See it. Say it. Live it.
Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance is developing Language Lives Here, a new Gumbaynggirr Language project designed to encourage people to see, hear and use Language as part of everyday life.
The project will be delivered on Gumbaynggirr Country during NSW Aboriginal Languages Week 2026, which runs from 18–25 October and commemorates the passing of the Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 on 24 October. The week celebrates and promotes NSW Aboriginal Languages and the work being led by Aboriginal Communities to strengthen, teach and grow Languages.
The Aboriginal Languages Trust describes Language learning, wider Language use and Community-led revitalisation as central to the work of Aboriginal Languages Week. The 2026 program particularly encourages participation in Language learning by young Aboriginal people and seeks to increase awareness and support for the future of NSW Aboriginal Languages.
Language that lives beyond one week
At the heart of Language Lives Here is a simple idea: Language can become more familiar when people encounter and use it in the places where everyday life happens.
As part of the project, Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance, through Saltwater Freshwater Publishing, is developing a 30-Day Language Challenge featuring 30 everyday Gumbaynggirr words.
The challenge is designed to take Language beyond the Community Day and into the home, providing a simple and practical way for people to see, hear and practise Gumbaynggirr Language as part of everyday life.
Participants will receive 30 removable household stickers featuring:
Gumbaynggirr word
Pronunciation
English word
The stickers can be placed on corresponding objects around the home, encouraging people to see and practise a Gumbaynggirr word each day.
A QR code will connect participants to an online Language resource where they can hear approved pronunciation recordings for all 30 words. The aim is to make learning approachable and practical: one word, one day at a time.
By the end of the challenge, homes taking part can have 30 Gumbaynggirr words visible in everyday spaces—creating opportunities for children, parents, grandparents, friends and visitors to see, hear and say Language together.
Community, Language and connection
Language Lives Here will be launched through a free Gumbaynggirr Community Day at The Gallery in Coffs Harbour on Saturday 24 October 2026.
The day will bring Language into a community setting through Gumbaynggirr Language learning and pronunciation, children’s Language activities and storytime, yarning, weaving, music and opportunities for people to learn together.
This community-based approach reflects the broader purpose of NSW Aboriginal Languages Week. Across NSW, the week brings together Language practitioners, Elders, learners and communities through Language lessons, educational resources, children’s activities and local events. In 2025, the Aboriginal Languages Trust highlighted the importance of connecting, speaking Language on Country and strengthening Languages so they remain alive for future generations.
The 2026 grant program continues that focus by supporting Aboriginal organisations to deliver community gatherings, Language workshops and other activities that celebrate and promote Aboriginal Languages across NSW.
Continuing after Aboriginal Languages Week
While the Community Day provides a place to come together, Language Lives Here is designed to continue well beyond Aboriginal Languages Week.
The removable Language stickers, pronunciation recordings and online resource will give people a practical way to continue seeing, hearing and using Gumbaynggirr Language at home. Following the Community Day, Language Lives Here – 30-Day Language Challenge Packs will also be available to purchase from The Gallery, helping the resource reach more households.
This first pack will also act as a pilot for a broader Language Lives Here series. Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance intends to develop three different Gumbaynggirr Language packs, introducing new groups of everyday words and encouraging continued Language learning at home.
From there, the vision is to work with Language holders and communities to explore future packs for another Nation within the Saltwater Freshwater footprint — Dunghutti, Worimi or Biripi — with each resource developed through the appropriate cultural and Language processes.
The long-term aim is simple: to create practical, accessible resources that support Aboriginal Languages to be seen, heard and spoken in everyday spaces.
See it. Say it. Live it.
Language Lives Here is presented by Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance and supported by the NSW Government through the Aboriginal Languages Trust.
Join us for Gumbaynggirr Community Day
Saturday 24 October 2026 | 11am–2pm
The Gallery, Coffs Harbour | FREE – Donations Welcome
The first 50 people or families to arrive will receive a free Language Lives Here – 30-Day Language Challenge Pack.
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