Bluey Goes Bilingual: Beloved Episodes Dubbed in Yolŋu Matha
For the first time, five episodes of the hit children's series Bluey have been re-voiced in Yolŋu Matha, an Indigenous Australian language spoken in North-east Arnhem Land.
The project was launched as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations, bringing the beloved Heeler family to a new audience in a deeply meaningful way.
The five episodes selected for the dub are:
- The Beach
- The Creek
- Sleepytime
- Grandad
- Rug Island
The adult roles were re-voiced by local talent:
- Dimathaya Burrawanga as Bandit
- Rosie Mununggurr as Chilli
- Andrew Gurruwiwi as Granddad
The voices of Bluey and Bingo are performed by local children from North-east Arnhem Land. Their names have been withheld for privacy.
The project was developed in close collaboration with Yolŋu Radio and the Aboriginal Resource and Development Services (ARDS), working alongside Ludo Studio (the creators of Bluey) and the ABC.
When and where to watch:
- Broadcast and streaming: From July 5
- Special screening: At the Garma festival in August
This initiative not only entertains but also plays a vital role in language preservation and cultural celebration. By translating the show's universal themes of play, family, and imagination, it connects young speakers with their native tongue in a modern and engaging context.