Ranger milestone a proud moment

Proud Nhanda-Kariyarra man Curtis Robinson reached a significant milestone last week when he became the first indigenous ranger to qualify in conservation and land management through the Yawuru Joint Management program.

After six years of intense training, Mr Robinson's hard work finally paid off when he completed his certificate IV CALM studies.

The father of three, who grew up in Broome, is the first of the Yawuru trainee rangers to complete his studies as part of the Department of Parks and Wildlife's Mentored Aboriginal Training and Employment Scheme.

His success was recognised during a morning tea held at DPaW's Broome office, attended by department, Nyamba Buru Yawuru and Shire representatives, as well as family and friends.

Since starting his role as a trainee ranger in October 2000, Mr Robinson has undertaken practical activities in weed control, fauna monitoring, marine operations, fire management throughout WA, project management, trail construction and general ranger patrols.

In 2013, he was awarded the DPaW Indigenous Trainee of the Year Award for his hard work and inspiration as a role model to other trainees.

During the morning tea, Yawuru Park Council chairwoman Debra Pigram congratulated Mr Robinson on his achievement and for becoming a "role model" in his own right.

West Kimberley district manager Alan Byrne said it was a "momentous" occasion for the joint management partnership between Yawuru and DPaW.

Speaking to the Broome Advertiser last week, Mr Robinson said he was delighted to have reached an important milestone in his career.

"It means a lot being an indigenous male getting through the studies," he said.

"I'm lucky to have a good family, a good team and a good department and good people around me to get where I am today."

Mr Robinson said caring for country was something he did all his life and being a ranger was the "best job in the world".

"We get the best of both worlds - a bit of office but at the same time, a lot of country, a lot on water, a lot on conservation," he said.

"I'm happy I stuck it out because five years with the department is an achievement in itself for me personally."

Mr Robinson said he would like to see more young men and women employed with the department.