Dreaming Big on NITV spotlighting First Nations youth in sport – Dreaming Big, a powerful 6-part documentary series spotlighting the journeys of First Nations youth in sport, will premiere on NITV and SBS On Demand on Friday September 5 at 7:30pm.
This real-life sporting docuseries of six 30-minute episodes, offers an intimate look into the lives of thirteen emerging Indigenous athletes from various disciplines, including Boxing, Surfing, Car Racing, Flat track Motorbike Racing, Sport Climbing, Karate and Soccer. Each story is delivered with authenticity and heartfelt storytelling grounded in cultural integrity,
Dreaming Big follows the journeys of these Indigenous athletes, aged between 12 and 19, capturing their raw determination and resilience in the pursuit of sporting excellence. More than a showcase of athletic ambition, each episode is deeply rooted in First Nations narratives, celebrating personal triumphs while exploring the challenges these young athletes face on and off the field.
The series also honours the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations communities.
It weaves together themes of perseverance, identity, and unity, offering a unique Indigenous perspective on sport and success. Through the eyes of the athletes, their families, and mentors, the series reveals how individual achievements become shared victories that uplift entire communities.
Filmed in locations chosen in collaboration with local First Nations communities, each setting holds cultural significance — transforming sporting grounds into powerful symbols of heritage and connection to Country.
In celebrating diversity and cultural strength, Dreaming Big leaves a legacy for future generations that dreams, when rooted in identity and community, can soar beyond the finish line.
Directed by Andrew Dillon (Le Champion) and Wirrim Media’s Abraham Byrne-Jameson (Broadcast directing debut), with writer/producer Richard Jameson OAM (Strait to the Plate Season 2) and WildBear International Consulting Executive Producer, Veronica Fury (And We Danced).
NITV Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production, Dena Curtis said:
“Dreaming Big is a show for the whole family – it represents our communities at the highest levels of sport and captures the strength, support and courage that come from family and culture. A powerful celebration of First Nations athletes, it highlights the dedication, talent and passion of these remarkable young people and their families as they chase their dreams, breaking barriers in their chosen sports. Offering both visibility and inspiration for the next generation, Wirrim Media has beautifully crafted a series that NITV is proud of, demystifying the path to elite sport while reinforcing the powerful message: if you can see it, you can be it.”
Wirrim Media Director, Abraham Byrne-Jameson said:
“We set out to make a series that was real — something that showed the grit behind the glory, and the community behind the athlete. These stories are filled with hope, humour, and unstoppable heart.”
Screen Australia First Nations Department Investment Manager Samuel Paynter said:
“Dreaming Big is a compelling look at First Nations sporting excellence through the unique intersection of athletic dedication, aspiration, challenge and the rich traditions of our communities. We are proud to be able to support Wirrim Media and WildBear International in this masterful exploration of the connection between athleticism and culture. Sport-lover or not, this captivating series has something for everyone.”
Screen Queensland CCO Belinda Burns said the series is a strong example of the agency’s commitment to supporting locally produced First Nations stories:
“Screen Queensland is proud to support Wirrim Media and their vision to amplify the voices of young athletes across regional, urban and remote areas of Queensland. We have a proud history of championing First Nations’ creatives to tell powerful, authentic stories that connect with audiences both locally and internationally. Projects like Dreaming Big reflect the rich cultural diversity of Queensland and have the potential to deliver lasting social impact and foster a deeper appreciation of First Nations stories and voices.”
MEET THE CAST
JAYDEN HOLDER, 16, NSW
Mob: Dunghutti
Sport: Flat Track Racing
Achievements: 6 x Australian Champion, 8 x NSW Champion and 4 x QLD state champion in Flat Track Racing.
Jayden Holder is an aspiring Motocross and flat track racing champion. Raised on a farm he began riding at the age of 4 and remarkably, by the age of 8, had already clinched a State Championship. This impressive start set the stage for Jayden’s successful career in Motocross. For Jayden, Motocross and flat track racing isn’t just a sport; it provides structure in his life and guides him on the right path, according to his Uncle Dylan. His dreams extend to following in his uncles’ footsteps and participating in international flat track racing in the UK and the USA. Jayden’s focus remains firmly on the track and his dedication to the sport, combined with family support and a passion for competition, sets the stage for an exciting journey ahead for this young racing prodigy.
RILEY HOLDER, 12, NSW
Mob: Dunghutti
Sport: Flat Track Racing
Achievements: Australian Dirt Track Champion, 2 x third place in NSW and Australian Titles
Riley Holder is a rising star in Australian dirt bike racing, showcasing exceptional skill and determination from a young age. Competing at the highest levels of flat track racing, Riley has already claimed an Australian championship title and secured multiple podium finishes at both state and national competitions. With a fearless riding style and a drive to constantly improve, Riley is focused on reaching new heights in the sport. His goal is to continue dominating on the track and one day represent Australia on the international stage.
LANDEN SMALES, 17, QLD
Mob: Noongar Nation
Sport: Surfing
Achievements: 13 x Queensland Surfing State Titles, 5 x Australian Surfing Titles, 7 x Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles
Landen Smales is a 17-year-old surfer currently residing on Gubbi Gubbi Country, Sunshine Coast, QLD. Landen started surfing at just 4, and at a started competing at a very young age, winning every event he entered. This is where his aspiration of becoming a professional surfer and future world champion began. Landen currently holds 13 x QLD State Surfing Titles, 5 x Australian Surfing Titles and 7 x Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles. He has created his own path and successfully dominated the junior rankings for several years, on both the Longboard and Shortboard. Landen was the youngest surfer ever to win an Australian Longboard Title at just 12 years old. He also created history at the Australian Surf Championships in 2023 becoming the first ever competitor to score two perfect 10’s in one heat. He also created history at the 2024 Australian Indigenous Titles at Bells Beach, scoring a 10-point ride in the Under 18 boys shortboard division, backing it up with another 10 in the Open Men’s Longboard. He is a natural and at home in the water which he feels has been passed down from his ancestors. He has a strong connection to culture and enjoys spending time on country whenever possible.
MEG DAY, 16, SA
Mob: Narungga
Sport: Surfing
Achievements: Representing South Australia in 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023 and State Champion in 2019 and 2023. 3rd place at 2024 Australian Indigenous Titles.
Meg Day is a 17-year-old surfer from country South Australia. Her journey in surfing began when she represented South Australia at the Junior National Titles in 2018. Meg achieved an impressive 3rd place at the 2024 Australian Indigenous Titles. Her talent and dedication led to her selection for the inaugural First Nations Youth High-Performance Program, a 12-month program composed of respected Indigenous surfers. The program aims to instil a deep sense of identity and connection to heritage among the participants. Beyond her current surfing career, Meg envisions pursuing a study in sports science. Her goal is to specialise in high-level conditioning and fitness, particularly tailored for waterborne sports. Additionally, Meg aspires to give back to surfing.
KADE DAVEY, 16, QLD
Mob: Martu
Sport: Motorsport/Car Racing
Achievements: 2024 Darwin Indigenous Supercar Round Class Winner
Kade Davey is a talented motorsport driver with a strong connection to his First Nations heritage. Beginning his racing journey in Karting at 8-years-old, Kade quickly found success in Western Australia, earning podium finishes and a state championship title. He later joined Racing Together, a team focused on supporting Indigenous youth in motorsport. In 2024, Kade won his category at the Darwin Supercar Indigenous round, significantly marking the team’s first-ever race win and podium finish. With a blend of determination and skill, Kade is steadily progressing toward his goal of becoming a professional racing driver.
KARLAI WARNER, 18, QLD
Mob: Kabi Kabi / Wakka Wakka
Sport: Motorsport/Car Racing
Achievements: Top 5 finish in The Qld State Excel Championship
Karlai Warner is an inspiring young race driver with her sights set on becoming the first female GT3 champion or Supercar driver. Racing for Team Racing Together, Australia’s only Indigenous racing team, Karlai is breaking barriers in the motorsport world. Beyond her racing success, Karlai is passionate about giving back to her community and empowering others. As a role model, she’s dedicated to inspiring young girls to chase their dreams and achieve their goals, showing that with determination, anything is possible.
JESSIE-ROSE TALBOT-COOKE, 15, QLD
Mob: Kuku Yalanji Nation
Sport: Karate
Achievements: Successfully competed at Local, Regional and State levels
Jessie-Rose’s Karate achievements include securing 3rd place in her age group at the Karate Nationals in Rockhampton for individual kumite (fighting). Notably, she was the only Indigenous Competitor in her age group. Her outstanding performance continued in Team Kumite where she claimed second position in Australia, a remarkable achievement.
JULIANNA-BREE TALBOT COOKE, 18, QLD
Mob: Kuku Yalanji Nation
Sport: Soccer
Achievements: Successfully competed at Local, Regional and State levels
Julianna Bree is a rising talent in soccer. Her skills on the field have resulted in invitations to train with several national-level clubs. In 2022, Julianna-Bree played for the Australian Indigenous Koalas football team subsequently moving to Brisbane to play for the Under 23 Peninsula Power NPL side, which serves as a feeder competition for the NWSL Brisbane Roar.
LINKYN MACMILLAN, 18, QLD
Mob: Kalkadoon
Sport: Boxing
Achievements: 2024 World Youth 75kg Bronze Medallist, 2 x Australian Champion, 3 x QLD State Champion, 2 x Golden Glove Champion, 1 x Trans Tasman Cup Champion, 1 x SE QLD Champion
Linkyn started boxing at 9-years-old to improve his fitness for Rugby League. His love of boxing soon took over and had his first fight in 2018. He soon realised that to go forward in the sport he had to move to Brisbane and successfully gained a scholarship to attend Nudgee Collage. Currently 18-years-old. Linkyn graduated Year 12 last year and received early entry into QUT to study Engineering. His goal when he first moved to Brisbane was to make the 2024 World Youth Team which he successfully achieved and which took him to Colorado, USA, Linkyn is now boxing in the Elites category aiming to make the Elite World Team which will be travelling to Liverpool, in the UK in September. He is currently a member of Boxing Australia’s development team and often travels to the AIS for training camps.
GEORGIA LAWSON, 18, QLD
Mob: Wilman
Sport: Boxing
Georgia Lawson is a rising force in Australian boxing, already making waves on the national and international stage. A Queensland and Australian champion, she is currently ranked #6 in the world. With her sights set on the 2028 and 2032 Olympics and a future in the professional ranks, Georgia is determined to leave a lasting impact on the sport. Proud of her Wilman heritage, she embodies strength, resilience, and ambition both in and out of the ring. Trading trouble for training, this young Indigenous boxer fought her way to a national championship in just two years—driven by a dream to carve out a better future for herself and her sister while making history in the ring.
ETHAN NAYLOR, 19, QLD
Mob: Anainwan, Wiradjuri & Ngemba Wailwan
Sport: Sport Climbing
Achievements: 2022 – 3rd at the Australian Youth National Championships in lead climbing; 2022 – Qualified for the Australian Youth Climbing Team and competed at the Youth World Championships in Dallas, USA; 2022/23 – Sent three grade 27 climbs at Mount Coolum
Ethan Naylor is a 19-year-old Sport Climber whose journey began in Armidale, NSW, where his interest in climbing began. Limited by local facilities he did not actively pursue the sport. Ethan’s parents made a pivotal decision to relocate to the Sunshine Coast in July 2015 due to his ill-health where, with newfound access to climbing facilities, he embraced the sport wholeheartedly. Ten years later, Ethan has competed regularly from State and National titles to the Youth World Championships in 2022. He consistently climbs outdoors, pushing himself on real rock where his passion truly lies.
KYLE HEUSTON-CONNOR, 18, QLD
Mob: Samu clan (Saibi Island, Totem Cassowary)
Sport: Sport Climbing
Achievements: 2024 AUS Youth Nationals 1st in Lead, Australian National Youth Team, 2024 QLD Youth States 1st in Lead
Kyle Bera Heuston-Connor is an 18-year-old climber from the Gold Coast. He began climbing in 2021 and has been hooked ever since. Addicted to the mental problem-solving, mixed with the physicality, he started competing in 2022. Through daily training and climbing he quickly rose through the ranks placing 1st in his Division at the 2024 Youth Nationals. This qualified him to compete in the 2024 Youth World Championships in China. This experience showed him how he compared to the international athletes and further increased his love and drive for the sport and to improve. His next goal is to make the Open National team in order to be able to compete in World Cups. From battling chronic fatigue to becoming a state champion in indoor rock climbing, this 18-year-old is determined to scale to new heights with his sights set on the ultimate peak: the Olympics.
Dreaming Big is a Wirrim Media production for NITV. Principal production funding from Screen Australia’s First Nations Department in association with Screen Queensland.
Watch Dreaming Big on NITV and SBS On Demand from Friday September 5 at 7:30pm with subtitles in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. All episodes will also be available on SBS On Demand with audio description voiced by First Nations AD narrators.
Media Release – SBS
Link to NITV HERE
Dreaming Big on NITV spotlighting First Nations youth in sport
