ABC debuts Bluey in Yolŋu Matha for NAIDOC Week

The ABC has announced a major Indigenous language initiative for NAIDOC Week 2026, releasing five episodes of Bluey in Yolŋu Matha, the First Nations language of Northeast Arnhem Land.

The translated episodes will stream on ABC iview from Sunday, July 5 and screen at the Garma Festival in August.

Key Points

Launch details and collaborators

The initiative is led by Yolŋu Radio and the Aboriginal Resource and Development Services (ARDS), in collaboration with the ABC and Bluey producers Ludo Studio.

Five episodes — The Beach, The Creek, Sleepytime, Grandad and Rug Island — have been translated for release. The ABC said the selections were chosen for their culturally relevant themes of family and country.

“Bluey has become part of family life for many Australians, so hearing these stories told in Yolŋu Matha is a powerful way of bringing Northeast Arnhem Land language and culture into homes across the country,” Kelly Williams ABC Director, First Nations Strategy, said.

“At the ABC, we’re committed to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are part of the national conversation and these episodes, alongside our broader NAIDOC Week content, is a strong example of that commitment in action.”

The Bluey Indigenous language initiative is a centrepiece of the ABC’s NAIDOC Week 2026 programming, which the broadcaster said will celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, creative voices and languages across screen, audio and digital platforms.

Voices and production

Production for the Yolŋu Matha versions took place at Yolŋu Radio’s studio in Northeast Arnhem Land. Bandit is voiced by Dimathaya Burrawanga, a founding member of Yolŋu surf rock band King Stingray, and Chilli is voiced by Rosie Mununggurr.

Project partners said the translations aim to make the series accessible to new families while showcasing language and culture from Northeast Arnhem Land to households across the country.

“Bluey has become a shared language for families right across Australia, so to hear these stories told in Yolŋu Matha, languages spoken on this continent for thousands of generations, is incredibly special, Julia Wormer and Sylvia Nulpinditj, ARDS co-chief executives, said.

“We’re grateful to the ABC, Ludo Studio, and our talented cast and crew for bringing this vision to life. We hope this project contributes to a future where First Nations languages are increasingly heard, celebrated and recognised as a vital part of Australia’s story.”

NAIDOC Week highlights

NAIDOC Week is celebrated nationally from 5–12 July, with this year’s theme, ‘50 Years of Deadly’, honouring the strength, leadership and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

The ABC outlined extensive coverage and specials across its services during July:

• The return of That Blackfella Show on Saturday 8 July on ABC TV and ABC iview, hosted by Jess Mauboy and Ian Zaro
• A dedicated NAIDOC month collection on ABC iview throughout July, including a guest curation by Jessica Mauboy
• ABC Kids special programming, including a series of Little Yarns with guest artists, plus a special edition of News Time
• NAIDOC-focused content across ABC Audio networks: Radio National, triple j, Double J, metro stations, ABC Classic, ABC Jazz and ABC Listen
• Double J’s Live at the Wireless featuring Bumpy, hosted by Shauna Foley
• ABC Classic special guest presenters including Yuwaalaraay storyteller and performer Nardi Simpson, acclaimed First Nations composer and sound designer James Henry, and Noongar violist, composer and conductor Aaron Wyatt
• Larissa Behrendt of Speaking Out joining Conversations, and Rudi Bremer of AWAYE! featuring on All in the Mind
• triple j’s Nooky hosting an extended two-hour episode of Blak Out

The ABC News Indigenous Affairs team will report on art, history and culture during NAIDOC Week. ABC News Breakfast and the ABC News Channel will feature NAIDOC-themed stories and interviews.

Regional coverage will spotlight local Indigenous voices and talent. This includes ABC North and West South Australia collaborating with the Port Lincoln Aboriginal Community Council to share stories of local Elders, and ABC Gold Coast Mornings co-hosting with the ABC’s Solua Middleton.