Communities across the state will celebrate NSW Aboriginal Languages Week 2026 from today with a range of activities.
Funded by $200,000 in Minns Labor Government grants and hosted by the NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust, NSW Aboriginal Languages Week (18-25 October) is a celebration of the strength, diversity and critical importance of Aboriginal languages on the anniversary of the passing of the Aboriginal Languages Act in 2017.
This year, 35 community organisations and groups across the state have received Government grants to run events that celebrate and showcase the strength of language and culture based on this year’s theme: ‘Living Languages, Strong Futures’.
Some of the activities taking place include:
- ‘Community-focused Dharrawal Language Week Gathering’, hosted by the Marring Foundation in South Nowra on Dharrawal country will bring together language learners, families, young people, Elders and knowledge holders to celebrate language through speaking, sharing, games and learning.
- ‘Celebrating Gamilaroi Dreamtime Stories, Language and Culture’, hosted by Walhallow Local Aboriginal Land Council in Caroona on Gamilaroi / Gamilraay country will celebrate and strengthen Gamilaroi language through storytelling, culture and shared learning.
- ‘Gulbangi Nguluwan – Echoing Voices: Dharawal / Tharawal Languages Week 2026′, hosted by Westbourne Cares Indigenous Corporation at Greenhills Beach is a community-led program celebrating and strengthening Dharawal / Tharawal language through activities including storytelling, yarning circles, interactive language activities and cultural knowledge that strengthen participants’ connection to country, identity and community.
- Gari yala Aboriginal Cultural Fundraising Indigenous Corporation will bring together Aboriginal Women Elders from multiple language groups to participate in a culturally grounded creative workshop in New Lambton on Awabakal Country. Elders will share, burn, paint and express their own stories, totems and language identities through wearable cultural items, mural pieces, and a possum skin cloak.
- Nyambinga Kyuna Aboriginal Corporation will host a free one-day community gathering in Armidale on Anaiwan country. The day will bring together Anaiwan community members, Elders and language knowledge holders for language activities words, phrases and song with a focus on encouraging young Anaiwan people in particular to hear and use language in a relaxed, on-country setting run by the corporation’s own rangers and directors.
Members of the community are encouraged to get involved in NSW Aboriginal Languages Week in a range of ways – you can attend a webinar, explore language resources or join an event near you – For a full list of language week activities visit: www.alt.nsw.gov.au
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“This year’s theme, ‘Living Languages, Strong Futures’, recognises Aboriginal languages as living, dynamic and central to culture, identity and connection to country.
“Aboriginal languages are a vital part of the cultural heritage of New South Wales and is something that we can all be proud and part of.
“The NSW Government is again proud to support the Languages Week Grants Program and help celebrate the work being led by Aboriginal communities across the state to encourage more people to learn about, engage with and support Aboriginal languages for future generations.”
Aboriginal Languages Trust Executive Director Brendan Moyle (Kamilaroi and Gomeroi) said:
“NSW is home to more than 200 unique Aboriginal languages that continue to be connected to country. Language is embedded throughout NSW, through the names of our towns, our highways and roads, and in country through landmarks.
“These celebrations recognise both the strength of Aboriginal languages today and the important work being led by communities to revitalise and sustain them for future generations.
“The Aboriginal Languages Trust is proud to run a series of free online webinars exploring Aboriginal languages, community leadership, language revitilisation and funding opportunities, as well as educational resources and activities to support schools, workplaces, organisations and communities to learn more about the significance of Aboriginal languages in NSW.”
