- More than $2.3 million funding allocated through Community Languages Program, supporting more than 18,000 students
- Professional development program refreshed for participating community language schools
The Cook Government has allocated $2.345 million to support more than 18,000 students across Western Australia in their language learning through the Community Languages Program (CLP).
This includes a record amount of $1,290,980 in funding to 59 community language schools in WA with a total of 8,291 students enrolled learning 37 languages.
The CLP provides funding and support to eligible not-for-profit community associations to teach languages other than English for students from Kindergarten to Year 12 out of school hours, with funding contributing to the operating costs and delivery of language teaching.
The CLP also provides funding for the Italian in-School Insertion Program, run in 39 primary schools across the State, including 7 schools in regional WA, with more than 10,000 students enrolled in the program.
This year in addition to funding, community language schools will also have access to a new and enhanced professional development and support program.
The Community Languages Professional Support Program will be delivered by Community Languages Western Australia and will offer sector support and development activities targeted to the specific needs of participating schools.
More information about the Community Languages Program, which is administered by the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport's Office of Multicultural Interests (OMI), is available on the OMI website: https://www.omi.wa.gov.au/funding/community-language-program/community-language-program-grant-recipients
As stated by Multicultural Interests Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"The record program investment of $2,345,000 in 2025 is a testament to the important role community language schools play in preserving language and culture and the contributions they make to Western Australia's culturally and linguistically diverse tapestry.
"Over the past decade, there has been a growing demand for Community Languages Program funding, with the number of languages taught doubling from 17 community languages in 2014 to 34 community languages in 2025.
"This demonstrates the importance of community language schools in encouraging young people to strengthen their connection to culture and heritage through learning a second language which helps to preserve it for future generations.
"Western Australia's multicultural fabric is enriched by the many culturally and linguistically diverse communities who are part of its make-up, and the growth of the Community Languages Program highlights the value of maintaining links to heritage as part of an inclusive multicultural society and a global community."
