Wanga Maya Pilbara Language Centre, the Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages and Ngukurr Language Centre are each on the lookout for new staff to support the language activities happening in their regions. Go to their websites to find out more, or check the news section of our website, or our Facebook page.
First Languages Australia was pleased to host a national meeting to coincide with people travelling to Queensland for the National Indigenous Languages Convention in February.
The meeting was an opportunity to feedback activities underway since the Cairns meeting November, with the report from that meeting distributed and discussed. From this meeting, there was discussion of a renewed call to Canberra for national legislation to support language into the future within the structure of government. There was also a call from language centres for FLA to produce a series of contracts and protocol documents that can be accessed by all project teams and adapted to the specifics of local projects. FLA is in discussions with Arts Law to see this project underway.
Read more: First Languages Australia Language Centres meeting, February 2018
Language legend collection: Because of her, we can!
The theme for NAIDOC 2018 is "Because of her, we can!"In tribute to all of the inspiring woman who have lead us on our language journeys, FirstLanguages Australia has collated video clips of a selection of female Language Legends from across the country.
View the collection here: Because of her, we can!
As a companion to Nintiringanyi: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teaching and Employment Strategy, we have collated case studies that demonstrate the requirements for successful collaborations between language communities and their local schools into a document titled, Global Lessons: Indigenous languages and multilingualism in school programs. Global Lessons is available as a PDF or online. The online version of the document includes video links that demonstrate the activities in action.
Congratulations to the Queensland Indigenous Languages Advisory Committee and Department for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships in their collaboration toward the formal government recognition of Queensland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages. Discussions to this end were launched in May at Binbi Wadyabay. First Languages Australia was pleased to be a part of the event contributing through the coordinating of local media, and the collection of Language Legends videos. The Queensland meeting was also supported by funding from Indigenous Languages and the Arts.
Read more: Binbi Wadyabay: Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Language
Paraburdoo Primary School teaches Kindergarten to Year 6 students in the Ashburton ShireParaburdoo Primary School teaches Kindergarten to Year 6 students in the Ashburton Shire of the Pilbara. Paraburdoo Primary is working with the Wangka Maya Pilbara LanguageCentre to establish a cultural hub in the school and is wanting to display language material from languages across the country as the students to come to Paraburdoo have diverse cultural connections. The school is requesting donations of language resources. If you are able to contribute please contact Julie Walker, 08 9172 2344, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
From the welcome to all to by Yugambeh Elders, to song sessions and stories in theFrom the welcome to all to by Yugambeh Elders, to song sessions and stories in the cultural exhibition spaces, the language of the Gold Coast was shared with the huge international audience for the Commonwealth Games. Patricia O'Connor and Ted Williams gave the welcome which was viewed by an international audience of millions while theYugambeh Youth Choir performed with confidence on the official stage for the closing ceremony.
The Recording Studio is a new TV series that enables everyday Australians to record the most important song of their life. First Languages Australia has been in discussion with the producers to see performers singing in first languages included in the documentary. Follow this link to find out more, and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like us to put your name forward.
Continuing the collaboration between First Languages Australia and the ABC to give extensive coverage to our languages, our newest project will produce videos that tell the story behind Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander place names.
In February 2018, the Department of Communication and the Arts hosted the National Indigenous Languages Convention, bringing together language workers, industry partners, researchers, educators and government to explore how digital technologies can be used to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
First Languages Australia is thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration with ABC TV's longstanding children's program Playschool.
Filming of the first episode in a new language series for the ever-popular "Through the Window" segment has just been completed. The segment will be broadcast on Friday the 24th August at 9AM on ABCKids.
Terri-lee Darcy from the Miromaa Language and Technology Centre in Newcastle, NSW developed a story about a day out fishing and choreographed a dance to be performed and narrated by a group of Aboriginal school children.
Launched in Reconciliation Week the competition will run until the 31st of August 2018 giving you plenty of time to make sure the schools in your region are aware of the competition and know how to get involved.
Details can be found on the ABC Education site.
And watch some of the gorgeous examples from past years which have seen 67 schools enter with more than 2000 students participating so far.
Download this flyer for distribution to schools in your region. ILsongComp2018SML.pdf
EXCITING LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The Victorian Corporation of Languages (VACL) is looking for a new Executive Officer to play a key role in building the future for Victorian Aboriginal Languages.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Board and staff to realise our vision to enable our membership and communities to meet our strategic objectives. This person will be a skilled communicator; a strong and strategic leader; a flexible and innovative thinker; an experienced and capable manager and passionate about Aboriginal languages.
Position: Coordinator of Ngukurr Language Centre
Mela lukumbat nyuwan Kodineida bla Ngukurr Language Centre
Ngukurr Language Centre is recruiting for the position of Coordinator. After developing our organisation into its current healthy state with vibrant programs and a strong community presence, our coordinator Jackie van den Bos is ready to hand over the role to a new coordinator who can oversee the continued development of our community language programs in line with our strategic plan.
For an Application Pack or to find out more, please contact Jackie van den Bos at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on (08) 8977 4225.
Applications close Monday 28th May 2018. All applications welcome. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people strongly encouraged to apply.
NgLC_Coordinator_Application_Packsml.pdf Maningrida College – Literacy Production Supervisor – AO3
Vacancy Date: 23/7/18 – 30/11/18
Duration: Less than 6 months
Work unit: Lúrra Language and Culture Program
Location: Maningrida – Arnhem Region