Binbi Wadyabay: Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Language

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

Request for school resources in many languages

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.

Yugambeh voices at the Commonwealth Games

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

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.

Place names stories filming in new ABC project

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.

Read more: Place names stories filming in new ABC project

National Indigenous Languages Convention

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.

Read more: National Indigenous Languages Convention

First Languages through the Playschool window!

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.

Read more: First Languages through the Playschool window!

Marrin Gamu: Indigenous Language Song Competition is on again!

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

VACL Job Vacancy - Executive Officer

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.

VACL_EO_position_final.pdf

Position Vacant: Coordinator of Ngukurr Language Centre

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 28^th May 2018. All applications welcome. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people strongly encouraged to apply.

A great opportunity in Maningrida

Maningrida College – Literacy Production Supervisor – AO3

Vacancy Date: 23/7/18 – 30/11/18

Maningrida_College.pdf 

Central Queensland Languagae Worker

Central Queensland Language Centre have a full-time language worker position available.

Closing date: 27th March 2018

CQLC.pdf

Little J & Big Cuz

www.littlejandbigcuz.com.au

Treasure language storytelling

Marram-nganjinu Biik-gurrin - We are Country: Cultural Summit

First Languages Australia Manager, Faith Baisden attended the Marram-nganjinu biik-gurrinnganjinu biikMarram-nganjinu biik-gurringurrin Cultural Summit, held in Melbourne 8-10 May. The event brought First Nations leaders from across Australia and the world together on the lands of the Kulin Nation to forge new directions of leadership in the cultural and creative sectors.

ABC management in Cairns to meet FLA network

Photo Katherine Soutar: ABC Management presenting with FLA at Puliima.

First Languages Australia was thrilled to have the Managing Director of the ABC Michelle Guthrie, the Director of Regional Fiona Reynolds, Queensland State Manager Cathie Schnitzerling and Partnerships Lead Bronwyn Purvis attend the Cairns National Languages Forum in October, to meet with the First Languages Committee and our network members.

Read more: ABC management in Cairns to meet FLA network