The conservation course for First Peoples is celebrating 10 years since its inauguration in 2017. Over 80 students have graduated from the course.
The Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management provides conservation training and accreditation for First Peoples. Co-designed with Traditional Owners, the course is free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and is largely completed on Country with many Elders and conservation experts facilitating units.
It is facilitated by Trust for Nature in collaboration with Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Corporation, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Taungurung Land and Waters Council, accredited through Holmesglen Institute of TAFE and supported by generous philanthropic donors and the Victorian Government’s Port Phillip Bay Fund.
In 2026, students learned skills in Cultural Burning, water management, OHS, weed control, midden protection, chainsaw use, plant identification, growing bush foods and threatened species management.
The Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management provides conservation training and accreditation for First Peoples. Co-designed with Traditional Owners, the course is free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and is largely completed on Country with many Elders and conservation experts facilitating units.
It is facilitated by Trust for Nature in collaboration with Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Corporation, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Taungurung Land and Waters Council, accredited through Holmesglen Institute of TAFE and supported by generous philanthropic donors and the Victorian Government’s Port Phillip Bay Fund.
In 2026, students learned skills in Cultural Burning, water management, OHS, weed control, midden protection, chainsaw use, plant identification, growing bush foods and threatened species management.
“It is amazing to see the journeys that people go on after completing this training. Former Warreen Beek Rangers graduates have gone into careers such as archaeology, water management, and cultural education. I am so excited to see the pathways that this year’s students take,” said Ben Cullen, course facilitator and South Central Area Manager at Trust for Nature.
“This is part of our commitment to First Peoples’ self-determination and walking alongside First Peoples to care for Country. It’s a really unique course in that it continues to evolve with the input of Elders and students,” Ben said.
“This is part of our commitment to First Peoples’ self-determination and walking alongside First Peoples to care for Country. It’s a really unique course in that it continues to evolve with the input of Elders and students,” Ben said.
The course is open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Prospective students can find out more information at: https://trustfornature.org.au/priorities/working-with-first-peoples/warreen-beek-ranger-program/
Media contact
Josie Smart, josies@tfn.org.au
Media contact
Josie Smart, josies@tfn.org.au
