From 2018 we have been funded by the New South Wales Department of Education’s Ninganah No More early childhood education and care program. We started in Gunnedah and from 2023 we have been a designated Language Hub to support early childhood centres around the region.
If you are interested in your centre being part of this project, please contact the program Manager Renee Houldsworth at reneeh@winanga-li.org.au, or Winanga-li's CEO Wayne Griffiths ceo@winang-li.org.au
Our Team
Renee Houldsworth
Gamilaraay Language Hub Manager
Rebecca Holland
Banmadhaay (Facilitor)
Vanessa Dobson
Banmadhaay (Facilitor)
Lauren Ryan
Banmadhaay (Facilitor)
Language Support
Language support is provided by applied linguist Dr Hilary Smith, with specialist advice from descriptive linguist Dr John Giacon - both are affiliated to the Australian National University.
John Giacon
Honorary Lecturer, Linguistics
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Hilary Smith
Honorary Affiliate
Our Language Program
Our language programs are grounded in this belief—offering opportunities for all ages to learn, speak, and connect through Gamilaraay. Whether in schools, community spaces, or on Country, we’re proud to support the revitalisation and everyday use of our language across generations.
Bringing the Gamilaraay Language to Life
Winanga-li has been delivering Gamilaraay Language Programs for over 11 years, operating across the Gamilaraay nation. We are currently teaching in 77 centres reaching a total of 3675 children and 1021 identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
Our Programs Mission
The aim of our program is to empower and embed Gamilaraay Language into centres and schools to be confident and capable of teaching children Gamilaraay Language. We walk educators through this journey to ensure educators and children have the knowledge and tools they need to make language and culture an embedded practice with centres and schools.
The Winanga-li Language Hub
What the Winanga-li Language Hub offers
- A package of Gamilaraay early childhood language materials based around two themes each term, as well as special days throughout the year
- Information to support educators’ use of the materials
- Support from our local language facilitators, including weekly visits and/or phone or Zoom calls as required
- Liaison with local Aboriginal community as appropriate
- Information about other resources if requested
We also offer Language in Schools Program
Our Language in Schools Program delivers culturally embedded Gamilaraay language education aligned with the Aboriginal Languages syllabus. Taught by experienced local educators, the program spans early childhood to high school, with weekly three-hour classes, on-Country learning, and Elder visits. It ensures consistent teaching quality and supports student progression.
Cultural Embedding Model
Gamilaraay Language Skills
Local Educators Across All Ages
Elders Visits
