Young Ranger recognised as CQUniversity’s first TAFE Alumni Award winner

Proud Darumbal woman Zalhi Hayden is turning her passion for caring for Country into meaningful action, earning recognition as CQUniversity’s first-ever TAFE Alumni Award recipient.

After completing a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management in 2023 at CQU’s Rockhampton campus, Zalhi has built a career as a Darumbal Land and Sea Ranger, working on the frontline of environmental protection across land and sea Country.

Her work spans reef and seagrass monitoring, cultural site protection, data collection and restoration projects, bringing together Traditional knowledge and modern conservation science.

“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.”

From classroom to Country

Zalhi studied on campus in Rockhampton, attending weekly classes while gaining hands-on experience in the field, which she said prepared her for real-world ranger work.

“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.

Caring for Country through culture and science

One of Zalhi’s proudest achievements has been her involvement in coral reef restoration projects on the Great Barrier Reef.

Working alongside other Traditional Owner groups and scientists, Zalhi helps collect coral larvae during night operations and carefully reintroduce them to damaged reef areas using specialised ceramic devices.

“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, Zalhi said this has shaped her deep connection to the environment and her responsibility to protect it.

“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.”

Inspiring the next generation

Beyond her environmental work, Zalhi is passionate about engaging young people, regularly visiting schools and community events to share knowledge and culture.

“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.”

National recognition

In 2025, Zalhi also received the Young Ranger Award from the National Indigenous Women’s Rangers Network (NWRN). further highlighting her leadership and impact.

She said she was honoured to be formally recognised by both CQU and NWRN in the early stages of 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.”

Zalhi hopes to continue building her knowledge and experience, with a long-term goal of stepping into a leadership role as a senior ranger.

She also hopes her journey inspires other First Nations students to pursue study and careers in caring for Country.

“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.”

Find out more about our Alumni Award recipients.