Dharug

Dharug, also spelled Darug, refers to the Indigenous Australian people of the Sydney region and to their language. Traditionally, Dharug lands covered much of what is now the Greater Sydney area, especially the western and northern reaches around Parramatta, Penrith, and parts of the Hawkesbury-Nepean basin. The Dharug people form part of the broader cultural landscape of the Sydney region and have a long history in the area prior to and after European contact.

The Dharug language was historically spoken across this territory and includes several dialects. It is associated with the Pama–Nyungan language family and, like many Indigenous languages of the Sydney area, experienced a decline after colonization. Since the late 20th century, community-led revival efforts have produced dictionaries, orthographies, educational resources, and language classes aimed at teaching Dharug to new generations.

Contemporary status: Dharug people are recognized as the traditional custodians of significant parts of the Sydney region, and many local councils and institutions acknowledge this heritage. Language revival continues through community programs, collaborations with schools and universities, and efforts to restore and promote Dharug place names and cultural practices. The Dharug language and culture remain active elements of cultural revival and Indigenous self-determination in the Sydney area.