Marlee Silva announced as 2026 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day Ambassador

Acclaimed writer, storyteller and television presenter Marlee Silva has been named the 2026 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day Ambassador, with this year’s theme, Living Our Truth, honouring the power of truth-telling and the importance of sharing stories across generations.

Children’s Day, held annually on 4 August, is a national celebration recognising the strength, resilience and cultural pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

The 2026 theme invites communities to reflect on the role of truth-telling in healing, identity and belonging, and to celebrate the stories that connect children with culture, community and Country.

Ms Silva, a proud Gamilaroi and Dungutti woman who grew up on Dharrawal Country, has built a national profile through her commitment to elevating First Nations voices. Her work spans documentaries, books, podcasts and media commentary, each grounded in the strength, success and lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities.

She wrote and directed the documentary Skin in the Game and is the author of the best-selling book My Tidda, My Sister: Stories of Strength and Resilience from Australia’s First Women, as well as the children’s title Stand Proud.

As Ambassador, Ms Silva will help lead national celebrations and encourage children, families and early learning communities to embrace truth-telling as a foundation for cultural strength.

Her appointment has been welcomed across the sector, with this year’s theme resonating strongly in early childhood settings where cultural identity, storytelling and connection to Country are central to children’s learning.

Children’s Day 2026 is expected to see early learning services, schools and community organisations take part in events that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and the enduring strength of the world’s oldest living cultures.

Read the full announcement here.