SNAICC – National Voice for our Children is honoured to welcome acclaimed writer and television presenter, Marlee Silva, as the 2026 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day Ambassador.
Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children said Marlee’s work in national media and as an author gives this year’s Children’s Day theme – Living Our Truth – a particularly special meaning.
“Marlee lives healing through truth-telling in her work sharing stories of strength and success about our communities, families and children through her documentaries, books, podcast and in the media,” Ms Liddle said.
The 2026 theme of Living Our Truth honours the power of truth-telling, the sharing of ancient knowledge, and the importance of sharing our stories. It celebrates today’s children as the next generation of leaders, confident, proud and ready to amplify the strong voice of our families and communities.
“Our truth is that our children are deeply loved. Our truth is that our children are thriving in culture. Our truth is that our children are celebrated for their cultural identity and by their communities that help to raise them,” Ms Liddle said.
“That’s what we celebrate on August 4, and we encourage the nation to do the same.”
Marlee Silva is a proud Gamilaroi and Dunghutti woman who grew up on Dharrawal Country in NSW. Marlee wrote and directed the powerful documentary Skin in the Game and is the author of best‑selling work ‘My Tidda, My Sister: Stories of Strength and Resilience from Australia’s First Women’ and children’s book ‘Stand Proud’.
The 2026 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day Ambassador, Marlee Silva said she’s honoured to be this year’s Children’s Day Ambassador.
“When I’m on TV or writing or podcasting, I’m always thinking about the next generation and my greatest hope is that my cultural pride and identity as an Aboriginal woman is clearly worn on my sleeve as I do it. And ultimately I want kids to see that and similarly stand tall and proud in who they are. We have 60 thousand years of survival and resilience running in our veins, which means anything is possible,” Ms Silva said.
“Connection to culture is a pillar for understanding what it means to be an Aboriginal person, those elements of my experience as a child were absolutely vital to my survival and my prosperity as I grew up.
“Our children, often walk in a world that sometimes doesn’t make them feel like they belong, but when you feel that sense of identity, strength in our history and our stories – that’s our truth.
“National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is important because while Mob are always thinking about our next generation, August 4 gives the rest of the country an opportunity to see the success stories that’s being done on the ground by community that helps children and their families to thrive.”
Held on 4 August, Children’s Day is an opportunity for all Australians to show their support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and celebrate the impact community, culture and family play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.
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For all media queries, please contact Charlie Bowcock on 0417 042 308 or media@snaicc.org.au
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