Round 9 of the State Govt's Aboriginal Ranger Program (ARP) is now open for Aboriginal community controlled organisations (ACCO) to apply.

Administered by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), this round of the ARP is focused on supporting applications from regionally located corporations and programs, with funding coming from the Royalties for Regions scheme.

Funding will be allocated from 1 July 2026 at the earliest to 30 June 2030 at the latest. Projects can start on 1 July in any financial year, and can be one, two, three or four years in length.

You can only apply once and in one fund, either:

• Sustain fund - designed to support existing and established Aboriginal ranger groups. 

Or

• Activate fund - designed to support groups that have already conducted detailed ranger related planning and are ready to employ new Aboriginal rangers at some stage. 

Or

• Prepare fund - designed to support groups aspiring to develop a new ranger program in the future and need to undertake planning and/or preparatory works. These smaller grants aim to strengthen groups so they are in a better position to apply for larger grants, including but not limited to the ARP, that will support the beginnings of ranger operations. 

For more information on the program and how to apply, visit DBCA's website here.

Applications close 5pm, Monday March, 9 2026.