DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION

NSWALC Welcomes Language Grant Increase

18 May, 2009

The State's peak Aboriginal representative body has welcomed moves by the NSW Government to boost its grant program to preserve and revitalise Aboriginal languages.

New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council Chairperson, Bev Manton, says the grant program is a modest but vital initiative to keep Aboriginal languages alive in New South Wales.

Ms Manton was commenting on an announcement from Aboriginal Affairs Minister Paul Lynch that the Government would set aside $300,000---an increase of $100,000-for community language projects around the State.

The Minister also announced a $100,000 partnership with the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc to hold a State-wide Aboriginal languages forum and a number of regional workshops.

Ms Manton says language is at the heart of Aboriginal identity but too many have been lost.

Applications are now open for grants under the program with guidelines and applications forms available at www.alrrc.nsw.gov.au or www.daa.nsw.gov.au

______________________________________________________________________________

Further Comment: Peter Windsor:     0400 554603