The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) is marking a significant milestone with a special 40th anniversary Hall of Fame event, set to be broadcast nationally on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). This standalone event, presented Thursday, June 11, in Sydney, signifies an "historic first" for the trade body, with its initial airing at 9.15pm AEST (5.15am ET).

Music enthusiasts will have further opportunities to watch the celebration as it beams out on Saturday, June 13, on the free-to-air television channel and digital live stream ABC Entertains, and via the public broadcaster’s on-demand iView platform. Additionally, highlights from the show and red carpet moments will be made accessible across ARIA and ABC social channels, ensuring widespread engagement with the momentous occasion.

The event also serves as a platform to announce future recognition, as the 2026 edition of the ARIA Hall of Fame will break tradition by inducting six acts: Gurrumul, Jenny Morris, Kate Ceberano, Spiderbait, The Living End, and Vika & Linda. This expansion highlights a commitment to honoring a broader spectrum of Australian musical talent.

ARIA has been inducting artists into its prestigious Hall since 1988, with the inaugural class featuring legends such as Dame Joan Sutherland, Johnny O’Keefe, Slim Dusty, Col Joye, Vanda & Young, and AC/DC. The format of the induction ceremony has evolved over the decades. In 2005, a standalone televised event titled "ARIA Icons: Hall of Fame" was introduced, which, despite resonating with fans, proved short-lived due to challenges in the post-digital download music landscape. By 2011, the Hall of Fame induction became a segment within the ARIA Music Awards, featuring two new inductees. Since 2012, a single act has been inducted annually at the ARIA Awards ceremony.

Over its rich history, scores of Australian music legends have received this esteemed recognition, including Cold Chisel, Kylie Minogue, Yothu Yindi, Kasey Chambers, Olivia Newton John, INXS, Crowded House, Archie Roach, Missy Higgins, Tina Arena, and most recently, You Am I.

The 40th anniversary ceremony itself will feature a stellar lineup of performances. Announced on May 27, Kate Ceberano, Spiderbait, The Living End, Vika & Linda, Kate-Miller Heidke, Dan Sultan, and Mia Wray are slated to perform career-defining hits. A "moving celebration" will also be held in memory of the late Gurrumul, with his family members in attendance. Veteran broadcaster and respected music champion Myf Warhurst will host the show, which takes place at Sydney’s Carriageworks, located on Gadigal land.

Myf Warhurst expressed her honor in a statement, remarking, "To be part of the 40th anniversary ARIA Hall of Fame is incredibly special. These artists have shaped Australian culture, soundtracked generations and influenced how we see ourselves through music." She further highlighted the diverse impact of the honorees, stating, "From the power and emotion of Gurrumul, to the energy of Spiderbait and The Living End, and the iconic voices of Kate Ceberano, Jenny Morris and Vika & Linda, this is a line-up that truly reflects the depth and brilliance of Australian music. It’s going to be loud, joyful and full of unforgettable moments – exactly what the Hall of Fame should be."

The ARIA Hall of Fame Special Event receives crucial support from the NSW Government through Sound NSW, and is further assisted by the Australian Government through the Office for the Arts and Music Australia. In a separate development, the 2026 ARIA Awards, in partnership with Spotify, are scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion. This flagship recording industry ceremony will stream live on Paramount+ and marks its return to the free-to-air commercial broadcaster Network 10.