Forty-one instructors representing 26 high schools attended the recent Bush Rangers WA annual conference held at Point Walter Recreation and Conference Centre.

The participants enjoyed three days of workshops and activities, kick-started with a dinner attended by Strategic Development and Corporate Affairs Director Ron Kawalilak who presented certificates to the new instructors in attendance.

Following the formal proceedings, the instructors took part in a quiz based on the International Year of Biodiversity which closed proceedings for the evening.

The next morning started with a bang as a drumming workshop was conducted, complete with masks and costumes.  

Photo: Drumming

Bush Rangers WA Program Coordinator Hannah Hampson was impressed by the enthusiasm and talent of all involved.

“Despite some trepidation beforehand I did not see a single person without a huge smile on their face by the end of the session,” she said.

EcoEducation Leader Trevor Walley and Interpretation and Visitor Information Coordinator Gil Field made a cultural and environmental presentation to the group, which paved the way for the instructors to progress through a range of interpretive activities within their Point Walter surrounds.

“This session was very useful for instructors as it enabled them to try activities from the new Bush Ranger manuals, giving them the confidence and skills to assist cadets in following the same activity,” Hannah said.

Photo: Session for instructors

Following practical workshops on measuring biological and environmental factors, the instructors underwent a bird identification seminar and guided bush walk which was a highlight for many participants.

Public Participation Planning Manager Amanda Thomas and Officer Cathy Birch facilitated a session on the ‘reward camp-experience’ for the Bush Ranger Units. Reward experiences provide cadets with unique opportunities to develop skills and knowledge by working with DEC staff in the field.

Current rewards include research at Perup Forest Ecology Centre, an expedition to Shark Bay World Heritage Centre and a basic Fire Awareness Course at Dwellingup.

This year, six cadets and three instructors from Rossmoyne Senior High School were given the chance to assist Senior Technical Officers Bruce Ward and Graeme Liddelow to monitor fauna in Perup Nature Reserve.

The three-day program concluded with two workshops focused on the new Bush Ranger manuals and a GIS presentation conducted by GIS Application Manager Shane French.

A survey of the instructors at the conclusion of the conference revealed values and goals such as communication, the development of people skills, ‘living classroom’ experience and interaction with DEC staff as motivating factors and positives to be drawn from participating in the Bush Rangers Rewards Program.