31st May during Australia's National Reconciliation Week designated as National Borobi Day

Borobi’s very own annual event, Borobi Day, will be celebrated on Friday 31st May, as part of Australia's National Reconciliation Week activities. Last month, Borobi came out of retirement as the new language champion for Aboriginal languages on the Gold Coast, as part of a partnership with the Yugambeh Museum, the CGF, Commonwealth Games Australia, Gold Coast City and the Queensland Government.

Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin DBE said: "We’re thrilled to support Borobi Day, which will continue the legacy and impact of one of our best-ever Games mascots. Borobi captured the hearts and minds of spectators and athletes at Games Time and also raised awareness and understanding of the traditional owners of the land on which the Games were held.

We’re delighted to see Borobi back in action, continuing to support the Yugambeh Language Group as part of its ongoing educational work."
 

“Borobi means so much to millions of people so it is only appropriate that he has his own special day,’’ said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. “His Indigenous role is invaluable as we all look to learn more about the Yugambeh people, their culture and language. “I encourage all Gold Coasters to get behind and celebrate Borobi Day.’’

So what happens on Borobi Day? Borobi wants Gold Coasters to speak Yugambeh language as much as they can for the day. You can start by saying ‘Jingeri!’ which means hello to greet everyone. Borobi has free resources to download which include Borobi ears, Counting with Borobi, Borobi & Friends animal colouring in and learn Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes with Borobi. There is a free Yugambeh App for download to help with pronunciation.

“Borobi has been very busy putting together his language kit at Yugambeh Museum. Here our Elders have shared lifetimes of cultural stories and learnings that are fascinating to all parts of the community, Aboriginal or not. I encourage everyone to join Borobi and the Museum on this amazing project” said Rory O’Connor - CEO Yugambeh Museum.
 
A Borobi language kit is also available for purchase, enabling workplaces, schools and businesses to celebrate Borobi Day. Borobi’s language kit contains specially themed posters, bunting, stickers, decals, language words signage and a limited edition Borobi t-shirt. The kit helps Gold Coasters learn some meanings behind their local suburbs and a local story.
 
Both free resources and purchasable Borobi items are available by visiting yugambeh.com.

Commonwealth Games Australia CEO, Craig Phillips said: “Borobi was such a big hit leading up to and during Gold Coast 2018 it is fitting that he gets his own day.  Commonwealth Games Australia is pleased he will use his day to promote Yugambeh language and culture.”

Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development Meaghan Scanlon said the announcement of Borobi Day provides an opportunity for the community to get behind the beloved mascot's latest adventures.

"Borobi was dearly loved by all ages during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and Borobi Day provides the chance for everyone to back his latest mission to champion Indigenous languages."

BACKGROUND2019 marks 35 years of the Yugambeh Museum’s parent organisation, Kombumerri Aboriginal Corporation for Culture (founded 1984) and it is International Year of Indigenous Languages 2019 (IY2019), as declared by UNESCO.
 
Yugambeh Museum
Yugambeh Museum is funded by the Federal Ministry of the Arts to increase public awareness and use of language and culture - not just in Yugambeh country, but anywhere in Australia.
 
The Yugambeh Museum Language App, for example, has dictionaries of 7 Queensland Indigenous languages, and greeting words from more than 100 dialects, gathered through the Museum’s partnership with State Library of Queensland.
 
Future work of Borobi throughout Queensland in his new role will be in keeping with the Museum’s remit, as it is increasing use of language and culture. 

Aboriginal languages in Australia
Of the more than 250 Aboriginal languages spoken in Australia, now 90% are considered endangered.
 
About National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 27 May - 3 June
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. #NRW2019 CAMPAIGN THEME IS ‘GROUNDED IN TRUTH | WALK TOGETHER WITH COURAGE