Indigenous Conference Services

THE CONFERENCE

The Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers 2024 Conference will be held at the Tjapukai Cultural Centre in Cairns, Queensland on the 5^th – 7^th of March 2024. Hosted by the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program with funding from the Department of Environment and Science, the conference brings together Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers from more than 40 communities across Queensland. It provides opportunities for rangers to collaborate with each other and with key partners including the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), and to share knowledge and skills for mutual benefit and better outcomes for country.

The conference is open to QILSRP-funded ranger groups with a maximum of 2 rangers per group welcome to attend. Additional rangers may be able to attend, depending upon registration numbers (a reservation list will be maintained).

The key theme of the upcoming Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Conference is Partnerships with an emphasis creating connections, empowering rangers, and collaborating with others, whether land and sea ranger teams, QPWS rangers or external experts in particular fields. Underpinning all discussions is the rangers’ cultural perspective, which enriches the conference and fosters a holistic approach to the management of country that integrates both traditional wisdom and contemporary best practices. The conference not only serves as a professional development opportunity and support network for Indigenous rangers but also as a celebration of long-term commitment to sustainable land and sea management.

CONFERENCE THEME

The conference themes is Partnerships.

Aspects of the theme which will be explored are: Connections between rangers and ranger partners; Empowering rangers and Collaborations to strengthen culture and country.

CONFERENCE AIM & OBJECTIVES

The aim of this conference is to bring together Indigenous Land and Sea rangers, and their partners (existing and prospective) to discuss and address challenges relating to land and sea management, celebrate program successes and create a platform for sharing experiences and best practices. The conference objectives are specifically to:

Provide opportunity for open and frank forum for discussion.

Increase opportunities for QPWS and L&S rangers to collaborate, sharing knowledge and skills for their mutual benefit and for better outcomes for country
Increase opportunities for ranger collaboration across L&S groups to share information, ideas and experiences
Increase opportunities and more appropriate partnerships between L&S rangers and researchers
L&S Rangers feel recognised for their varied roles and responsibilities and are supported in their professional development as well as physical, mental health and wellbeing.

WHY ATTEND?

This conference presents a unique opportunity for Land and Sea rangers to participate in a positive environment that is dedicated to the sharing of information and the empowering of all who attend. In our everyday working environment, the day-to-day stresses of our positions tend to limit us in expanding our knowledge and networking. This conference offers a valuable opportunity to network and connect with other rangers and external experts to share experiences and information.

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING FOR THE EMPLOYER

As an employee, you may need to provide reasons for attending. Listed below are valid points that can be raised with your employer to justify your attendance:

Staff attending conferences regularly tend to become long term employees.
An event such as this adds to the positive morale of staff.
Conferences are a fantastic way of providing ongoing training and provides the opportunity to further enhance the ranger groups' knowledge base and expertise.
Allows rangers to highlight their organisation's achievements to other groups.
Provides an opportunity to evaluate similar programs and practices.

GUEST SPEAKERS

The Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers 2024 Conference will offer a variety of guest speakers, who will share, expertise and ideas, presenting great opportunities and inspiration for rangers. Stay tuned for more information as speakers are confirmed and the program is developed.

REGISTRATION

Register early to guarantee your place! Each QILSRP-funded ranger organisation is entitled to a discounted rate of $200 per ranger for up to two rangers per group only. It may be possible to offer places to additional rangers depending upon numbers. Additional rangers will be on a reservation list and will pay the regular registration fee of $400 per ranger. Registration includes all day access to the event, available conference papers, daily lunch and refreshments. To register, please click on the registration button and complete the online form. Upon receipt of your completed registration form, we will email your tax invoice and confirmation letter accordingly.

CONFERENCE VENUE

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is Australia's most accessible venue conveniently located only 15 minutes from Cairns, Kuranda and Palm Cove. Public Transport is available and taxi/ride sharing services operate regularly from Cairns and the Northern Beaches. There is ample car parking if you choose to drive yourself.

CONFERENCE NETWORKING DINNER

As they say, all work and no play, makes for a dull conference. So to overcome this, we are planning a conference dinner on the second night of the conference. This dinner event will give rangers the opportunity to network and enjoy each other’s company in an informal setting away from the conference venue. The conference dinner will include a three-course meal and guarantees a night of fun and entertainment for everyone.

CONFERENCE ACCOMMODATION

Rangers can arrange their own accommodation, or book through ICS. ICS can offer three options for hotel accommodation in Cairns. We have negotiated a special room rate for conference delegates. To avail for this special discounted rate, contact us and advise your arrival or check-in and departure date so we can reserve your accommodation accordingly.

Hilton Hotel Cairns - The Hilton Cairns is deemed as the waterfront retreat near the Great Barrier Reef. Set amid tropical greenery on Cairns’ waterfront, the hotel is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef with the Reef Terminal, where the majority of trips depart, is just 400 meters from the hotel. The Hilton Hotel is approximately 14 kilometers from Tjapukai, the conference venue. The hotel has a lagoon-style outdoor pool and treatments spa.

Crystalbrook Riley – The Crystalbrook Riley’s urban rooms feature Apple iPad Control Centres, fast and free Wi-Fi, 55” HD Smart TVs, Room Cast by Google Chromecast for video streaming, complimentary movies, Nespresso machines, and rainforest showers. In the wardrobe, guests will find a kimono-style robe and slippers.

Cairns Colonial Club - Set amidst 11 acres of spectacular rainforest gardens, the family-friendly Cairns Colonial Club houses 345 modern accommodation rooms, three gorgeous lagoon-style swimming pools, a man-made beach, a purpose-built Conference & Functions Centre plus Thirsty Flamingo Poolside Bar & Dining, a contemporary full-service restaurant.