The NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust (the Trust) board has welcomed five new members.
The Trust was established in 2020 under the Aboriginal Languages Act 2017, with the independent board responsible for guiding the trust to revitalise, strengthen and celebrate Aboriginal languages in NSW.
The newly appointed board consists of Catherine Trindall (Chairperson), Jason Behrendt, Dr Ray Kelly, Raymond Ingrey, Rhonda Radley, Rhonda Ashby and Susan Briggs, who were selected through an independent recruitment process.
Following her appointment, chair Catherine Trindall said: "I am honoured to be appointed Chair of the NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust Board and look forward to working collaboratively with our new appointees, who will each bring unique perspectives, cultural and linguistic knowledge and professional expertise to championing Aboriginal language revitalisation in NSW."
"The inaugural board, who I worked alongside as deputy chair, have been dedicated, visible and trusted advocates for our stakeholders, ensuring the trust's establishment was grounded in culture and Aboriginal ways of knowing, doing and being," she said.
"Aboriginal communities in NSW are aiming high and making a powerful impact, delivering a broad range of activities to revitalise, strengthen, share, and speak their languages, reflecting their unique language goals and aspirations. The board is committed to supporting our communities to continue to reclaim, revive and celebrate their languages."
The NSW Government says the inaugural board has strengthened Aboriginal language revitalisation efforts in NSW guided by the voices and aspirations of Aboriginal communities across the state, with the legislation recognising the importance of Aboriginal languages and establishes mechanisms and investment to help strengthen them.
New South Wales Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, said he looked forward to working with the new board to continue to shape the future of Aboriginal language revitalisation in the state.
"Since its establishment, the NSW Aboriginal Language Trust has strengthened and celebrated Aboriginal languages in NSW through initiatives such as annual grants and, in 2023, the first ever NSW Aboriginal Languages Week," Mr Harris said.
"I offer my gratitude to the inaugural board of the Aboriginal Languages Trust. These board members have established a strong foundation for the growth and strengthening of NSW Aboriginal languages into the future."
The NSW Government says each board member brings the skills, expertise and experience to deliver on the functions of the trust, and has appropriate standing in their respective Aboriginal communities.
The growth and strengthening of Aboriginal languages and culture is a key outcome for Closing the Gap.
The new board has been appointed for a period of five years.