Overview
Measures under Goal 19 have improved
Victoria continues to fund language revitalisation programs.
Language is not just a tool for communication it is crucial for land justice, health and every aspect of life. Colonial practices punished First Peoples for speaking their language. Through the strength of First Peoples’ that wrong is being overturned.
Goal 19 directly aligns with the following Closing the Gap Outcome and Target
Outcome 16: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and languages are strong, supported and flourishing.
- Target 16: By 2031, there is a sustained increase in number and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages being spoken.
Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally
Outcome 16: Nationally in 2018-19, there were 123 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages being spoken (with 14 considered strong).
In Victoria in 2018-19, there were 4 languages being spoken (with 0 considered strong). This target relies on data from the National Indigenous Languages Survey which is conducted at irregular intervals. There is currently no new data since the baseline year of 2018-19.
Data Note
The latest year of available data varies across the Report due to the inconsistent frequency of collection of survey data and lags in processing administrative data. Data in this Report is the most up to date available for publishing.
No new data was available at the time of reporting for:
- Measure 19.1.1 Participation in community events which celebrate Aboriginal culture.
Historical data for the measures is available on the First Peoples – State Relations website
19.1 Support the preservation, promotion and practice of culture and languages
Measure 19.1.1 Participation in community events which celebrate Aboriginal culture
Connectedness to culture and community strengthens individual and collective identities, and promotes positive self-esteem, resilience, and improved outcomes for Aboriginal people.
While cultural identity is central to the lives of Aboriginal Victorians, all Victorians should celebrate and take pride in Aboriginal culture and language.
The below table outlines standalone Aboriginal language and culture revitalisation initiatives supported by the Victorian Government. Significant government investment in language and culture revitalisation is also embedded in many of the foundational programs and services delivered by ACCOs, such as kinship family finding, return to Country and cultural camps. Traditional Owner Corporations are crucial partners to support these activities and ensure the preservation, promotion and practice of culture and language revitalisation, enacting and enabling these programs and realising their intended benefits.
| Initiative / organisation | Description | |
| 1. | Koorie Heritage Trust
| The Victorian Government funds the Koorie Heritage Trust to support its operations and deliver the Koorie Family History Service for members of the Stolen Generations, Aboriginal Victorians in custody and members of the Koorie Community. Funding also supports the retention and revival of Victorian Aboriginal history and language through the Koorie Oral History Project. |
| 2. | Connecting Home Limited
| The Victorian Government funds Connecting Home Limited to support its operations and provide case management services, counselling and healing initiatives for members of the Stolen Generations and their families. |
| 3. | Koorie Youth Council | The Victorian Government funds the Koorie Youth Council to support its operations and deliver activities that engage with, and advance the rights and representation of, Aboriginal young people, including the annual Koorie Youth Summit. |
| 4. | Reconciliation Victoria
| The Victorian Government funds Reconciliation Victoria to support its operations and deliver a range of programs and services that promote and support reconciliation initiatives within the education and local government sectors and the broader Victorian community. |
| 5. | Lake Tyers and Framlingham Aboriginal Trusts | The Victorian Government funds the Lake Tyers and Framlingham Aboriginal Trusts’ operations and delivery of municipal and essential services to its residents, to manage Trust land, water and built environment, as well as the preservation of cultural heritage. Funding also supports delivery of self-determined activities to strengthen governance, social cohesion and empower future leaders. |
Bundha Sports Centre
Construction of the Bundha Sports Centre was completed in August 2024, with landscaping works and the installation of public art continuing into 2025.
The project was delivered by Development Victoria in partnership with the Department of Transport and Planning, Sport and Recreation Victoria and Yarra City Council, in close collaboration with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
This new state-of-the-art vertically designed sports centre in the heart of Fitzroy presented a significant opportunity to partner with Wurundjeri Traditional Owners to incorporate language and artwork within the project, while also achieving social procurement outcomes through project spend.
The Bundha Sports Centre was gifted its official name by Aunty Gail Smith and supported by Aunty Di Kerr, Aunty Julieanne Axford and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
The name ‘Bundha’ means ‘unity’ and captures how the venue will unite the community by supporting local sports clubs and by encouraging the community to get active.
“Proudly using Woi-wurrung language is central to our identity and our culture. For too long, our language has been denied, and it is great to be able to reclaim our language and bring it back to life for all to enjoy.” - Wurundjeri Elders, Aunty Gail Smith and Aunty Diane Kerr
Wurundjeri Country and identity are also showcased through a mural on Bundha’s exterior wall, which was designed by proud Wurundjeri man, Alex Kerr, and celebrates First Peoples community sporting heroes.
Several Victorian Aboriginal-owned businesses were engaged throughout the project, including Pathway Plumbing and Little Rocket.
Through language, artwork, and social procurement, the Bundha Sports Centre is a flagship project for Development Victoria, and models an approach which can be adopted across the portfolio to deliver positive outcomes for First Peoples and recognition of Country.
Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program (FLTSP)
The Department of Transport and Planning’s Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program (FLTSP) funded a series of localised First Peoples community initiatives in 2024:
- A partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated to encourage participation at Koorie pathway events by supporting safe transport options. These pathway events are aimed at inspiring First Peoples students to dream big and achieve their aspirations.
- A partnership with Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited to provide safe transport options, equitable access and encourage participation for First Peoples in a calendar of sporting programs.
- A partnership with Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (in collaboration with DJANDAK) to undertake a 10-month project to integrate Indigenous art and culture into bus stop designs across Bendigo. The project aims to transform bus shelters into cultural landmarks that preserve and celebrate First Peoples heritage, support cultural tourism and make public transportation more inviting and inclusive.
- A partnership with Cooinda Aboriginal Corporation to provide a 12-month pilot project to improve access to a Cultural Centre, with culturally safe and welcoming spaces and programs for First Peoples in the western suburbs. The centre offers services including cultural studies and art classes, homework classes for the youth, and job-ready services such as assistance with resumes and job applications.
New schools opened in 2024 and 2025 have First Nations language names
Self-determination Enabler 1. Prioritise culture
In March 2023, the Victorian Government committed that First Nations language names would be preferenced in new school naming activities. All new schools opened in 2024 and 2025 have First Nations language names. This commitment gives staff, students, families, and the public an understanding of each school’s connection to land, history and culture.
Culture and Country
The richness and diversity of Aboriginal history and culture in Victoria and the resilience and strength of Aboriginal communities and peoples, is something for all Victorians to celebrate.
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