SBS World News Introduced the use of Aboriginal place names in its national weather forecast maps.
Launched to coincide with UN’s International Mother Language Day, it builds on SBS’s use of Aboriginal place names in its news coverage and national acknowledgment in its programmes.
Rhoda Roberts AO, a proud Widjabul Wia-bal woman and Resident Senior at SBS, presenting the weather forecast SBS World News, Said, “The revival of Aboriginal languages has healed our country. To me, this is a moment of new awakening that informs us all. Behind every word you will find a season, a place of our wonderful country and ecology. It’s not just education – it’s science, the realization that words can enlighten us all”.
Tanya Denning-Orman, Proud Woman of Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr and Director of Aboriginal Content at SBS, said: “We are delighted to mark this milestone as an important step in honoring and strengthening Aboriginal belonging.
“This applies to all Australians, including newcomers looking to SBS – wherever you interact with us online, we recognize language, country and culture in a meaningful way.”
Mandi Wicks, SBS Director of News and Current Affairs, said: “SBS, with NITV and language services at the heart of our network, is proud to take this important step in Indigenous representation in Australian media.
“The power of language to foster inclusion cannot be underestimated and this initiative will further the sharing of Indigenous language and culture with all Australians.”
The Traditional Place and Country Names project is part of SBS’s fifth reconciliation initiative launched last year.