Our Research History
Our work in the understanding and sharing of the Awbakal language is a long process. It involves many staff over many years. It also involves uncertainty and hitting research obstacles, as well as finding new discoveries.
Over time, we gain a greater understanding. Not just about what certain Awabakal words mean - but through these words, about what the Awabakal way of life is.
OUR RESEARCH TIMELINE
2019-present
LIAM PRICE
Warlpiri man and Warlpiri speaker, Liam Price joins thee Awabakal Language program after assiting with the development and management of Miromaa's PULiiMA 2019 conference. Liam becomes the key researcher for the Awabakal Program developing a updated evidence-based pronounciation and grammar system for the Awabakal language (soon to be launched).
2019-present
2019
NATIONAL INTERACTIVE LANGUAGE MAP
2018
ABC TV's PLAYSCHOOL
2018
2018
LOCAL ABORIGINAL VIRTUAL REALITY PROJECT
2017
NATIONAL DREAMTIME AWARDS
2017
2012
TV SERIES ‘MUGU KIDS’
2014 -2017
DUAL NAMING IN CONJUNCTION WITH NEWCASTLE CITY COUNCIL
2014 -2017
2011
FIRST POSSUM SKIN CLOAK WORKSHOP
2010
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM TRANSLATED INTO AWABAKAL
2010
2009
WORKSHOPS BEGIN
2009-2020
TERRI-LEE DARCY
Awabakal woman, Terri-Lee Darcy joins the team and continues Miriam's language work. She also brings special Awabakal cultural knowledge from her family into the program.
Between 2013-2019, Terri-Lee is guided and supported by Gamilaraay woman and Aboriginal linguist, DonnaGayfordMcLaren.
In the years of 2009-2016 and 2019-2020, Terri-Lee is also assisted by Wanaruah woman and team member, Jacqui Allen.
2009-2020
2012-2017
MIRIAM PIEPER
Sadly, Alex passed (we still miss him). Next, social anthropologist, Miriam Pieper joined the team to continue Alex's work in researching the Awabakal language structure and the specific meanings of words.
2004-2011
DR ALEX ARPOSIO
Alex Arposio joins the Awabakal Language Program. He holds a Doctorate of Philosophy with a major in linguistics. Alex researches Thelkeld's writings and Perc Haslam, ultimately producing documents regarding the first interpretations from a lingusitic perspective of the Awbakal language system. This work was pivotal in informing the content of the program's first education resources.
2004-2011
2003-2004
FIRST VOLUNTEER TEAM
The workload demanded a volunteer team, which was sourced via the CDEP. Our first volunteer was Beverley Collins.
2002-2003
AWABAKAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM CREATED
2002-2003