A young Darumbal ranger whose work combines Traditional knowledge with environmental science has become the first recipient of CQUniversity’s TAFE Alumni Award.
Zalhi Hayden, who completed a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management at CQUniversity’s Rockhampton campus in 2023, was recognised for her work as a Darumbal Land and Sea Ranger, protecting Country through reef restoration, seagrass monitoring, cultural site protection and environmental conservation.
The award follows another milestone in 2025, when Hayden received the Young Ranger Award from the National Indigenous Women’s Rangers Network, recognising her contribution to Indigenous-led land and sea management.
“I care for Darumbal Country by combining culture, science and community to protect it for future generations,” Zalhi said.
“Indigenous land management is important because Traditional Owners have cared for country for thousands of years. We have deep cultural responsibilities and knowledge that can’t be separated from the landscape or seascape.”
“Indigenous land management is important because Traditional Owners have cared for country for thousands of years. We have deep cultural responsibilities and knowledge that can’t be separated from the landscape or seascape”
Hayden said studying at CQUniversity gave her the skills and confidence to pursue a career caring for Country while strengthening her cultural identity.
“I was motivated to study because I wanted to gain the skills and the knowledge to become one of the traditional owners to take care of a country.
“The qualification gave me a pathway into ranger work while allowing me to combine culture, science and hands-on learning,” she said.
“My studies helped build practical skills and land and see management, safety, monitoring and teamwork. It also gave me confidence to work alongside scientists and professors while standing strong in my cultural identity.”
Her work includes coral reef restoration projects on the Great Barrier Reef, where Traditional Owner groups work with scientists to help restore damaged reef systems.
“We collect the coral larvae, let them attach to device and then place them back onto damaged reef,” she explained.
“When we go back and see it growing, it’s really rewarding. We’re all coming together to save our reef.”
Growing up on Darumbal Country shaped her commitment to protecting the environment and strengthened her belief that Indigenous knowledge plays an important role in conservation.
“My role has further highlighted the importance of Indigenous-led land and sea management.
“Traditional knowledge and conservation science go hand in hand,” she said.
“Cultural knowledge guides where and how we work, while science helps measure the outcomes.
“It makes me proud to help make Country healthy again. When Country is healthy, our people are healthy too.”
Beyond conservation work, Hayden regularly visits schools and community events to introduce young people to ranger work and share cultural knowledge.
“We show kids what we do and why we do it,” Zalhi said.
“When they ask questions and get excited, it makes us proud that culture is still being carried on.”
Reflecting on receiving recognition from both CQUniversity and the National Indigenous Women’s Rangers Network, Hayden said the awards had encouraged her to continue building her career.
“It has made me feel seen and supported,” she said.
“It also reinforced the importance of Indigenous women leading and caring for Country.”
She hopes to continue developing her skills before moving into a senior ranger role and encourages other First Nations students to consider careers in environmental management.
“I want to keep learning everything I can, on land and sea, and one day take on a leadership position,” Zalhi said.
“If you have that interest in caring for Country, it’s a really good path to take.”
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