NSW Aboriginal Languages Week

Let Our Voices Fly: Celebrating NSW Aboriginal Languages Week

We’re in the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) — a decade dedicated to drawing global attention to the critical situation of many indigenous languages and to ensure their preservation, revitalisation and promotion. In Australia there are more than 250 Indigenous languages including around 800 dialects, according to AIATSIS . Each language is specific to a particular place and people.

This month we celebrate the third annual NSW Aboriginal Languages Week (19-26 October, 2025) – it’s not just a celebration, it’s a chance to recognise and honour the strength and resilience of Elders, Aboriginal Peoples and Communities who kept Languages alive and strong, and continue to speak, teach, and grow Languages for future generations.

In 2025, NSW Aboriginal Languages Week has a theme: ‘Let Our Voices Fly’. It's a theme that celebrates and honours the ongoing work of Communities speaking and revitalising Aboriginal languages.

At Red Room Poetry, we celebrate languages from all over in our programs including Poetry in First Languages and Guwayu for all Times publications.

This year's Baraya Barray - Whale Song is helping to celebrate NSW language revival having worked with language custodians to run workshops for young First Nations people in Gathang and Gumbayngirr languages. And in three weeks, Bundjalung. Read this year's student poems here

Join the Celebrations this Aboriginal Languages Week

If you’re interested in taking part this Aboriginal Languages Week, there’s a range of programming activities, resources and Community events across NSW to celebrate and recognise Aboriginal Languages. Join the celebrations here.

About Barraya Barray

Baraya Barray - Whale Song brings attention to the origin of First Nations languages and the important lessons we can learn from our natural environment in caring for Country by celebrating saltwater songlines of the East Coast following the movements of Humpback Whales from Lutruwita (TAS) to Meanjin (QLD).

During this three year program, communities across the east coast will connect young First Nations people with Elders, Language Custodians, scientists, poets and musicians, through On Country immersive experiences, to learn about and respond to our original language holders - the Whales.

Baraya Barray ~ Whale Song will make its way up the east coast in 2025 working with communities across Gathang, Gumbayngirr and Bundjalung languages.