Yuuingan Dhilla Yari: 2026 Indigenous Languages Forum

About the forum

This year, Yuuingan Dhilla Yari returns on Tuesday 9 June as a forum with the theme Create to Connect: First Languages in Action, highlighting the many ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are being strengthened, shared and celebrated through community, creativity, education and cultural practice. Bringing together language practitioners, creatives, educators, researchers, organisations and community members, the one-day forum will explore how first languages are being activated through community initiatives, education, digital storytelling, contemporary media and public programs.

Guided by MC Scott Wilson, the day will centre conversation, connection and knowledge sharing, featuring a keynote presentation followed by a facilitated panel conversation. The afternoon program will then open into a community yarning space designed for networking and exchange with practitioners, organisations and fellow attendees, including community exchange tables, Creative Residency spotlights and curator tours of Through Mununjali Eyes in kuril dhagun.

Join the forum

Be part of an important conversation about first languages throughout Queensland and Australia. Book your place to attend in person or access the livestream.

Book now

People watching a presentation in an auditorium

Keynote speakers

Common Ground is a First Nations-led not-for-profit organisation that uses storytelling, education and advocacy to amplify First Nations voices, strengthen pathways for storytellers, and build greater understanding and accountability across systems such as schools, media and public life. Grounded in truth-telling, reciprocity and justice, Common Ground works with communities to share knowledge in ways that support connection, challenge dominant narratives and imagine stronger futures.

Gemma Pol

Gemma is a Wiradyuri, Ngemba and Paakantji woman from a small coastal town on Worimi Country. She’s a freelance writer, support worker and the CEO of Common Ground. Gemma is a communications professional specialising in strategic communications and storytelling for social impact and systemic change. She sees storytelling as a tool to build movements that protect people and Country and is passionate about truth-telling and creating safe spaces for First Nations people to share their stories, their way.

Vanessa Morris

Vanessa Morris is a proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri woman, born and raised on Yorta Yorta Country and based on Wurundjeri Country. Passionate about storytelling, engaging with community in positive and productive ways, Vanessa has over 15 years experience across communications, digital and media in the public and not-for-profit sectors. Through this, she has established and led communications functions in First Nations community-controlled organisations and is also a broadcaster and host of Banksia on Triple R.

Community yarning & networking

Following the morning program, the afternoon will open into a more informal community yarning space for networking, exchange and connection. The afternoon will include opportunities to:

Visit community exchange tables with practitioners and organisations working across language, education, collections, cultural heritage and creative practice
Learn about resources, programs and pathways that support First Languages work
Take part in curator tours of Through Mununjali Eyes in kuril dhagun
Hear from Creative Residents through spotlights featuring First Nations artists and language-led creative projects

Whether you are already deeply involved in language work or just starting to explore what is possible for your community, this year’s forum will offer space to listen, learn, connect and be inspired.