K Farmer Dutjahn Foundation Limited (KFDF) is an Aboriginal-led not-for-profit organisation based in Western Australia that works directly with the Indigenous Sandalwood communities to strengthen their regenerative economies and build culturally strong, viable futures.
Through their collaborative work with the Martu people from the Western Desert region of Western Australia, they recognised growing threats to the Martu people’s lands and culture. This included invasive species, disease, climate change, modern land management practices and the erosion of intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Many young people are caught between the traditional ways and the distractions of modern life, with youth disconnection often resulting in antisocial behaviour and/or poor mental health. With support from a $15,000 ANZ Seeds of Renewal grant, KFDF was able to develop the Western Desert Youth Ranger (WDYR) program. The program supports Martu youth to return to their ancestral lands where Elders teach them the traditional ecological and cultural knowledge necessary to protect the area’s natural environment and the Martu traditional and cultural lore. The grant funds specifically purchased bush camping equipment, fuel, food for the field trips and ranger uniforms – ensuring all participants had the appropriate clothing and footwear to get involved.
Activities on the field trips included hands-on learning in planting, managing invasive species and protecting native plants and animals, alongside cultural knowledge shared by Elders to help prepare young people for their future roles as Traditional Owners.
The field trip experiences enabled the students to develop a stronger sense of connection to their country and community, boosting their overall wellbeing. KFDF reported that since this program started, school attendance has risen significantly compared to previous years, with four previously disengaged youth now attending school regularly. Thanks to the program, youth who had been disconnected from school and community are now actively participating in both.
Stronger community partnerships have also been developed between alternative service providers and young members of the community, deepening support offered to youth in the region.
The Seeds of Renewal grant’s contribution has been catalytic, enabling KFDF to overcome logistical barriers and deliver on its promise of environmental protection, cultural revitalisation and youth empowerment. Youth rangers feel supported and are communicating with program coordinators and other organisations, and momentum is building for further youth engagement thanks to the program’s success.