February 25, 2026 | Alexis Rashleigh | Ranger Coordinator  | BNTAC | www.butchulllantac.org.au

In February 2026, the Djaa Narawi Rangers, Mitchell Allen, Kaile Clarke, and Cion Paiwan, returned to Mon Repos, Bargara for their second consecutive turtle conservation season. Mon Repos is home to the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland and supports the most significant loggerhead turtle population in the entire South Pacific region.

For the rangers, this annual trip is more than volunteer work, it’s a cultural responsibility, a learning journey, and an opportunity to strengthen conservation efforts for Milbi on Butchulla Country.

Over the week, the Djaa Narawi Rangers contributed to a wide range of specialised conservation tasks alongside Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service staff and volunteers. Their responsibilities included:

• Night and early‑morning beach patrols to monitor nesting activity
• Priority hatchling processing, ensuring newborn turtles are safely recorded and supported where necessary
• Nest digs to determine hatchling success rates after emergence
• Egg relocations when nests were laid too close to the high‑tide line
• Nesting turtle processing, collecting important biological data
• Priority nest setting and routine checking throughout the week

Each task plays a vital role in protecting vulnerable species, contributing to long‑term research, and ensuring survival rates continue to improve.

A major highlight of this season was the renewal of key accreditations. The team successfully renewed their Nest Protection Accreditation, ensuring they can continue safeguarding Milbi nests. Ranger Mitch also renewed his Nest Dig Accreditation, extending his qualification for another three years. These accreditations strengthen the rangers’ capacity to carry out conservation work on Country and support the long‑term health of local turtle populations.

While this year’s conservation season brought some differences compared to last year, the Djaa Narawii Rangers embraced every moment. The experience offered new learning, stronger cultural connection, and the opportunity to give back to Country in a meaningful way.

Their efforts contribute to a future where Milbi continue to nest, hatch, and thrive, ensuring these ancient beings remain part of the landscape for generations to come.

The return of the Djaa Narawi Rangers to Mon Repos is a powerful example of cultural responsibility in action. Their contributions not only support vital scientific and environmental outcomes, but also honour the deep, ongoing relationship between Butchulla people and the sea, seasons, and stories carried by Milbi.

A huge congratulations to the team for another successful year of conservation work on Country.