The surrounding area contains rich and extensive rainforests, a sparkling coastline and the major biogeographic corridor of the Mitchell and Parsons Ranges. Most of this catchment area is listed on the Register of the National Estate, and supports an abundance of threatened, rare and endemic wildlife including an estimated 27 nationally listed threatened species. Bininj (or Bi) and Yolŋu people have cared for this Country since time immemorial, and ASRAC carries on this responsibility today. ASRAC is a collective of eight ranger groups working from three permanent bases with the largest in Ramingining - 580 kilometres east from Darwin.

However, with 14,000 square kilometres of islands, saltwater and freshwater Country, woodlands, jungles and rocky high ground, ASRAC needs to move from a centralised operating model to a decentralised model that enables rangers to access all of these rugged and distinct landscapes throughout the year.

Meanwhile, ASRAC’s government funding only affords the participation of five ranger groups in the ASRAC collective and does not support the inclusion of other clans. This has translated to an ad-hoc approach to staffing which prevents custodians from building the capacity and skills they need to achieve their goals over the long term. ASRAC is seeking philanthropic support to connect rangers and Traditional Owners to the most remote areas of their Country, in order to better manage this valuable part of Australia’s National Reserve.