The Central Land Council celebrated the opening of the much-awaited Tennant Creek Ranger Hub at 37 Brown Street, Tennant Creek on Wednesday.

The new ranger hub was unveiled by CLC Chair Matthew Palmer, Executive Member Sandra Morrison, and the Traditional Owner Ranger Advisory Committee of the Muru-war-inyi Ankkul Rangers, with a celebratory barbeque and cake.

The ranger hub replaces the old operational base, which was a humble and dusty shed with only basic amenities.

The ranger group had to split their operations between two locations, using the CLC’s Paterson Street office for administration and training and the shed for works and storage.

The new facility offers modern amenities and ample space for the team to grow and professionalise.

It will also house heavy equipment that other regional groups can use, making it a significant central ranger hub.

The hub is strategically located to offer ranger teams in Arlparra, Lajamanu, Daguragu, and Ti Tree space for training, for which they had to travel to Alice Springs until now.

CLC Chief Executive Les Turner said that the new facility does justice to the rangers’ efforts.

“Twenty years after the rangers first started looking after the country around Tennant Creek, they now have a building that meets their needs and can grow with them as they continue to go from strength to strength. They deserve no less,” he said.

When the CLC acquired the Brown Street lot in December 2022, it already had an office, a sizable shed, and a three-bedroom house.

Following extensive collaboration with the rangers, it awarded a renovation contract to Aboriginal-owned business Dynamic Solutions.

Work started last August, and the contractor completed the renovation four months later.

The office underwent substantial improvements, including new power and data points for future growth, air conditioning, and an updated layout that includes a conference space, a new server room, and a laundry area.

The shed upgrade features a large fan, lockers, tool cage, welding benches, and outside a pressure cleaner and wash bay.

These improvements help the rangers keep their equipment organised and ready to perform their duties efficiently.

The house on the property received a new kitchen, bathroom, and furnishings, ready to welcome visiting staff and trainers.

The solar panels make the hub more sustainable, as do water tanks and insulation.

Ranger Jeffrey Curtis said the aircon provides welcome relief when temperatures are in the 40s week after week.

“It was very hard working in the old shed during the hot weather,” he said.

“Now we’re working in luxury in the cool shed.

“Everybody is very happy to have a new work place and we’ve got to look after it.”

A new truck and tractor, to be funded by the Northern Territory Government Aboriginal Ranger Grants Program, will soon be stationed at the hub.

See all the photos in the issue.

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 16 February 2024.