2009 Ausit Excellence Award

Wirangu Elder, Gladys Miller is one of the two remaining fluent speakers of the Wirangu language, the language of the coastal people from the far west coast of Eyre Peninsula S.A, supported by the members of the Wirangu Association, Gladys was encouraged to work with linguists to document their endangered language and save it for future generations.

For nearly two decades, Gladys has worked tirelessly with linguists from Adelaide University Linguistics Department to produce over 100hrs of audio recordings.

With her knowledge the university has produced resources that are being used to revitalise Wirangu language on the west coast.

Patricia Gunter is a Pitjantjatjara women who has long has been recognized by her community as an invaluable interpreter who has helped the people of Yalata  and the west coast with many confusing and potentially dangerous situations when dealing with legal or health systems.

Seven years ago this role of interpreting for her people became official when she was found by the Interpreter Translating Centre and is now a very skilled interpreter for the legal system.

Patricia's story is very moving as she moves towards training other people to take on this essential service for Indigenous people.