More than 25 representatives from Language Centres across the network came together in Sydney last week to strengthen collaboration, share knowledge and help shape the future of Language revitalisation across communities. 

Held in a spirit of unity, the meeting brought together practitioners, leaders and partners to reflect on progress, explore shared challenges and consider what a future Aboriginal Languages peak body could look like. 

The day opened with a Welcome to Country by Nathan Moran of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, who reflected on the long journey of Language work and the hope ahead. “I look forward to hearing more Language return,” he said, setting a tone of renewal and optimism.

Grounded in Community voices and leadership 

In his introduction, Brendan Moyle, Executive Director of the Aboriginal Languages Trust (ALT), emphasised that Language revitalisation must remain grounded in Community voices and leadership. Reflecting on the Language Centre Network gathering, he noted that it was “a rare opportunity where Language centres can come together to share their knowledge, their stories, their aspirations, but also their challenges.” 

‘My job here is to support and serve Language revitalisation goals alongside Communities,’ he said. Reflecting on the history of advocacy, he added that Language was long a priority for communities, even when it was not recognised at a government level. “It was on Community’s radar, but not Government’s, we had to fight for our rights” to have Language recognised and brought onto the agenda. 

Mr Moyle also shared his personal connection to Language, recalling, “I learned Language from my grandmother,” and spoke about the deeper purpose of the work. He said communities need healing from the wounds of the past and stressed that Community voices set the foundation for what can be achieved. He added that initiatives like the network meeting are “building a voice for Language centres that can stand in its own strength,” helping shape future policy and outcomes. 

Imagining a future peak body 

A key focus of the meeting was imagining what a future NSW Aboriginal Languages peak body could look like. Participants shared ideas grounded in self-determination, sustainability and Cultural continuity. 

For some, Language is not confined to institutions. One participant shared their vision, “we don’t have Language Centres...as we live our whole lives in Language, we can conduct our whole lives in Language, we dream in Language,” suggesting centres may increasingly serve as meeting places rather than the sole sites of learning. 

Others highlighted the importance of autonomy and long-term independence. “One day [we want to be] self-sustainable so we don’t have to ask the government for money,” another participant said. 

Participants also spoke about moving away from structured delivery models toward lived, Community-based use. “Language exists in Community, not in bricks and mortar,” one participant said, emphasising a return to teaching and using Language “the way it was intended.”

A Community-led vision 

Across group discussions, participants agreed on the need for a peak body that is community-controlled, transparent and inclusive. 

Key priorities included:

• ensuring sustainability and succession planning
• strengthening funding models and independence
• embedding consultation and accountability
• supporting Language practitioners and knowledge holders
• fostering youth representation and intergenerational learning. 

One group said success would mean hearing Language spoken daily by younger generations: “An ultimate view of success is hearing young people speak Language in everyday life.” 

Others stressed the importance of grounding Language work in Culture and Country. “Language and Culture is a living, evolving thing,” one participant noted, adding that it must remain deeply connected to land and tradition: “We don’t own the land, the land owns us.”

What success could look like 

Looking ahead, participants described a strong, healthy Language sector where Language is part of everyday life, education and Community spaces. 

Ideas included creating welcoming, accessible places for learning and connection, from revitalised Cultural centres to gathering spaces where families can share resources and knowledge. While infrastructure has a role, many agreed the heart of Language learning should remain on Country. 

Participants also highlighted the need to build career pathways, train more teachers and improve access to archival materials. “Financially viable and continuity” were seen as critical to long-term success, alongside opportunities such as tourism and Cultural education.

At its core, success was described not only in metrics, but in lived experience: strong communities, confident speakers and thriving Cultural practices.

Strengthening the network 

The meeting also progressed work on the draft Terms of Reference, which will help guide how the Language Centre Network (LCN) operates into the future. Discussions focused on membership, governance and how to balance government support with community independence. 

Participants agreed on the importance of regular engagement, committing to meet face-to-face at least twice a year, alongside more frequent online collaboration and working groups. 

Participants also highlighted the need to clearly define membership, protect Cultural knowledge and embed the transmission of Language in the network’s purpose. 

As one participant noted, the task ahead is about building strong foundations: developing “in-house experts” and growing capability across the sector. 

Looking ahead 

Facilitated by First Nations Economics and supported by partners including the Department of Education, the meeting underscored the power of collective action and shared vision. 

Throughout the day, one theme remained constant: Language work is not only about preservation, but also renewal, identity and future generations. 

As discussions closed, the collective sentiment was one of determination and possibility: to build a connected, Community-led network capable of carrying Language forward in ways that are strong, resilient and grounded in Culture. 

Or, as Mr Moyle encouraged participants, to “reach for the stars”.