The song and VR experience form part of NITV’s #AlwaysWillBe project – an array of programming and events on and in the lead up to 26 January that encourage a national discussion on what it means to be Australian today.
Through thought-provoking documentaries, films, news and current affairs, a podcast, public events and more, NITV invites all Australians to hear and interact with Indigenous perspectives on this national holiday.
It was not until 1994 that Australia Day was celebrated consistently across states and territories on 26 January, and for many Indigenous Australians this date marks a Day of Mourning with some asking, why not change the date?
Iconic Australian hip hop artists Nooky, Birdz (Nathan Bird), Urthboy (The Herd), Thundamentals (Tuka and Jeswon), L-Fresh the Lion, Tasman Keith, Ozi Batla, Kaylah Truth, Coda Conduct (Erica and Sally) and Hau (Koolism) share their views on why they think Australia should change the date of Australia Day.
NITV Channel Manager, Tanya Orman, said: “As part of our role as Australia’s dedicated Indigenous broadcaster, NITV provides an important place for Indigenous voices to be heard on issues that matter to communities. For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the 26thof January is not a day for celebration, and in the lead up to and during the national holiday, NITV wants to encourage more discussion and debate about the date.”
The accompanying VR experience was conceived, produced and directed by an all-Aboriginal team, going to the heart of NITV’s role in empowering the next generation of Indigenous creatives.
The ‘Change the Date’ song is available now as a free download fromhttp://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/always-will-be and the VR experience is available online through the SBS VR app and on NITV’s Facebook and You Tube pages.
The SBS VR app is free to download for Apple iOS and Google Android. Click here for information on what it is and how it works (with Google Cardboard)
The Change The Date project was produced in partnership with Start VR.
NITV is encouraging all Australians to join in a discussion around 26 January by using the hashtag #AlwaysWillBe on and in the lead up to 26 January.
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