Garryn Wingfield
Kokatha
In 2022, Garryn Wingfield began a training course with the MLT, igniting his journey to revive his language. A Kokatha man from Port Augusta with a strong passion for language and culture, Garryn participated in an intensive two-week training workshop before embarking on a six-month traineeship at MLT.
Following his traineeship at the MLT, Garryn secured employment in native title research, collaborating with his community to deliver language and culture initiatives that continue to strengthen the future of the Kokatha people.
Garryn continues to be a part of Kokatha language revival work, working closely with community members, elders and the Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation.
Jessie Hughes
Yankunytjatjara
Jessie Hughes completed a 6-month traineeship with the MLT through the Aboriginal-led Pathways Project. A Yankunytjatjara woman from Coober Pedy, Jess built skills in language revival, resource development, and community engagement. During her traineeship, she hosted Nganampa Wangka, a weekly radio show highlighting Aboriginal language work and music from artists across the country.
Her traineeship opened doors to national and international opportunities, including presenting at the UNESCO Decade of Indigenous Languages launch in Paris. Following her traineeship, Jess continued working with the MLT on projects such as Kaṯiṯi Wiṟu, before taking up a role at South Australian Native Title Services. She remains committed to supporting language, culture, and community across South Australia.
Amelia Amos
Kokatha and Pitjantjatjara
Amelia, a fluent speaker of Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara, joined the MLT Pathways program in 2024. She focused on Kokatha, a closely related Western Desert language, and played a key role in developing and recording wangka (language) for online learning stories, helping make Kokatha more accessible to the community.
Later in 2024, Amelia became an Aboriginal Language Worker at the MLT. In this role, she works on Kokatha and other Western Desert languages, creating resources for schools and communities to support wangka accessibility and encourage speaking, reading, and writing skills among younger generations.
One of Amelia’s significant contributions in 2024 has been her work on the Kokatha Learn online program, which uses digital storytelling to provide immersive language learning experiences for Kokatha people.
Amelia continues her employment at the MLT as an Aboriginal Language Worker, working on resource production and language workshops with her community.
Haymish Moosha
Kokatha
In 2024, Haymish Moosha, a young Kokatha man, began a traineeship with the MLT through the Pathways Project, exploring how digital media and language can be combined. His focus has been on animation as a tool to make Yankunytjatjara language more engaging and accessible for young learners.
As part of his project, Haymish adapted three Yankunytjatjara storybooks from the Picture Book Series into short animated videos, adding colour, movement, and sound. Featuring narration by Senior Language Expert Karina Lester, the animations provide fun and interactive ways for children to hear and follow language. Through this work, Haymish has developed skills in editing, animation, and audio production, while deepening his own connection to language and storytelling.
Shirley Williams
Kokatha
Shirley’s main goal when she began the Pathways program was to improve her language skills so she could teach her children more effectively. With the support of the MLT, Shirley is developing a set of language resources tailored for parent-child interaction, designed for use in her everyday life.
From helping her kids get ready for school in the morning to asking them what they want for dinner, Shirley is incorporating everyday words and phrases into her routine. This not only strengthens her own language skills but also immerses her children in wangka throughout daily life.
Jaylon Newchurch
Kaurna and Narungga
Jaylon began a traineeship with the MLT through the Pathways Project, focusing on Indigenous storytelling through filmmaking. Drawing on his knowledge of language and identity, Jaylon has worked across a range of film projects, including a documentary on the life and legacy of his grandmother, Elizabeth Newchurch—one of the first Aboriginal women in South Australia to gain a teaching qualification.
His traineeship has allowed him to explore both the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking while strengthening his connection to community stories. Jaylon continues to develop his skills in film and storytelling, working to preserve language and culture for future generations.
Jaylon is currently employed at the MLT as an Aboriginal Language Worker, working on media projects showcasing other Aboriginal trainees at the MLT.
Josh Hughes
Yankunytjatjara
Josh Hughes completed a 6-month traineeship, combining his Yankunytjatjara language with his passion for graffiti and street art. Growing up between Adelaide and the APY Lands, Josh has been exploring ways to use art and graffiti culture to make a positive contribution to his community.
During his traineeship, Josh developed a portfolio of graffiti and mural work in language, creating weekly artworks that highlight words such as wapar (story), ngura (home), puyu (smoke), and manta (land). Working alongside language workers and linguists, he has been building his language skills while experimenting with how they can be represented through art.
Looking ahead, Josh is applying for creative grants to paint large-scale murals in his communities and is building a portfolio to establish himself as a professional artist. He hopes his work will inspire young Aṉangu to find creative ways to use and strengthen their wangka for future generations.