Hilary Smith

Hilary Smith is an Honorary Affiliate at the School of Literature, Languages & Linguistics of the Australian National University, with over 30 years of expertise in applied linguistics, language-in-education policy, and Indigenous language revival. Her work spans Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Southeast Asia, including significant projects in Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and New South Wales focusing on early literacy, cultural relevance in education, and NGO leadership.

Research Focus: Hilary’s research explores the intersection of language policy, Indigenous education, and sociocultural wellbeing. She specializes in innovative methods for measuring attitudes, designing culturally responsive curricula, and implementing large-scale monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks for NGOs. Recent work centers on revitalizing the Gamilaraay language in Australia and improving educational outcomes for ethnolinguistically diverse communities.

Publications reveal a consistent focus on Indigenous language revival, multicultural education, and NGO-led educational development. Her 2023 study on Papua New Guinea early literacy and 2022 work on Gamilaraay picturebooks highlight her commitment to culturally grounded pedagogical tools.

• Life member of VSA (Volunteer Service Abroad)
• Former national Chair of VSA (9 years)
• Past President of TESOLANZ
• Current President of ALANZ

Mentorship & Leadership: While specific student names are not listed, Hilary’s role in co-convening the Languages Alliance Aotearoa NZ underscores her influence in shaping educational policy and practice across the Pacific.