Projects
Adult Education
Introduction
Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga host weekly adult language lessons for all interested community lessons, online and in-person. Participants do not need any experience and this course is free of charge.
Outcomes
Learn everyday greetings, counting in Yawuru, seasons, kinship, animals, flora, habitats and places.
Next Steps
Yawuru Language Lessons will run through term 2 and 3 of 2025 for all interested community members.
- International Decade of Indigenous Languages
- Closing the Gap Target 16
- Language Policy Partnership
Early Years Education
Introduction
Wanggarralangga Ngan-ga: they will know language, is the Early Childhood Education program aimed at 0-5 year old children. Language programs are currently being delivered to Broome Daycare centres, Kindygardens, and the on-site weekly Playgroup
Outcomes
Children attending daycare centres in Broome and the weekly Playgroup run by Yawuru will learn language by playing, singing, and conversational practice.
Early Years Mascot
Introduction
Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga are welcoming a new team member soon. ‘Jir’ our Brahminy Kite mascot will support our early childhood programs and public events. Keep an eye out for the ‘jir’ calling you to come learn Yawuru Ngan-ga!
Outcomes
Mascot is the physical character to attract and increase children’s interest in learning language.
Next Steps
It is intended the mascot will be animated and feature on YouTube virtual language lessons.
Album/music compilation
Introduction
Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga have recorded and produced a Yawuru music compilation using famous melodies of nursery rhymes. Available for all to enjoy and sing along while learning Yawuru language.
Outcomes
Aimed at the early years children, nine songs have been produced in the recording studio and will be made available for live streaming to everyone.
Next Steps
Developing an animation to support the lyrics and YouTube videos. A lyric booklet is almost complete.
Translation Services
Introduction
Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga provide translation services for community members, stakeholders, and visitors.
Outcomes
We proudly share Yawuru language and have supported local interpretation projects with dual naming, Yawuru naming of places, and signage, as well as private requests to individuals wanting to know Yawuru.
Next Steps
Language requests can be made via email language@yawuru.org.au or through the website e-form.
ALWA
Introduction
Aboriginal Langauges Western Australia, or ‘ALWA’ are the soon-to-be incorporated peak body and ACCO for WA Languages led by six regional langauges centres and supported by respective communities, including Yawuru. ALWA are working closely with Government for long-term sustainability, investment, collaboration and engagement for all WA Aboriginal Languages. To get in touch with ALWA, please contact the secretariat on aboriginallanguageswa@gmail.com
Outcomes
ALWA’s vision is that Aboriginal Langauges are strong and flourishing across all regions of Western Australia, and generational empowerment and transmission of cultural knowledge is sustained, always. Strong people, strong language, strong country, strong culture for our future.
Next Steps
ALWA have aligned their vision with the national priorities under Targe 16, as well as more localised priorities for the State. ALWA priorities are advocacy, sector development, policies, and truth telling.
- ALWA is the State’s solution to meet
- Closing the Gat Target 16
Corporate Packages
Introduction
Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga are introducing a new product for local industries in Broome, the Ngan-ga Corporate Package. Templates and office fit-outs that incorporate Yawuru language into the workplace will soon be available for purchase. Naming meeting rooms and labelling office items are an educational tool to encourage workers to begin using ngan-ga everyday, similar to a Language domain.
Outcomes
The Ngan-ga corporate package will assist in creating a culturally safe space for employees by having Indigenous representation through signage and interpretation with Yawuru art. Staff will receive Language training from the Yawuru team in correct pronunciation and understanding the context in using Yawuru words.
Yawuru Language Teachers support
Introduction
Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga provide mentoring support to Yawuru Language Teachers who currently teach at the Broome Primary and Secondary schools.
Outcomes
Teachers can meet with the Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga language specialists during and after their language teacher training.
Janigun: At the beach
Introduction
In collaboration with the State Library WA, the Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga team are writing and producing a children’s picture book, Janigun, translating to ‘at the beach’.
Outcomes
This book will support the Early Years Education program about learning to say words about the Beach. It is designed to encourage parents to read with their children.
Next Steps
In production stage, expected to finish late 2025.
Nganka Language Resource Kit
Introduction
The Nganka Language Resource kit was developed by Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga to support the language communities of the West Kimberley in developing or building on their individual language programs. The kit includes resources and tools to help communities identify their language health and suggest pathways to creating a language plan from given examples within the booklet.
Outcomes
Throughout May 2025, the ‘kit’ was workshopped with community members residing in Broome, Beagle Bay, One Arm Point, and Derby. The ‘Nganka Network’, was the agreed spelling and title of the group as it demonstrated inclusivity of the language family and the acknowledgment of the orthographical variations.
Next Steps
Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga are committed to supporting neighbouring language groups through mentorship and advocacy when requested. It is intended the Nganka Kit will assist individual language revitalisation and continuum projects.
Past Projects
West Kimberley Language Gathering
Introduction
In May 2024, the Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga team hosted the West Kimberley Language Gathering over a 3-day session inviting languages from the Nyulnyulan family Language classification. Representatives from Yawuru, Djugun, Jabirr Jabirr, Ngumbarl, Nyul Nyul, Nyikina, Bardi, and Mayala gathered meet with Government representatives, Indigenous language experts, linguists, educators, and community leaders to discuss the preservation, revitalisation, and promotion of Indigenous languages in the region.
Outcomes
Now referred to as the ‘Nganka Network’, the Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga team continue to support the network by visiting surrounding communities with language resources, including the ‘Nganka Resource Kit’ to aid in the language revitalisation and continuum priorities.
Next Steps
TBC
- International Decade of Indigenous Languages
- Closing the Gap Target 16
- Language Policy Partnership