Plan to grow Gathang language across Birrbay, Warrimay and Guringay Country

GATHANGGA Wakulda Aboriginal Corporation (GWAC) has launched its Strategic Plan, setting out a community-led roadmap for the future of Gathang language across the Birrbay, Warrimay and Guringay footprint.

CEO Gulwanyang Moran said the plan was shaped by extensive conversations with community members about what they wanted to see happen with their language.

“We wanted to build on the hard work of previous and current language leaders who have been revitalising Gathang,” Ms Moran said.

“[The plan] distills the collective vision of our community to help guide the organisation’s work over the next five years”.

It provides transparency around GWAC’s purpose, vision and values, along with “our promise to the community about how we will work with them”.

Community feedback identified five priorities:

– ensuring the continuation of Gathang,

– creating inclusive spaces,

– collaborating and partnering with community,

– strengthening self determination and governance, and

– operating in a sustainable and eventually economically independent way.

Consultation events were held across Port Macquarie, Port Stephens, Forster and Taree, as well as online.

Elders and active language community members have also contributed their aspirations.

Ms Moran said interest in Gathang has surged in recent years and strong local governance is essential.

“Having a plan that shows the yabang we’re walking so everyone knows where we want to get to and can come with us on a journey that’s led by our community,” she said.

“We want to make sure that there’s a collective vision in place for our burraydjarr and the generations coming after us.”

Over the next few years, the community will see expanded language programs, new resources, online spaces and cultural services.

“Our first goal is the continuation of Gathang Language,” Ms Moran said.

“We want to see Gathang actively spoken, taught and embedded in daily life through language programs, education pathways and community-led learning.”

She described the plan as “the centrepiece of the origin story of a legacy mapped out by language leaders that have been working tirelessly for decades”.

“What I hope is that the wider community can travel with us on this journey, support, connect and respectfully learn about the languages and cultures of the country they reside,” she said.

By Sis HIGGINS