People across NSW will have better access to learning Aboriginal languages thanks to $1.6 million from the NSW Government.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said the Aboriginal Languages Revival Program will provide one-off funding to 41 Aboriginal community organisations and groups to support these languages revival projects.
The program aims to strengthen, promote and raise awareness of Aboriginal languages in communities across the state.
“I’m proud to see this funding support Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and widen knowledge sharing and learning across NSW as part of state-based efforts to support Aboriginal language revitalisation,” Minister Franklin said.
“The 41 successful projects represent a broad range of language activities and are located right across NSW. Over the last three years the Aboriginal Languages Trust has granted more than $2.7 million to Aboriginal organisations and communities. Organisations within regional areas received 90 per cent of grants and 66 per cent have directly targeted Aboriginal youth.”
“The 2022 recipients showcase some of the incredible work being delivered by Aboriginal communities across the state to speak, learn and teach languages,” Mr Franklin said.
Successful projects include North East Wiradjuri Co Ltd which will employ a language expert to run country workshops; South Coast Women’s Health and Welfare Aboriginal Corporation to reawaken Dhurga language through song and Winangakirri Aboriginal Corporation to significantly expand the number of sound files to be included in the current online Ngiyampaa dictionary.
Aboriginal Languages Trust Executive Director, Gamilaroi and Dhungutti person Clare McHugh said the grant programs responded to feedback from Aboriginal communities across the state in 2021.
“The high number and quality of applications received reflects the dedication and hard work by communities to keep their languages alive and thriving for now and future generations,” Ms McHugh said.
“Securing ongoing funding for Aboriginal-led initiatives to keep achieving and succeeding is always an issue. We want those passionate groups that are driving languages use and growth in their communities to feel supported. We want them to know that the Trust is listening and determined to do business differently.” she said.
The latest round is an increase from the $860,602 awarded to Aboriginal community organisations and groups in the 2020-21 round of the program.
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