Indigenous Rangers Program Expansion Round 2

Program Overview:

Indigenous Rangers Program Expansion Round 2 is open. This program aims to support the long-term employment of Indigenous Australians. It seeks to create over 800 ranger jobs, equating to approximately 500 full-time equivalent positions. The program focuses on managing the Country in alignment with Traditional Owners’ priorities. It delivers environmental, cultural, social, and economic benefits through sustainable land and sea management. The IRP integrates traditional knowledge with Western science. This protects biodiversity, strengthens First Nations culture and language, and fosters economic development within Indigenous communities.

Key Grant Details:

• Application Deadline: 5 June 2025 (2:00 pm AEST)
• Funding Pool: $165 million over 3 years (1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028)
• Minimum Grant Amount: $650,000 total over 3 years
• Administered By: National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA)

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Projects must support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in securing and maintaining sustainable employment.
• Activities should improve work readiness for remote job seekers. This occurs through community-based programs and practical work experience.
• The program promotes Indigenous business growth. It assists communities in leveraging natural and cultural assets sustainably.
• Projects may support the progression of land and sea claims, including township leases under Commonwealth native title and land rights legislation.
• Applicants must demonstrate:

• • Legal rights or access to manage the land included in the application.

• • Cultural authority from relevant Traditional Owners. This is evidenced via appropriate letters of support.

• • An Australian Business Number (ABN).

• • Where applicable, registration for Goods and Services Tax (GST).

• • An account with an Australian financial institution.

• Organisations funded in the 2024 IRP Expansion Round 1 are only eligible to apply if they submit a new project in a new area with different Traditional Owner groups.

Eligible Activities:

Grant funding can be used for various activities:

• Employing Indigenous rangers on a full-time, part-time, or casual basis. These roles undertake or support activities that address program objectives.
• Managing threats to the Country. This includes pest and weed control, such as feral cat and gamba grass management, as identified in the Threatened Species Action Plan.
• Biodiversity conservation activities cover habitat and threatened species management, invasive species management, and freshwater and sea Country management.
• Strengthening First Nations language and culture.
• Protecting and maintaining cultural heritage.
• Facilitating intergenerational knowledge transfer, education, training, and capability development.
• Monitoring biosecurity risks.
• Developing partnerships with research, education, philanthropic, and commercial organisations.
• Building and retaining employment within the Indigenous land and water management sector.
• Supporting Junior Rangers initiatives.
• Promoting culturally safe workplaces, with a particular focus on women.

Ineligible Expenditures:

Certain expenditures are not eligible for funding:

• Land or building purchases, except approved facilities.
• Retrospective costs or preparatory application costs.
• Lease or purchase of assets exceeding $5,000 without prior approval.
• Redundancy payments, fines, legal settlements, or gifts.
• Unapproved equipment.

Application Process and Assessment:

This is a competitive grant. A judging panel will evaluate applications. Comprehensive business cases are required. These should include:

• Detailed project plans, milestones, and timelines.
• Budget breakdowns and cost-benefit analyses.
• Impact on employment and community outcomes.
• Leadership and management team details.
• Industry, competitor, and market analyses.
• Financial forecasts (3-5 years cash flow and balance sheets).
• Risk mitigation and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Recent Context and Legislation:

This expansion round aligns with the Australian Government’s commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. A key target is to double Indigenous ranger employment to 3,800 by the decade’s end. The program directly supports First Nations empowerment, economic development, and environmental stewardship across Australia. The NIAA will host online information sessions to provide further guidance to applicants. Registration for these sessions is required.

How can you get help with your application or assess your likelihood of success?

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility. We will also evaluate project alignment with grant objectives. You can also visit the National Indigenous Australians Agency website for guidance and resources.