About the Queensland Ranger Association
The Queensland Ranger Association (QRA) is a professional organisation for people who work in wildlife and natural resource conservation across the state.
Our members come together to share their experiences, build strong working relationships and support each other to find innovative solutions. These connections help members respond to challenges and thrive in their conservation career.
Our story
The QRA has a celebrated history, fortified by the hard work of volunteers. Here are just a few highlights from our journey.
Rangers gather from the regions
During the early to mid-1990s, the department sought to make changes to the role of rangers around the state. Groups of rangers began making contact with each other to collectively address these challenges.
In 1995, a meeting was held at Chesterton Range National Park. Rangers from multiple regions came together and formed a state-wide association to exercise greater influence in the department.
Frank Manthey’s iconic speech
During this meeting, Frank Manthey gave a speech that would become an iconic part of QRA history. Using a septic tank lid as his soapbox, he painted the picture of what the QRA could achieve.
He explained that it could serve as a collective and professional voice for rangers in the department. From his place on that two-foot high septic tank lid, Frank galvanised his audience into forming the QRA.
Milestones and achievements
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● On 6 December 1996, the QRA was formally established, with a constitution that recognised the role of the regions within its executive structure. Membership fees were set at $1 a fortnight.
● Rangers (both QRA and Union members) successfully lobbied the department to benchmark all ranger positions. Pay rates and responsibilities were assessed and adjusted to better reflect ranger workloads.
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● The ‘Ranger Rambler’ was launched, a biannual magazine written by rangers for rangers. The motto ‘Rangers Helping Rangers’ was also coined at this time.
● QRA executives built affiliations with the International Ranger Association, while also helping establish the Australian Ranger Federation.
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● The mid-2000s saw the landmark signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the department (at that time, the Environmental Protection Agency).
● The family support fund was established to help members’ families in case of accidents.
● The first QRA Annual Muster was held, despite a lack of organisational support for ranger attendance at conferences.
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● Around 2014, the QRA ‘Development and support scheme’ and the QRA ‘Developing nations scheme’ were introduced.
● The ‘QRA/Oceania strategy’ was developed to help build strong relationships between the QRA and rangers from other Oceania countries.
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● Recent years have seen ranger exchanges between Queensland and New Zealand.
● QRA members have provided aid to rangers in Sumatra, the Solomon Islands and Fiji.
● QRA members have attended national and international conferences and congresses.
● The QRA continues to facilitate the exchange of ideas, work issues and opportunities within QPWS&P.
Looking to the future
Our vision is to see the QRA continue to grow and thrive into the future.
We’re continuing to build connections with First Nations rangers and First Nations land management agencies. By working together, we can continue to respond to contemporary challenges and meet the changing needs of our members.
Our shared values
As a community of conservation experts, we help and support each other. Our motto is ‘Rangers Helping Rangers’.
We celebrate the deep connection to Country held by First Nations partners and land and sea rangers, and value the important role of First Nations expertise in conservation.
We value informal learning, sharing knowledge generously and learning from the experience of others.
We value every member’s unique perspectives, experiences and skill sets, and their contribution to conservation innovations.
“I was feeling valued and part of a wider team. I know we all are dedicated to our parks and the local environment—this often leaves us feeling we are alone in the world. Which is never true.”
– Frank Mills, QRA Member and former QRA President 2014-2016
Our current executive team
Our executive team works hard behind the scenes to drive QRA projects and initiatives. They facilitate memberships and sponsorships, arrange exchange and development opportunities and assist other states and nations through a series of programs.
The QRA executive play an important role advocating for solutions to issues and providing a conduit for ideas within QPWS&P. They keep the members informed, share stories and organise the annual musters.
Our team ensures the QRA remains an open, democratic and inclusive association that demonstrates strong governance and transparency.
Objects of the association
Provide a valuable network that enables members to stay in touch, share their experience, develop stronger working relationships and support each other in managing the challenges faced daily in this profession.
Facilitate the exchange of ideas, opportunities and feedback between QRA members, the QPWS Executives and international rangers.
Promote and enables professional development, sharing and learning opportunities for members through practical immersion and interaction with other rangers.
Encourage membership from representatives of all disciplines of protected area workers and wildlife officers, including First Nations ranger groups.
Assist other States and countries (with a particular focus on Developing Nations) to develop their ranger networks and associations.
Is an open, democratic and inclusive association demonstrating strong governance and transparency.
Executive
President: Corinna Browne
Vice-President: Jess Harris
Secretary: Michelle Adams
Treasurer: Margaret Murray
Sponsorships : Ren Bone
Memberships: Dean Payne
Regional representatives
South-West: Greg Carter
South-East: Bronwyn McAdams
Northern Parks: Ben Solowiej
Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks: Joel McLune
Coastal Islands: Linda Behrendorff and Tom Beukers
Central: Kim Fleischfresser
Indigenous Representative: Delys Wilson
Central Office: John Atkinson
Expert reps: Bluey Harris, Brent Smith, Andy Dutton
