Indigenous women rangers in Maningrida make history with all-female crew

‘The ladies, they just do it better’: A pioneering group of women in Maningrida are reshaping conservation and leadership in remote Arnhem Land. FREE READ.

Djelk Women Rangers out in the field. Picture: Learning on Country / Supplied.

In the remote Northern Territory community of Maningrida, women are not just caring for country, they are leading the way.

Under the guidance of Joyce Bohme, known as Nanna Joyce, five generations of women have forged a strong presence in the Djelk Bawinanga Rangers.

After 30 years working in the local clinic, Nanna Joyce sought adventure and a deeper connection to her heritage.

She joined the Djelk Rangers 16 years ago as one of the first two female rangers.

Today, she is surrounded by a growing team of passionate women, many of whom graduated from the Learning on Country (LoC) program – a pioneering initiative that blends traditional knowledge with accredited training to empower Indigenous youth.

Among them are Kate Nawirridj, Ashleah Nulla, Noreen Wurrkidj, and the most recent addition, Germaina Davis.

Joyce’s son and grandson have also followed in her footsteps.

Left to right: Djelk Women Rangers Noreen Wurrkidj; Kate Nawirridj; Joyce Bohme; and Germaina Davis.

The women have excelled in biosecurity, marine debris removal, disease prevention, and cultural conservation.

“The ladies, they just do it better,” said Maningrida LoC Ranger Jonah Ryan.

“The ladies listen and take it all in. They want to be leaders. It makes me proud.”

A recent milestone cemented the women’s impact; their first all-female crew skippered the Ranger maritime vessel, an achievement made possible through the Maningrida Maritime program.

Djelk Women Rangers out in the field. Picture: Learning on Country / Supplied.

Now fully trained and independent, the women no longer have to rely on male colleagues to take the boat out.

“It was awesome. We all felt so proud that we don’t have to rely on the men,” said Nanna Joyce.

“The Ranger role supports women to be strong and independent.

“I feel so proud when I see my young ones step up and feel confident in themselves.”

Originally published as Indigenous women rangers in Maningrida make history with all-female crew