Guest Curator Shelley Ware selects her SBS On Demand favourites

To celebrate the strength, creativity and resilience of First Nations peoples across the country, proud Yankunytjatjara and Wirangu educator Shelley Ware brings you a special collection for NAIDOC 2025

Shelley Ware

Shelley Ware. Photo by Aaron Wan.

Whether you're discovering these stories for the first time or reconnecting with them, Shelley hopes they inspire you and deepen your understanding of what it means to be on country, today and always. Explore Shelley Ware's Guest Curator Collection.
These programs celebrate NAIDOC Week's 2025 theme: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy. To find out more about NAIDOC Week, check out Shelley's education resources on SBS Learn.

The First Inventors

Hosted by Rob Collins, 'The First Inventors' is a groundbreaking series that celebrates more than 65,000 years of innovation by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

You'll see how ancient knowledge and modern science come together to solve some of humanity's biggest challenges.
The First Inventors, Rob Collins
Rob Collins and First Nations investigators delve into Aboriginal Australian invention. Credit: NITV/Paramount
The series explores how First Nations people shaped country and society, from transforming landscapes to building vast trade networks.

These stories are full of resilience, ingenuity and inspiration, and show how Indigenous knowledge continues to influence and enrich our lives today.

The First Inventors is now streaming at SBS On Demand.


Rebel With a Cause

Rebel With A Cause TIGA BAYLES.jpg
Tiga Bayles, from the fourth episode of 'Rebel With a Cause'. Image Credit: SBS Archives
'Rebel With a Cause' introduces us to four trailblazing First Nations Queenslanders who changed the course of history.

Each episode shows how these remarkable individuals broke barriers and created new pathways for future generations.

Through their personal journey of leadership and courage, we see what it takes to stand up for what's right. Be inspired by their vision and determination to make a difference for their communities and all Australians.


Rebel With a Cause is now streaming at SBS On Demand.


The Australian Wars

'The Australian Wars' is a powerful documentary series presented by Rachel Perkins that uncovers the untold stories of the battles fought on Australian soil.

This series explores the resistance of First Nations peoples during colonisation and the impact of these conflicts on our nation's history.
The Australian Wars documentary series Rachel Perkins
Actor depicts Pemulwuy in SBS commissioned documentary, The Australian Wars Source: SBS
Through interviews, reenactments and original documents, it reveals truths that have long been left out of mainstream narratives.

It's essential viewing for everyone wanting to understand our shared history and the legacy of the Frontier Wars.


The Australian Wars is now streaming at SBS On Demand.


Our Medicine

Our Medicine. Baby covered in clay for strengthening ceremony. NITV, SBS.jpg
Baby covered in clay for strengthening ceremony from 'Our Medicine'.
'Our Medicine' follows First Nations doctors, nurses, and healers working on the front line of Australia's healthcare system.

The series shows how they strive for better health in their communities, often overcoming significant challenges.

Narrated by Leah Purcell, these stories are filled with dedication, care and triumph.

You'll be inspired by the resilience and commitment of those working to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our Medicine is now streaming at SBS On Demand.


Emily Wurramara - Magic Woman Singing

Emily Wurramara, Black Smoke EP
Emily Wurramara, Enjoying life on the water. Credit: danebeesley.com
In this episode of 'Living Black', we'll meet award winning musician Emily Warramurra.

Emily shares her journey, her culture and the stories behind her music, giving us an intimate look at her creative process.

The episode is all about creativity and strength through song. It's a truly inspiring conversation with one of our brightest talents.

Emily Wurramara - Magic Woman Singing is now streaming at SBS On Demand.


Barbara McGrady - Photographic Philosopher

Discover the incredible story of legendary photojournalist Auntie Barbara McGrady in this episode of 'Living Black'.

Auntie Barbara has spent decades capturing the activism, history and everyday life of First Nations peoples through her lens.
LBK_Ep4 Barbara McGrady SBS On Demand thumbnail - Photo credit NITV.jpg
Karla Grant with Barbara McGrady on NITV's 'The Point'.
Her work is driven by courage, passion and a deep commitment to truth-telling.

Learn more about the woman behind these iconic images and her impact on our communities.

Barbara McGrady - Photographic Philosopher is now streaming at SBS On Demand.


The Point - Thursday August 16, 2018

Australian Indigenous Astronomy
The Point: Aboriginal Astronomy. Source: Getty / Getty Images
'The Point' is a long-running current affairs series on NITV. In this special episode we explore the fascinating world of Aboriginal astronomy.

You'll learn how First Nations peoples have read the skies for thousands of years, using star knowledge for navigation, storytelling and cultural connection.

This episode celebrates the deep relationship between country and the cosmos. It highlights the enduring power of science, culture and storytelling in our communities.

The Point's episode from Thursday August 16, 2018, is now streaming at SBS On Demand.


View the full collection of Shelley Ware's SBS On Demand picks here:


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By SBS Staff Writer
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