Aunty Enid Tom and SIRA’S administration and finance officer Christina Raenaitoro exchange thanks during the historic visits between Torres Strait Regional Authority Rangers and Solomon Islands Rangers Association. Photo: TSRA.
A powerful, First Nations-led ranger exchange spanning the lush rainforests of the Solomon Islands to the blue waters of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) will feature in an upcoming eight-part documentary series on ABC TV.
The series, expected to air in the first half of 2026, will showcase how Australia’s far north and its Pacific neighbour are celebrating and sharing island wisdom.
The growing bond underlines the old adage: knowledge is power.
The unique First Nations to First Nations International Knowledge Exchange began in February 2025 when Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Rangers visited Solomon Islands Rangers Association (SIRA) in South Malaita. Its focus: long-lasting environmental outcomes and cultural ties.
SIRA hosted TSRA Rangers in four remote communities as part of Indigenous Pathways, an Indigenous-led component of the Australian Government-funded Australian Volunteers Program. The TSRA Rangers visited Takataka, Apunepara, Waihau and Nasi with additional conservation sites joining at each location.
Setting sail in the Solomon Islands: Indigenous Pathways Australian Volunteers and TSRA Rangers Ethel Anau and Loretta Glanville flank Clerah Maenuia. Photo: Bella Laifoo – Australian Volunteers Program.
Founding SIRA member Albert Kwatelae said the connection between community and ranger groups was inspiring.
“It’s been so impressive to see the respect in the community and amongst the people,” Mr Kwatelae said.
“Connectivity with nature and wildlife is a paramount thing and the Torres Strait people are so proud of it and take ownership of it.”
TSRA – one of Australia’s most remote, unique and culturally strong public service agencies – returned the island hospitality when it hosted SIRA Rangers for three weeks in August in the Torres Strait.
The reciprocal visit further strengthened the relationships formed and the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) shared in the first phase of the exchange.
Visiting rangers were welcomed on Waiben (Thursday Island) with a traditional gift ceremony, Welcome to Country by Traditional Owner Aunty Enid Tom and performances by Eip Karem Beizam – Meriam Cultural Group at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre – the region’s cultural heart.
Rangers connected with respected culture leader, Uncle Gabriel Bani, to learn about local language conservation and revival and joined local yarns on TSIMA Radio 4MW and sessions with Biosecurity Queensland.
Rangers also visited Horn Island and Boigu Island, meeting local communities, exchanging conservation practices and learning about TSRA’s world-class, Indigenous-led environmental management approach – where Traditional Knowledge meets western science to care for land, sea and culture.
Hosted by TSRA’s Land and Sea Management Unit (LSMU), the local and visiting rangers learnt about and shared lived experiences in environmental activities including:
- community-led turtle and dugong management
- seagrass monitoring
- invasive species management strategies
- TEK product development
- island monitoring and cultural site visits.
TSRA chairperson George Nona said the exchange was a powerful, global example of Indigenous collaboration and unity.
“We are proud to share TSRA’s world-class ranger program led by our people, for our people, with our brothers and sisters from the Solomon Islands,” Mr Nona said.
“This exchange is more than a learning opportunity – it’s a celebration of our shared values and a reaffirmation of our commitment to protecting our lands, seas and cultures.
“This is a significant step in strengthening ties between communities across Australia and the Pacific, building resilience through shared knowledge and honouring the deep ties between island communities.
“When we walk together, combining traditional wisdom and western science, we strengthen our ability as First Nations people to care for Country.
“United by common challenges, connected by cultural values and driven by opportunity, this exchange reflects the strength of working First Nations to First Nations, side by side together.”
A day spent on Kaiwalagal Country with Traditional Owners Aunty Enid and Barbara Miskin at Irrki on Muralag, alongside Kaurareg Junior Rangers from Tagai College Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh, proved one of the visit’s highlights.
SIRA’S administration and finance officer Christina Raenaitoro said the exchange highlighted new and different opportunities to share back home.
“Big eso (thank you) to the LSMU team for the wonderful experience and learning environment,” Ms Raenaitoro said.
“You have truly shared with us how a well-structured team works together to achieve its outcomes.
“You’ve shown us there will always be challenges, but that by working together it’s possible to maintain focus and momentum for community outcomes.”
Indigenous program manager at the Australian Volunteers Program, Alice Tamang, said one of the factors that made the exchange so successful was “the way knowledge was shared: through cultural protocol, mutual respect and relational learning”.
“The bonds formed between Torres Strait and Solomon Islands Rangers will carry forward efforts to conserve the environment and safeguard Traditional Knowledge for future generations.”
Cape York Weekly will continue to monitor this growing bond in 2026. Stay tuned to see the partnership air nationally on the ABC.
Australia’s remote far north – Waiben (Thursday Island). Photo: Madeina David, Torres Strait Regional Authority.
