News
New Ranger continues family legacy at State Coal Mine
Ty Hamilton has joined Parks Victoria as a ranger at the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine, continuing a family connection to the site that spans generations. A cabinet-maker by trade with a passion for bush regeneration, Ty now helps restore and conserve one of South Gippsland’s most significant heritage places. His story highlights how practical skills, community connections and a love of the outdoors come together to help care for Victoria’s unique parks and historic sites
From executive assistant to park ranger, Ruth Woodrow took a chance on nature
This World Ranger Day 2026, we're celebrating Ruth Woodrow, who swapped a career as an executive assistant for life as a Parks Victoria ranger. Based at Serendip Sanctuary, Ruth combines her passion for birds, conservation and community engagement while helping protect some of Victoria’s most important habitats. Her story shows how following a love of nature can lead to an unexpected and rewarding career.
Peter Barrow turned a passion for nature into a profession
Inspired by a childhood spent in the bush, Peter Barrow now helps care for parks and reserves across the Bendigo region. From conservation and firefighting to keeping parks safe and accessible, Peter embraces the variety of ranger life. One of his most treasured memories is a quiet encounter with a platypus along the Campaspe River – a reminder of why protecting nature matters.
Ben Johnson-Strike traded the outback for the oceans
Born and raised in Alice Springs, Ben Johnson-Strike turned his lifelong love of nature into a career as a Parks Victoria marine ranger. From protecting marine parks and supporting conservation programs to documenting wildlife with his camera, no two days are the same. As we celebrate World Ranger Day 2026, Ben shares his passion for caring for Victoria’s marine environments and the special places he helps protect.
Have your say on the future of Dyurrite - community engagement now open
Everyone with an interest in the future of the iconic Mount Arapilies-Tooan State Park (Dyurrite Cultural Landscape) is invited to have their say on it’s management and facilities via Engage Victoria. We are seeking feedback on a proposal which strengthens protections for cultural heritage at Dyurrite while providing greater access for recreation activities such as rock climbing, as well as how visitor facilities should be improved.
Safer summers ahead: new rules for St Kilda and Altona piers
After a successful summer trial, new rules proposed by Parks Victoria to improve safety in waterways around the St Kilda and Altona piers have been adopted by Safe Transport Victoria.
A future taking shape in the (artificial) hollows
In the semi-arid woodlands of Wyperfeld National Park, recovery is already emerging after the January 2026 fires - driven by a steady and practical effort to help nature rebound, including targeted support for the threatened Pink Cockatoo.
More climbs now open in the Grampians
More than 500 individual routes across 17 designated climbing areas are now open, thanks to recently completed surveys in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.
Big conservation wins for Victoria's small frogs
From tiny toadlets hidden beneath leaf litter to rare tree frogs making a comeback in East Gippsland, conservation efforts across Victoria are delivering encouraging results for some of the state’s most threated amphibians.
Celebrating World Female Ranger Week 2026
To celebrate World Female Ranger Week, we are taking a moment to spotlight some of the incredible women who work on the ground protecting Victoria's natural environment.