2026 NATIONAL NAIDOC AWARDS TO BROADCAST ON NITV LIVE AND DIRECT FROM MPARNTWE

First Nations excellence will be celebrated live from Mparntwe (Alice Springs) for the 2026 National NAIDOC Awards, hosted by NITV’s John Paul Janke and Bo de la Cruz

National Indigenous Television (NITV) will broadcast this weekend’s 2026 National NAIDOC Awards live from centre stage in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) this Saturday August 15 from 7:30pm AEST on NITV’s Digital platforms, honouring the outstanding achievements and contributions of First Nations people from across the country.

Celebrating this year’s NAIDOC theme, 50 Years of Deadly, the Awards will shine a light on ten individuals and groups whose remarkable contributions span art, sport, language, education, employment, training, leadership, community empowerment, and the preservation of Culture and Country.

The gala ceremony will be co-hosted by NITV’s John Paul Janke, a proud Wuthathi and Meriam man, and Bo de la Cruz, a descendant of the Gudjula and Erubian people, bringing audiences together for one of the biggest celebrations of First Nations excellence on the national calendar. The Awards will also include performances by acclaimed Yankunytjatjara performer Zaachariaha Fielding, and iconic Gumbaynggirr and Yamatji/Noongar singer, Emma Donovan.

Audiences across Australia can watch the celebrations live on NITV’s YouTube and Facebook, and SBS On Demand, from 7:00pm ACST / 7:30pm AEST on Saturday August 15.

NITV’s Blak Carpet coverage will also stream live on NITV’s TikTok, capturing the arrivals, fashion and atmosphere from Mparntwe.

The 2026 National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony will also broadcast on NITV on Tuesday 1 September at 10.35pm AEST.

The Awards will be available on request to First Nations Media Australia (FNMA).

WATCH

Saturday August 15

• Blak Carpet Live from 5:30pm ACST / 6:00pm AEST | NITV TikTok
• National NAIDOC Awards Live from 7:00pm ACST / 7:30pm AEST | YouTube | Facebook | SBS On Demand
  
• Tuesday 1 September
• National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony Encore at 10:35pm AEST | NITV

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SBS and NITV is the home of National NAIDOC Week, as well as the principal media partner.

NITV has consulted with the National NAIDOC Committee and Granites, Rockman, White & Roy families to proceed with the National NAIDOC Awards coverage on Saturday August 15. The Awards will open with a special acknowledgement to Kumanjayi Little Baby, and all guests are invited to wear something featuring her favourite colour, pink. 

For a PDF of this media release, click here.