Gumbaynggirr language school seeks expressions of interest for staff

In what would be a first for NSW, Coffs Harbour could soon become home to a bilingual Indigenous language school.

Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation executive officer Clark Webb has been spearheading a push to create the state’s first bilingual Indigenous language school in Coffs Harbour. Photo: Tim Jarrett

The state’s first bilingual Indigenous language school could open in Coffs Harbour as early as next year.

Expressions of interest for two positions at the school have now been advertised as Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation presses ahead with a model that will be the first of its kind in NSW.

The Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School will be an Aboriginal independent primary school offering bilingual education grounded in Gumbaynggirr knowledge systems.

Initially the school will cater for 15 students from kindergarten to year two, eventually growing to take in students up to year 6.

“We are seeking a motivated and highly skilled professional who values the importance of language, culture, country and wisdom as the key foundations to making our children “Gumbaynggirr daari” - Gumbaynggirr strong.”

BMNAC has been building towards the goal of creating an Indigenous language school for some time.

The disruption to schooling during the pandemic provided the organisation an opportunity to deliver a seven-week pilot program to thirteen young students which in turn helped inform the development of the Giingana Freedom School.

Executive officer of BMNAC, Clark Webb, has been vocal in highlighting the importance of language and culture for Gumbaynggirr people.

Wajaar Ngaarlu dance troupe member Christian Lugnan performs at the NRL Indigenous round match between the Gold Coast Titans and Cronulla Sharks. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Following the NRL Indigenous round match between the Cronulla Sharks and Gold Coast Titans held at C.ex Stadium, Mr Webb said revitalising language would lead to better health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

BMNAC’s Wajaar Ngaarlu dance troupe was an integral part of the event with members of the troupe performing in front of thousands.

The progress on BMNAC’s education goals comes off the back of another big coup for their tourism enterprise.

Work on upgrading the Nyanggan Gapi Cafe has been ongoing after more than $5.4 million was pledged for a series of projects including the cafe upgrade and the construction of an amphitheatre for cultural tourism experiences.