MANY of Katherine’s junior rangers received a special treat on Wednesday when Parks and Wildlife Minister Bess Price dropped into Nitmiluk Visitor Centre for the local celebration of the Junior Ranger Program’s silver anniversary.
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Providing an opportunity for children aged nine to 12 years to explore their natural environment, the Junior Ranger Program delivers hands-on activities based on environmental education.
Activities include hiking, tracking, navigation, spotlighting, bird watching, nature craft and more.
The 25th anniversary event was attended by young rangers and their families, the minister, Member for Katherine Willem Westra van Holthe, Katherine mayor Fay Miller and other dignitaries, but some of Katherine’s junior rangers were unable to attend due to school holiday activities.
Ministerial receptions were also held in Alice Springs and Darwin.
During the reception at Nitmiluk, Ms Price presented graduating junior rangers with certificates to mark their achievements.
During her speech, the minister drew a round of applause from the about 50-strong crowd when she acknowledged the work being done at Nitmiluk and spoke highly of the positive relationship that existed between the Jawoyn people and the Northern Territory government.
In relation to the Junior Ranger Program, she said Territorians were “lucky to have such a valued, fun and encouraging program on offer for young people”.
“I hope that Junior Rangers helps you keep your passion for the Territory’s natural places right through your lives, and I trust that your involvement has left you with love and respect for your natural environment,” she told the young rangers.
Parks and Wildlife community engagement officer Clare Pearce said the reception was a way of saying thank you to the Katherine community for its support of the program.
“It’s also a way of saying we’re very proud of our Junior Ranger Program,” she said.