Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers should be aware that this content contains images and names of deceased persons.
SBS and NITV are marking the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week with an expansive slate of First Nations programming set to roll out across television, streaming, radio and digital platforms this July.
Running from July 5th-12th, the broadcaster’s ’50 Years of Deadly’ initiative will feature documentaries, current affairs specials, films, music, food programming and cultural events across SBS, NITV and SBS On Demand, celebrating five decades of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytelling, resistance and cultural survival.
The programming rollout comes as SBS and NITV continue their role as principal media partner for National NAIDOC Week under a renewed three-year partnership designed to amplify First Nations voices and increase visibility for Indigenous stories nationwide.
Among the headline titles is “Journey Home, David Gulpilil,” the acclaimed documentary tracing the late Yolŋu actor’s final journey back to Country in East Arnhem Land. Narrated by Hugh Jackman and Baker Boy, the film recently won Best Documentary and Best Original Score at the 2026 AACTA Awards and will premiere on SBS on July 10th.
Gulpilil, who passed in 2021, was known for his roles in the films “Walkabout,” “Storm Boy,” “The Last Wave,” “Crocodile Dundee,” “Rabbit-Proof Fence,” “The Tracker” and “Australia.”
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Elsewhere, acclaimed filmmaker Rachel Perkins will host “Frame by Frame,” a new interview and short-film series spotlighting influential First Nations screen creatives including Leah Purcell, Sally Riley, Erica Glynn, Tanith Glynn-Maloney and Hunter Page-Lochard.
NITV will also debut “Blue Water Empire,” a two-part documentary hosted by Aaron Fa’aoso exploring more than 200 years of Torres Strait Islander history, while “Living Black” will air a special episode featuring singer-songwriter Kutcha Edwards reflecting on family separation, healing and identity.
The network’s Indigenous current affairs program “The Point” will celebrate its 10th anniversary during the week with a retrospective special hosted by John Paul Janke.
Tanya Denning-Orman, Director, First Nations at SBS, said this year’s theme reflects both the legacy of NAIDOC Week and the future of First Nations storytelling in Australia.
“’50 Years of Deadly’ celebrates the generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who fought to have our voices heard and our cultures recognised – often against enormous odds. NAIDOC Week has always been more than a celebration; it’s a platform for truth-telling, resistance, pride and survival,” she said.
“This year’s programming honours that legacy while celebrating the storytellers, artists, leaders and communities shaping the future. Across NITV and SBS, audiences will experience stories grounded in culture, led by community and reflective of the extraordinary strength and diversity of First Nations experiences across Australia.”
National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chairs Steven Satour and Lynette Riley added: “The 2026 NAIDOC Week theme, ‘50 Years of Deadly,’ celebrates five decades of strength, culture, achievement, and the enduring contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“We’re proud to see SBS and NITV mark this significant milestone with a powerful line-up of programming that reflects the richness and diversity of First Nations stories and experiences.”
Outside of its flagship television slate, SBS will also roll out multilingual NAIDOC Week coverage across SBS Audio in more than 60 languages, alongside dedicated SBS Food, SBS World Movies and SBS Learn initiatives.
SBS Food’s “The Cook Up” will feature special episodes hosted by Nornie Bero with guests including Baker Boy, BARKAA, Brooke Boney and Matty Mills, while SBS World Movies will curate a season dedicated to David Gulpilil featuring classics including “Storm Boy,” “Charlie’s Country” and “Walkabout.”
The 2026 National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony will also receive coverage later this year, including black carpet livestreams and on-demand content from host city Mparntwe (Alice Springs).
NAIDOC Week 2026 runs nationally from July 5th-12th.