Australian Story: Celebrating 30 Years on ABC will mark three decades of the long-running factual series with a special extended episode filmed at the Sydney Opera House.
The 70-minute anniversary special airs Monday 31 August at 8pm on ABC and ABC iview, bringing together past guests, musical performances and archive moments from one of the broadcaster’s most recognisable storytelling brands.
Australian Story has built its reputation on intimate, first-person stories from public life, sport, the arts, regional Australia and everyday communities. For its 30th anniversary, the program moves from its usual documentary profile format into a live-event celebration of the people and stories that have shaped its history.
The anniversary episode gives ABC viewers a rare chance to see the series look back across its own archive while still centring the people who have made Australian Story distinctive: subjects who speak in their own words, often at turning points in their lives, and whose stories have stayed with audiences long after broadcast.
A Sydney Opera House Celebration
Hosted by Leigh Sales and introduced by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, the special was filmed in front of a sold-out crowd in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall.
The guest line-up includes actor and producer Claudia Karvan, former Olympian Michael Klim, First Nations community leader Mechelle Turvey, maths teacher Eddie Woo, founding executive producer Deborah Fleming and audience favourites Gayle and Mac Shann.
The episode also includes performances from Alex Lloyd, Tim Minchin and Pub Choir’s Astrid Jorgensen, with music and conversation woven through highlights from the Australian Story archive.
Why The Milestone Matters
Since launching in 1996, Australian Story has become one of ABC’s signature factual programs, known for profile-driven stories that give space to public figures, families, survivors, artists, athletes and community leaders.
The 30th anniversary special draws on that history without turning into a conventional clip show. The Sydney Opera House setting, live audience and returning guests make the episode a celebration of the program’s relationship with viewers as much as a look back at its archive.
When To Watch
Australian Story: Celebrating 30 Years airs Monday 31 August at 8pm on ABC and ABC iview.
More ABC coverage is available in the ABC section on TV Central. Stream Australian Story on ABC iview.
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