Spoken by Ralph Saunders at Tuesday's Gathang Dictionary launch in Purfleet, this statement was the perfect summation of the important event. Ironically it was the very place where the traditional dialect of the Biripi people was lost which staged the launch of what is hoped will lead to the dialect's resurrection. After years of research and planning the Many Rivers Aboriginal Language Centre, with the help of the passionate local Koori community have compiled a dictionary of the Gathang language, a combination of the dialects of a large group of Aboriginal people from Port Stephens to Port Macquarie.

The book will now be distributed to all Aboriginal families in the local area and throughout Wauchope, Port Macquarie, Port Stephens and Karuah with hopes of providing a strong foundation for the future revival of the langauage. Biripi man, Jeremy Saunders was MC of the launch and was excited to celebrate the return of his langauage.

"I am proud to stand here today and pay homage and remember the elders who worked hard to record our language," he said. "Today we look to the renewal of our language for future generations."

The day was a feast of indigenous culture with traditional dance performances, and a special song from the local pre school, performed in the Katang language.

Greater Taree City mayor Paul Hogan accepted a copy of the dictionary for the council.

"I am honoured to be here and receive this book," he said. "Today we witness the re-birth of a language and you all should be very proud."