We have a Cadet Unit of Bush Rangers W.A. were students build their knowledge and skills toward protecting our local environment through community projects, excursions to local bushland and water ways, class work, visiting experts, and camps. The Bush Rangers participate in ongoing volunteer projects such as weed eradication and tree planting in various bushland areas around Albany, especially with Albany City Council and Friends of Yakamia Creek. They also have a custodial role at Salmon Holes with regular beach clean-ups and photo monitoring alongside the Fisheries Department.
The Bush Rangers are privileged to have Noongar elders and educators share their knowledge of local culture, history and sustainability at cultural sites including the Oyster Harbour Fish Traps and Camp Quaranup. They learn about the European colonisation of Albany at the Museum and visit the National ANZAC Centre. Cadets take part in the ANZAC parade along York Street to the Peace Park.
The cadets are exposed to a wide range of Bush Ranger experiences during term camps. Previous camps included Denmark where cadets learnt about regional coastal sustainability; the Dwellingup adventure camp where they developed team-building and bush survival skills; Perth Zoo and Scitech where cadets expanded their understanding of wildlife conservation and processes that threaten biodiversity. In Busselton they experienced diverse geological and ecosystem environments including the underwater world of the Busselton Jetty, underground in the Ngilgi cave, and the ancient, threatened Tuart Forest.
Due to all their hard work, in 2016 the ASESC Bush Ranger Cadets were selected as finalists for the Young Legends category of the Tidy Towns Award. They showcased their skills twice for State and national judges and were invited to local ABC Radio to discuss the awards. This was an exciting opportunity for the cadets, who are proud of their achievements. The Bush Ranger program was identified by our most recent Independent Public-School Review as an outstanding program and the instructors were commended for their efforts in implementing the program. We are building upon the success of the program through a trial to extend for students with high needs.
