Learning with Heart, Laughs and Language: Little J & Big Cuz Up for Logie

Much-loved children’s series Little J & Big Cuz – featuring two cheeky cousins, Nanna, a loyal dog, and a whole lot of heart – is in the running for Best Children’s Program at the 2025 TV WEEK Logie Awards.

And while this animated series may look like pure fun, behind every episode is a powerful mission: to celebrate First Nations identity, language and culture — and to give early years educators the confidence to bring these stories into the classroom.

Written, voiced, and led by First Nations creatives, Little J & Big Cuz is anything but ordinary. Developed with support from the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and produced by Ned Lander Media, the show is backed by more than 300 free resources to help educators teach with culture, confidence and care.

‘This isn’t just a TV show. It’s cultural storytelling, language revitalisation and educational transformation all rolled into one joyful, animated package,’ Lisa Rodgers, ACER CEO, says.

‘We know from research that connection to culture strengthens identity and learning outcomes. Little J & Big Cuz does that in spades – in a way that speaks to four-year-olds, and impresses grown-ups too.

‘When Nanna tells the kids she doesn’t know her birth date, but she knows she was born when the baby finches leave the nest and the river water starts to warm – that’s cultural knowledge. That’s learning. That’s powerful.’

Since its launch in 2017, the series has broadcast four hit seasons across SBS/NITV and ABC, with episodes translated into 17 First Nations languages and picked up internationally by the First Nations Experience (FNX) channel in the US.

Voiced by screen legends Deborah Mailman and Miranda Tapsell, the show invites young viewers to join Little J, Big Cuz and their friends as they explore Country, learn from Elders, and navigate the school day with curiosity and care.

Educators across the country are embracing the series, using its episodes and free learning resources to bring First Nations perspectives into the classroom. It's become a go-to for early years teachers who want to teach the Australian Curriculum in culturally rich, authentic ways.

So why is ACER – better known for research papers than red carpets – campaigning for a Logies win?

‘Because Little J & Big Cuz shows what’s possible when you centre First Nations knowledge, creativity and leadership – in education, and on screen,’ Ms Rodgers says. ‘And because our kids deserve to see themselves, their languages, and their cultures celebrated at the highest level.’

Voting for the Logies is now open until early August, and fans are encouraged to vote online via the Little J & Big Cuz website.

Media enquiries:

ACER Communications
+61 419 340 058
communications@acer.org