The live-action comedy drama series Barrumbi Kids has won Children’s Production of the Year at the 2023 SPA Awards.

Held on the final night of the Screen Forever conference, the 21^st annual SPA Awards celebrated outstanding screen productions from Australian production businesses.

Produced by Tamarind Tree Pictures and Ambience Entertainment for National Indigenous Television (NITV), Barrumbi Kids is the coming-of-age story of Tomias and Dahlia, two 11-year-old best friends growing up in a remote community in the Northern Territory. Through fishing, schooling, and exploring Country, the children learn about themselves, each other, and living in both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultures.

Set in the fictional town of Mandjakkorl, it was filmed amid the stunning outback scenery of the lands of the Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman peoples around Katherine, Beswick and Barunga.

The series is based on the popular book by Leonie Norrington, who penned the novel based on her experience of growing up in a remote Aboriginal community. It has been adapted for contemporary audiences by a talented team, including emerging First Nations writers, and in close consultation with Elders and members of the Beswick community.

ACTF Executive Producer Bernadette O’Mahony said: “Barrumbi Kids was a labour of love for everyone involved in the series. It’s a testament to the determination of producers Danielle Maclean (Tamarind) and Monica O’Brien (Ambience) who were passionate about making this series within the communities where the original stories were set. Its authenticity shines through and the cast and crew delivered a series full of fun, action, humour and heart. We are thrilled to see Barrumbi Kids recognised with a SPA Award.”

Barrumbi Kids is a Tamarind Tree Pictures and Ambience Entertainment production for NITV. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with NITV, Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), Screen Territory and Screen Queensland. 

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