Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is urging local indigenous groups to apply for funding that promotes awareness of Aboriginal languages in the community.
The Aboriginal Languages Community Investments Program offers $800,000 across three categories:
- Reawaken (supports projects that encourage the development of new or emerging language activities) – up to $20,000
- Grow (supports existing projects to expand and develop the capacity of groups or organisations) – up to $50,000
· Nurture (provides support to build the strategic capacity of more established groups or organisations) – up to $90,000
“The Dubbo electorate has a rich Indigenous history and it is important that we recognised and respect that history,” Mr Saunders said.
“Promoting the various languages of our first nations people should be encouraged, and I hope that through this funding we can encourage the development of programs that allow all of us to further explore those cultures.”
Director of Dubbo-based Regional Enterprise Development Institute (REDI.E) Peter Gibbs is supportive of the program.
“REDI.E has been facilitating Aboriginal language development over many years and this funding will help us to build on that work,” Mr Gibbs said.
“We are grateful to the NSW Government and our local member for taking the issue of Aboriginal languages seriously as it’s so important to our country.”