04 RANGER NEWS
THURSDAY 30 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS
Celebrating 10 years: TSRA Rangers finds their true calling Laura Pearson is celebrating more than a decade of caring for land and sea with the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA). She never expected to become – and love – being a ranger. After graduating from
high school in Cairns, Laura considered a navy or marine science career, but at the request of her parents returned to her home community of Warraber at the age of 17. While raising her children, she joined TSRA as one of the first
female rangers in 2012. She became the Central Cluster Senior Ranger Supervisor to oversee eight staff across the islands of Poruma (Coconut), Iama (Yam) and Warraber (Sue). Proudly Kulkalaig
When sori time come, wherever you are Waibeni Indigenous Funeral Services Are here for you 24/7
Every yawor blo ume em difrnt For help with funeral arrangements for your loved one, contact your local funeral company on Thursday Island. Phone: Barry - 0499 320 990 www.wifs.com.au
(Central cluster), she credited her family as her motivation, with both parents respected Elders in the Kulkalgal region, and cultural advisors and mentors to the community of Warraber. “When you have strong support from families, communities and being brought up with brothers you will have the mentality that ‘I can do this’ – male or female – we are at the same level,” Ms Pearson said. “There is a cultural expectation that women can’t do this type of work, but I have the skills and qualifications to do what the men are doing. We as women know our limits, but we set the limits, no one else. I have strong people on both sides of my family, including strong grandmothers, aunties, grandfathers and uncles who know the seasons and tides. “They were prepping us for the future back
then, even before the Torres Strait had an international shipping lane or the phrase ‘climate change’ was around.” Laura said she looked up to Larissa Hale and the Queensland Indigenous Women Rangers Network for motivation. “It is inspiring to see women leading activities On Country around Cooktown, including traditional burning, stories in art work and turtle rehabilitation for the betterment of First Nations people,” she said. “TSRA has invested in us with training to complete our jobs safely and in using our traditional knowledge together with research databases. “We are supported to grow a better understanding of how both worlds – traditional knowledge and Western science – work hand in hand to achieve better
outcomes for the natural and cultural resources for the Torres Strait. “My favourite part of this job is helping people, including Elders to revive our language, cultural practices and maintain our culture knowledge, as we face climate change impacts. “We explain what’s happening and reassure them we are doing our best to protect and maintain our islands and cultural knowledge. “I want my great, great grandkids to enjoy what I’m experiencing now in this world.” The proud mother of two hopes more parents and caregivers – especially women – consider ranger careers. “We have to be there through thick and thin for the development of our future. Not just my family, or your family, but the future of all Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people,” she said. “Go for it, if
you’ve been thinking for a few years now, just put your name in and apply. “You will grow, and you will glow in your community with a supportive team ready to back you up. You’re never too old to learn new things, new skills and gain understanding. “There is always a right time and a right place, be yourself and ready to challenge yourself for this may be your calling.” To young women, she offered the same advice she gave her now 19-year-old daughter – a top recruit in her navy cohort. “Finish school and aim high to represent your family, your island and your people,” she said. “My daughter is living her dream and also fulfilling mine.” Love caring for land, sea and culture? Be a TSRA Ranger. Apply by Sunday 2 April 2023 at
https://tsra.nga.net.au
www.wifs.com.au Phone: Barry - 0499 320 990 Thursday Island. contact your local funeral company on for your loved one, For help with funeral arrangements Every yawor blo ume em difrnt
Are here for you 24/7 Funeral Services LOVE CARING FOR Indigenous Waibeni
LAND, SEA AND CULTURE?
When sori time come, wherever you are
BE A TSRA RANGER!
We are seeking: Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people for exciting roles On Country. You must have or apply for: A Blue Card (Working with Children). Benefits Full-time job Salary starting $48,862+ Official ranger uniform 15.4% superannuation Remote locality allowances Paid training Option to join Ranger Dance Team
Apply by Sunday 2 April 2023. 4069 0700 human.resources@tsra.gov.au
Go to tsra.nga.net.au
LAURA PEARSON: “We as women know our limits...but we set the limits, no one else.” Pics supplied.
Aaron enjoys ‘best job in the world’: caring for Torres Strait land and sea Congratulations also go to Aaron Bon for his 10 years of working with TSRA’s Land and Sea Management Unit. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’ve got the best job in the world!” Mr Bon said. “I started back in 2013 as a Trainee Ranger, then Ranger on Mer, Senior Ranger on Mer, Ranger Supervisor, Senior Ranger Supervisor and now Acting Operations Manager. “I’ve learned a whole lot, made so many friends, discovered family I didn’t even know I had. “I put my heart and soul into the work that we do and can honestly say my blood,
AARON BON: “I’ve got the best job in the world.” Pic supplied. sweat and tears goes into this job. “I’ve made so many memories doing what I love and I want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way.
“Au Esoau for the advice, guidance, encouragement and good times.” Love caring for land, sea and culture? Be a TSRA Ranger.
Apply by Sunday 2 April 2023 at https:// tsra.nga.net.au
For more information about the TSRA visit www.tsra.gov.au or follow us on Facebook.
