Women now make up about a third of the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s ranger workforce, with 19 female rangers at the authority, up from 8 previously.
The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) also boasts the strongest level of female representation on its board since the organisation’s establishment in 1994. There are 6 women on the board currently, up from 3 in the previous term. The board consists of 20 elected members who are Torres Strait Islander or Aboriginal people living in the region.
Female rangers at the TSRA have been part of the first Torres Strait Great Reef Census and the international award-winning Queensland Indigenous Womens Ranger Network.
TSRA Ugaram Senior Ranger Belphine (Gloria) Stephen (pictured above), who joined the program in 2019, said being a ranger was one the best jobs in the world.
“The work we do as rangers benefits not only the environment of our unique region, but also the people who call it home,” Stephen said.
“Since joining the TSRA Ranger Program in 2019, I have had so many wonderful experiences from monitoring nesting green sea turtles in the northern Great Barrier Reef to removing marine debris from beautiful uninhabited islands.
“Working with AIMS scientists on field trips to monitor crown-of-thorns starfish along eastern reefs around Ugar, Erub and Mer was another great experience.”
Stephen said the job is “very rewarding” and she was proud to be a part of preserving, restoring, protecting and promoting the cultural and natural values of the Torres Strait.
“I come to work each day and enjoy my daily tasks and duties,” she said. “I don’t think many other people can say that they genuinely love their job!”
Vonda Malone, TSRA Chief Executive Officer and the former first female Mayor of Torres Shire Council, said female rangers are challenging gender stereotypes.
“Empowering women with opportunities to earn, learn and lead enables our communities to thrive,” Malone said.
“We are proud of the women in our workforce, including our record number of TSRA female rangers and board members who are inspiring the next generation of leaders.”