Support to preserve Indigenous languages for future generations
- The Crisafulli Government is investing $285,000 to support the use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages across the State.
- Applications now open for grants up to $15,000 for art, drama, music and film, Yarning Circles, audio recordings, workshops, signage, books and posters.
- The grants directly support Closing the Gap initiatives by increasing and strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
The Crisafulli Government has opened applications for the Indigenous Languages Grants program, offering $285,000 for a wide range of Queensland-based initiatives which help to preserve and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
During National Reconciliation Week, applicants are eligible for up to $15,000 each, with community organisations encouraged to apply for a range of cultural activities.
Eligible projects may include art, drama, music and film, Yarning Circles, audio recordings, workshops, signage, books, posters and brochures.
The grants support Closing the Gap Target 16, to achieve a sustained increase in the number and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages being spoken.
Queensland was once home to more than 100 Indigenous languages and dialects. Today, around 50 are still spoken, but fewer than 20 are used as first languages.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the Crisafulli Government was proud to support community projects which strengthen traditional languages.
"As we continue to celebrate National Reconciliation Week, keeping our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages thriving brings so many benefits to all Queenslanders," Minister Simpson said.
"Amidst the United Nations' Decade of Indigenous Languages, preserving, revitalising and promoting Queensland languages has never been more important - especially as we look ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"Previous grant recipients include Centenary State High School P&C Association to embed Indigenous language into their curriculum, and the Angkamuthi Tribal Aboriginal Corporation in Far North Queensland to conduct biocultural mapping and language recording on Seven Rivers Country.
"After a decade of inaction by Labor which saw Closing the Gap targets for frontline services go backwards, the Crisafulli Government is supporting practical initiatives to measurably improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Queensland."
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the grants support language education, in schools and communities.
"We know learning languages expands our understanding of cultures and history, none more so than our Australian Indigenous languages," Minister Langbroek said.
"These grants help ensure those languages are passed on through generations and are known and shared across communities, enriching our young people's cultural awareness."
Among the 2023 grant recipients was the Gold Coast SUNS to recreate the club's theme song using the Yugambeh Youth Choir.
"This support enabled us to produce a bi-lingual lyric video of our team song, which is now a feature of our Indigenous literacy program, Yalgan SUN," Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans said.
"Delivered in classrooms to more than 2,600 Prep to Year Two students last year, this AFL and industry leading resource plays a vital role in our commitment to connect communities and celebrate the stories and languages of First Nations peoples."
The grants are co-funded by the Department of Education, and the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism.
