5 April 2019
The Australian Government will provide additional funding to more than 20 community-based Indigenous language centres across Australia.
Each centre will receive a further $20,000 from the Indigenous Languages and Arts program for local celebrations of the International Year of Indigenous Languages.
Minister for the Arts Mitch Fifield acknowledged the importance of maintaining Indigenous languages.
“This additional funding during the International Year of Indigenous Languages will assist language centres to raise awareness of the crucial role languages play for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Minister Fifield said.
Language centres are focused on preserving, promoting and celebrating Indigenous languages.
Of the estimated original 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, only around 120 are still spoken and 90 per cent of these are at risk.
“The Government is committed to supporting the work of Indigenous language centres as language is central to identity and the sustainability, vitality and strength of Indigenous cultures,” Minister Fifield said.
For more information about the Indigenous Language and Arts program visit: www.arts.gov.au/ILA