Aboriginal Languages Trust
Supporting NSW Aboriginal communities in the reawakening and growth of Aboriginal Languages so they continue to be seen and heard in everyday life.
Supporting NSW Aboriginal communities in the reawakening and growth of Aboriginal Languages so they continue to be seen and heard in everyday life.
The Aboriginal Languages Trust is calling for applications for the Aboriginal Languages Revival Program to support projects that reawaken, grow, nurture, promote and raise awareness of Aboriginal languages in communities across NSW.
The Aboriginal Languages Revival Program focusses on small, seed funding to reach more communities across the state. This is an open, competitive program for $1,000 to $25,000 for one-off support to Aboriginal community organisations and groups to commence and build on smaller scale revival projects.
Applicants can apply for up to $25,000 in funding.
Applicants must be located in NSW and/or delivering a service to communities within NSW.
Applicants must have public liability of at least $10 million per claim.
To apply for funding, you will need to complete and submit the application form through SmartyGrants.
The Aboriginal Languages Trust is opening the Aboriginal Sustainable Funding Program for 2022-2023. This is a closed round open to the 17 recipients under last years’ program.
The Aboriginal Sustainable Funding Program aims to support the continuation and growth of Aboriginal Language programs. The program aims to promote and raise awareness of Aboriginal Languages in NSW consistent with the Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 (NSW).
In 2022-2023, applicants can apply for funding from $25,000 to $60,000.
Eligible applicants will be provided an email with the relevant SmartyGrants link. Applicants will have to apply via SmartyGrants.
Applicants must be located in NSW and/or delivering a service to communities within NSW.
Applicants must have public liability of at least $10 million per claim.
The Aboriginal Languages Trust first ever strategic plan for the growth and nurturing of Aboriginal Languages across NSW is now available. The Strategic Plan 2022-2027 was developed through multiple conversations, forums, workshops and engagements with a broad range of stakeholders, including Communities and Aboriginal Languages practitioners across the state throughout 2021.
Consultations on the draft plan took place between March and December 2021 and sought feedback from a broad range of stakeholders to ensure the final plan reflects the perspectives, needs and aspirations of Communities and those involved in Languages activities. The consultations provided an important opportunity to hear Community voices and ensure they are guiding the work of the Trust.
A Consultation Outcomes Report is also available. The report summarises what the Trust heard during the consultations and changes that have been made to the draft strategic plan in response to feedback.
Executive Director of the Aboriginal Languages Trust, Clare McHugh said “The Trust placed a huge emphasis on getting meaningful engagement with Aboriginal stakeholders right. It took time and it required the Trust to listen to a diversity of views and experiences, many of which are deeply profound and personal. But I am glad we did because I can honestly say the result is a simple outcomes-focused Strategic Plan that places the voice of Aboriginal people at the heart of the plan”.
“I am excited to see the work outlined in this Strategic Plan take shape. The reawakening and nurturing Aboriginal Languages are essential to give Aboriginal children a strong sense of belonging. Investing in Aboriginal Communities Languages activities now will have a huge impact for the future generations.” she said.
The Aboriginal Languages Act calls for the creation by the Trust of a five-year strategic plan for the growth and nurturing of Aboriginal Languages. The plan was approved by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs on 14 December 2021 and commenced on 1 July 2022.
The Aboriginal Languages Trust is an Aboriginal-led NSW Government Agency. The Trust was established under the NSW Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 to provide a focused, coordinated, and sustained effort in relation to Aboriginal languages activities at local, regional and State levels.
The functions of the Trust are defined in the Act. They include:
The Trust will also work with other Government agencies to provide advice and guidance on Aboriginal languages, and with the Geographical Names Board on the use of Aboriginal languages in the naming of geographical places in NSW.
The Trust is also responsible for preparing a five-year strategic plan for the growth and nurturing of Aboriginal Languages. The plan is to be submitted to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs by March 2022.
The affairs of the Trust are managed by the Aboriginal Languages Trust Board. Following an extensive recruitment process, the inaugural Aboriginal Languages Trust Board commenced their five year term on 9 March 2020. The appointments were made with consideration given to having a diverse array of skillsets, experience and representation from different language groups across NSW.
The Board members are:
Collectively, the Board members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw on to the work of the Trust.
For further information about the Trust, please email info@alt.nsw.gov.au.
The NSW Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 became law on 24 October 2017 and is the first legislation in Australia to acknowledge the significance of First Languages. The Act commenced on 5 March 2020.
Aboriginal languages are important to NSW First Peoples and all people in NSW. We want Aboriginal languages to be spoken by future generations of First Peoples.
The Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 seeks to promote, reawaken, nurture and grow Aboriginal languages across NSW. Aboriginal languages strengthen connections with culture and identity and improves the wellbeing of First Peoples.
The Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 has three parts:
There’s exciting progress being made within the NSW Aboriginal Languages space. Join our mailing list to stay across all the action or email us for further enquiries.
A fully activated website and social media pages are all coming soon!
Contact: info@alt.nsw.gov.au
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