Dubbo MP Troy Grant Welcomes NSW Language Nests in Wiradjuri

A TRADITIONAL Aboriginal language was spoken in the NSW Parliament for the first time in its 190-year history last night as National MP Troy Grant welcomed the government’s quest to preserve indigenous culture.

The O’Farrell Government has funded five “language and culture nests” in key sites across the state. The first in Dubbo for the local Wiradjuri language was launched last year.

“The Wiradjuri nation expands from the Blue Mountains in the east, to Hay in the west, north to Nyngan and south to Albury,” Mr Grant, who is not indigenous, told the house last night during a private member’s statement.

“This has been the home of the Wiradjuri nation for more than 40,000 years. In any culture, language forms the foundation of a community. It is how we communicate and how our history is shaped, with stories told and customs and knowledge passed from generation to generation. Language is the way in which our communities evolve.”

Mr Grant said he initially wanted to do the whole speech in Wiradjuri but with his coach, Diane McNaboe, found the right words hard to come by. So they settled on an opening acknowledgment of country.

“I was just so humbled to have the chance and to be given permission to try,” he told The Australian.

“Diane will probably tell you I was a poor student but I spent hours and hours practising it and phoned Diane a few times yesterday before I had to deliver it.”

Mr Grant sought permission from community elders and also Labor’s Linda Burnie, the only indigenous member of NSW’s parliament.

“Out of respect for her I asked and she was enormously supportive and knew this was a genuine attempt at showing people the language. I’m just really proud of my community.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Victor Dominello told the house it was a historic occasion.

“It is the first time in this parliament that Aboriginal language has been spoken. It is a powerful symbol because this is the oldest parliament in Australia,” he said.

“The community of Dubbo and particularly the Wiradjuri community should be congratulated on embracing this language and culture nest and on ensuring and preserving for the generations to come their wonderful culture and language.”

Mr Grant ended his speech with a simple “thank you for listening” or, as he put it: Mandaang guwu ngaanha-gu.

The NSW Government is providing almost $4.5 million over the forward estimates to fund five language sites to help preserve the Bundjalung language in Lismore, the Paarkkintji/Barkindjii tongue in Wilcannia and the Gamilaraay/Yuwaalaraay language in Lightning Ridge.

The nests forge links between schools, TAFEs, universities and Aboriginal communities to ensure languages are offered and taught to younger people.