Yesterday was World Ranger Day, an annual event which honours the people who dedicate their life’s work to protecting the environment for future generations.
This year’s theme – Rangers, Powering Transformative Conservation – highlighted the role rangers play as protectors of nature, as well as partners in community-led conservation.
In NSW, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) held a service in the Blue Mountains to remember staff who had lost their lives protecting the community and the environment.
The 11 names on the NPWS Honour Roll were read in front of family, friends and colleagues at the NPWS memorial at George Phillips Lookout, near Govetts Leap in Blue Mountains National Park.
Bagpipes were played at service remembering those who lost their lives protecting the community and environment. PIC: Ben Pearse / DCCEEW
Special mention was made of the 25th anniversary of a hazard reduction burn in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which claimed the lives of four staff members, seriously injured three others, and changed the way NPWS undertakes fire management.
Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe, said it was important remember those staff, families and friends who were affected.
“Our dedicated NPWS staff show courage and commitment every day, protecting and defending our natural environment and cultural heritage on behalf of the people of NSW,” she said. “We honour those who have lost their lives in this pursuit and thank them for their service … we also acknowledge those injured at work, as well as those who mourn the loss of their friends and colleagues.”
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