Walgett is the newest location able to remotely embrace learning resources, in a quest to revitalise Aboriginal language in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across NSW.

The Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre already coordinate teaching resources of the Gamilaraay/Yuwaalaraay/Yuwaalayaay Aboriginal languages across the Gunnedah, Tamworth and Moree Plains regions and has plans to expand to Walgett this year.

“Through the hubs, Aboriginal language groups retain control over language revitalisation efforts in their region, ensuring resources are available where and when they are required," a NSW Department of Education spokesperson told Western Plains App.

"The NSW Department of Education chooses the location of the hubs based on the number of Aboriginal children in the 0-5 age group enrolled in ECEC services in the area, the number of services that want to deliver language, and community readiness.”

The Dubbo regional Aboriginal Education Consultative Group will coordinate teaching resources for the North Wiradjuri Aboriginal languages across the Dubbo, Narromine, Parkes and Gilgandra regions.

Previously only one language hub existed however two new hubs have been announced under the Ninganah No More language program.

The expansion supports a First Steps Strategy goal of 50 per cent of Aboriginal children in ECEC having access to an Aboriginal language program in the year before school by 2025.

The primary service provider of the Gamiliaraay/Yuwaalaraay Language Hub has a central office, however, the hub itself does not occupy a physical location. Rather, it is a mechanism to co-ordinate language teaching and resources across a number of ECE centres. This is to maximise the number of Aboriginal children who can access language teaching at the preschool level.

Aunty Julie Carey is the director of Kulai Preschool, part of the Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal language hub established in Coffs Harbour in 2022 and said the service’s 75 children were enjoying learning language.

“It gives them a sense of belonging, it gives them something back that has come well before them and will continue well after them,” Aunty Julie said. “It strengthens their identity, it makes them proud and it connects them to country and community. They hit primary school and they build on that language and follow it through.”

Aunty Julie said learning language also helped children develop confidence.

“It really opens up another part of your brain - it’s like something blossoms,” she said. “It’s great for their wellbeing and they tend to want to interact more in conversations.”

Aunty Julie said children and educators were now also using language beyond the sessions and in their daily routines.

The department establishes and funds the language hubs through closed tender.

“Aboriginal organisations within the region that demonstrate the required skills and experience, as well as established connections with the local Aboriginal language group, are eligible to tender to be a service provider," a NSW Department of Education spokesperson told Western Plains App.

”The mobile hubs coordinate language teaching programs and resources for children as an opportunity for local Aboriginal cultures and identities to be developed and nurtured in the earliest stage of formal education."