Aunty Rhonda Sandow (Language Mentor with Jinibara), Volunteers Anna  Jones and Isaak Collie and Paul Wilson (Initiative coordinator)

In the Glasshouse Mountains region of Southeast Qld, the Jinibara People Aboriginal Corporation (JPAC) is working to revitalise the Jinibara language. With the support of a $10,000 grant from the Australian Government's Indigenous Languages and Arts (ILA) program, JPAC is launching a new project called "Gathering Language, Gathering Community."

The project will bring together Jinibara elders, language keepers, and community members to share their knowledge of the language and culture. They will also work together to develop new language-learning resources and create opportunities for the community to practice speaking and singing in traditional language.

The "Gathering Language, Gathering Community" project is an important step in ensuring that the First Nations languages of the Glasshouse Mountains region survive and thrive for future generations. It is also a powerful example of how Indigenous communities are leading the way in revitalising their languages and cultures.

Communitas is "walking with" JPAC and providing volunteer services to support their local initiatives. 

An AI generated image and fictitious names to protect people's privacy. 

Jo and Nick are dedicated teachers and the parents of Alex, a child with a range of complications associated with a disability. Balancing work and family life for any teacher is challenging but for Jo and Nick, it is even more so because 2 to 3 days a term are taken off sick to deal with Alex’s visits to specialists or to be with Alex during times of illness. Jo and Nick have no sick leave left and taking leave without pay adds to existing costs incurred by Alex’s disability. As a result, Nick has been drawing down his long service leave.

"Hand Up for Teachers" is a program designed to give teachers with disabled children days off without having to use their sick leave. It is a an agreement between Communitas and participating schools/Dioceses. Communitas volunteers who are retired teachers are called in by the school to do a supply day (without pay) to give Jo, Nick and others in similar situations, an opportunity to take much needed time off without taking a hit to their leave balance or bank balance.

Paul, Judy, Rob and Rod are retired. They continue to maintain their teacher registration and participate in student protection training each year with their local schools. That makes them eligible to volunteer and provide a service similar to a supply teacher. What is the volunteer's motivation? 

Rob describes Jo as a “saint”. He explains

“Many like me have a lot to be thankful for. Jo and Nick and other parents with disabled children give up their lives for their child. As part of a supporting community, it is such a small thing for me to do. It keeps me connected to schools and school life and lets me contribute to a worthy cause in line with my values”. 

If you are a retired teacher and are interested in volunteering your time for this project, follow the link below to join CVA as a volunteer.