Yuku Baja Muliku Land and Sea Rangers

Yuku Baja Muliku Land and Sea Rangers Yuku Baja Muliku Landowners and Reserves Ltd is a non profit Indigenous organisation working towards sustainable business and conservation of our area.

The Yuku Baja Muliku Land and Sea Ranger Program began in 2008 with two part time rangers living under a tarp at Archer Point, cooking on an open fire, with little equipment and resources, except a second hand Hilux. The Yuku Baja Muliku Rangers are constantly busy building capabilities; inspiring others to return to country; building aspirations; and developing programs to ensure a strong program

for future generations. The ranger program represents our homelands movement and our dream to return to our country. The ranger program provides real jobs, skill development, confidence building and instills a sense of pride. By focusing on land and sea management we can start to diversify our income away from government transfers, and towards: contracting services with National Parks, Council and other neighbouring land-holding bodies; the development of ecosystem services; and developing tourism opportunities and infrastructure, such as campsites. The aim of the Yuku Baja Muliku people is to ensure that Traditional Owners have the means to protect themselves, future generations and their culture through active, positive and physical connections to country and continuing access to traditional foods. The aspirations of the rangers are to:
Care for land and sea country through marine protection and conservation strategies;
Conduct further on ground research and monitoring;
Undertake training in sea management, with a focus on turtle rescue and sea grass conservation;
Gain accreditation to carry out compliance checks on hunters on Sea Country;
Conserve and preserve all of the cultural values handed down through generations;
Protect our rights as Traditional Owners to maintain a strong healthy link to the traditional use of marine resources;
Educate people about turtle habitats and raise awareness through community education; and
Continue rescuing, rehabilitating and monitoring turtles. The Yuku Baja Muliku people want to protect all the important sites and places of significance that are part of the culturally rich region, these sites include:
Story places (single and inter-connected);
Secret or sacred sites;
Fish traps;
Rock shelter sites;
Middens;
Rocky Island;
Fish spawning and breeding habitats;
Ceremonial sites; and
Camp sites. The Yuku Baja Muliku people feel that no one else could ever possess the passion to protect the area as much as the Traditional Custodians of the land and sea, therefore, we continue to strive for respect from others. Thus, any activities carried out in the area should firstly be discussed with the Yuku Baja Muliku people or reported to us if there are any issues regarding the area. he Traditional Owners wish to ensure that all areas of our homeland (including the coastal strips) are managed and cared for in accordance with our traditional practices, in order to create a sustainable future for ourselves, our families and our communities. The rangers aim is to ensure that the natural environment is sufficiently managed and protected by learning from their elders and each other. Furthermore, the rangers are sharing their concerns and their cultural and environmental aspirations within the wider community. Our Yuku Baja Muliku Rangers are working on country to develop sustainable land and sea management practices for the future, by performing a number of duties, including:
Turtle rescue & rehabilitation
Sea grass and sea turtle monitoring
Cultural heritage
Junior ranger program
Land and sea patrols
Compliance
Fencing projects
Fire management
On country camps
School camps/excursions
W**d control
Feral animal control
Development of visitor infrastructure
Income diversification through enterprise
Flora and fauna surveys; and
Day to day management activities. The Yuku Baja Muliku Rangers have increased their skills by completing a number of different training programs, including:
Certificate 3 and Certificate 4 in Conservation and Land Management;
Fire Management Level 1 & 2
Shipboard Safety Training
Chemical Handling
Marine Compliance Eyes and Ears training
Marine Statutory Compliance
Coxswain
Boat licences
Leadership courses with Cape York Institute
Fauna identification
Sea grass monitoring refresh
ATV, Side by Side training
Bird identification
Manual map reading and compass/GPS work; and
I-Tracker training. Database management
Shark & Ray Identification
Mussel Monitoring

🌿Love working on Country?🥾 OO3 Ranger Intake is open from 27 April to 1 May 2026 — apply for roles with Queensland Parks...
14/04/2026

🌿Love working on Country?

🥾 OO3 Ranger Intake is open from 27 April to 1 May 2026 — apply for roles with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships (QPWS&P) and build a career taking care of Country

What's offered:
🪸 Diverse & impactful roles in locations across the state
🌱 Varied responsibilities and opportunities for career progression

Apply today:
📱 Scan the QR code, OR
💻 Visit https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au & search OO3 Ranger Intake, OR
🏠 Drop your resume at your local QPWS&P office, OR
📧 Email your resume to: [email protected]

📅 Intakes open four times a year for 5 days only

23/02/2026

Introducing the 2026 Cultural Capital Fellows! 🎨✨🎉

First Peoples Fund is proud to announce seven incredible Indigenous artists and culture bearers as our 2026 Cultural Capital Fellows. Each fellow receives a $10,000 grant and yearlong professional development to elevate their art, preserve cultural traditions, and strengthen the Indigenous Arts Ecology. 🌎🪶

“First Peoples Fund is honored to play a role in nurturing the growth and development of emerging and mid-career Native artists and culture bearers,” says Jaren Bonillo, Director/Program Weaver. “Their artistic creations and sharing of traditional knowledge not only enrich individual lives, but also strengthen cultural continuity and community well-being.”

+ Adam Valdez – Reclamation (Diné)
+ Pua Case, (Kanaka Maoli)
+ Cliff Fragua (Jemez Pueblo)
+ Kellen Trenal (Niimíipuu (Nez Perce), Walla Walla, Yakima)
+ Lavender Doris (Red Lake Anishinaabe Nation of Minnesota)
+ Shauna Elk – Wakage by Shauna (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe)
+ Stephanie Craig (Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde)

Join us in celebrating their powerful work and dedication to uplifting ancestral knowledge for future generations. 💛
Learn more about our 2026 CC Fellows at: bit.ly/2026-fpf-cc

23/02/2026

Position Description
Creative Arts Trainee (Full-Time)
Kuku Bulkaway Indigenous Arts Program
Location: Cooktown
Organisation: Yuku Baja Muliku Landowner & Reserves Ltd
Employment Type: Full-Time (38 hrs/week)
Duration: 12–24 months (subject to funding/performance)
Reports To: Arts & Cultural Program Manager
________________________________________
Position Overview
This full-time traineeship provides an entry pathway into the creative industries through hands-on, culturally grounded learning.
The Creative Arts Trainee will develop practical skills across visual arts including ceramics, textiles, weaving, painting and digital storytelling, while working alongside artists, rangers and Elders.
The role supports cultural knowledge transfer, community engagement and pathways into employment, further training and creative enterprise.
________________________________________
Key Responsibilities
Creative Development
• Participate in structured training across multiple art forms
• Assist in producing artworks for exhibitions, retail and projects
• Build and maintain a personal art portfolio
Cultural Learning
• Learn from Elders and apply cultural knowledge in creative work
• Respect cultural protocols and intellectual property
Program & Events
• Support workshops, youth programs and community activities
• Assist with exhibitions, gallery displays and events (e.g. CIAF)
Enterprise Exposure
• Assist with artwork presentation, pricing and sales
• Support gallery/shop operations and product development
Workplace Responsibilities
• Attend all workdays and training (38 hrs/week)
• Follow WHS requirements and work as part of a team
• Participate in mentoring, reviews and traineeship requirements
________________________________________
Training Outcome
• Certificate III in Visual Arts (or similar)
• On-the-job mentoring and industry exposure
________________________________________
Key Selection Criteria
Essential
• Interest in art, culture and creative expression
• Commitment to full-time traineeship
• Willingness to learn and follow direction
• Ability to work respectfully with community and team
• Good communication skills and positive attitude
Desirable
• Interest or experience in visual arts or creative practices
• Interest in cultural tourism or creative industries
• Driver’s licence (or willingness to obtain)
________________________________________
Key Performance Indicators
• Consistent attendance and participation
• Progress toward training/qualification completion
• Contribution to artworks, events and program delivery
• Demonstrated skill and confidence development
________________________________________
What We Offer
• Paid full-time traineeship
• Mentoring from artists, Elders and staff
• Opportunities to exhibit and sell artwork
• Pathways into employment, training and enterprise
• Supportive, on-Country learning environment

23/02/2026

Join our team :
Administration Support Officer
Yuku Baja Muliku Landowner & Reserves Ltd (YBM)

Yuku Baja Muliku Landowner & Reserves Ltd (YBM) is seeking a highly organised, motivated and community-minded Administration Support Officer to join our team in Cooktown.
YBM is an Indigenous-led organisation delivering land and sea management, ranger programs, youth engagement, women’s leadership initiatives and cultural programs across Yuku Baja Muliku Country.

Location
Cooktown, Far North Queensland
Reports to
Administration Manager
Employment Type
Full-time
Salary & Conditions
Base Salary: $59,000 per annum

Annual Leave: 4 weeks
Hours: 8:00am–4:30pm (Mon–Thurs) | 8:00am–1:30pm (Fri)
Annual Leave: 4 weeks
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00am – 4:30pm
Friday: 8:00am – 1:30pm
Organisation Overview
Yuku Baja Muliku Landowner & Reserves Ltd (YBM) is an Indigenous-led organisation delivering land and sea management, cultural programs, youth engagement, and Indigenous women’s leadership initiatives.
Our work is grounded in caring for Country, culture and community.
Position Purpose
The Administration Support Officer provides high-quality administrative and operational support to Yuku Baja Muliku Landowner & Reserves Ltd across all programs and activities.
The role supports the effective day-to-day running of the organisation, ensuring strong systems, compliance, communication and coordination are in place to enable delivery of YBM’s land and sea management, cultural programs, and community initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
• General administration, document preparation and record management
• Meeting coordination (agendas, minutes, actions)
• Travel and event logistics support
• Assist with invoices, timesheets and procurement records
• Maintain data for reporting and compliance
• Support communications and stakeholder engagement
• Uphold cultural protocols and contribute to a positive team environment
________________________________________
Selection Criteria
• Administration experience
• Strong organisation and attention to detail
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn, Indigenous cultural protocols
________________________________________
Desirable
• Experience working in an Indigenous organisation or community setting
• Knowledge of reporting and compliance requirements
• Experience with finance systems (e.g. Xero, MYOB)
• Current driver’s licence
________________________________________
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Administrative tasks completed accurately and on time
• Effective support provided to programs and events
• Accurate and up-to-date records and documentation
• Timely contribution to reporting and compliance requirements
• Positive feedback from staff, rangers and stakeholders
________________________________________
Work Health & Safety
• Comply with all YBM WHS policies and procedures
• Support safe work practices in the office and on Country
________________________________________
Additional Requirements
• Ability to travel and work flexibly when required
• Current driver’s licence
• Willingness to undertake relevant checks if required
________________________________________
Our Values
Our Land – Our People – Our Future
How to Apply
Submit cover letter, resume and two referees.
Closing Date: 7 March 2026
Email: [email protected]

🌿 Save the Date! 🌿The 2nd Indigenous Women Rangers Network Forum is coming to Perth, WA!📅 17–20 November 2026Theme: Her ...
18/01/2026

🌿 Save the Date! 🌿

The 2nd Indigenous Women Rangers Network Forum is coming to Perth, WA!
📅 17–20 November 2026
Theme: Her Knowledge • Her Tech • Her Country

We’re also thrilled to be hosting the IWRN Award! 🏆

✨ More info and registration details coming soon. We can’t wait to celebrate, connect, and share knowledge with our incredible Indigenous women rangers!

21/11/2025
11/11/2025
🌏 Reflections from Adaptation Futures 2025 – Indigenous Knowledge Leading the WayThe Adaptation Futures 2025 was so insp...
22/10/2025

🌏 Reflections from Adaptation Futures 2025 – Indigenous Knowledge Leading the Way

The Adaptation Futures 2025 was so inspiring — hearing from researchers, Indigenous leaders, women, and communities from across the world sharing how culture, science, and nature come together to strengthen resilience.

From Aotearoa to the Pacific, we saw powerful examples of how adaptation works best when it is community-led, culturally grounded, and inclusive.
🌿 Nature-based solutions thrive where people and ecosystems heal together.
👩🏽‍🍼 Women lead with care, connection, and cultural strength.
💧 Health, wellbeing, and climate are deeply linked.
🪶 Indigenous knowledge continues to guide the way forward.

It’s clear that the future of adaptation depends on relationships — with land, water, and each other.
We return home inspired to keep building those bridges, sharing stories, and ensuring our communities are not just adapting, but thriving.

🕊 In Loving Memory of Our Elder, Doreen Ball 🕊Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to our beautiful elder, Doreen Ball...
13/10/2025

🕊 In Loving Memory of Our Elder,
Doreen Ball 🕊

Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to our beautiful elder, Doreen Ball, who passed away on 7th October 2025. A strong, loving woman who guided her family and community with wisdom, care, and kindness.

We will come together to honour her life, her legacy, and the love she shared with all of us.

Forever in our hearts 🤍

31/08/2025

It is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of a respected Yuku Baja Muliku Elder, who will be deeply missed by our community.

Details regarding funeral arrangements and sorry business will be communicated to family and community in due course.

May they rest in peace, and may their spirit continue to guide us on Country.

In respect of this loss, the Yuku Baja Muliku office will be closed for sorry business. For urgent matters, please direct correspondence via email, and responses will be provided when possible.

Address

142 Charlotte Street
Cooktown, QLD
4895

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 12pm

Telephone

+61740696957

Website

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