Celebrate strength, resilience and survival as part of Always Was, Always Will Be this January 26 on NITV and SBS
14 December, 2023
Media releases
Poignant feature-length documentary Her Name is Nanny Nellie premieres on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand on Sunday 21 January at 8.30pm.
Award-winning film The Drover's Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson airs on NITV on Thursday 25 January at 8.30pm.
Watch a special edition of NITV News on 26 January from 5.30pm on NITV and SBS.
Programming across the network from Sunday 21 January to Friday 26 January champions First Nations voices and Blak excellence.
Assets available here
Watch the trailer for Her Name is Nanny Nellie here
Interviews available
National Indigenous Television (NITV) and the wider SBS network invite audiences to deepen their understanding of January 26 in 2024 through a curated week of First Nations programming including powerful documentary Her Name is Nanny Nellie, Leah Purcell's award-winning film The Drover's Wife and special updates from NITV News. The suite of content explores the history of First Nations peoples including trailblazers who've made a difference.
Tanya Denning-Orman, a proud Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr woman and SBS Director of Indigenous Content, said: At NITV, every day is an open invitation for all Australians to connect with First Nations stories and perspectives. As we approach January 26, SBS - with NITV at its heart - wants to encourage and empower all Australians to understand more about the 65,000+ years of history and cultures we have across this continent, the views and experiences within communities, and the role we can all play in Australia's future.
Premiering on NITV and SBS on Sunday 21 January, Her Name is Nanny Nellie tells the story of a trio of nameless statues buried in the archives of the Australian Museum which trigger a great granddaughter's journey to rewrite how Aboriginal people are represented in Australia's public history.
The week of programming continues with The Drover's Wife, Australia's first feature film with an Indigenous woman writing, directing and performing the lead role. Leah Purcell's award-winning film airs on NITV on Thursday 25 January at 8.30pm and on SBS World Movies on Saturday 27 January at 8.30pm.
On January 26, the strength and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, stories and histories will be given prominence across NITV, beginning with Bamay at 5am. The morning will focus on cultures and ceremonies, with programs including the bu gul from Garma Festival, DanceRites 2023 followed by the Elder in Residence Oration from Widjabul Wia-bal woman from the Bundjalung Nation, and SBS's Elder in Residence, Rhoda Roberts AO.
The afternoon begins with a special, updated episode of Living Black which explores the Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum, followed by Ganbu Gulin: One Mob, a documentary about a council's decision to stop observing January 26 as Australia Day, directed by Daniel King. Ningla A-Na airs at 1.10pm, the only documentary shot from within the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, chronicling the events surrounding the establishment of the embassy on the lawns of Parliament House.
Also on January 26, NITV News coverage and updates across broadcast and digital platforms will provide ongoing reporting and insight on the day's events from every state and territory. The coverage will be led by NITV News presenter and NITV's Head of Indigenous News and Current Affairs, Natalie Ahmat, a proud Mudburra and Wagadagum woman.
Two-minute bulletins air hourly on NITV from 2pm, culminating in a news program, Day 26 - NITV News, premiering at 5.30pm and simulcast on SBS. The program will look at how communities across the country are marking the day.
SBS On Demand will feature a curated Always Was, Always Will Be collection of programming. SBS Food will air a selection of programs throughout the day, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through cuisine with episodes of The Cook Up with Adam Liaw and Strait to the Plate. From 12.15pm, SBS VICELAND will air Sing About This Country.
SBS Audio will be covering January 26 in more than 60 languages. Stories will explore Australia's diverse communities' perspectives on January 26 and deepen understanding and connections with First Nations peoples among multicultural communities.
SBS Learn will showcase Always Was, Always Will Be teaching resources exploring the histories, languages and cultures of Australia's First Peoples. Teachers can use the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protocols Guide to create a culturally enriching learning environment for the school community to engage respectfully with First Nations Peoples and perspectives. This guide is authored by Wonnarua and Kunja woman, Shiralee Lawson and Wiradjuri woman, Jarin Baigent.
More content highlights will be announced next month.
Follow the conversation on social media using #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe
For a PDF of this media release, click here.
Asia, Australia & Oceanic Stories
11/09/2025
SBS shares Australian National Anthem in over 60 languages to foster belonging a...
05/09/2025
SBS kicks off a confident slate with the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 , premium dram...
05/09/2025
Today's Historic Settlement Underscores SBS's Powerful New Series The Pe...
04/09/2025
SBS kicks off a confident slate with the 2026 FIFA World Cup2026 , premium drama...
04/09/2025
Watch the Record-breaking Koori Knockout 2025 LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on NITV and SBS...
03/09/2025
World-first opt-out function to become full feature on SBS On Demand
3 September, 2025
Media releases
National broadcaster SBS will elevate the world-class...
03/09/2025
SBS On Demand to take consumer experience to next level with introduction of res...
03/09/2025
SBS highlights effectiveness of advertising in uncluttered environments
3 September, 2025
Media releases
New market-first research, done in conjunction wit...
03/09/2025
SBS extends exclusive Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift free-to-air broadcast dea...
03/09/2025
Record number of brands driving investment in NITV and First Nations media
3 September, 2025
Media releases
Beyond 3% continues to support the growth of Na...
03/09/2025
SBS declares FIFA World Cup 2026 Will be biggest TV audience event of 2026'
3 September, 2025
FIFA World Cup
SBS names Hyundai, Macca's, Rexona, ...
03/09/2025
SBS continues to lead Australian media in sustainability with launch of SBS Brie...
03/09/2025
SBS unifies data offering with launch of SBS Data Lab
3 September, 2025
Media releases
SBS brings together multiple audience initiatives together in one un...
03/09/2025
Turbulence, Heart and Humanity: SBS Unveils High-Flying New Airport Drama The Ch...
29/08/2025
Australian Red Cross and SBS launch training to help workplaces in the fight aga...
27/08/2025
27 08 2025 - Media release ABC, Screen Australia and ACTF unveil two new original children's series
Happy House.
The ABC, Screen Australia and the Austra...
25/08/2025
Watch SBS as 49 World Champions are crowned in nine days at the World Athletics ...
25/08/2025
Got a podcast idea? SBS Audio opens annual pitch season
25 August, 2025
Media releases
Three-time Australian Podcast Publisher of the Year, SBS, invites th...
21/08/2025
Statement on Acting Managing Director arrangements at SBS
21 August, 2025
Insights & articles
The SBS Board of Directors has today confirmed it will appoin...
20/08/2025
SBS unleashes landmark docu-drama The People vs Robodebt
20 August, 2025
Media releases
Our Government. Half a Million Victims [1]. Zero Accountability Un...
20/08/2025
Dan Bourchier appointed General Manager of NITV
20 August, 2025
Media releases
The respected journalist, presenter and accomplished leader will join Nation...
14/08/2025
Statement on the passing of David Stratton
14 August, 2025
Insights & articles
Statement by SBS Managing Director, James Taylor
SBS is deeply saddened by...
12/08/2025
SBS Managing Director James Taylor steps down
12 August, 2025
Media releases
SBS Managing Director will depart the organisation later this year
SBS Managi...
12/08/2025
Millions join SBS for a month of Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes action
12 August, 2025
Media releases
Total TV Reach of 5.57 million, including 1...
11/08/2025
11 08 2025 - Media release Screen Australia celebrates emerging creatives and cu...
07/08/2025
A bold new sporting documentary series celebrating First Nations athletes, cultu...
06/08/2025
SBS heralds sweeping historical drama King & Conqueror coming soon
5 August, 2025
Media releases
James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau star as the rivals ...
31/07/2025
31 07 2025 - Media release The Creators 2025 Participants Announced
Top (L-R): Tamara Asmar, Anna Barnes and Sarah Bassiuoni.
Bottom (L-R): Glen Dolman, Mich...
24/07/2025
NITV and SBS to celebrate the significance and spectacle of the 25th Garma Festi...
24/07/2025
Pure Drama continues with the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift hot on the wheels...
23/07/2025
SBS shortlists proponents to proceed to next stage for Western Sydney production...
21/07/2025
SBS reveals expert commentary team for the World Athletics Championships in Toky...
21/07/2025
21 07 2025 - Media release Australian gamemakers level-up with major funding from Screen Australia
Retopia
New games capture distinctive stories, landscapes ...
09/07/2025
Explore Love Without Limits in a bold, funny and unapologetic SBS Audio podcast ...
08/07/2025
SBS strengthens commitment to inclusion with new commissioning guidelines
8 July, 2025
Media releases
SBS has launched new Commissioning Inclusion Guidelin...
08/07/2025
Secrets, Spies and Sabotage: 40 years on, SBS podcast investigates historic bomb...
07/07/2025
SBS Farewells Chair George Savvides AM
7 July, 2025
Media releases
Born of Greek Cypriot parents, Mr Savvides joined the SBS Board as Deputy Chair in Febru...
30/06/2025
SBS On Demand boosts global news offering with launch of France 24 FAST Channel
30 June, 2025
Media releases
SBS is expanding its international news offeri...
27/06/2025
27 06 2025 - Media release Game, set, action! Screen Australia and ABC announce new mini-series Goolagong
Marton Csokas and Lila McGuire of Goolagong. Image c...
26/06/2025
Buckle up for Great Australian Road Trips launching 31 July on SBS and SBS On De...
20/06/2025
Hit, run, oh sh#t: NITV and SBS get RECKLESS with filming underway in Western Au...
13/06/2025
Pure Drama and Fierce Rivalries set to dominate the world's most iconic spor...
12/06/2025
50 Years Strong: SBS and NITV Supercharge NAIDOC Week 2025 in a joint 50th celeb...
06/06/2025
06 06 2025 - Media release Award-Winning TV Creators Richard Gadd, Sally Wainwri...
03/06/2025
Stories of love, loyalty and self-discovery among six shortlisted Digital Origin...
28/05/2025
SBS celebrates 50 years of reflecting a diverse and contemporary Australia
28 May, 2025
Media releases
Marking 50 years of broadcasting on 9 June 2025, SBS...
28/05/2025
ABS and Verticloud announce a Strategic Partnership to accelerate Digital Transf...
22/05/2025
SBS and Screen Australia showcase the next wave of Australian storytellers with ...
22/05/2025
Rune Pedersen unpacks How Humans Talk in new SBS Audio podcast
22 May, 2025
Media releases
Ever caught yourself using baby talk with your pet and wondered ...
Celebrate strength, resilience and survival as part of Always Was, Always Will Be this January 26 on NITV and SBS 
