Walking with Dingoes: Minyumai & Girringun Rangers Unite

In 2023, the Minyumai Indigenous Rangers (Bandjalang Custodians) travelled from their Country in northern New South Wales to attend the first-of-its-kind National First Nations Dingo Forum in Cairns, hosted by Girringun Aboriginal Corporation — which represents nine Traditional Owner groups across the region. The forum brought together more than 100 Traditional Owners from 20 different Nations to have their say on Dingo management.

Inspired by the forum, the Minyumai Rangers returned home and began a Dingo monitoring project on their 2,000-hectare Indigenous Protected Area. Since then, they’ve gained valuable insight into the role Dingoes are playing on their Country and are helping lead the way toward more holistic Dingo management in New South Wales.

In August 2024, Girringun Rangers launched their own Dingo monitoring across a 1.2 million-hectare Indigenous Protected Area. Soon after, the Minyumai Rangers travelled to Cardwell to exchange knowledge and share what they had learned through their own project.

Defend the Wild had the privilege of attending and documenting this powerful story of cultural connection, Country, and Dingo care.

An enduring story of connection, love of Country and collaboration

Attendees of the 2023 National Inaugural First Nations Dingo Forum

A Dingo captured on a trail camera as part of the First Nations Dingo monitoring project by Girringun Aboriginal Corporation