World Ranger Day

31 July is World Ranger Day, a time to recognise and celebrate the work of rangers around the world who protect and manage lands, waters, wildlife and cultural heritage.

In Australia, Indigenous Rangers have a strong and growing history of managing vast land and water Country through traditional knowledge and cultural practices, playing a vital role in caring for Country through conservation, fire management, biodiversity monitoring and cultural site protection.

The Australian Government’s Indigenous Rangers Program (IRP) centres around Traditional Owners and First Nations people, whose deep cultural knowledge and ongoing connection to land, seas, and waters enhances the effectiveness of environmental and cultural management. The IRP supports employment, strengthens communities, and ensures cultural knowledge is passed down to future generations.

The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) supports a wide range of Indigenous ranger activities, from coastal monitoring in the Torres Strait to fire management in central Australia. The IRP demonstrates the strength of First Nations led environmental stewardship and the importance of self-determined approaches to land and sea management.

I’m a ranger because I want to protect my sacred sites, language, plants and animals, to connect myself to Country. 
Otto Campion, Arafura Swamp Rangers Aboriginal Corporation (ASRAC) 

On World Ranger Day, we acknowledge the dedication, skill and leadership of rangers everywhere and particularly the significant contributions of First Nations rangers across this vast continent.

Learn more about the Indigenous Rangers Program here: Indigenous Rangers 

Ranger’s Photo Competition

To mark World Ranger Day, we are inviting rangers to take part in the 2025 Healthy Country, Healthy Waters, Healthy Communities photography and video competition.

The Australian Government has committed to doubling the number of Indigenous rangers by the end of the decade. This competition is part of that commitment, providing a platform for rangers to showcase the impact of their work and the strength of their connection to culture and Country.

It is an opportunity for Rangers to visually share the work they do every day – from managing fire and protecting biodiversity to maintaining sacred sites and passing on knowledge to the next generation.

Open to creators of all experience levels, entries can be captured on smartphones or cameras and should focus on storytelling that reflects pride, identity and connection to Country. Through photography and video, rangers can celebrate their work, cultural heritage and their vital role in environmental stewardship.

Prizes include drones, iPads and binoculars, tools designed to support rangers and their organisations in their ongoing work.

If you’re a ranger with a story to tell, for more information, including eligibility criteria, terms and conditions or to enter the competition, please visit Rangers Photo Competition | Indigenous.