IBA’s Strong Women Strong Business (SWSB) were excited to support the inaugural Indigenous Women Rangers Network Forum 2025, which took place from 4-6 March in Gimuy (Cairns).

Our deadly female staff from the Cairns office, Rachelle Singleton, Loreen Jarro and Kelly Toby represented IBA at the forum, sharing information about IBA’s products and services in Business and Housing Solutions, IBA’s impact and research (for example single carers project) and of course the SWSB network. The forum provided a space for over 200 women rangers from across our Nation to connect and inspire each other and had a strong focus on support, networking, health and wellbeing, community led projects, mentoring, training, and empowerment.

The inaugural National Forum built on ten years of the Cooktown based Queensland Indigenous Women Rangers Network (QIWRN)’s work, supporting and training Indigenous women rangers.  Sponsoring the Forum gives recognition to the value of Indigenous Women Rangers in our communities managing and protecting Australia’s natural and cultural heritage and caring for Country.  As of 2023, while there are over 1,900 Indigenous rangers employed across Australia, approximately 30% are women (estimated 570). The Australian Government has announced to increase to 3,800 Indigenous rangers by 2030, commencing in 2024 with more than 1,000 new Indigenous ranger jobs to be created over four years to expand the Indigenous Rangers Program. First Nations women will make up the vast majority of the new full-time, part-time and casual roles, with up to 770 Indigenous ranger positions.

See the vibe at IWRN

If you’d like to know more about Indigenous Women Rangers: QIWRN | IWRN