Richard is focused on cultural connection, community engagement, and education in Palm Island, emphasising the need for a gathering space that fosters learning, empowerment, and respect for traditional knowledge while bridging modern practices with Indigenous heritage.
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Relational web
Palm Island Rangers
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Ways I Hold & Share Knowledge
Cultural Governance & Justice Reinvestment Mentorship & Youth Development Land & Sea Management
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Who I Walk For
Expanding the Palm Island Rangers Program – Strengthening the program’s impact on justice reinvestment, providing employment pathways and cultural mentorship.
Richard shares Indigenous wisdom through storytelling, navigating traditional and Western knowledge systems while empowering future generations to connect with country and culture.
The following are themes that have been identified through conversation
Balancing traditional and Western knowledge like two edges of one spear.
Deep relationship with ancestral lands shapes identity and purpose.
Barnum-Goggin philosophy guides respectful learning relationships.
"Be a pebble, not a boulder" when entering others' spaces.
Using ancient wisdom to guide modern organisational development.
Empowering young people to reimagine and restore country through cultural knowledge.
Holding others' stories with gentle respect creates transformative conversations.
I am a leader deeply embedded in his community, working to create pathways for young people to reconnect with Country, culture, and purpose. His work centers around empowering Indigenous youth through land management, education, and community-driven justice solutions.
Through his my role in the Ranger Program, I have guided young men in their cultural and professional journeys, using land and sea Country as a foundational teaching space. His work is grounded in the belief that “Country shall provide”—an approach that integrates cultural traditions with contemporary skills-building.
I champion self-determination and leadership development, ensuring that young people in his programs gain confidence, skills, and the ability to create sustainable futures.
1. Palm Island Ranger Program
A culturally grounded workforce development program that provides young men with training in land and sea management, conservation, and community engagement. The program has been instrumental in:
2. Training & Education Hub Development
Richard has been working on bridging the gap between school, curriculum, and employment by creating a space for hands-on learning. His goal is to transition young people from disengagement to meaningful education and work opportunities, supporting teachers in designing culturally relevant pathways.
3. Cultural Protocol & Governance Leadership
Richard is involved in advocacy for Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) regarding projects on Indigenous land. He ensures that any new programs, partnerships, or funding come through a process that respects and follows cultural governance.
4. Justice Alternatives & Youth Diversion
Through his work, Richard has played a role in diverting young people from detention by providing on-country opportunities for growth, mentorship, and employment.
Cultural Knowledge Keeper & Educator – Leading cultural exchanges and mentoring young leaders.
Community-Driven Solutions Advocate – Developing justice reinvestment models through on-country programs.
Featured in Beyond Shadows & JusticeHub Initiatives – Driving knowledge-sharing and replication of successful models.
Cultural Leadership & Ceremony – Advocating for the role of culture in youth justice and community healing.
Justice Reinvestment & Education Pathways – Developing alternative education programs that transition youth from school to employment through practical, land-based learning.
Mentorship & Community Strengthening – Leading by example and fostering young men’s leadership and responsibility.
Environmental Stewardship & Ranger Programs – Training and supporting Indigenous youth in land and sea management practices.
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