In the heart of Darwin, Caroline Bulabul is on a mission that transcends mere words. As a Kriol speaker from Kewulyi, a small community nestled between Mataranka and Ngukurr, Caroline is translating “The Big Picture Story Bible” for children into Kriol. This endeavour is not just about translating text; it’s about bridging cultural gaps and making the Bible accessible to Kriol-speaking children across the Top End. 

Caroline’s dedication to this project is evident as she approaches the completion of the first draft. Her work, supported by Naomi Ireland from Bible Society Australia, is a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives these translation efforts. Naomi’s assistance in the final stages has been invaluable, ensuring that the translation is both accurate and engaging for young readers. 

The Broader Impact of Bible Translation 

Bible Society Australia (BSA) has long been committed to making the Bible accessible to all Australians, with a special focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. The need for such work is pressing. Of the 415 Australian Indigenous languages and dialects identified, only one has a complete Bible available – the Kriol Bible. This stark reality underscores the importance of ongoing translation projects. 

Translating the Bible into Indigenous languages like Kriol serves multiple purposes. It not only provides spiritual nourishment but also acts as a powerful tool for language preservation and cultural identity. With many Indigenous languages at risk of extinction, these translations help document, revitalise, and maintain these unique linguistic heritages. Hearing God’s word in their heart language conveys a profound message to Indigenous communities: “God loves my people too.” 

BSA is actively involved in translation projects for at least 25 Indigenous languages across Australia. These efforts are crucial, as only 30% of Australian Indigenous languages have some portion of Scripture. The goal is to facilitate Bible translation in every key Indigenous language requesting it, using both traditional methods and Oral Bible Translation (OBT). 

Publishing and Distribution Efforts 

In addition to translation, BSA focuses on publishing and distributing Indigenous language Scriptures. This ensures that communities have access to culturally relevant resources that promote Bible engagement. For instance, the Pitjantjatjara Children’s Art Bible, “Godaku Tjukurpa,” was completed and published in late 2024, showcasing the collaborative efforts of artists and translators, and is being distributed in community this year. 

Digital resources also play a vital role in reaching younger generations. The aboriginal.bibles website and the Australian Bibles app have been updated to include new translations and resources, making Scripture more accessible to Indigenous communities. 

Caroline Bulabul’s work on translating “The Big Picture Story Bible” into Kriol is one example of the work being done to bring God’s word to Indigenous communities. By making Scripture accessible in their heart language, these efforts not only preserve linguistic heritage but also strengthen faith and cultural identity. Bible Society Australia’s commitment to this mission continues to bring hope and transformation to Indigenous Australians, one translation at a time. 

If you would like to know more about this Bible translation work for children in remote Australian communities, you can read more and support the project here.