The Guardian Australia has launched an ambitious new multimedia project exploring the powerful movement to revive Indigenous languages across the country. 'Speaking to Country' represents the second major initiative for 2025 from the publication's Walkley award-winning Indigenous affairs team.
A Deep Dive into Language and Culture
This four-part interactive series, reported by Ella Archibald-Binge and edited by Calla Wahlquist, delves into the profound connections between place, culture and language. The project examines how language fundamentally shapes our understanding of the world and explores the innovative methods communities are using to bring endangered tongues back from the brink of extinction.
Funded by The Balnaves Foundation and supported by the Guardian's multimedia, data and design teams, the series represents a significant investment in Indigenous storytelling. It builds on the team's previous success with 'The Descendants', which earned the 2025 Walkley Award for coverage of Indigenous affairs.
Four Compelling Stories of Revival
The series features several powerful narratives from across Australia. Kamilaroi journalist Ella Archibald-Binge contributes a personal essay documenting her journey across her late grandfather's Country, exploring how her lost connection to language affects her identity and cultural confidence.
Another segment highlights the remarkable revival of the Gumbaynggirr language, which has transformed from near-extinction to become one of Australia's ten fastest-growing languages. The language now thrives through NSW's first bilingual school and a dedicated community choir.
The project also covers a thirty-year community-led effort to reconstruct lost Tasmanian languages into Palawa kani, demonstrating extraordinary perseverance and cultural dedication.
Modern Tools for Ancient Tongues
The final instalment examines how communities with dwindling numbers of fluent speakers, such as the Nyiyaparli in Western Australia, are employing contemporary technology to ensure their languages survive for future generations.
Guardian Australia, which launched in 2013, continues its commitment to fearless, independent journalism that amplifies underrepresented voices. The Australian newsroom operates bureaux in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra while remaining part of the Guardian's global 24-hour news operation.
The Indigenous affairs team behind this project includes renowned journalists Lorena Allam, Sarah Collard and Ella Archibald-Binge, whose previous work has set new standards for Indigenous affairs reporting in Australia.
