This year we’re celebrating World Ranger Day (31 July) by highlighting some of our amazing people on nature’s frontline. 

Today we’re excited to introduce you to Melissa Tuliranta.

Originally from the picturesque town of Kannonkoski, Finland – renowned for its rolling hills, dense forests and stunning lake views – Mel moved to Australia 10 years ago and found a landscape that ‘couldn't be more different’.

But with a background in tourism and a passion for protecting diverse flora and fauna in our natural reserves, Mel has discovered her perfect role as a ranger in Victoria’s Yarra Ranges.

Read more about Mel’s inspiring journey below.

How long have you worked for Parks Victoria, and how long have you been a ranger? 

I started with Parks Victoria as a seasonal ranger in 2021 in Dandenong Valley Parklands. Following this I managed to get an ongoing role as a ranger in the Yarra Ranges National Park. I’ve been here for almost 3 years now.

What made you want to become a ranger?

I’ve always loved nature and the outdoors but never thought I could make a career out of it!

I am originally from Finland and got a degree in tourism there, so when I moved to Australia 10 years ago, I was still working in the tourism field the first couple of years. I ran my own not-for-profit with a friend during this time, coordinating sustainability-focused tours across Victoria which incorporated both sightseeing and volunteering with, say, a beach cleaning activity or educational talk around reducing the use of plastics. This allowed me to develop my project management skills – particularly with budgets, timelines and stakeholder management– while still pursuing my passion for environmental conservation.

During COVID I ended up working in a bush crew for Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (CMA) for 6 months – which is where I fell in love with working outdoors. We worked across various PV sites during that time, and I got to meet a few rangers. They were all so passionate about the work they did and their dedication to the organisation and the environment inspired me to want to become a ranger as well.

Melissa Tuliranta (centre, in blue) working with colleagues from Parks Victoria, GrazeAway and Melbourne Water along the Birrarung (Yarra River). Credit: Parks Victoria

What’s it really like to be a ranger? Walk us through a typical day for you in the Yarra Ranges.

There are never two days that are the same, which is what I love the most about this job. Being a ranger can be many things, but it’s never boring! My days could be anything from track clearing to asset maintenance, community engagement, contractor management, treating weeds, or planting native species.

I try to get out in the park most days and do anything and everything to improve the condition of the parks I'm fortunate enough to manage. My goal is to leave a positive legacy for the generations to come.

What's your favourite memory from your time spent in national parks?

My favourite moment would definitely have been in May 2024, when I got invited by Zoos Victoria to join them for their annual Lowland Leadbeater’s Possum count and welfare check at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Area. They are critically endangered and currently only 34 remain. I got to feed them honey as well as hold one in a pouch under my jacket. Feeling its’ little heartbeat against mine is something I’ll never forget!

My key sites that I manage as part of Yarra Ranges National Park are part of the Liwik Barring Landscape Conservation Area, aiming to provide new habitat for the possums, so seeing them in the wild was a dream come true. My next favourite memory will be seeing them released into the parks that we manage for the first time.

What’s your favourite nature fun fact?

To continue with the theme of Leadbeater’s Possums, I love that they build big nests inside tree hollows from shredded bark, which acts like a giant doona for the family in winter. They also have the cutest long baseball bat shaped tails that they use like an arm to carry the shredded bark up to the nest.

Feeding honey to a Leadbeater's Possum as a part of an annual count and health check with Arabella Eyre from Zoos Victoria. Credit: Parks Victoria.

What’s a piece of advice you’d have for someone wanting to become a ranger?

The job is so versatile, so the more skills you have the better! Take on any volunteering opportunities with various environmental groups, but also build on skills like project management, machinery, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work if you have an interest in any of those spaces. Not everyone needs to come from an environmental science background, having a mixed skillset will really set you apart!

World Ranger Day

Founded by the International Ranger Federation in 2007, World Ranger Day is internationally celebrated on 31 July. It's a day to celebrate the great work rangers do and commemorate those who are injured or killed in the line of duty.

Our rangers come from all walks of life, and their work is as diverse as the environments they manage. 

We’re proud of the work they do every day – partnering with Traditional Owners and local communities to care for iconic landscapes and make sure all Victorians can enjoy the outdoors. 

For more information on World Ranger Day, visit the International Ranger Federation’s website.