Daley Donnelly, Fort Lytton National Park, Coastal and Islands Region

Daley Donnelly is a ranger based at Fort Lytton National Park, which is located south bank of the Brisbane River, just before the port of Brisbane. Daley Donnelly doesn’t just keep Fort Lytton alive by keeping the grounds and buildings up to scratch. He goes well above and beyond, as you will find out below.

When/where/how did you begin your career with QPWS?

I started as a ranger at Fort Lytton National Park in 2004.

Where are you now?

You will still find me at Fort Lytton National Park! So come and visit.

Tell us a little about your journey as a Ranger

Coming from a performance and education background, from the start, I was very much involved in interpreting the history of Fort Lytton, St Helena Island and Peel Island. My role has been to expand visitation through interpretation that deepens the understanding of the cultural significance of these unique heritage sites.

My main focus is developing educational programs, School holiday programs, and night shows. I perform to interpret actual events and tell the stories of soldiers who walked the grounds of Fort Lytton and the people who passed through Lytton Quarantine Station.

Engaging with events, such as ANZAC 100, Brisbane Open House, and Remembrance Sunday, has brought many more people into a cultural relationship with the National Parks. I have also had opportunities to create one-off interpretive programs for the lighthouse at Moreton Island National Park; and the 100th anniversary of Lamington National Park.

What is one highlight of your career as a Ranger that is important for you and why?

Working with younger generations in educational programs is always a highlight of my working life. Working as an actor-in-role and dramatising situations to explore the past is always rewarding.

For more information on Fort Lytton National Park, please check our website here:

• Fort Lytton National Park
• Fort Lytton National Park Events Calendar