Fire brigades and an Aboriginal ranger program share in almost $140,000 of Alcoa’s Bushfire Ready funding

An Aboriginal ranger program and eight bushfire brigades across WA and Victoria are set to share in almost $140,000 from Alcoa’s 2025 Bushfire Ready Fund.

Roelands/Olive Hill Bushfire Brigade has received funding for a training room upgrade and Bunbury’s Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation’s Aboriginal Ranger Program’s bushfire readiness capacity building also received funding.

The funding was shared predominantly in Peel and the South West where Alcoa operates its bauxite mines and alumina refineries, and the Glenelg Shire in Victoria.

Dwellingup, Serpentine, South Yunderup Ravenswood and West Murray volunteer bush fire brigades all received a share of the fund.

Gnaala Karla Booja Impact’s CEO Jackie Parker said the funding would enable rangers to develop essential skills in traditional fire mitigation practices.

“A lot of the knowledge about Noongar forest management practices has been lost over time and it is vital for the health of our South West forests to bring it back,” Ms Parker said.

“This grant from Alcoa will go a long way towards rebuilding some of that knowledge so our rangers can play a leading role in fire management into the future.”

Alcoa Australia president Elsabe Muller said bushfires posed a significant threat to communities.

“We value the tireless work of local brigades, rangers and volunteers, and recognise the exceptional efforts by people working behind the scenes and on the frontlines to protect lives and property,” Ms Muller said.

“The Bushfire Ready Fund was established to empower communities to take proactive steps in fire preparedness and response.

“These inaugural recipients reflect the kind of grassroots leadership and projects we are proud to support.”