Preserving and revitalising Indigenous languages in Queensland

Posted: Tuesday 24 June 2025
Applications are closing on 27 June for the 2025 Indigenous Languages Grants program.

With a total investment of $285,000 from the Queensland Government, the program is designed to preserve, revitalise and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages across Queensland.

Grants of up to $15,000 are available to support a wide range of language-focused cultural activities including art, drama, music and film, Yarning Circles, audio recordings, workshops, signage, books, posters and brochures.

Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council, located on the western side of the Gulf of Carpentaria in Far North Queensland, was awarded a $10,000 Indigenous Languages Grant for the Mapoon Language Project – Preparing for Salvage.

Cultural Heritage Advisor Jason Jia said the grant supported the Council’s efforts to preserve two languages belonging to the Tjungundji and Yupangathi clan groups of Mapoon.

“The grant enabled us to collaborate closely with a dedicated reference group and historian Geoff Wharton, bringing new stakeholders on board and significantly enhancing our capacity to safeguard Mapoon language and history,” Mr Jia said.

“Key outcomes included the collation of existing language documentation and video footage, culminating in a 24-minute video collage that showcases the project’s progress and lays a strong foundation for future work with a linguist.”

Director-General of the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism, Natalie Wilde said the department is proud to be part of this important work to preserve and revitalise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

"These grants represent a meaningful step towards empowering communities to share their stories, traditions and knowledge," Ms Wilde said.

"The benefits of being connected to one's own language will have lasting impacts that go beyond individuals and communities, enriching Queensland as a whole for generations to come."

The Indigenous Languages Grants are co-funded by the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism, and the Department of Education.

This funding supports Closing the Gap Target 16, which aims to achieve a sustained increase in the number and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages being spoken.

For more information and to apply, visit the Indigenous Languages Grants program web page.

[ENDS]

Media contact: media@dsdsatsip.qld.gov.au
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