Karrkad Kanjdji Trust
The Strong Women for Healthy Country Network is a vibrant collective of First Nations women rangers from across the Northern Territory, dedicated to protecting their lands and supporting their communities. Founded in 2019 by women from the Mimal Land Management area, the Network has grown rapidly, bringing together over 200 women from 32 ranger groups to collaborate, communicate, and advocate with a united voice.
Supported by the Karrkad Kanjdji Trust (KKT), which plays a crucial role in backing First Nations Ranger programs across Arnhem Land, the Network focuses on empowering women through training, mentorship, and dedicated spaces. KKT’s support helps ensure that women have the resources and opportunities to thrive in their roles, particularly in areas like caring for Country, culture and community.
Through annual forums, ranger exchanges, and leadership development, the Strong Women for Healthy Country Network is driving positive change, ensuring that Indigenous women are at the forefront of caring for their Country and leading their communities, with the invaluable backing of KKT, a key partner in protecting and managing one of Australia’s most culturally rich and biodiverse regions.
Learn more about Karrkad Kanjdji Trust at their website.
Read the story /
Women rangers unite for Country and community
Across the Northern Territory, First Nations women, many working as rangers, are building a collective voice to care for Country and lead change in their communities.
The Strong Women for Healthy Country Network, now a formally constituted organisation governed entirely by First Nations women, has more than 135 members.
Over the past year, the Network has elected its inaugural Board, held regular gatherings and embedded best practice workplace principles across ranger groups and partner organisations. More than 400 women from 32 ranger groups are connected through its advocacy, mentoring and training, ensuring women’s knowledge and leadership remain central to land management and cultural preservation.
We are working to become an independent organisation and an incorporated body so that we can continue what we’re doing, supporting women and community,” says Sheila White, Director of Strong Women for Healthy Country Aboriginal Corporation.
For founding advocate Annette Miller, the motivation is deeply personal: “My mum was a Strong Woman as well. I said to myself, look, she’s getting old, it’s my turn to step in. I wanted to lead women, to set up something like this for all women. They travelled so far to share feelings and struggles. It meant a lot to me.”
The Strong Women for Healthy Country Network is moving from vision to institution, a collective led and governed by First Nations women, built to endure for generations to come.
The Karrkad Kanjdji Trust (KKT) was created by Traditional Owners of West and Central Arnhem Land as a bridge between two worlds, philanthropy and First Nations leadership. It brings together eight community-controlled organisations working in land management, two-way education, on Country employment, carbon abatement and the preservation of Indigenous languages. Through this collaboration, KKT is helping to sustain Country, culture and community for future generations.
First Nations women reshaping the future of land management
In the Northern Territory, the Strong Women for Healthy Country Network has become a cornerstone of First Nations-led conservation and cultural preservation. Supported by the Karrkad Kanjdji Trust, the Network supports the professional development of First Nations women working as rangers, as well as women leading community resilience initiatives.
At the fifth annual Strong Women for Healthy Country Forum, over 250 women and girls came together to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and celebrate their achievements. The Forum also marked a transformative moment as the attendees made the decision to become the Strong Women for Healthy Country Aboriginal Corporation, securing the Network’s independence and ensuring that its future is driven entirely by First Nations women.
From training in biodiversity monitoring and machinery operation to governance and advocacy, the Network supports women to build the skills needed to succeed in the workforce, contributing to the sustainability of communities and Country.