Charles Darwin University researchers will create a digital archive of endangered literature in more than 16 Australian Indigenous languages, thanks to funding of $430,000 from the Gillard Labor Government.

Announcing funding for the project, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said investing in research was vital for the development of new ideas, the creation of jobs and a better quality of life for all Australians.

“We rely on our researchers to help feed the hungry, cure the sick, protect the environment and secure our future. That is why the Government is providing $310 million to Australia’s research institutions through the Australian Research Council’s major grant schemes,” Senator Carr said.

“This visionary project will create a living archive of Australian Indigenous languages.

“Working with Indigenous communities and knowledge authorities, researchers at Charles Darwin University will be able to engage with this endangered literature through texts and audiovisual materials, and preserve them for the future.

“This $430,000 investment is great news for the Northern Territory because it highlights the local research talent and supports new interstate and international research partnerships.

I congratulate Charles Darwin University and its researchers and partners.”

This funding has been provided under the ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities Projects scheme which provides funding for large-scale co-operative initiatives so that expensive infrastructure, equipment and facilities can be shared by researchers in partnered organisations.

This research project was announced as part of the Australian Research Council’s 2012 Major Grants Announcement, with $310 million announced for over 1,000 research projects nationwide. Funding will begin in 2012 and be administered over a period of up to five years under the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development, Discovery Projects, Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities Projects and Linkage Projects scheme.

More information on these projects is attached. To view the summaries of all funding outcomes and information on the funding schemes, visit www.arc.gov.au/media/major_announce.htm.

For more information on the ARC and the Innovation, Industry, Science and Research portfolio, including the research grants available, visit www.arc.gov.au and www.innovation.gov.au.

A printable version of the media release [PDF 57 KB] is available.