The program helps Aboriginal organisations keep Country and people healthy, and creates broader community outcomes by providing funding for employment, training, planning, equipment and other cultural and social expenses according to local priorities and aspirations.

Round 9 is wholly funded by the State Government's Royalties for Regions and as such does not have a funding component available for activities occurring in the Perth metropolitan region. ARP investment in the Perth metropolitan region is expected to be designed at a later stage. If you are an Aboriginal organisation within the Perth metropolitan region, please nominate your interest in this form to assist program planning.

Funding will be allocated from 1 July 2026 at the earliest to 30 June 2030 at the latest. Projects can start on 1 July in any financial year, and can be one, two, three or four years in length.

You can only apply once and in one fund, either:

• Sustain fund - designed to support existing and established Aboriginal ranger groups. Apply here for the Sustain fund.

• Activate fund - designed to support groups that have already conducted detailed ranger related planning and are ready to employ new Aboriginal rangers at some stage. Apply here for the Activate fund.

• Prepare fund - designed to support groups aspiring to develop a new ranger program in the future and need to undertake planning and/or preparatory works. These smaller grants aim to strengthen groups so they are in a better position to apply for larger grants, including but not limited to the ARP, that will support the beginnings of ranger operations. Apply here for the Prepare fund.

For an organisation to be eligible you must:

• be an Aboriginal community controlled organisation (ACCO) as defined by the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. An ACCO is an organisation that:
  • is incorporated under relevant legislation (e.g. CATSI Act, Corporations Act, or state-based incorporation laws);
  • is not-for-profit;
  • is controlled and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people;
  • is connected to the community or communities in which it delivers services; and
  • is governed by a majority Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander governing body;
• have a legal right and/or right to access and undertake the proposed activities on the land included in your application; and
• demonstrate that you have cultural authority to access land and deliver the proposed activities.

• Email: aboriginalrangerprogram@dbca.wa.gov.au