A migration to the Southern Flinders…bring your own boat!
This year, nearly 100 staff from National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), SA Water, ForestrySA, Raukkan Rangers, Nukunu Wanypatha Yarta Rangers, and Ngarrindjeri Lands and Progress Aboriginal Corporation Rangers gathered in Wilmington in the Southern Flinders Ranges for the South Australian Ranger Association’s (SARA) annual conference, affectionately known as the Migration.
Over three big days, participants took part in working bees, tours and presentations, with plenty of opportunities to catch up and get to know each other along the way. There was also bingo, nature trivia, great merchandise, the 2026 photo competition, a documentary screening and the occasional kick of the footy.
This year, participants faced an extra challenge when some unexpected wild weather rolled in. A surprise 60 mm of rain fell on the second night, with the resulting flooding making camping and outdoor activities particularly interesting!
NPWS rangers from Mount Remarkable National Park proudly hosted this year’s event, organising a range of working bees to support the region while sharing skills and knowledge. Activities included weed control at Mambray Creek, trail maintenance at Mount Remarkable Summit, Alligator Gorge and the Narrows, and park sign installation.
Tours provided a fantastic snapshot of the conservation and land management work happening across the region. Ranger in Charge Brett Coghlan led a tour of Dutchman’s Stern Conservation Park, sharing knowledge about feral animal control and management of the Heysen Trail.
At Wirrabara Forest, within Wapma Thura–Southern Flinders Ranges National Park, ForestrySA Senior Ranger Luke Hein spoke about the forestry nursery and the area’s history. NPWS Ranger Luke Gabel then provided an update on current park management before leading the group up to Bluff Lookout. A short hike through Alligator Gorge offered an unexpected highlight: the rare sight of the creek in flood!
A Nukunu-led tour at Baroota showcased collaborative work with Flinders University, where participants learnt about research into water resources, groundwater, cultural water knowledge and environmental monitoring. The group also visited an important restoration site near Wilmington, where Nukunu representatives are working with Trees For Life on revegetation and waterbox projects. These projects explore landscape resilience, plant survival and site management, while highlighting the importance of integrating cultural values into caring for Country.
Presentations were another highlight of the Migration, covering a diverse range of conservation challenges and initiatives. The Northern and Yorke Landscape Board shared updates on feral deer control, the Marna Banggara project, and the conservation of Peppermint Box grassy woodlands and iron-grass lands. The Department for Environment and Water presented on H5 bird flu in wildlife, Wilmington fire recovery and the Bounceback landscape-scale conservation project. Researchers also shared fascinating insights into the use of detection dogs in conservation and the monitoring of threatened birds across the region.
Presentations from Joe Tilly on the Wilmington bushfire and Harry Kent on Murray Darling carpet pythons
SARA once again broke its charity auction record, raising an impressive $7,300 thanks to the generosity of its members and local South Australian businesses. These funds help SARA support its members and contribute to the Thin Green Line Foundation’s work supporting rangers around the world.
The event also provided an opportunity to hold SARA’s Annual General Meeting. The existing Executive Committee was reinstated, and new Regional Representatives were welcomed into their important roles supporting the association’s work.
The South Australian Ranger Association is a not-for-profit organisation bringing together environmental professionals who work to conserve and improve the natural landscapes of South Australia. The annual Migration is an important opportunity to share knowledge, build relationships, celebrate the ranger profession and strengthen the collective effort to care for our natural and cultural heritage.
From hands-on conservation work and knowledge sharing to new connections and a few unexpected adventures in the rain, this year’s Migration was another reminder of the value of bringing rangers together. Just remember to pack your wet-weather gear - and perhaps a boat!
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