Gulbangi Nguluwan: Echoing Voices

Westbourne Cares Indigenous Corporation introduces an online course to revitalise the Dharawal language, aligning with the 2024 Aboriginal Languages Revival Program. Open to all, the course offers a Certificate of Attainment, fostering linguistic and cultural understanding across Dharawal territories. This initiative by Westbourne Cares Indigenous Corporation is deeply rooted in community ownership, engagement, and support, reflecting a commitment to the self-determined revitalisation of the Dharawal language. It stands as a testament to the collective will of the Dharawal people and their allies to preserve and rejuvenate a crucial part of their cultural heritage. The project’s foundation lies in its development process, which is led by Dharawal Elders and language experts, ensuring that it is culturally appropriate and linguistically accurate. These community leaders are integral to the curriculum design, providing authentic content and ensuring that the course reflects the nuances and richness of the Dharawal language. Their involvement guarantees that the initiative is not just about language learning but also about deepening the understanding of Dharawal culture, traditions, and values. Furthermore, the project fosters community support through collaboration with local Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations, schools, and community groups. These partnerships are vital for promoting the course, encouraging enrolment, and integrating the language into community events and daily life, thereby enhancing its visibility and usage. To ensure community-driven outcomes, feedback mechanisms are incorporated, allowing participants and stakeholders to contribute to the course’s ongoing development and improvement. This participatory approach empowers the community, making them active agents in the language’s revival. Financially, the project is supported through grants, donations, and partnerships, with a significant portion of funding sourced from organisations that prioritise Indigenous cultural preservation. This financial model ensures the course’s accessibility to all, removing barriers to participation and fostering a wide-reaching impact. In summary, the project embodies a community-owned, driven, and supported approach, leveraging the collective efforts of the Dharawal people and their allies to ensure the language’s vibrant future.