As Australians are urged to examine our troubling history and deepen our understanding of what January 26 means to First Nations people, National Indigenous Television’s (NITV) is moving their Sunrise Ceremony to Queensland.
The two-hour special network event will invite audiences to deepen their understanding of Australia’s past, present and future as the dawn rises.
The special will be hosted by NITV’s John Paul Janke and feature Network 10 presenter Narelda Jacobs who will join the broadcast from North Head, Manly.
A range of guests, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices such as Guyala Bayles, Rhoda Roberts and Amy McGuire, as well as public figures including Kerry O’Brien, Sheik Wesam and Shirley Le, will be appearing during the network event which will also feature musical performances and appearances from Troy Cassar-Daley and Kev Carmody.
The event will be simulcast across NITV, SBS and Channel 10 from 6am on Tuesday January 26, as well as live on SBS On Demand. The Sunrise Ceremony will also broadcast worldwide through Maori Television and the World Indigenous Television Broadcasters Network.
Following the Sunrise Ceremony, rolling news coverage from every corner of the country will be hosted by Natalie Ahmat and Darren Mara via NITV News on air and Facebook Live, culminating in a wrap program NITV News: Day 26 hosted by Rae Johnston at 7:30pm.
NITV and SBS are also airing dedicated programs, special events, premieres and news highlights in the lead up to January 26, with a focus on encouraging greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
According to Tanya Denning-Orman, Director of Indigenous Content at SBS, NITV — Australia’s national Indigenous broadcaster — provides a vital platform for First Nations voices, truth-telling, and inspiration for all Australians.
“January 26 continues to be a time of reflection and healing for our communities, and as the nation marks the day, NITV and SBS play a unique role in bringing all Australians — regardless of their background — together, through an honest and respectful conversation about our nation’s identity and the impact of history on our lives today,” says Tanya Denning-Orman.
“This year, once again, we’re inviting all Australians to join us to take part in this discussion, as we explore and reflect, and encourage an understanding of Australia’s past, present and potential for the future.”