PHOTO (by KTA Media for Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, at Hampton Harbour, Dampier): Left to right, with ribbon: Rangers Jade Churnside & Chloe Ramirez, Minister Matthew Swinbourn, Ranger Operations Manager Peter Cooper, Woodside General Manager Matthew Turnbull, Member for the Pilbara Kevin Michel, Rangers Jerome Churnside & Sarah Hicks. On the vessel: Rangers Glen Aubrey, Malik Churnside & Riley Sebastian.
Murujuga Elders, Rangers, and representatives of the State Government and Woodside Energy Group this week officially launched the new Murujuga Ranger vessel, the Nyamina.
Named after the dugongs that inhabit Murujuga sea country, Nyamina is a custom-built 5.8-metre rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB), designed for inshore waters and for safely landing and unloading on beaches.
The vessel was funded by the State Government via Lotterywest – providing $204,232 towards the vessel, trailer and equipment – and Woodside Energy, which contributed $390,626 to support the vessel, additional camera equipment and two years of operating costs.
Comments attributable to Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Peter Hicks:
“The launch of this vessel is a proud moment for Murujuga, our Rangers, and for the ongoing care of our World Heritage-listed Murujuga Cultural Landscape, which extends across the Burrup Peninsula, the islands of the Dampier Archipelago, and sea country.
“We are enormously grateful to the State Government through Lotterywest and Woodside Energy for their funding to make this vessel possible.
“We also extend our sincere thanks to other organisations and individuals who have supported the Rangers on this journey, including the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions who provided crucial marine advice and support – in particular, Brad Daw, who generously shared his experience, time, technical support.
“We congratulate the Rangers on securing their coxswain certification, and Ranger Jade Churnside for her beautiful artwork that adorns the vessel and ensures it carries our culture and our stories.”
Comments attributable to Woodside Energy General Manager – Scarborough Business, Matthew Turnbull:
“MAC Rangers play a critical role in protecting cultural heritage, monitoring Country and supporting research across the World Heritage Listed Murujuga Cultural Landscape.
“The launch of Nyamina gives the Rangers greater capability to manage sea Country and to continue this important work safely and independently.
“Woodside is proud to co-fund this vessel which will support Ranger-led management of Murujuga and supports long-term outcomes for cultural heritage and Country.”
Comments attributable to WA Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn MLC:
“I congratulate Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation on the arrival of Nyamina, and I’m pleased to see it in action on these beautiful waters.
“This vessel will be a tremendous support for Ngarda-Ngarli in protecting the World Heritage values of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape for generations to come.”
“Nyamina not only enhances the Rangers’ ability to care for Country but also stands as a powerful symbol of the deep cultural connection to Murujuga’s land and sea.”
Comments attributable to Murujuga Ranger Jade Churnside:
“Nyamina’s art is inspired about Murujuga and a song I heard, Ganalili Wanggalili, about the sun rising in the morning, brining everything to life in the land.
“I think it’s pretty representative of the Ranger team.”
Watch a video of the launch on MAC’s YouTube here.
For more information or media inquiries, email: communications@murujuga.org.au.