In 2019, the ABC is broadening its coverage of Australia Day to provide an inclusive experience for all Australians across TV and social with several LIVE events across a 24-hour period.
ABC’s coverage will showcase the best of Australian music and performers, acknowledge and celebrate our Indigenous culture, recognise and celebrate our diverse citizens and share stories from regional communities.
For the first time, ABC will broadcast live coverage of the WugulOra Morning Ceremony on January 26 from Barangaroo Reserve on Sydney Harbour.
WugulOra, meaning ‘One Mob’, is a special moment on January 26 acknowledging our shared history and the traditional custodians of the land. It celebrates the strength and resilience of the world’s oldest living culture, with special performances by Aboriginal dancers and singers, a performance of the Australian National Anthem in English and Eora language, and the raising of the Aboriginal and Australian flags on Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the start of the day.
ABC Radio’s Christine Anu and triple j’s Brooke Boney will host ABC’s coverage from 8.00-9.00am AEDT on ABC TV and ABC iview. The event will be MC’d by actor Aaron McGrath, known for his roles in Redfern Now, The Code, Glitch and Jasper Jones.
The coverage will complement other live broadcasts on ABC across January 25 and 26 including Australian of the Year Awards and the National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony.
On Australia Day eve, ABC presents the 2019 Australian Of The Year Awards live from Canberra from 7.30pm AEDT on ABC TV, ABC iview, ABC NEWS channel and ABC Radio. The evening’s celebrations will be hosted by Kumi Taguchi and Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann, with the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison presenting the four category awards as they are announced, culminating in the announcement of the Australian of the Year. ABC Radio’s Dan Bourchier will broadcast live from 7.00pm-10.00pm AEDT, bringing you the behind-the-scenes colour of the event.
On January 26, at 8.30am, the first feature length interview (30 minutes) with the recipient of the Australian of the Year will air on ABC Radio local stations.
On Australia Day, The National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony will be held on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra. Australia’s Federation Guard will raise the Australian National Flag, accompanied by a 21-gun (cannon) salute in the presence of the Governor General and Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will then conduct the Australian Citizenship Ceremony and welcome our newest Australian citizens.
The event will be hosted by Stephanie Brantz, with commentary by ABC’s Dan Bourchier, and broadcast live from 9.00am AEDT on ABC TV, ABC NEWS channel and ABC iview.
ABC NEWS channel will cover events from around the country in live coverage across the day, with special analysis from Stan Grant.
