Aboriginal language grant applications open
20 April 2009The NSW Government is leading the way in protecting and revitalising Aboriginal languages, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Paul Lynch said today.
Mr Lynch said expressions of interest are being sought by the NSW Government to protect and teach Aboriginal languages.
"Aboriginal languages are part of Australia's history and national identity," he said. "Languages improve people's self-esteem and can deliver practical benefits like encouraging more children to stay at school," Mr Lynch said.
One-off grants of up to $25,000 are available to Aboriginal community organisations under the latest round of an annual grants program. Mr Lynch launched the latest round of the $200,000 grants program at the Gujaga Childcare Centre in La Perouse today.
Over the past three years, the NSW Government has provided $824,000 to support 45 Aboriginal language projects across NSW.
"New South Wales has a proud record of recording and teaching Aboriginal languages," Mr Lynch said. "New South Wales was the first government in Australia to adopt a formal Aboriginal language policy," he said.
"For more than 20 years, Aboriginal people have made it clear that they want their languages back as a vital part of their culture, identity and pride," Mr Lynch said.
"For Aboriginal people, language is a direct link to their identity, land and country and reflects their unique cultural concepts, spirituality and way of looking at the world," he said.
Before the arrival of Europeans, at least 70 Aboriginal languages and dialects were spoken in the area now called New South Wales. Now there are only about 20 distinct Aboriginal languages used.
"Through our Aboriginal Languages Research and Resource Centre, we are determined to support the hard work Aboriginal people are doing to revitalise and preserve community languages," Mr Lynch said.
Further details about the Community Language Assistance Program Grants, or to obtain an application form are available at www.alrrc.nsw.gov.au or by calling 9219 0700. Applications close on Friday, 22 May 2009.
MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew Williams 0408 602 936
