From fresh premieres to acclaimed favourites, the ABC is elevating First Nations voices with a compelling line-up for NAIDOC Week.
The ABC will commemorate NAIDOC Week, running from 6 to 13 July, by spotlighting a wide-ranging collection of First Nations stories across drama, documentary, entertainment and children’s content on ABC iview.
The curated collection includes some of the national broadcaster’s most acclaimed Indigenous-led productions, designed to celebrate the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and perspectives. Programming spans award-winning series, new premieres, and special event broadcasts timed to coincide with the week-long observance.
Key Points
- ABC iview will feature a broad selection of First Nations content during NAIDOC Week, including drama, documentary and children’s programming.
- Programming highlights include the new variety show That Blackfella Show and documentaries such as The Kimberley and The Namatjira Project.
- The line-up includes both recent releases and critically acclaimed productions from the ABC archive.
Among the headline offerings is That Blackfella Show, a new variety special hosted by Ernie Dingo, Bridget Brennan, and Isaac Compton, airing Saturday 6 July at 7.30pm.
Filmed before a live audience, the program features appearances by Steph Tisdell, Dane Simpson, Kevin Kropinyeri, Jimmy Barnes, Abbie Chatfield, Outback Tom, and Barkaa. Musical performances will include Electric Fields, The Ripple Effect Band, and Miss Kaninna.
The recent three-part documentary The Kimberley, which debuted in May and is now available to stream, is presented by Mark Coles-Smith. The series explores the cultural legacy, environmental challenges and economic potential of the remote northern region, combining striking cinematography with insights from local communities.
Longstanding fan favourites are also featured in the NAIDOC Week collection, including drama series Total Control, Mystery Road, Mystery Road: Origin, Redfern Now, and documentary titles such as Freeman, The Dark Emu Story, The Australian Dream, and Harley & Katya. Collectively, these productions have garnered numerous awards including AACTAs, Logies, Walkleys and international honours.
Special event programming continues with The Namatjira Project, airing over the weekend, and the dance film Spear, scheduled for 13 July. Meanwhile, Gardening Australia will present a NAIDOC-themed episode on Friday 11 July, highlighting Indigenous ecological knowledge and connections to Country.
A personal reflection comes in the form of Compass: On Country with Indira Naidoo, in which Stan Grant hosts the program from his property on Wiradjuri land in the Snowy Mountains, sharing insights into his family, faith, and the role of truth-telling in contemporary Australia. The episode is available now on ABC iview.
Jennifer Collins, ABC Director Screen, said the national broadcaster is committed to elevating First Nations storytelling.
“The ABC is so proud to celebrate this wonderful collection of quality productions and showcase powerful and compelling storytelling that connects audiences to First Nations culture.”
Other notable titles accessible via ABC iview include Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra, My Name is Gulpilil, In My Blood It Runs, First Weapons, Ablaze, The Tracker, Charlie’s Country, Ten Canoes, Black Comedy, Ningaloo Nyinggulu, The Last Daughter, Goldstone, and Eumeralla, a War Requiem for Peace.
Children’s and family programming will also feature prominently. ABC Family + Kids is showcasing content such as Little J and Big Cuz (in Indigenous languages), Yarrabil: First Nations Songs, Piki Lullaby, Ninganah Lullaby, and Play School: Yarning and Dreaming.
