News edition for 9 August 2026. Added to Nungya on 22 October 2026 as part of our retrospective news archive. Reporting reflects information available by the edition date.

Kane Patterson first came out on Country alongside older cousins. Fifteen years into ranger work, he is now the head ranger helping younger people find their own place in the team.

Country Needs People published his account on 5 August. Patterson is a Banbai Ranger from Guyra in northern New South Wales, working across Wattleridge and Tarriwa Kurrukun Indigenous Protected Areas.

He describes learning that the role involved far more than fencing and clearing tracks. It meant connection, responsibility and seeing the results of sustained care for Country. He also reflects on the confidence younger Rangers develop through working with other organisations and landholders.

The landscapes in his account are specific: granite and mountain Country, wet forest and boggy areas at Wattleridge; drier stringybark forest and upland wetlands at Tarriwa Kurrukun. Seasonal changes shape the work, including efforts to protect cultural places from damaging fires.

What gives the feature its warmth is Patterson’s attention to the next generation. His own older relatives provided an example; now he wants young people to carry that legacy forward.

This is a personal ranger story rather than a guide to carrying out burns.

Read Patterson’s account of work, learning and responsibility on Banbai Country.