Broome Primary School celebrates Aboriginal language

Broome Primary School has unveiled more than 60 signs naming parts of the school in the local Yawuru language thanks to funds it received from Water Corporation’s West Kimberley Community Grants Scheme.

Broome Primary School joined forces with Yawuru Language Centre and four other local schools to obtain a grant to encourage the younger generation to become familiar with the language of Broome’s Traditional Owners, the Yawuru people.

Broome Primary School Principal, Jared Lawson, said the naming project reflected Broome’s multicultural community, which was celebrated by the school.

“When we chant ‘Respect all Cultures’ in our school creed, we also walk the talk in our daily lives by being inclusive and understanding towards everyone's backgrounds,” Mr Lawson said.

“We are committed to Aboriginal education and this project helps revive and maintain the Yawuru language. I thank our project partners Yawuru Language Centre and Reconciliation WA, along with the Water Corporation and Lions Club of Broome, who provided funds through West Kimberley Community Grants Scheme.”

Water Corporation Regional Manager, Rino Trolio, said it was great to see schools across Broome working together to promote the local Yawuru language.

“Broome Primary School has done a fantastic job, and we look forward to unveiling projects at the other participating schools - Roebuck Primary School, Cable Beach Primary School, Broome Senior High School and Broome North Primary School,” Mr Trolio said.

“Maintaining the use of Aboriginal languages is vital to preserve our rich cultural heritage and we are proud to support this project through the West Kimberley Community Grants Scheme.”

Since it began in 2016, Water Corporation’s West Kimberley Community Grants Scheme has provided $81,121 in grants to not-for-profit groups for local projects. For more information, visit watercorporation.com.au