All in the Family
The WNRM Noongar Boodjar Ranger team is a family like no other, with many of its members sharing close familial connections. In fact, it's often harder to find someone who isn't related to someone else on the team—whether it's father and son, brothers, or cousins working side by side. For instance, Jason works alongside his son, Kingzleigh, while sisters Clara and Nadine, brothers Rob and Jonny, and brothers Samuel and Morgan, also form part of the team.
But the connections go deeper, as our Cultural Advisor and Ranger Coordinator, Jermaine, is Jason’s cousin and the two are nephews of Rob and Jonny. Jermaine’s cousin Alf also works with the team, Tarkyn is Jermaine’s nephew, and Cassius is his cousin’s son. Clara and Nadine call Jermaine ‘Uncle’, while Rob and Jonny are called ‘Pop’. Jermaine’s surname is Davis, and the father of Samuel and Morgan is also Davis, and so they too are related. I could go on about all the connections, but I think you get the picture.
So, why has this happened? One reason is because for Noongar people, knowing your family connection is very important. And therefore, they know who they are related to through several generations and connections. Most Noongar people can connect with each other and show how they are related. Whereas, for myself as a person of European background, I barely know some of my first cousins, let alone second or third. I could work with a cousin and not even know it. But Noongar people know.
‘The best thing about being able to have my son work alongside me on country is having the privilege to be able to lead him and demonstrate the knowledge and understanding about culture and country.
While that is important, I also feel that working alongside my son in his first job is a great opportunity to assist him in building his confidence and work ethic in preparation for his career pathways.’
-Jason, regarding working with son Kingzleigh
These family connections are invaluable to Wheatbelt NRM and our Rangers. They create a culturally safe environment, where you’re surrounded by family who understand what’s acceptable and what’s not. Starting a job feels secure with your father, uncles, and pops looking out for you, and you can’t get away with making excuses— because they know the truth. These strong bonds also mean your family shares in the team’s successes, whether it’s landing a new contract or achieving a major milestone. And when tragedy strikes, it’s felt by the entire team, because the support extends beyond just work.
Published eNews #397, December 2024