Word Up ABC listen

Word Up takes you back Ngemba Country in Far West NSW to meet Phil Sullivan who shares the word he uses to describe his home as well as some thoughts on recognising each other's humanity. 

Phil Sullivan is a Ngemba man from Bourke, and our language legend for this month. He explains the link between language and identity, and share a word he uses to address multiple people at once.

Phil Sullivan explains how he became an Aboriginal heritage officer for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and shares a Ngemba word he uses to greet people.

Phil Sullivan is our language legend this month.

Phil was an Aboriginal heritage offer with the National Parks and Wildlife service for almost three decades. And he’s still doing repatriation and language revitalisation work in his community of Bourke, on Ngemba land. 

Today, Phil is sharing a Ngemba word he might use to welcome you to his Country.

Join Desert Stars frontman Jay Minning in Tjunjunjana on Spinifex Country for the final time.

Today, Jay is sharing a Pitjantjatjara word with a dual meaning.

Jay Minning is the frontman of the country's most remote rock band - the Desert Stars. 

Today, he shares a Pitjantjatjara word you might use when things don't go to plan.