Brother Stephen Morelli given OAM after Gumbaynggirr language revitalisation work

Christian brother involved in revitalisation of Gumbaynggirr language believes award is government recognising the property of Aboriginal people.

Brother Stephen Morelli is modest when it comes to the role in the revitalisation of Gumbaynggirr language, but the linguist is happy to have played a part.

Br Morelli has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his work to help revive Aboriginal languages across the Mid North Coast.

It all started in 1986, when the Christian brother was asked by Gumbaynggirr elders if he would like to help restore their language so that it could be passed onto future generations.

More than 30 years later, the formation of the Gumbaynggirr Language and Culture Group can be seen as a deeply significant moment which in turn led to the creation of the Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Cultural Cooperative. 

The cooperative, led by Gary Williams, has been pivotal in the revitalisation and restoration of Aboriginal language and culture on the mid north coast.

“It spread its wings without me but I feel good that I helped, with the help of the Aboriginal people, to kick it off,” Br Morelli said.

“If there is an award it really belongs to them, (those) who worked to restore what had been taken.

“Any award like that says that the government recognises the property of Aboriginal people as being valuable and worthwhile.

“It’s saying that Aboriginal property such as language, story and songs ... they are important and they need to be foregrounded.”

The linguist has co-authored Gumbaynggirr Yuludarla Jandaygam, or, Gumbaynggirr Dreaming Story Collection as well as the Gumbaynggirr dictionary.

He said even small changes like the renaming of roads and signage with Gumbaynggirr words was positive and he was “absolutely certain” the revitalisation of language led to better health outcomes for Indigenous people.

He added that it was “wonderful” the language was being taught in more than 30 schools and was important people felt comfortable accessing it.

“Now many people have learnt some Gumbaynggirr and are proud of it,” he said.

“People recognise the heritage that belongs to Aboriginal people. I feel good about that, it is a property that is honoured and should be honoured.”