Cairns - North Queensland Indigenous Ranger Dingo Workshop 2026

Cairns North Queensland Indigenous Ranger Dingo Workshop

Indigenous Rangers, Traditional Custodians, Elders, Native Title Body Corporates and their board members from across Queensland are warmly invited to attend the North Queensland Indigenous Ranger Dingo Workshop in Cairns.

Date: Friday 23 October 2026
Time: 8.30am arrival for a 9.00am start
Venue: Boathouse Building A22, JCU Cairns Campus

Why this workshop is important

Dingoes are culturally significant to Aboriginal peoples and play an important ecological role as Australia’s apex land predator and Boss of Country. However, dingoes continue to be misunderstood, labelled as “wild dogs” and managed without the meaningful involvement of the Traditional Custodians of that Country.

Current DNA, genetics and ecological research is challenging many long-held myths about dingoes. This workshop will bring cultural knowledge, Ranger experience and scientific research together to help mob better understand what is happening to dingoes on their own Country.

It will also explore how Indigenous Rangers and Traditional Custodians can collect their own local data, establish culturally informed monitoring programs and have a stronger voice in decisions affecting dingoes on their traditional lands—particularly within Indigenous Protected Areas.

What you will learn

Participants will hear about:

• Current dingo DNA and genetics research and what it tells us about Australia’s free-roaming dingo populations.

• How current science is challenging common myths about dingoes and “wild dogs”.

• The cultural and ecological importance of dingoes.

• How Indigenous Rangers are using camera traps, tracks, scats, DNA samples and other methods to monitor dingoes.

• What existing Indigenous Ranger dingo monitoring programs have discovered.

• How Ranger groups can begin collecting local evidence and establish monitoring programs on their own Country.

• Non-lethal approaches to living with and managing dingoes.

• How Traditional Custodians can advocate for their cultural rights and aspirations for dingoes on Country.

• An understanding of section 28 of the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) and how it may support First Nations cultural rights and dingo advocacy.

• Opportunities to connect with a growing national network of Indigenous Rangers and Traditional Custodians caring for dingoes.

Guest speakers

The workshop will feature presentations from:

• Sonya Grant – National First Nations Dingo Coordinator

• Dr Kylie Cairns – Dingo DNA and genetics researcher

• Adjunct Professor Neil Jordan, UNSW, and Dr Ben Pitcher, Taronga Zoo and Macquarie University – Dingo ecology, behaviour, research and practical monitoring methods

• Wayne Grant, Queensland Human Rights Commission – Understanding section 28 of the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) and how First Nations peoples can use their cultural rights to support their dingo advocacy and aspirations on Country

• Wanika Close, IPA Support Officer, and the Tjaltjraak Rangers from Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation – Sharing their dingo monitoring project, findings and lessons for other Indigenous Ranger groups

• Girringun Rangers – Sharing their dingo monitoring program and experiences on Country

• Minyumai Rangers – Sharing the journey and findings from their long-term dingo monitoring program

• Damon Sydes, Cassowary Coast Regional Council – Collaboration and non-lethal approaches to dingo management

• Alix Livingstone, Founder of Defend the Wild – Dingo advocacy and moving the needle politically for dingoes

• Dr. Linda van Bommel - Coexistence and non-lethal management

• Other invited researchers, specialists and First Nations presenters

The morning will feature presentations, case studies and opportunities for questions. The afternoon will be practical and interactive, with hands-on learning and breakout discussions.

Participants will be invited to share their knowledge and discuss:

• The cultural and ecological role of dingoes on their Country.

• What changes or concerns they are observing.

• How mob would like to be involved in dingo research and management.

• What support Indigenous Rangers and communities need to establish their own monitoring programs.

• How Traditional Custodians can have a stronger voice in decisions about dingoes on Country.

Who should attend?

This workshop is especially for:

• Indigenous Rangers and Ranger coordinators

• Traditional Custodians and Elders

• Native Title Body Corporates and board members

• Indigenous Protected Area and land and sea management teams

• Aboriginal organisations involved in Caring for Country

• First Nations people interested in dingo culture, research, monitoring and advocacy

No previous scientific or dingo-monitoring experience is required. Come ready to listen, learn, share knowledge and connect with other mob who want to care for and better understand dingoes on Country.

Places are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Hosted by the National First Nations Dingo Coordinator in collaboration with Girringun Aboriginal Corporation.