Five episodes of the globally loved children's show Bluey have been dubbed into Yolŋu Matha, the Australian First Nations language of North-east Arnhem Land, for the first time. This initiative marks a historic moment as part of National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (Naidoc) Week.
Episodes and Voice Cast
The episodes, titled The Beach, The Creek, Sleepytime, Grandad, and Rug Island, have been re-voiced by Dimathaya Burrawanga from the band King Stingray as Bandit, Yolŋu educator and translator Rosie Mununggurr as Chilli, and Andrew Gurruwiwi as the granddad. The children voicing Bluey and Bingo are local children from North-east Arnhem Land, who have not been named to protect their privacy.
Collaboration and Significance
The project was developed in collaboration with Yolŋu Radio, the Aboriginal Resource and Development Services (ARDS), Bluey creators Ludo Studio, and the ABC. Kelly Williams, the ABC's director of First Nations strategy, said the Indigenous language episodes will bring the North-east Arnhem Land language and culture into homes across the country.
Julia Wormer and Sylvia Nulpinditj, co-chief executive officers at ARDS, expressed their hope that 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's Global Reach
Bluey, featuring characters Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli, has been streamed into millions of homes since its launch in 2018. The animated series is available in more than 140 countries and has topped the US streaming charts for the past two years. It has already been translated into 120 languages worldwide.
Naidoc Week and Garma Festival
Naidoc Week runs from 5 to 12 July, with the theme 50 Years of Deadly, honouring the strength, leadership, and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. The Indigenous language episodes of Bluey will also be screened at this year's Garma festival in August.
