Proud Gunggandji man and local Ranger Dion Sands is using his training to inspire his Yarrabah community to protect country and culture and follow their passions.
Dion’s ranger journey began in 2016 at Gordonvale State High School, where he completed a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management. In 2023, Dion joined the Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate (GMYPPBC) through the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, completing a Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, and later a Certificate III.
“I’ve always wanted to become a ranger,” Dion said. “I applied for the GMYPPBC ranger traineeship because I wanted to take care of my country, while giving back to my Gunggandji people and the Yarrabah community.
“My trainee ranger roles with GMYPPBC have had a huge impact on my life and I have completed a wide array of accredited and non-accredited training, which have further developed my skills and capacity to manage my country.”
The program gave Dion skills, confidence, and leadership experience. As a team leader, he has guided fieldwork and mentored his peers. He also coordinates tours that share Gunggandji culture with visitors from across Australia and the world.
Dion was recently named the 2025 Queensland Training Awards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year for Tropical North Queensland, recognised for his dedication to conservation and his community. For Dion, training has always been about more than building his own skills.
“Showcasing our culture and ranger work to others is a form of reconciliation in action, which provides greater impact and extends beyond our work and community,” he said.
“I am always proud to share I am a GMY Ranger and want to advocate, improve and increase participation in Indigenous ranger roles.” Living in Australia’s largest discrete community, Dion understands the challenges of high unemployment and limited opportunities.
“I am one of the lucky few in our community who has been employed as a ranger and given the opportunity to be paid to work on our amazing country,” he said.
“I look forward to coming to work each day and undertaking training motivates me to grow and create a brighter future for myself and my children.”
Dion credits his training with giving him “a solid foundation” and a passion for conservation. He is now the Traditional Owner Program Coordinator with Citizens of The Great Barrier Reef.
“These traineeships have opened my eyes to new possibilities,” he said. “I love working on and looking after my land and sea country and protecting our country and culture for future generations.”
Learn more about Skilling Queenslanders for Work.
Read about the winners and finalists for the Queensland Training Awards.
See what is happening for National Skills Week 2025.
Last updated 19 August 2025
