Alex, Ranger, Northern Region

I never thought I'd feel this connected to Country, but I guess it just took me a bit longer to realise that this is my calling. Just encouraging the next generation of Ewamian people to come work back on Country.

It matters to me because it's my way of giving back to my ancestors and my elders.

Being a Ranger is more than just cleaning toilets. My responsibility is just looking after the infrastructure within the national park.

There's so many different things that we do, things that I never thought would be possible. Like, I never thought I'd be able to do some welding, or I never thought I'd be able to fix a buggy.

Every day is a great day really. I was fortunate enough to go and spend a bit of time out at Rungulla National Park with the TOs and two of my elders, and we found 15 new art sites. I can't describe the feeling, it's mind blowing.

My favourite part about my job would probably be learning new skills and new things about my Country and how to look after it.

My grandad, who's a Ewamian man, he's very proud of what I'm doing. He looks at me like I'm the future.

I think the Department has come a long way with Indigenous employees, but I think the space can be a lot better. Having more Indigenous people within the Department is a big thing.

I look forward to pursuing a career within Parks, and yeah, really making a name for myself.