Protecting history and preserving Country – Tebrakunna welcomes new ranger base

An off-grid ranger base has officially opened on northeast Trouwerner/Tasmania, and is set to preserve biodiversity and cultural heritage on sacred Trawlwoolway/Pairrebeenne Aboriginal land.

Located in Little Musselroe Bay, Cape Portland, the Tebrakunna Ranger Base is a brand new, fit for purpose space for rangers to protect land and sea on Tebrakunna Country.

The base is owned and managed by the Melaythenner Teeackana Warrana (Heart of Country) Aboriginal Corporation (MTWAC), who have been advocating for a multipurpose facility for several years.

And now, with the support of the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) who provided a $680,000 funding injection towards the base, this ambition has come to life.

The self-sufficient hub’s infrastructure and equipment will be crucial for the 11 Tebrakunna rangers, 10 of whom are Aboriginal, to fulfill their obligations as custodians of Country.

Housing a solar and battery storage power system, rain and bore water tanks and a septic system to support environmental sustainability, as well as a maintenance workshop, training room and dedicated kitchen – there is no shortage of amenities at the Tebrakunna Ranger Base. 

Due to their remote location, it is challenging for the rangers to manage the vast land they are responsible for, which spans over 2,000,000 ha (the size of Slovenia) and includes around 150 cultural heritage sites.

Tebrakunna Country holds profound spiritual, cultural, and historical importance to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community, particularly the Pairrebeenne/Trawlwoolway clans of the Coastal Plains nation, playing a central role in their health and healing. 

Tebrakunna Country symbolises resilience and cultural strength as the ancestral homeland of Mannalargenna, a revered Bungunna (leader) and warrior.

His legacy will continue to be celebrated at the Tebrakunna Ranger Base each December on Mannalargenna Day, the only event of its kind in Tasmania.

MTWAC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nick Cameron, said the Ranger Base is a game changer for the Tebrakunna Ranger Program, allowing the group to operate their land and sea country management program far more effectively and safely in what sometimes are challenging working environments. 

“This Ranger Base will provide greater capacity for us to store and maintain our equipment and host visitors and guests on country for community events and school camps. 

“The funding support from the ILSC has been instrumental in making this vision become reality.

“MTWAC also acknowledges the support from Hydro Tasmania and Woolnorth Renewables in allowing the Ranger Base to be constructed as part of the land licencing agreement,” said Mr Cameron. 

ILSC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Joe Morrison, said the ranger base will offer meaningful opportunities for the Aboriginal community.

“Not only will this base revitalise important Trawlwoolway/Pairrebeenne cultural knowledge and practice, it will also support its sustainable development and economic empowerment. 

“Seeing the Tebrakunna Ranger Base open today was a powerful experience, marked by a deep sense of connection and revitalisation. Congratulations and well done to MTWAC on this significant achievement.

“The ILSC respects the resilience of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia – we will continue to back those who fight for their self-determination,” said Mr Morrison.

The base is set to build a vital foundation for the future of the region’s youths, with MTWAC now expanding on its successful Junior Ranger Program.

Today’s opening is not just about MTWAC advancing its vision of caring for land and sea Country – it is a moment of success for all the nations that make up the broader Tasmanian Aboriginal community.

The Tebrakunna Ranger Base is located at 2205 Cape Portland Road, Little Musselroe Bay.