The ABC today announced a major Indigenous language initiative for NAIDOC Week, bringing Australia’s beloved blue heeler family to audiences in Yolŋu Matha, the First Nations language of Northeast Arnhem Land.
The project will led by Yolŋu Radio and the Aboriginal Resource and Development Services (ARDS), and has been developed in collaboration with the ABC and Bluey producers Ludo Studio.
Five Bluey episodes have been translated: The Beach, The Creek, Sleepytime, Grandad and Rug Island. These episodes have been selected for their culturally relevant themes of family and country.
The Indigenous language Bluey episodes will launch on
They are set to be screened on ABC iview on Sunday 5 July, at the commencement of NAIDOC Week.
They will also feature on the big screen at the Garma Festival in August.
The episodes were produced at Yolŋu Radio’s studio in Northeast Arnhem Land, with Bandit voiced by Dimathaya Burrawanga, founding member of Yolŋu surf rock band King Stingray, and Chilli by Rosie Mununggurr.
The Bluey Indigenous language initiative is a centrepiece of the ABC’s NAIDOC Week 2026 programming, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, creative voices and languages across screen, audio and digital platforms.
ABC Director, First Nations Strategy Kelly Williams said: “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.
“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.”
ARDS co-chief executive officers Julia Wormer and Sylvia Nulpinditj said that “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.
“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.”
Bluey. Image: ABC
‘Bluey is a show intended for everyone to enjoy’
Speaking about the special project, Bluey producer Ludo Studio added: “We are very grateful to the teams at Yolŋu Radio and the Aboriginal Resource and Development Services (ARDS) alongside the support of ABC to be able to make Bluey available in the Yolŋu Matha language which will allow Bluey to be accessed by new families across Australia. Bluey is a show that is intended for everyone to enjoy, so to be able to share it in Indigenous Language at NAIDOC week feels really special.”
NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) Week is celebrated nationally from 5 to 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.
ABC programming highlights for NAIDOC Week include the return of That Blackfella Show on Saturday 8 July on ABC TV and ABC iview, hosted by Jess Mauboy and Ian Zaro.
ABC iview will also feature a dedicated NAIDOC month collection throughout July, including a guest curation by Jessica Mauboy.
ABC Kids will broadcast special NAIDOC Week programming, including a series of Little Yarns featuring guest artists, alongside a special edition of News Time.
Main image: Bluey. Image: ABC