Protecting Country and Creating Local Employment
Real Futures is proud to introduce its Country Protection Officer Team: Zhivargo, Don, Dragan, Simon, Peter, Curtis, Caleb, Aaron and Jet.
The team is participating in the Country Protection (Mesquite and Invasive Weed) Control Program. The initiative combines local employment and accredited training with practical environmental work to help manage invasive weeds and care for Country.
Mesquite is an invasive woody weed that can spread across pastoral and culturally significant land, compete with native vegetation and reduce access to water and grazing areas. Managing mesquite and other invasive weeds helps protect local ecosystems, cultural values and the long-term health of Country.
A Community-Informed Initiative
The Country Protection Program was developed through the Remote Australia Employment Service Substantive Initiative and informed by community consultation.
The Remote Australia Employment Service, or RAES, supports people in remote communities to prepare for employment, build practical skills and access meaningful work opportunities. Community consultation helps ensure initiatives respond to local priorities and create benefits that are relevant and sustainable.
Developing Practical and Technical Skills
During six weeks of training with Central Regional TAFE, the team has developed skills across environmental management, workplace safety and equipment operation.
Their training has included:
- Workplace health and safety: Identifying workplace hazards, managing risks and following safe work practices.
- Drone technology: Learning to operate drones and working towards or obtaining relevant Civil Aviation Safety Authority licences.
- Civil construction plant operations: Developing the skills to operate machinery used in land management and related projects.
- Invasive weed and mesquite management: Learning how to identify, control and monitor invasive plant species.
- Teamwork and leadership: Building the communication and decision-making skills needed to work effectively as a team.
- Community engagement: Strengthening the team’s ability to communicate with local people and support community-led priorities.
Working Towards Pest Management Qualifications
The Country Protection Officers will now complete another six weeks of training. Once the program is finished, they will be fully qualified pest management technicians.
These qualifications will equip the team to carry out specialised weed-control activities safely and effectively. Their work will support the health of Country while creating valuable skills and employment pathways within the community.
Making a Difference on Country
By combining technical training, cultural knowledge and practical experience, Zhivargo, Don, Dragan, Simon, Peter, Curtis, Caleb, Aaron and Jet are preparing to make a meaningful difference on Country.
Their work will help manage invasive weeds, protect native landscapes and strengthen local capacity to care for the environment over the long term.
Public Launch Coming Soon
An official public launch of the Country Protection Officer Team is coming soon.
Stay tuned for more information and an opportunity to celebrate the team, their achievements and the important work ahead.
