If a law lives on paper, a celebration lives in people’s voices. NSW Aboriginal Languages Week is where the two meet, and this year the best way in is through community events across the state.
Here’s the short version. From 19–26 October 2025, communities are running local gatherings, lessons, open days and concerts that bring language into daily life. The Aboriginal Languages Trust (ALT) is listing them on a rolling “Community events 2025” page so people can find something near home.
In Quirindi on Tuesday 21 October (9 am – 12 pm), Walhallow Local Aboriginal Land Council hosts a gathering honouring Gamilaroi language and culture, focused on connection to Country and stories in a welcoming space. In Redfern, Redfern Jarjum College runs a school‑based program Monday 20–Friday 24 October, with students painting “Welcome” on the front door in their mob’s language and a showcase on Thursday 23 October (11:30 am – 1 pm).
If you’re in Tamworth, Gambadul Aboriginal Corporation offers Gomeroi language lessons at 1:00 pm on 20–22 October (Suite 2, 179 Marius Street) and a community language day on Friday 24 October from 10:00 am at Campgrounds Café, where ordering your coffee in Gomeroi earns encouragement – and a discount – backed by clear posters and friendly staff. On the North Coast, Gummyaney Aboriginal Preschool in Grafton holds an open day on Wednesday 22 October (10 am–1 pm) with cultural dance, storytelling, didgeridoo and songs in Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl.
Heading west, Oyster Tribe Aboriginal Corporation in Dubbo invites young people to “Listening to the Voices of Our Ancestors” on Thursday 23 October (12 – 3 pm) – a chance to learn Wiradjuri with Elders and build confidence speaking. And to close the week in style, Warraan Widji Arts in Warren hosts an arts exhibition and concert on Sunday 26 October (3 – 8 pm) showcasing Wayilwan through dance, music and visual art – Wayilwan Gali‑dhaarr‑gal (Waterways) – with a sausage sizzle to match the spirit.
How to get involved today:
• Pick your closest event and put it in the diary; bring a friend or the kids.
• Learn a greeting for that Country and use it once – at the event or on Monday morning.
• Offer help – chairs, shade, tea, printing – ask organisers what’s useful.
• Schools – link a class activity to one of these events so language continues in Week 2, Term 4.
• Workplaces – copy Gambadul’s idea: a one‑hour taster and a small signage fix before month’s end.
Why it matters: the Act made the promise; these community events are where we cash it – one lesson, one yarn, one poster at a time.
Discover more from Indigenous News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
