and freshwater country including in biodiversity values and soil and water quality monitoring water quality, controlling erosion and monitoring and reporting contaminant risks and biosecurity threats identified in the Nicholson and Gregory catchments monitoring of native fauna including sawfish, freshwater crocodiles and estuarine crocodiles engaging with young people for knowledge transfer about cultural heritage and caring for country through on-country and school-based activities, including School of the Air.

The recovery has been overseen by the Boodjamulla Cooperative Management Council — a partnership between the Waanyi Native Title Aboriginal Corporation and the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI).

As part of the return-to-country process, Everyl Johnny, an Elder of the Waanyi People, will personally welcome visitors at Lawn Hill Gorge, offering cultural inductions and reflections on the flood’s impacts and the park’s significance.

The reopening follows a major $13 million investment by the Queensland Government to repair flood damage, rebuild water, sewage and power infrastructure, and install new visitor facilities at Lawn Hill Gorge.

The reopening marks not just a return to tourism but a renewed recognition of Boodjamulla as Waanyi Country — inviting respect for its cultural heritage and a shared effort to preserve its natural and cultural values.

Source: National Indigenous Times

We're here to look after all that area and country too, keep it going for the younger generations and teach them about it and how to look after country.

Terrance George

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threatened species update

d ne ate re th

Largetooth sawfish: an ancient predator in peril

Though they stretch up to seven metres long and brandish a blade of their own making, largetooth sawfish (Pristis pristis) have still found their way onto Australia’s threatened species list. Once widespread across northern river systems, this sawfish now survives in a few strongholds, including our region’s Gilbert and Mitchell Rivers. In fact, in September 2025, Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt raised the species’ threat of extinction level from vulnerable to endangered under nature laws. Their decline is less a reflection of biological traits (such as low reproductive rates), however, and more so the consequence of human interference.

Largetooth sawfish spend their juvenile years perusing inland rivers for easier access to food and less pressure from predation, while adults venture out to marine and estuarine areas. Regardless of whichever waters they occupy, these unique rays are highly vulnerable to disturbance (IUCN Red List, 2025): though their evolutionary advantages and adaptability once allowed the species to thrive in a variety of habitats across the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic, their range has shrunk dramatically in Australia (DCCEEW, 2025).

Threats stem mainly from habitat loss, barriers to migration, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Gillnets in particular have been cited for ‘obliterating’ aquatic life, evidenced by photos taken on the Great Barrier Reef showing as many as 13 sawfish fatally entangled in a single net (Australian Marine Conservation Society, 2023). Dams and weirs also pose complications by restricting access to upstream nurseries, and in extreme cases can create isolated pools that dry up and cause starvation. Additionally, the sawfish’s defining feature — a fzlattened rostrum lined with sharp ‘teeth’ — is a sensory organ, a hunting tool, and a quick bit of cash for illegal poachers. Biologically speaking, electroreceptors along the snout help detect prey hidden in sediment, while rapid side-to-side movements stun and slice fish or crustaceans (Australian Geographic, 2012). Science aside, however, the rostrum sells for hundreds of dollars, while fins are sold for thousands. As a result of these accumulative threats, the species is now listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and protected under Australian law.

Dulvy, N.K. (2016) DOI:10.1002/aqc.2525

For many Indigenous communities, the sawfish is also more than a biological rarity — it holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. In northern Australia, sawfish appear in Dreaming stories, rock art, and ceremonies that connect people to water and Country. Some accounts have even identified the sawfish as a family totem (Save our Seas Foundation, 2019).

Though there are limited actions we can take to prevent this species from slipping into extinction, tightened fishing regulations (such as banning gillnets and monitoring vessels) could help to curtail their rapid decline (Australian Marine Conservation Society, 2025). If a sawfish ever finds its way into your net, be sure to leave it in the water and let it go! Report your sighting to Sharks and Rays Australia (SARA): www.sharksandraysaustralia.com/report-your-sighting/

threat of extinction

extinct

conservation dependent

distribution

ban fishing nets in high risk habitats improve fishing regulations (to protect against illegal trade of rostrum)

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other sawfish species in Australia

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least concern

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SUMMER 13

Guardians of the Gulf: Gangalidda Garawa Rangers

A world apart Since their establishment in 2008, the Gangalidda Garawa Rangers have stood at the forefront of caring for Country in Queensland’s far northwest. Based in Burketown—some 430 kilometres from Mount Isa— this dedicated team of Traditional Owners manages vast landscapes stretching from the Leichhardt River to the Northern Territory border. Supported through both the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers Program and the federal Working on Country Program, the rangers play a vital role in preserving the rich cultural and natural heritage of the southern Gulf of Carpentaria.

On any given day, these rangers might be tackling the spread of Weeds of National Significance, controlling feral animals, patrolling beaches for marine debris, or monitoring native biodiversity and vegetation. Their work not only protects the land but strengthens communities, with the Junior Ranger Program inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards in local schools.

CLCAC leaders shared their feral animal management expertise at the March 2025 National Feral Pig Conference, highlighting years of work across the lower Gulf. CLCAC continues its national role through the Feral Pig Action Plan Committee and as Chair of the National Indigenous Advisory Committee.

Our role on Country Perhaps most notably, the Gangalidda Garawa Rangers are respected leaders in fire management. Their Gulf Savannah Fire Management Guidelines set the standard across the region, offering detailed prescriptions for 13 distinct land types. These guidelines are helping deliver outcomes that benefit biodiversity, reduce the risk of wildfires, support carbon abatement efforts, and enhance pastoral productivity.Today, 10 full-time rangers and one trainee—employed by the Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (CLCAC)—continue this important work, blending traditional knowledge and modern science for the long-term benefit of both Country and community.

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Dungan tours: Bungaru branches out

Joe and Dungan Tours to feature on ‘Going Places with Ernie Dingo’ Uncle Joe and the Dungan Tours crew have been interviewed for an upcoming episode of Going Places with Ernie Dingo, set to air on NITV. The popular series follows Uncle Ernie and a team of down-to-earth presenters as they travel across Australia, dropping into towns big and small to uncover the stories that make each place unique.

The episode featuring Uncle Joe will shine a light on local culture, community spirit, and the special connection to Country that Dungan Tours shares with visitors. With its mix of stunning landscapes, warm yarns, and real Aussie hospitality, the series continues to celebrate what makes our communities feel like home.

The group meets at 6pm every Wednesday at the Aboriginal Christian Fellowship, Yumba, Mareeba.

The Bungaru Men’s Group continues to make a positive impact through its fundraising efforts, supporting activities and camps that bring men together to heal, share, and yarn about their challenges.

Under the dedicated leadership of founding member and chairperson Joseph Callope, who has guided the group for the past seven years, Bungaru Men’s Group has built strong relationships, meaningful programs, and lasting community connections. Joseph’s commitment has been instrumental in linking key organisations with the group, creating opportunities for growth, support, and cultural wellbeing across the community.

SUMMER SUMMER 15 15

Gulf Young Warriors Celebrating achievements of young people in the Northern Gulf region

Carl Doug Jnr.las

What dreams are made of Young Bullrider Shines at Gordonvale Show Eleven-year-old Carl Douglas Jnr took out the top title at the 2025 Mini Bullride in Gordonvale, riding with pride, courage, and cultural strength.

A proud Kokomenjena, Tagalaka and Kunjen boy from Kowanyama, Normanton and Croydon, Carl was inspired to ride after watching his uncles and brothers. His biggest heroes were cousin-brother Travis Koolatah and the late Paddy Possum.

“I looked up to them with pride,” Carl said.

Before every ride, Carl shares a quiet prayer behind the chutes with his dad. “I never fear the bull,” he said. His confidence and focus impressed the crowd and judges alike.

When he’s not training, Carl loves going hunting and gathering with his family — staying connected to Country and culture. Carl's win is a powerful moment for his community and a reminder of the strength and spirit young First Nations riders bring to the sport. Keep an eye out — this young cowboy is just getting started.

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STEM for kids

Balloon-Powered Car Force & Motion

GOAL: Build a car that moves using air from a balloon as its only power source.

DESIGN RULES: The car should be sturdy and stay together.

It should move in a straight line.

It should travel as far as possible.

MATERIALS:

🎈 Balloon 🥤 1–2 straws 📦 Cardboard or small plastic base (approx. 4–5" x 2–3") 💿 4 CDs or bottle caps (wheels) 🍢 Wooden skewers (axles) 🩹 Tape and scissors 🔩 Small screwdriver or nail (for wheel holes)

EXAMPLE 1

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Make the base: Cut a rectangle of cardboard (4–5" x 2–3").

2. Add axles: Tape two straws across the underside of the base.

3. Make wheels: Poke small holes in each CD or bottle cap for the skewers.

4. Assemble wheels: Slide skewers through straws, then attach wheels on each end (you can use disks, bottle caps, or whatever you think might work - experiment!).

5. Attach the balloon: Stretch the balloon, then tape it securely over one end of a straw to make an airtight seal. Tape the straw to the top of the car so it points backward.

6. Inflate and test: Blow up the balloon through the straw, pinch it shut, place the car on a flat surface, and release!

7. Watch your balloon car zoom forward using only air power!

💨🚗

EXAMPLE 2

source: Science Buddies

SUMMER 17

Making Tracks Promoting Bama Business

CONTACT: reception Mobile: 07 47455111 E-mail: bookings@yagur li tours.com.au 68 – 69 Musgrave Street, Bur ketown Queensland 4830

Yagurli Tours Yagurli, meaning “fish” in Gangalidda, offers fishing charters, 4WD adventures, cultural tours, stargazing, storytelling, and sunset river cruises on the Albert River.

CONTACT: Joe Callope Mobile: 0457 593 237 E-mail: dungantours@outlook.com

Dungan Inner Circle Tours Join a guided walk on Wakaman Country, where tracks and art share the stories of Wakaman culture.

Discover our special places as we explain the deep connections and traditions that link us to this fascinating landscape.

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CONTACT: TAIT BRAGDON Mobile: 0423 67 7 895 E-mail: t ai tbragdon@gmail.com Facebook: Mareeb a Zen Do Kai Karate 68 – 69 Musgrave Street, Bur ketown Queensland 4830

Kanguru Warriors Martial Arts - Zen Do Kai in Mareeba offers expert training in Karate, Taekwondo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Ecological Society of Australia presents

International Society of Ethnobiology Congress 2026 Theme: Indigenous and Local Knowledge Connections: Honouring Heritage and Innovation

26 - 29 July 2026, Pullman Cairns International

Scan the QR code to register Note: earlybird registration closes 26 May

SUMMER 19

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