Living Languages Team

Language Work Trainer - Fiona Martich

Fiona is a proud Gamilaraay Yinarr (Woman) from North-Western NSW, Southern Qld, living and working on Guugu Yimidhirr Country in Cape York, Far North Qld.

She has been formally studying her language through TAFE and engaging in her Language learning and teaching through the Master-Apprentice Language Learning Program (MALLP).

Through her studies, finding Language material from her own family is such a highlight and so special and inspiring. Fiona feels that it is her responsibility to help keep her own Language alive, but to also contribute to the survival of all our First Languages within Australia.

Language Work Trainer - Desiree Johnson

Desiree is a proud Ngalakan/Mudburra/Jingili woman whose mob are from South East Arnhem Land, Roper River area and the Katherine region in Northern Territory. Her language groups are Kriol, Marra and Mudburra.  She is an Early Childhood/Primary School Teacher with many years’ experience in a variety of other work too. Her passion is Indigenous languages and she loves to incorporate Indigenous Languages and pedagogy into her classroom environment.

She is very excited to join the Living Languages team and is keen to support others in training and exploring their own language projects and journey.

Language Work Trainer - Gari Tudor-Smith

Gari Tudor-Smith is a Barada, Yiman, Gangulu and Gureng Gureng linguist. Gari is passionate about language and cultural reclamation, empowering First Nations communities and bridging the gap between academic linguistic studies and community self-determination. They are currently working on reanalysing legacy language materials and the development of the first Gangulu learner's guide and dictionary.

Program Coordinator - Sophie Hogarth

Sophie is from Lutruwita, Tasmania, and joined us as our Program Coordinator in 2024. In this role, she oversees and directs our training programs and training team, as well as providing linguistic support to our training team and participants.

With a background in education and linguistics, she has experience working in community-based education programs to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities reclaim and preserve their Languages. Sophie is passionate about grassroots training and supporting people to develop the skills and knowledge they need to learn, teach and share their Languages. She loves seeing the transformative journey that people undergo in this process. This is what attracted her to Language work, she is continually inspired by the determination and the strength of individual and community-led Language work happening across Australia. 

CEO – Paul Beaupark

Paul's dedication to supporting First Nations communities is rooted in his Ngugi heritage and deep connection to Mulgumpin of Quandamooka. His diverse professional background has equipped him with a wealth of skills, which he aims to utilize in empowering indigenous populations. Recognizing the limitations of Western business and legal frameworks for First Nations people, Paul focuses on integrating traditional lore with contemporary strategies. This approach not only respects the cultural values and practices of First Nations but also offers a tailored pathway to self-determination and prosperity. Paul's work exemplifies a commitment to cultural sensitivity and innovation in community development.

Paul’s favourite quote was said by his mother Esme Dalton, when addressing the Appeal Tribunal while fighting to save Australia Hall, the site of the 1937 Day of Mourning meeting:

“Pride in a people’s history is part of mental health”.

Our history spans more than 50,000 years. Paul believes that language provides the portal to 50,000 years of connection.

Digital Communications Officer - Lakota Milera-Weetra

Lakota is a proud Arabana (Arabunna) & Narungga woman from Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre) and the Yorke Peninsula area of South Australia.

She started her language journey through yarning with her Amanya (Grandmother) about Arabana culture. She decided to explore her language, and to contribute to the many years of work her Amanya and other Elders had done. Lakota has now been working on the maintenance and revival of the Arabana language for the past five years.

Lakota has a keen passion for the arts, which she brings into many aspects of her work, she has been a part of implementing on-country language camps and the development and creation of language learning and teaching resources, while endeavouring to become fluent in Arabana language, in the hopes that she can pass this knowledge on to her children.

Office Manager - Jennifer Weatherstone

Jennifer is our Office Manager.  She lives and works on Cabrogal of the Darug Nation country in Sydney’s south west.  With a background in Primary Health, Aboriginal Health and Disability as a senior administrator, her journey has been marked by a commitment to improving the health and well-being of Indigenous communities in Australia.

Jennifer will provide the administrative backing for our services through our virtual office, finance, project support and operations.