WWF-Australia is proud to receive Lotterywest support for our conservation work in the Kimberley. Since 2017, Lotterywest have been the primary funders of the Kimberley Indigenous Ranger Threatened Species program. A second Lotterywest grant of $2.2 m in 2019 will help WWF-Australia and partners to reduce the threats affecting six culturally significant species in the Kimberley. 

The grant will allow WWF-Australia to continue vital work to protect threatened and culturally significant species in two bioregions, Dampierland and the North Kimberley. Species include the Nabarlek, golden bandicoot, Gouldian finch, Wiliji, spectacled hare-wallaby and northern quoll. These species face threats including fire, invasive species, and other challenges in undertaking conservation in the Kimberley. The work also includes capacity building activities among Ranger groups and the development of the Indigenous Women’s Rangers Environmental Network (WREN) for the Kimberley. 

WWF-Australia is collaborating with 9 partners for the conservation project including the Kimberley Land Council (Nyul Nyul Rangers and Bardi Jawi Rangers), Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation (Dambimangari Rangers), Nyamba Buru Yawuru Aboriginal Corporation (Yawuru Country Managers), Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation (Nyikina Mangala Rangers), Wilinngin Aboriginal Corporation (Wungurr and Nyaliga Rangers), and Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation (Uunguu Rangers).

Meet some of the Indigenous Rangers we are working with thanks to the support of Lotterywest:

The bottom line

Through the support of Lotterywest, this work will facilitate the use of innovative and scientific approaches to conservation that are grounded, guided and owned by Traditional Owners. 

Over three years, the project will build on existing knowledge and data to ensure that no mammal or bird species becomes extinct on land managed by Traditional Owners. This will be achieved by prioritising efforts where they are most needed and testing and scaling innovative approaches to conservation. 
 

"The Kimberley's remoteness has created a haven that supports species found nowhere else in the world. This grant will help an amazing alliance of organisations combining Indigenous knowledge with modern technology to protect the spectacled hare-wallaby and other precious animals for generations to come. The grant will also support the conservation efforts of Indigenous rangers, both women and men."

Dermot O'Gorman visits the Kimberley with WA Minister Stephen Dawson and Lotterywest CEO Susan Hunt, hosted by the  Yawuru Country Managers.