Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples PBC

15/09/2026

GMY Junior Ranger Team Leader Inspires the Next Generation of Ranger Trainers

GMY Junior Ranger Team Leader Stirling Ludwick was recently invited by QILSRP to speak with participants in Round 3 of the Ranger to Trainer Program, sharing his experience with the 14 rangers currently undertaking the course.

Having successfully completed the program in 2025, Stirling provided a firsthand perspective on the challenges and rewards of gaining a TAE (Training and Assessment) qualification. He offered practical advice and encouragement to participants as they work through the course and tackle their assessments.

The session gave participants the opportunity to hear from someone who has recently completed the program and understands the commitment required to balance study, work and other responsibilities. Stirling's journey demonstrated how dedication and perseverance can create new opportunities while helping strengthen skills and leadership within ranger programs.

The Ranger to Trainer Program, facilitated by QILSRP and delivered by RAM Training Services, supports rangers to develop the skills and confidence needed to become trainers and mentors in their communities.

Stirling's success is a testament to the value of the program. This Saturday, he will travel to Brisbane as a finalist in the Queensland Training Awards, where he is in the running for the 2026 Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year award.

We are proud of Stirling's achievements and grateful to QILSRP for inviting him to inspire the next group of Ranger to Trainer participants.

👏 Good luck, Stirling. We know you'll represent GMY and our Yarrabah community with pride! 🌿🎓

RAM Training Services - RTO #31701
Queensland Environment
Skills for Queensland

10/09/2026

💛 R U OK? Day & March | Yarrabah 💛

Today our GMY Rangers and Junior Rangers came together with the Yarrabah community to take part in the R U OK? Day March — a great reminder of the importance of checking in, starting conversations and looking out for one another. 💛

It was wonderful to see our Rangers and young people standing together and showing their support for mental health, wellbeing and a stronger, more connected community.

A special thank you to Karren and the team at Gurriny for coordinating today’s event and bringing everyone together. 👏🏽💛

Remember, a simple “Are you OK?” can make a difference. 🌻

R U OK? — every day, every conversation, every connection. 💛

Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation
Yarrabah State School

03/09/2026

🌿 GMY JUNIOR RANGERS COMPLETE THEIR FINAL TAFE UNIT! 🌿

What an incredible achievement for our GMY Junior Rangers, who have now completed their final TAFE unit for their Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management! 🎓👏🏽

Working alongside Julie from TAFE Queensland Cairns, the Junior Rangers completed their final unit, Ecological Restoration, learning about the important role restoration plays in caring for and protecting Country. 🌱🌏

As part of their assessment, the students got hands-on experience planting trees, putting their learning into practice. 🌳💚

It was a great opportunity for our Junior Rangers to learn more about native vegetation, healthy ecosystems and why restoring damaged areas is so important for the future of Country, culture and community.

A huge thank you to Julie and TAFE Queensland for supporting our Junior Rangers throughout their training and creating opportunities for them to learn both in the classroom and on Country.

We are so proud of our Junior Rangers and everything they have achieved throughout their Certificate I journey. Deadly work, Rangers! 👏🏽🌿

🌱 Learning. Growing. Caring for Country. 🌱

Yarrabah State School
TAFE Queensland

16/08/2026

🌿 Community Consultation & Planning Update

A big thank you to everyone who joined us last week for the GMYPPBC Consultation Forum and contributed your time, ideas and knowledge.

It was a great opportunity to provide updates on the Masterplan Project, Bloomis Point Precinct Project and ILUA, review the Draft Sea Country Management Plan and provide valuable feedback, and participate in the Nature-Based Economy Workshop.

It was also fantastic to have our Junior Rangers involved, participating in discussions, sharing their ideas and learning from Elders and Rangers.
Having our young people involved in these conversations provides a valuable opportunity to transfer and share knowledge across generations 🌿🤝

A special thank you to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation for supporting the workshop and providing the space for everyone to come together, share ideas and explore opportunities for a nature-based economy. We look forward to receiving the workshop summary and continuing the conversation about what these opportunities could mean for our people and Country. 🌊

Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend and contribute. Your voices, knowledge and ideas are important in shaping the future of our Country and community. 💚🙏🏾

Great Barrier Reef Foundation

14/08/2026

🌊 Magical Moment on Sea Country 🛥️🪸🎥

On Wednesday, GMY Ranger Brody joined the AIMS MMP Coral Reef team to support reef surveys across Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Sea Country.

During the survey, Brody captured these
incredible Yulus (mantas) gracefully gliding through the water near High Island ✨

A pretty special moment to witness while working on Sea Country — and a beautiful reminder of the incredible marine life we’re privileged to care for and protect.

🤝 Special thanks to our partners at AIMS for continuing to work alongside our Rangers and supporting our team to undertake important reef surveys and build our capacity to care for Sea Country.

Australian Institute of Marine Science

10/08/2026

09/08/2026

📢 THIS THURSDAY! | GMYPPBC CONSULTATION FORUM

Join us Thursday, 13 August for important updates, community discussion and a Nature-Based Economy Readiness Workshop.

📍 Yarrabah Leisure Centre
🕤 9:30am – 2:30pm
🍽️ Morning tea, lunch & refreshments provided

Come along, share your ideas and help shape future opportunities for our community and Country.

Common Law Native Title Holders are encouraged to attend — we’d love to see you there!

Notices with the meeting details were also emailed to members.

📧 [email protected]

📞 0456 004 505

Great Barrier Reef Foundation

09/08/2026

🙏🏿

05/08/2026

And the award goes to… Stirling Ludwick! 🏆🎉

Congratulations to our Junior Ranger Team Leader, Stirling Ludwick, on being named the 2026 Queensland Training Awards – Tropical North Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year! 🏆🙌🏾👏🏾

Stirling's achievement is one we are incredibly proud to celebrate. His journey reflects the power of creating opportunities, investing in our people, and supporting the next generation of Indigenous land and sea managers.

Stirling joined the GMY Rangers in 2023 as a Trainee Ranger through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, where he completed his Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management. By December 2024, he graduated with his Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management through TAFE Queensland, and in January 2025 was promoted to Junior Ranger Team Leader in recognition of his leadership, commitment and potential.

Never one to stop learning, Stirling completed his Certificate IV in Training and Assessment by the end of 2025 through the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program (QILSRP) Ranger to Trainer Program, delivered by RAM Training Services. This qualification is a key milestone in our vision of building training capacity from within our own community. Stirling’s goal was to become a qualified trainer and build his capacity to deliver nationally recognised qualifications to our Rangers and Junior Rangers - ensuring knowledge, skills and opportunities continue to grow for future generations.

This award recognises much more than academic achievement. It recognises Stirling's determination, leadership and willingness to continually challenge himself, while inspiring those around him to do the same.

We sincerely thank the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET) for delivering the Queensland Training Awards, and Rio Tinto for sponsoring the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award. We also acknowledge QILSRP for coordinating and facilitating the Ranger to Trainer Program, RAM Training Services for delivering the training qualification, and trainer Chris for his outstanding mentorship and support throughout Stirling's Cert IV to achieve his qualification.

Congratulations, Stirling. Your hard work, humility and commitment to caring for Country and strengthening our community make you an outstanding role model. We are incredibly proud to have you on the GMY Ranger team and look forward to watching you continue to grow as a leader and future trainer.

💚💙 Congratulations, Stirling! 👏🏾🙌🏾 🎊

Skills for Queensland Queensland Environment
RAM Training Services

31/07/2026

World Ranger Day 🌍🟢

Today, on World Ranger Day, we proudly recognise and celebrate the dedication, resilience and commitment of Rangers across Australia and around the world.

At GMYPPBC, we celebrate and thank all past and present GMY Rangers who have dedicated their time to caring for our Land and Sea Country. Your work has helped protect our cultural heritage, monitor wildlife, manage Country, support research, strengthen Traditional Knowledge and create opportunities for future generations. Each of you has played an important role in leaving a lasting legacy for our community.

Today, we also honour and remember Rangers who have lost their lives or been injured while protecting the world's natural and cultural heritage.

To every past and present GMY Ranger—thank you for your hard work, passion and unwavering commitment. We are incredibly proud of everything you have achieved and continue to achieve for Country and community.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the many partners, funding bodies, researchers, government agencies and community organisations who have walked alongside us over the years. Your support, collaboration and shared commitment have helped build the capacity of our Ranger team, create meaningful employment and training opportunities, and deliver lasting outcomes for Country and community. Together, we are making a real and lasting difference.

Happy World Ranger Day! 💚💛🖤

🟢 Caring for Country. Protecting Culture. Building Strong Futures.