LITTLE J & BIG CUZ LOGIE NOMINATION A WIN FOR FIRST NATIONS KIDS

Little J and Big Cuz, image provided

BY ASAD KHAN

Little J & Big Cuz may not have taken home a trophy at the 2025 TV WEEK Logie Awards, but its producer says the nomination alone is a meaningful win for First Nations children and communities.

The animated series, created by First Nations creatives and supported by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), was nominated for Most Outstanding Children’s Program—alongside major productions like Bluey.

Producer Jodie Bell told Ngaarda Media that the recognition sends a strong message about the importance of culturally grounded storytelling for young audiences.

“It's really awesome,” she said.

“It’s such an important show for our kids to be able to see themselves on screen and identify with characters that are like them, that are like their families, that live in the environments that they live in.”

Revitalising language and culture

While Little J & Big Cuz entertains with colourful characters and relatable school adventures, its deeper impact lies in cultural preservation. The show has been translated into 17 First Nations languages, with more underway—part of a broader mission to support language revitalisation through media.

The production team works closely with language speakers and communities to adapt scripts and performances. Bell said this work is time-consuming but powerful, and helps children feel pride in their identity and heritage.

“Little J is the only place where they can see that,”

Setting a precedent for children’s TV

ACER has backed the show’s national campaign, not only for award recognition but to highlight a broader need for diversity in children’s media. As ACER’s Lisa Rodgers previously stated: “You can’t be what you don’t see.”

With strong support from educators, families, and fans across the country, the team behind Little J & Big Cuz hopes the Logies nomination encourages further investment in First Nations-led children’s programming.

Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Asad Khan speak with Judie Bell: