Jess’s Journey through Language Work
September 17, 2025
Jess Hughes is a Yankunytjatjara woman who took part in the Pathways to Community-Led Language Work Traineeship program at the Mobile Language Team. Based in Coober Pedy, Jess worked on a wide range of projects that brought her family and community together around ways to maintain and strengthen Yankunytjatjara language.
She began her journey at Tjitji Tjapu Tjuta – a childcare centre in Coober Pedy – where she supported Yankunytjatjara children and families. This role let her combine her love of working with kids with her passion for language and culture.
From there, Jess stepped into a whole new space: community radio. For two years she hosted and produced Nganampa Wangka (“Our Language”), a program shining a spotlight on Aboriginal languages and music from across the country. She shared stories from communities keeping their languages strong, while also giving listeners insights into the meaning and stories behind the songs she played.
Watch Jess’s traineeship video below:
Nganampa Wangka
You can listen to Nganampa Wangka every Friday from 7-8pm on Radio Adelaide, 101.5FM. Missed it? You can listen to recent broadcasts here.
Her traineeship also took her far beyond Coober Pedy and the APY Lands. In 2023, Jess travelled with her mum and Senior Aboriginal Language Expert, Karina Lester, to Paris for the global launch of the UNESCO Decade of Indigenous Languages. There, she spoke about her family and language — a huge moment for a young Aṉangu woman and an incredible chance to share Yankunytjatjara language on the world stage.
After completing her traineeship, Jess stayed on with the MLT, working on projects like Kaṯiṯi Wiṟu, an oral health program on the APY Lands. Drawing on her skills in language and community engagement, she ran workshops with children and families about healthy teeth, while developing accessible health resources in language for remote communities.
Looking back, Jess says the traineeship gave her the freedom to try out different roles, discover what inspired her, and see just how many pathways language work can open up. It wasn’t about locking into one career — it was about exploring her interests while staying grounded in culture and community.
Today, Jess is continuing that journey at South Australian Native Title Services (SANTS), where she supports communities and families to connect with vital services that help maintain language, culture, and connection to Country.
At the MLT, we’re proud of Jess’s journey and remain committed to our Community-Led Language Pathways Traineeships. If you’re interested in language work but not sure where to begin, a traineeship could be the perfect place to start. Get in touch — we’d love to hear about your interests and help support your journey.