2024 SW NAIDOC Innovation Award Winners
Celebrating the Korijekup Noongar Waangkiny Moorditjabiny Program
We celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Korijekup Noongar Waangkiny Moorditjabiny (Harvey Noongar Language Becoming Stronger) Program, the winners of the 2024 SW NAIDOC Innovation Award. This groundbreaking initiative, delivered through a collaboration between the Harvey Aboriginal Corporation and Bilya Moorditjabiny Training Services, has left an indelible mark on our community.
The KNWMP is more than a language program; it is a bridge connecting people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. Through its language lessons, yarning circles, and cultural activities, the program has fostered a respectful, culturally safe, and inclusive learning environment. Participants came together, forming bonds that transcended boundaries, and in doing so, they became part of one big, mixed family.
The impact of the KNWMP has rippled far beyond Harvey. From Waroona to Collie, Bunbury to Perth, this program has touched lives, engaged local businesses, and strengthened community ties. By learning the Noongar language, participants not only embraced culture but also contributed to reconciliation. As one participant eloquently put it, “It’s so important to learn the history of First Nations people.”
Our local Noongar Elder expressed pride in seeing others learn the language—a testament to the program’s impact. The youngest participant, almost 70 years younger, recognized its significance, affirming that “this is a good thing.” Indeed, the KNWMP has become a beacon of cultural exchange, where Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people walk together on the same Country, sharing experiences and building understanding.
Leadership lies at the heart of this program. By collaborating with local businesses and community organizations, the KNWMP demonstrated initiative and innovation. It created a space where reconciliation thrived, where Noongar culture flourished, and where language became a bridge uniting us all.
Today, we honor the KNWMP as the winner of the 2024 South West NAIDOC Innovation Award. Let us celebrate the tireless efforts of the facilitators, the commitment of the participants, and the enduring legacy of language revitalization. May this program continue to inspire us, reminding us that when we walk together, we create a stronger, more vibrant community—one where language, culture, and understanding flourish.
Thank you, and congratulations to the Korijekup Noongar Waangkiny Moorditjabiny Program!