In 2024 DSS welcomed Elsie Harbour to the team as Kiwirrkurra Junior Ranger Coordinator.

Elsie’s first on country trip was at the start of August, we’ve asked her a few questions to get to know her, including –

What was her first impression arriving in Kiwirrkurra?

What was she doing before? And,

What is she looking forward to? 

“I am stoked to be there, I used to work in Balgo and during that time I got to come to Kiwirrkurra and do some on country camps. Coming back was pure excitement, the tiniest familiarity, being recognised in the shop was special.

Before I arrived in Kiwirrkurra I was in Balgo for 3 years. I worked in the arts centre there, with a big on country program.

Starting up the junior ranger program is really exciting, lots of the Traditional Owners and rangers have exciting stories and visions for young people. My mission at the moment is to action that excitement and get more young people involved in work and out on country.

I’ve chatted to the school students, and they are interested in map making for on country work. My approach will be to let young people drive it and adult rangers lead, letting them teach young people and just be the conduit to enable what they want to happen, to happen.

It feels exciting that Kiwirrkurra have such strong foundations to get people involved in things. I’m really looking forward to getting on country and running some camps with young people now we have seats in cars to get them out there, seeing young people engage and build relationships.”