The independent board is responsible for guiding the trust to revitalise, strengthen and celebrate Aboriginal languages in NSW.
The Aboriginal Languages Trust was established in 2020 under the Aboriginal Languages Act 2017.
This legislation recognises the importance of Aboriginal languages and establishes mechanisms and investment to help strengthen them.
The growth and strengthening of Aboriginal languages and culture is a key outcome for Closing the Gap, a national commitment to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people.
The inaugural board, appointed for a five-year term in February 2020, has strengthened Aboriginal language revitalisation efforts in NSW, guided by the voices and aspirations of Aboriginal communities across the state.
The incoming board will include members of the inaugural board, ensuring strong continuity of the work of the Trust.
The newly appointed board, who were selected following an independent recruitment process, consists of:
- Catherine Trindall (Chairperson)
- Jason Behrendt
- Dr Ray Kelly
- Raymond Ingrey
- Rhonda Radley
- Rhonda Ashby
- Susan Briggs
To continue languages revitalisation, each board member brings the skills, expertise and experience relevant to deliver on the functions of the Trust, and has appropriate standing in their respective Aboriginal communities.
The Minns Labor Government remains committed to the revitalisation of Aboriginal languages in NSW, through ongoing funding programs such as the Aboriginal Languages Revival Program and Aboriginal Languages Growth Program.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“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.
“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.
“I look forward to working with the new board to continue to shape the future of Aboriginal language revitalisation in NSW.”
NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust newly appointed 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.
"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."
