The Western Australian Government has opened Round 9 of the Aboriginal Ranger Program (ARP), marking a major new phase in long-term investment in Aboriginal-led land and sea management across regional Western Australia.

In this round, up to $62 million is available through three complementary funding streams:

Sustain Fund – at least $50 million to support the continuation and strengthening of existing ranger programs
Activate Fund – up to $10 million to help establish or expand ranger teams and activities
Prepare Fund – up to $2 million to support organisations to get “grant-ready” for future investment

Together, these funds are designed to recognise the growing maturity of Aboriginal ranger programs while still supporting emerging organisations and new aspirations on Country.

Importantly, Round 9 is funded entirely through Royalties for Regions, which means funding is limited to activities occurring outside the Perth metropolitan region. Aboriginal organisations based in Perth are encouraged to register their interest separately to inform future program design.

If you are considering applying and want support with program logic, outcomes frameworks, MERI design or grant readiness, now is the time to start those conversations.If you are considering applying and want support with program logic, outcomes frameworks, MERI design or grant readiness, now is the time to start those conversations.