Central Regional TAFE (CRTAFE), in collaboration with Bundi Yamatji Aboriginal Corporation (BYAC) and funded by an Australian Government Our Marine Parks Program grant, developed a training program to assist emerging Yamatji Sea Rangers build their capacity to manage their traditional Sea Country, understand the biocultural values of the Abrolhos Marine Park, and be active participants in its management.
The collaboration provided classroom-based training in marine operations, scientific research, and monitoring at the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI) campus of Central Regional TAFE, which was reinforced through practical on-country training using the Marine Training Vessel Master Class alongside Elders’ knowledge and guidance. The training program delivered technical skills required for marine conservation and ecosystem management and focused on vital soft skills like communication, teamwork and time management.
By encompassing technical and soft skills, the program equips participants with a well-rounded skill set, enhancing their employability and effectiveness as Sea Rangers. Integrating traditional Aboriginal knowledge and contemporary scientific practice in the training curriculum is a two-way learning model that respects and values the cultural heritage of the Yamatji peoples while ensuring the training is relevant and applicable to modern conservation efforts.
The training outcomes of the project have been designed so that students achieve qualifications and skill sets that are both nationally recognised and culturally pertinent. Students have been awarded qualifications in Conservation & Ecosystem Management, Leadership, Coxswains, and SCUBA diving.
Rangers have been offered opportunities to work at the Abrolhos Islands with different organisations, including the Minderoo Foundation undertaking eDNA surveys and DBCA on sealion surveys and Parks Australia supporting scientific surveys of rock lobsters north of the Abrolhos islands.