Indigenous rangers from across northern Australia have joined forces with scientists and government biosecurity leaders to share knowledge and ideas to strengthen the biosecurity surveillance capabilities of Indigenous ranger groups.
Hosted by the Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, in partnership with our department, the 2025 Northern Australia Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Forum brought together around 170 rangers over 3 days in Moungibi (Burketown).
The event was strengthened by the participation of representatives from across the sector, including:
- the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
- the National Indigenous Australians Agency
- Charles Darwin University
- the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance.
The forum opened with a welcome from the Gangalidda Garawa Traditional Owners.
Hands-on workshops provided opportunities to explore strategies and build biosecurity surveillance skills.
Participants took part in mock animal and plant disease investigations, learned hygiene and decontamination techniques, and explored vital topics such as fire management, disaster recovery, and career pathways for rangers.
Through Yarning Circles, rangers shared their work experiences and challenges.
This year’s forum featured BirdLife Australia’s insights into the ancient flyways of migratory shorebirds, gathered from more than 20 years of studies.
This important research is being used to inform and support the highly pathogenic avian influenza surveillance undertaken by Indigenous rangers. Data collected from the ranger’s surveillance across northern Australia is vital to the national surveillance program.
As the forum wrapped-up, Burketown’s iconic salt flats formed the perfect backdrop to celebrate 3 days of knowledge sharing, partnership, and a commitment to securing Australia’s biosecurity future.
To learn more visit Northern Australia Indigenous Biosecurity Ranger Forum.
