Taungurung Language Program

Address: C/- VACL
295 King Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Telephone:03 9600 3811 (VACL)
Fax: 03 9600 4277
Email: lhealy@vaclang.org.au
Coordinator/Language Worker: Ms Lee Healy

 

The Taungurung Language Program initially employed Bill Nicholson Jr as the Project Officer who gathered the language of Taungurung people. Further there was a period whereby Gary Hansen was in the position temporarily for a six month period. The program did not have a person in the position for some time until Judy Monk commenced employment in March 2004 as the Project Officer.

The project has a proactive Steering Committee, which is drawn from the Taungurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation. The Steering Committee meet on a regular basis and they have set in place recommendations for the language program.

• Initially any language which has been gathered, is for Taungurung people:
• Investigate funding agencies for the purpose of development of a teaching component for passing on language.
• Develop education tools for the purpose of Taungurung people to revive their language.

There are two primary projects that the program is currently undertaking:

1. The development of a language book which includes the following which has translations into language:

• Environment
• Fauna & Flora
• Tools & Utensils
• Creation Stories
• Rivers & Place names

2. Development of Educational Tools for use by students.