For NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust chair Catherine Trindall, cultural survival is carried with every word spoken in language.
The state is the only jurisdiction in the country with specific legislation of its kind; the NSW Aboriginal Languages Act, which came into law in 2017.
The annual, state-wide NSW Aboriginal Languages Week is celebrated each year aligned to its passing through the parliament in late October.
'Let our Voices Fly' is the week's (October 19-26) theme in 2025.
Communities across the state are gearing up to host a list of events featuring arts, concerts, dance, storytelling, food, sharing of culture and language lessons.
In Dubbo, on Thursday October 23, Oyster Tribe Aboriginal Corporation Aboriginal corporation is hosting 'Listening to the Voices of Our Ancestors', an opportunity for young people to learn Wiradjuri language with Elders.
Gambadul Aboriginal Corporation in Tamworth is encouraging the community to come down and make an order at Campgrounds Café on Peel Street in Gomeroi language, with Gambadul staff working with the cafe team and supporting those coming to take part.
"Language is core to our identity and connection to country. Every word spoken in language represents our cultural survival and the determination of our people to ensure our languages were kept alive and strong," Ms Trindall said.
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Place-based programs, including those supported by NSW's Aboriginal Languages Growth Funding Program, are part of the community-led revitalisation efforts taking place across the state.
At Carriageworks in Redfern this Sunday, the NSW Aboriginal Languages Festival 2025 kicks off the week ahead.
Ms Trindall said the festival "is about community and celebrating what has been passed down, and the momentum behind language revitalisation today.
"I encourage everyone to attend this family-friendly event, celebrating and honouring the state's first languages though song, dance and connection," she said.
Kobie Dee is headlining, joined by 'Koori King of Country Music' Uncle Roger Knox and Loren Knox also taking the stage.
"Language is a living link to identity, country and culture," NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said.
"This festival brings people together from across NSW to celebrate the incredible and innovative work being done by Communities to preserve and revitalise Aboriginal languages. It's a powerful act of cultural strength."
26 Aboriginal community organisations across the state have been awarded funding out of the Languages Week Grants Program to host events and activities.
"These events not only celebrate, but promote participation in language learning, particularly for younger generations and connect the community to language education and employment opportunities," Minister Harris said.
NRL star Cody Walker and journalist Brooke Boney are ambassadors for NSW Aboriginal Languages Week in 2025.
The pair are included in a Trust-launched mini documentary series following their journey returning to Country to learn language.
"This experience of being an Ambassador has given me the chance to explore my own Language journey on Country and inspired me to build a future where me and my kids can speak Language fluently," Mr Walker said.
"Our Languages carry the strength, identity and stories of our People and it's powerful to see them being celebrated at the Festival and being revitalised across Communities."
Ms Boney said being an ambassador "is a dream come true", adding "despite past attempts to erase Aboriginal Languages, it has survived, and now we have the privilege and responsibility to keep it alive for future generations".
