Entertainment

15 Shows to Watch on Netflix That Highlight Indigenous Australians

Settle in.

Netflix have released their NAIDOC Week Watchlist and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Seeing mainstream representation for Aboriginal culture is fantastic, and it’s honestly about time.

Netflix have added some incredible films and television shows that follow Aboriginal stories, celebrate Aboriginal actors and filmmakers and tackle some of the issues that have existed in our country for so long.

Here are 15 must-see titles to watch this NAIDOC Week.

Beneath Clouds | Netflix
Photo: Netflix

Beneath Clouds

Lena, who grew up in a dysfunctional family, runs away from her isolated life and befriends a Murri teenager.

Bran Nue Dae | Netflix
Photo: Netflix

Bran Nue Day

After running away from Catholic boarding school, an Australian teenager embarks on a life-changing musical road-trip.

The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith | Netflix
Photo: Netflix

The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith

A biracial man struggles to find a place in colonial Australia, but after he’s rebuffed by white society he decides to retaliate.

Goldstone | Netflix
Photo: Netflix

Goldstone

In the Australian outback, an Indigenous cop on a missing persons case unearths a trafficking ring and runs afoul of political-industrial interests.

In My Blood it Runs | Movie session times & tickets, reviews, trailers |  Flicks.com.au
Photo: Netflix

In My Blood It Runs

A bright Arrernte boy struggles in his Western-style school, where teachers mock his culture. This documentary follows his family’s fight for his future.

Mad Bastards | Netflix
Photo: Netflix

Mad Bastards

Tough men try to do right by their families when TJ travels across northwestern Australia to the Kimberley region to track down his son Bullet.

Netflix Acquires Groundbreaking Western Australian Indigenous Documentary, Our  Law - Accessreel.com
Photo: Netflix

Our Law

At a police station run by indigenous people in Australia, two officers try to learn the local language and culture to effectively patrol the community.

The Sapphires | Netflix
Photo: Netflix

The Sapphires

Sisters Gail, Cynthia and Julie have talent, but their career takes off when promoter Dave convinces them to tour for the U.S troops in Vietnam.

Satellite Boy | Netflix
Photo: Netflix

Satellite Boy

When Pete learns that developers plan to buy the land where he lives, he and a friend set off on an epic journey in the hopes of saving his home.

Sweet Country | Netflix
Photo: Netflix

Sweet Country

In 1920’s Australia, an aboriginal farmland kills a white man in self-defence, then flees into the Outback, where he is pursued by a determined lawman.

Toomelah | Netflix
Photo: Netflix

Toomelah

A boy longs to stand out in his economically depressed community. But when the man he emulates is challenged by a rival, he must reevaluate his life.

The Tracker: The Movie Show Review | SBS Movies
Photos: Netflix

The Tracker

A mysterious tracker must find a fugitive on the run, with three mounted white policemen following closely behind.

Walkabout | Netflix
Photo: Netflix

Walkabout

Horrific consequences strand two siblings in the Australian Outback, where they’re found by a local boy who helps them return to their city.

Wrong Kind of Black | Netflix
Photo: Netflix

Wrong Kind of Black

In 1970s Melbourne, a DJ named Boori Monty Pryor and his brother Paul navigate racial tensions and police encounters amid disco and discrimination.

Yolngu Boy - Where to Watch and Stream - TV Guide
Photo: Netflix

Yolngu Boy

Two Aboriginal teenagers risk their own future to save their troubled childhood friend by joining him on a 300-mile journey through Australia.

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Entertainment

Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year 2023 in Australia

And what it means to be in the year of the Rabbit.

where to celebrate lunar new year australia

Starting with the new moon on Sunday, January 22, this Lunar New Year ushers in the year of the Rabbit. We’ve put together a guide on celebrating the Lunar New Year in Australia.

What is special about the year of the Rabbit?

As you might know, each year has an animal sign in the Chinese Zodiac, which is based on the moon and has a 12-year cycle. This year, we celebrate the year of the rabbit, known to be the luckiest out of all twelve animals. It symbolises mercy, elegance, and beauty.

What celebrations are taking place and how can I get involved?

There are plenty of festivals happening all around the country which you can get involved with. Here they are per state.

New South Wales

Darling Harbour Fireworks
When: Every year, Sydney puts on a fireworks show, and this year, you can catch it on January 28 and February 4 at 9 pm in Darling Harbour.

Dragon Boat Races
When: Witness three days of dragon boat races and entertainment on Cockle Bay to usher in the Lunar New Year. The races will commence on January 27 and finish on January 29.

Lion Dances
When: Catch a traditional Lion Dance moving to the beat of a vigorous drum bringing good luck and fortune for the Lunar New Year. The dance performances will happen across Darling Harbour on Saturday, January 21, Sunday, January 22, and Sunday, February 4 and 5, around 6 pm and 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at Cirrus Dining
When: Barangaroo’s waterfront seafood restaurant, Cirrus, is celebrating the Year of the Rabbit with a special feast menu. Cirrus’ LNY menu is $128pp with optional wine pairing and is available from Saturday, January 21, to Sunday, February 5.

Auntie Philter
When: Hello Auntie’s owner and executive chef, Cuong Nguyen will be dishing out some of the most classic Vietnamese street foods with his mum, Linda. All of Philter’s favourites will be on offer, as well as Raspberry Pash Beer Slushies and other cocktails being served at the Philter Brewing rooftop bar on Sunday, January 22 and Sunday, January 29.

Victoria

Lunar New Year Festival
When: Ring in the Lunar New Year with food, music, arts, and more on Sunday, January 22, from 10 am to 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at the National Gallery of Victoria
When: Celebrate the year of the rabbit at the National Gallery of Victoria’s festival of art, food, and art-making activities for everyone from 10 am-5 pm.

Queensland

BriAsia Festival
When: From February 1-19, Brisbane will come alive with performances, including lion dances and martial arts displays. There will be street food, workshops, comedy and more.

South Australia

Chinatown Adelaide Street Party
When: Adelaide is set to hose a fun-filled day celebrating the Chinese New Year on Saturday, January 28, from 12 pm to 9 pm.

Western Australia

Crown Perth
When: Across January and February, Crown Perth hosts free live entertainment, including colourful lion dances, roving mascots, and drumming performances. The restaurants will also throw banquets and menus dedicated to the Lunar New Year.

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