Reawakening a First Nations language has been the aim of an early learning program in Warrumbungle Shire.

The Council's Children’s Services, specifically Yuluwirri Kids, are participating in the Yaama Gamilaraay! project as a Gunnedah-based language hub expands their reach.

Yuluwirri Kids is a Preschool and Long Day Care Centre in Coonabarabran that opened in 2009 and involvement in the Yaama Gamilaraay! Project which aims to revive the Gamilaraay language has recently been a focus.

Yaama Gamilaraay! is a project based at the Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre in Gunnedah and funded by the New South Wales Department of Education’s Ninganah No More program.

Since 2023, the site has been a designated Language Hub to support early childhood centres around the region. 

 The name Winanga-Li in Gamilaraay language means “hear, listen, know, remember.”

There are nine centres in New South Wales - of 38 nationally - that were established and funded as a Closing the Gap initiative to provide culturally safe and appropriate education and care and support services for children and families.

“This is a community-driven initiative dedicated to reawakening the Gamilaraay language in local early childhood programs,” Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor Councillor Ambrose Doolan said.

“The project aims to revitalise the traditional language of the Gamilaraay people within the early years, fostering cultural identity and connection for young children and their families.”

Starting in term four last year, students were involved in weekly online lessons, monthly visits from a language facilitator plus resources and training for the educators to integrate the language and cultural practices across the curriculum.

On Friday February 16, preschoolers at both campuses received their first visit of the year with Language Facilitator, Renee Houldsworth and Linguist Dr Hilary Smith. Their focus this month is on greetings so educators and children gathered together to play cultural games and participate in art activities to assist with learning the Gamilaraay greetings: Yaama (hello), Yaluu (Goodbye) and Mailyaa (friend).

The program provides resources such as the classic children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar (or Gararrngan Yuulngin-ban.gaan), and crayons featuring the colour names in both Gamilaraay and English," Mr Doolan said.

“Warrumbungle Children’s Services’ participation in the Yaama Gamilaraay! project demonstrates their commitment to fostering cultural understanding and inclusivity within the early childhood sector. By providing young children with opportunities to learn and engage with the Gamilaraay language, the educators can encourage the wonder of Indigenous knowledge and support Aboriginal children’s sense of identity and belonging."

“It is wonderful to see our younger generation getting an opportunity like this within our local community and it is exciting to see the children grow and develop as the Yaama Gamilaraay! Project progresses throughout 2024."