Birdsville's lone ranger retires after three decades as keeper of the desert
For more than 30 years, Don Rowlands has been the ranger in charge of Munga-Thirri National Park, in Queensland's far south-west corner. But the time has come for him to hang up his uniform.
Don Rowlands, a keeper of Central Australia's Simpson Desert for over three decades, is retiring from his role as the ranger in charge of Munga-Thirri National Park. This role, which he has defined as a delicate balance of conservation, visitor access, and cultural preservation, has been a significant part of his identity. Despite the desert changing over the years, with its flora and fauna dwindling, Don remains committed to caring for the land that is his traditional home.
In 1994, he became the first Queensland Parks and Wildlife ranger to care for Munga-Thirri National Park, advocating for its recognition by its traditional name and playing a leading role in native title recognition. This work took two decades and placed him in a unique position, navigating the ground between two worlds. Don's retirement marks the end of a life defined by his commitment to the desert and its people, and he is already planning to share his knowledge with others, ensuring his family's story is preserved for future generations.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
