Yamatji Land Ranger Program

The Yamatji Nation Land Ranger Program is a partnership between the Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation (YSRC) and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) aimed at caring for Yamatji Nation Country.

Working in the Midwest Region involves a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities, with each day offering new challenges and opportunities. Rangers might spend one day conducting a flora survey or monitoring fauna, and the next day fighting fires or navigating remote backtracks for reserve inspections, discovering breathtaking scenery along the way.

Key Activities and Skills Development:

Infrastructure Projects: Rangers build and install infrastructure from the ground up, renovate and alter structures and signage, and maintain heavy machinery, vehicles, tools, and power equipment. These tasks enhance their conservation construction and planning skills.

Environmental Management: Activities include weed and feral animal management, fire management, biodiversity monitoring, and threatened species management.

Cultural Management: Rangers engage in cultural heritage conservation, cultural revitalization, and school programs. These programs enable Elders and rangers to pass on cultural knowledge, instill cultural pride, and teach land and sea management practices.

Each experience contributes to the rangers' growth and development, equipping them with valuable knowledge and skills to effectively manage and conserve Yamatji Nation Country.

Our Yamatji Nation Land Rangers:

Dion Harris

Murchison District
Dion Harris, a proud Naaguja, is a Nature Conservation Ranger passionate about protecting native plants and animals. Currently completing his Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, Dion is driven by the desire to connect with country and learn as much as possible to share with his children and community. He finds joy in working outdoors, conducting animal surveys, and managing feral animal control.
Dion’s advice to aspiring rangers is to embrace the diverse tasks and the connection to nature that the job offers. On weekends, he enjoys relaxing with his family, visiting the beach, and spending time in the bush. He holds a deep respect for traditions, such as throwing a handful of sand into rivers to honour the spirits. Dion’s dream is to visit Uluru and the MCG, and he finds great therapeutic value in being outdoors, which brings him immense happiness.
Jonathon Little

Murchison District
Jonathan Little is a dedicated Land Ranger from the Little family, deeply connected to the Yamatji land and people. His passion for working On Country and making family connections led him to this role. Jonathan enjoys learning new skills, working close to home, and occasionally traveling to new places. Throughout his training, he has gained valuable experience in electrical safety testing, park maintenance, and aviation mapping.
Motivated by the prospect of discovering new camps and creating a lasting legacy for future Yamatji people, Jonathan advises aspiring rangers to pursue their interests despite setbacks. In his free time, he loves being outdoors, spending weekends at the beach, engaging in sports, and cherishing family moments. His interests include driving, shopping, and taking getaway holidays. Jonathan values traditional customs like camping with elders, fishing, and archery, and he dreams of catching a highly ranked fish and traveling the world.
Cory Mallard

Turquoise Coast
Cory Mallard, currently working in the Turquoise Coast district, was inspired by his grandfather Bill Mallard's dream of having a grandson dedicated to caring for their country. He feels fortunate to fulfill this aspiration and is enjoying his time in the Turquoise Coast district, though he hopes to return home eventually. Cory appreciates working with a supportive and easy-going crew and enjoys the extensive fieldwork that comes with his role. His achievements include obtaining a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management, HR truck license, a chainsaw ticket, and several other safety and management certifications. Cory is motivated by his family, striving to provide for them each day while doing a job he loves. He advises aspiring rangers to pursue their dreams, highlighting valuable experiences, great people, and positive work environment.
On weekends, Cory enjoys spending quality time with his partner and son. His life is guided by a deep connection to the land and his people, and he dreams of ticking off his bucket list goal of shooting out of a chopper.
Tom McPhee

Murchison District
Christopher Leonard McPhee, the Acting Yamatji Overseer, holds a Certificate III in Conservation Land and Ecosystem Management and is connected to the Yamatji, Yued, Nuiuarparli, and Nyamal communities. His commitment to caring for the country and educating others about its significance motivated him to become a ranger. Christopher enjoys fire season, assisting other districts and communities with wildfires, and prescribed burning, which allows him to meet new people. He values teamwork and the connections it fosters, which have been some of the most rewarding aspects of his training.
Christopher is driven by his career path in fire management and his dream to protect the country. He advises aspiring rangers to follow their ancestors' footsteps in connecting with and caring for the land. On weekends, he enjoys relaxing with his kids and walking along the beach. Happiness is essential to him, and he celebrates Christmas and Easter. His bucket list includes traveling overseas.
Dylan Narrier

Turquoise Coast
Dylan Narrier, a Conservation Employee currently continuing his Certificate III, joined the ranger program to reconnect with his roots and learn more about his culture. He is passionate about looking after country and preserving its plant and animal life. Dylan enjoys going out on country, learning about the land, and contributing to its conservation. One of his most memorable training experiences was learning whale disentanglement, understanding whale behavior, and helping migrating whales get released from rope. He is motivated by the opportunity to work outside and immerse himself in nature. His advice to aspiring rangers is not to let anxiety hinder their pursuit of this rewarding career.
On weekends, Dylan enjoys relaxing and spending time with his family, who are a significant source of motivation for him. His bucket list includes a long-term career in Nature Conservation. Dylan's dedication and passion for the environment drive his commitment to preserving and protecting the land for future generations.
Joshua Narrier

Turquoise Coast
Joshua Narrier's deep care for his country and culture led him to pursue a career as a ranger. He wanted to work in a place where he could actively care for the land, be out On Country, and contribute to conservation efforts. Joshua finds immense fulfillment in the variety and opportunities his job offers, particularly in giving back to his land and working within a supportive environment that allows for personal and professional growth.
Joshua advises aspiring rangers to invest in themselves and embrace the support of their workforce. He enjoys weekends with activities like bushwalking, hunting, and spending time with family and friends, while also relaxing with movies and tech hobbies.
Family, especially his daughter and partner, are central to Joshua's life. He values learning new things and adheres to traditions, always respecting the wisdom of elders. His bucket list includes traveling and experiencing different cultures with his daughter, aiming to offer her the best version of himself.
Lacey Ware

Murchison District
Lacey Pearl, from the Yamatji community, is a Conservation Employee working towards her Certificate II. Her desire to learn more about the country inspired her to become a ranger. Lacey enjoys the people she meets and the places she visits through her work. She has gained significant knowledge in fire management, 4WD training, and bush tucker during her training.
Motivated by her colleagues, Lacey encourages others to give the ranger profession a try. Her weekends are often spent driving to Walkaway and back, and she deeply values her big brother’s presence. Lacey celebrates Christmas and aspires to become a firefighter like her brother.