Local community groups in the Burdekin Shire are being encouraged to apply for a share of $285,000 in funding, as the government opens applications for its Indigenous Languages Grants program during National Reconciliation Week.
With grants of up to $15,000 available, the funding aims to support the preservation, revitalisation, and promotion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages across Queensland. Eligible projects include initiatives in art, drama, music and film, Yarning Circles, audio recordings, workshops, signage, books, posters, and more.
The funding directly supports Closing the Gap Target 16 to increase the number and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages being spoken. While Queensland was once home to more than 100 Indigenous languages and dialects, only around 50 are still spoken today, with fewer than 20 used as first languages.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the Crisafulli Government is proud to back projects that preserve traditional languages.
“As we continue to celebrate National Reconciliation Week, keeping our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages thriving brings so many benefits to all Queenslanders,” Minister Simpson said.
“Amidst the United Nations’ Decade of Indigenous Languages, preserving, revitalising, and promoting Queensland languages has never been more important—especially as we look ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek also highlighted the importance of language education in both schools and the wider community.
“We know learning languages expands our understanding of cultures and history, none more so than our Australian Indigenous languages,” Minister Langbroek said.
“These grants help ensure those languages are passed on through generations and are known and shared across communities, enriching our young people’s cultural awareness.”
Among last year’s recipients was the Gold Coast SUNS, who worked with the Yugambeh Youth Choir to recreate the club’s theme song.
“This support enabled us to produce a bilingual lyric video of our team song, which is now a feature of our Indigenous literacy program, Yalgan SUN,” Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans said.
“Delivered in classrooms to more than 2,600 Prep to Year Two students last year, this AFL and industry-leading resource plays a vital role in our commitment to connect communities and celebrate the stories and languages of First Nations peoples.”
The grants are co-funded by the Department of Education and the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism.
Applications for the 2025 round of Indigenous Languages Grants close on 27 June. Interested community organisations can find application details online at www.qld.gov.au/firstnations/grants-funding/languages.
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