SBS shares Australian National Anthem in over 60 languages to foster belonging and connection

SBS Audio announces a landmark initiative, making ‘Advance Australia Fair’ and the Citizenship Pledge accessible to millions of new Australians to help foster a greater sense of connection, pride, and belonging.

Ever wondered what “girt by sea” means, especially if your first language isn’t English? Ahead of Australian Citizenship Day on 17 September, SBS is presenting the Australian National Anthem and Citizenship Pledge in more than 60 languages, continuing its long-standing commitment to inclusivity and understanding – available here.

The project will be formally launched on Citizenship Day, Wednesday 17 September, at a special citizenship ceremony at Government House, in Canberra, presided over by the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC. The ceremony will celebrate our newest Australians and recognise the valued contribution of those with diverse migrant and refugee backgrounds to Australian society.

Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, said: “Our national anthem holds a distinctive place in Australia’s shared story. Making it available in many of the languages spoken across our nation will help all Australians understand the beauty and symbolism behind the words we hear at our national commemorations, events, school assemblies and more. These are moments that make me proud to be Australian – I commend SBS for this initiative that will share that feeling of pride and shared understanding.”

Jane Palfreyman, SBS Acting Managing Director, said: “Multiculturalism is one of Australia’s greatest strengths and this initiative demonstrates that we can celebrate our differences while affirming the values and identity we share. With the anthem and pledge now available in more than 60 languages, SBS is helping ensure every Australian can engage with these national symbols in ways that reflect and respect our shared diversity.”

David Hua, SBS Director of Language and Audio Content, said: “For 50 years, SBS’s purpose has been to reflect Australia and foster a more cohesive society. The national anthem is something we all hear often, and this project makes it more accessible, building belonging and pride by deepening understanding of its meaning. It is also a reminder that both the anthem and the citizenship pledge can be shared by all who make their home in Australia, no matter where their journey began.”

The initiative features many of the languages most commonly spoken by new migrants and refugee communities in Australia, ensuring broad accessibility. It is available free and online for use by everyone, including schools, community organisations, citizenship ceremonies and commemorative events nationwide. The full suite of resources can be accessed at sbs.com.au/anthem and includes:

• Videos with the anthem sung by Dami Im to music by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by subtitled lyrics in both English and the relevant language against a backdrop of Australian natural and urban landscapes
• Audio and text versions of the anthem available in over 60 languages
• Text versions of the citizenship pledge in over 60 languages

SBS’s Learn English and Australia Explained services also carry extensive resources to help new migrants successfully settle in Australia. This includes the “Australian Citizenship” video and podcast series available in 10 languages and the explainer article “How do you prepare for the Australian citizenship test?” available in more than 30 languages.

This initiative follows SBS’s successful delivery of multilingual versions of Acknowledgement of Country, Ode of Remembrance, and Uluru Statement from the Heart over recent years, providing meaningful cultural resources that invite diverse communities to share in widespread national traditions.

ENDS

For a PDF copy of this media release, click here.