For Kiwirrkurra Ranger Team Coordinator, Ben Sidhu, two projects stood out as good achievements for the team.

The first being when the Kiwirrkurra rangers helped Tjamu Tjamu PBC hold a Cultural Men’s camp at Winparrku. 

“This brought nearly 40 senior men together from all over the Western Desert,” Ben said.

Anthropologist Fred Myers returned to Kiwirrkurra from New York for this, and brought with him his collection of recorded songs and stories he made with Pintubi people in the 1970’s.

These recordings were handed back to traditional owners, and over the course of the 3 night camp.

“Men listened to each of these and made decisions on they are to be stored and accessed. The camp and workshop was inspiring and positive for everyone,” Ben said.

Another great achievement that is already making a difference in the remote ranger base at Marruwa (about 2.5 hours from Kiwirrkurra) the rangers built. 

Marruwa is a place frequented by rangers as it is nearby crucial Bilby and Night Parrot populations. The completed project will allow the ranger team to do our threatened species management for longer periods of time, and with ease.

The site new includes and large open-air shed, water tanks, solar power, and toilets! It took the ranger team 10 days working non-stop to complete.

“It was very tough work, but everyone put in the effort and can now feel personal pride in our new base,” Ben said.