The Australian arts and cultural landscape is in mourning following the passing of Rhoda Roberts, a revered Bundjalung Widjabul Wiyebal cultural leader and passionate arts advocate. Roberts, aged 66, died peacefully in hospital on Saturday afternoon, seven months after being diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer. Her family announced her peaceful passing in a heartfelt statement on Instagram, expressing their profound grief.
“The Roberts-Field family are heartbroken to announce that our beautiful Rhoda Roberts has returned to the Dreaming on Saturday,” the statement read. “Rhoda will be deeply missed by all whose hearts she touched; she was an incredible person in so many ways. Words fail to capture the true love, depth, intelligence and warmth that was our beloved Rhoda.”
Rhoda Roberts was a true pioneer, leaving an indelible mark on Australia’s cultural fabric. She is widely credited with introducing the concept of “Welcome to Country” in the 1980s, a practice that has become an integral part of official events and gatherings across the nation. Her commitment to fostering Indigenous voices in the performing arts led her to co-found the National Aboriginal Theatre Trust in 1988. Further cementing her trailblazing status, Roberts became the first Aboriginal person to host a prime-time current affairs program in 1990, breaking down significant barriers in Australian media.
Her family eloquently described her life’s dedication: “She dedicated her life to culture, country and people from all walks of life. She never judged and never discriminated; she always wanted to help uplift people’s lives and provide love and care.” They also acknowledged the personal challenges she faced, stating, “She faced so much trauma in her life, but continued fighting and never gave up.” The sentiment of her uniqueness was echoed by her family’s poignant observation: “No one compared to our Rhoda and there will never be another like her.”
A Trailblazer Who Enriched Understanding
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid a moving tribute to Roberts, hailing her as a “trailblazer” whose work significantly enriched Australians’ understanding of the world’s oldest living culture. In a statement, Albanese emphasised her profound impact:
“Rhoda Roberts’ generosity enriched Australians’ lives, her wisdom enlarged our nation’s understanding,” he said. “Her grace gifted to all of us a deeper sense of who we are and the extraordinary privilege we have to share this continent with the oldest continuous culture in the world.”
The Prime Minister further highlighted the enduring nature of her legacy, noting, “Rhoda made it easier for others to not just follow in her footsteps, but to continue the journey after her final one. That is the power of her legacy and through it, Rhoda will always be with us.”
A Mentor and Confidante
The Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, shared a personal connection with Roberts, describing her as both a confidante and a mentor. McCarthy reflected on their time working together as journalists in the 1990s and shared a poignant memory of their recent conversations.
“I will treasure our final conversation recently about how First Nations people are now everywhere in the arts and media sectors, in front of and behind cameras and on stage,” McCarthy stated. This observation underscores Roberts’ instrumental role in paving the way for greater Indigenous representation and success across various creative industries. Her influence extended beyond her direct contributions, fostering an environment where future generations of First Nations artists and storytellers could thrive. Roberts’ passing represents a significant loss, but her legacy of advocacy, innovation, and unwavering dedication to culture and community will undoubtedly continue to inspire for years to come.
