In the 23/24 financial year, the Noongar Boodjar Rangers spent more than 1364 hours working on Country for Main Roads, 1424 at the Northam cemetery, plus several hundred hours around places such as Northam, Toodyay, Warralakin, and Beverley.

This work goes on in the scorching heat of summer and in the freezing cold of winter, on country with their hands on mother earth. Whilst we enjoy nothing better than getting out of town, it brings with it the hazards and risks of life in country WA. Snakes, spiders, scorpions, sun stroke and dehydration are all part of the natural environment here. Add to that the risks brought about by the human element, such as broken glass, car accidents, and even needles, and it is fair to say the Rangers work in a hazardous environment.

With that in mind the Noongar Boodjar Rangers underwent further training in first aid with St John’s in Northam. The training was excellent, with hands on experiences covering everything from heart attacks to dislocations, from bites to diabetes. With the course being run face to face, we were able to get not just the theory and role play of first aid situations, but to learn of how things work out in real life, which provided another level of understanding and confidence to the team.

Whilst we were glad to have done the training, it goes without saying it is something we hope we never have to use. We hope for the best, i.e. no accidents or issues, but we are prepared for the worst. The Rangers received training so as to be ready to swing into action to assist members of their own team, or with others they may come across whilst working on country.