Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP, joined Commissioner Katarina Carroll today to gift two decommissioned Queensland Police Service (QPS) Isuzu D-Max dual cab four-wheel drive vehicles to the Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council (WASC) Ranger Program.
WASC is a motivated and forward-looking council that focuses on working in partnership with the community, the QPS and service providers to improve community safety and harmony through locally inspired initiatives.
In collaboration with PCYC, WASC is developing plans to expand the existing Ranger Program by introducing the 'Redbank' Junior Ranger Program which will provide opportunities for local young people to gain qualifications and employment pathways, learn First Nations languages, culture, and care, and divert them from anti-social behaviour.
Commissioner Carroll said the QPS recognised the significant community benefits the Junior Ranger Program offered to the Woorabinda community.
"The QPS is very proud to be able to donate two of our decommissioned vehicles to the Redbank Junior Ranger Program," Commissioner Carroll said.
"I hope this allows the Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council to continue working with junior rangers and strengthen their connections with the land.
"I understand this program also helps create employment pathways for young rangers and I wish them every success in their endeavours – hopefully we will see some of them at our Queensland Police Academy in the future."
Minister Ryan said the Redbank Rangers, who got their name from the prominent red soil banks in the Woorabinda area, were the next generation to learn the importance of looking after country in the area.
"I hope that the gifting of these two four-wheel drive vehicles helps this youth engagement program succeed well into the future," Minister Ryan said.
"This youth engagement work is highly valuable to its participants and I am looking forward to hearing about your achievements throughout the program."
