The nine First Nations language teachers are the inaugural graduates of the Certificate IV in Teaching an Endangered Aboriginal Language course at Swinburne University of Technology, funded by the state government to promote and support Traditional Owners culture and tradition in Victoria.
Victorian Training and Skills Minister Gayle Tierney said the course was an important part of the plan to provide better opportunities to First Nations learners and would have a ripple effect in the community by promoting language, culture and traditions.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams said the government wanted to amplify the voices of First Nations Victorians and enhance the understanding of their culture in everyday life.
“Part of that is ensuring endangered languages are revived and preserved,” Ms Williams said.
The pilot course was developed with First Nations groups and led by linguistic expert and Taungurung Elder Aunty Lee Healy, who equipped the teachers with the culturally informed skills to teach and preserve five languages in schools, kindergartens and First Nations communities.
Among the graduates is Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles, who advocates for the connectedness of language to people, place and country and will teach Wadawurrung people at Moolap Primary School.
To inspire more Victorians to use First Nations languages, new Certificate II and III in Learning an Australian First Nations Language courses will be offered free to Koorie students under a Victorian Budget 2021-22 investment of more than $2.7 million over four years.
The revival and preservation of language is part of the Marrung: Aboriginal Education Plan 2016-26, promoting Koorie culture and tradition in Victoria and supporting reconciliation and social justice reforms.
Since 2014, the government has made a record $3.2 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high-quality education and rewarding career pathways.
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