Australia – October 27, 2026 -- Rio Tinto and the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) have launched a three-year partnership to support community-led Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language initiatives in five regions across Australia.
Five communities in four states and territories receive support
The funded initiatives are in Mapoon (Queensland), Nhulunbuy/Yirrkala (Northern Territory), Bidyadanga (Western Australia), Bundjalung Country (New South Wales and Queensland) and Kalkatungu Country (Queensland). The program supports the objectives of the United Nations International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022 to 2032).
ALNF's Living First Languages Platform keeps language ownership with communities
ALNF developed the platform alongside First Nations communities. It lets them capture, manage and teach their languages in line with local priorities and cultural protocols. The partnership will also strengthen the platform itself.
Over the three years, support covers training, mentoring, community governance, technology, digital language resources and interactive learning tools. Language groups will also get opportunities to connect and learn from one another.
Executives and community leads tie funding to continuity
Matthew Holcz, Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive and Australia Country Head, said the partnership will give Indigenous communities resources to retain control and ownership of their languages.
Jason Jia, Cultural Heritage Advisor for the Mapoon Language Project, said ongoing funding ensures cultural knowledge is carried forward rather than lost.
ALNF Chief Executive Anne Hollonds AO said being able to use one's own language has a "powerful lifelong impact on education, employment, identity, wellbeing, social connection and belonging."