Aunty Rhoda Ann Roberts AO, a revered Bundjalung Widjabul Wiyebal elder and an unparalleled force in Australian arts and culture, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, at the age of 66, after a seven-month battle with a rare form of ovarian cancer. Her passing marks the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to amplifying First Nations voices and profoundly shaping the nation's cultural landscape.

Born in Camperdown, Sydney, on July 8, 1959, Rhoda Roberts was the twin daughter of Frank Roberts, an Aboriginal pastor and civil rights activist, and Muriel (née Fleming). She grew up in Lismore, Northern NSW, on Bundjalung land, where her family held deep ancestral connections. Her early life was marked by the systemic discrimination faced by Aboriginal people, including her mother being ostracised for marrying an Aboriginal man and the children experiencing forced checks before being allowed into public spaces.

Roberts initially trained as a registered nurse, qualifying in Sydney in 1979 and later working in London. However, her passion for storytelling and cultural advocacy soon led her to a groundbreaking career in media and the arts. In 1987, she co-founded the Aboriginal National Theatre Trust, one of Australia's first platforms dedicated to Indigenous performers and narratives.

Her trailblazing spirit continued in broadcasting when she became the first Aboriginal person to host a prime-time current affairs program, SBS's Vox Populi, in 1990. She also co-founded Deadly Sounds in 1992, a national weekly radio program that gave Indigenous people a vital voice across Australia and the Pacific for over two decades.

Roberts was instrumental in establishing major Indigenous cultural festivals, founding the Festival of the Dreaming in 1995, which celebrated contemporary Indigenous culture and fostered cross-cultural exchanges. Her expertise led to her appointment as cultural advisor for the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics, where she directed the iconic Awakening Ceremony, showcasing Indigenous culture to millions worldwide.

From 2012 to 2021, Aunty Rhoda served as the inaugural Head of Indigenous Programming at the Sydney Opera House, a role specifically created for her. During her tenure, she curated events that integrated traditional and modern Indigenous works, ensuring First Nations culture was central to one of Australia's most prestigious cultural institutions.

Her influence extended to numerous other roles, including creative director for the Parrtjima Festival in Alice Springs, the Boomerang Festival at Byron Bay, and First Nations consultant for NIDA. She also served on various boards, including the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board and the Sydney Opera House Trust, consistently advocating for Indigenous rights and representation.

Beyond her professional achievements, Roberts navigated significant personal challenges. In 1994, she took guardianship of her niece, Emily, raising her as her own daughter. She also endured the profound trauma of her twin sister Lois's disappearance and unexplained death in 2011. In her later years, she continued to share her family's stories through her acclaimed one-woman show, "My Cousin Frank," which premiered in 2024.

For her distinguished service to the performing arts, leadership, advocacy, and promotion of contemporary Indigenous culture, Roberts was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2016. Her numerous accolades also included the Ros Bower Award, the Helpmann Awards' Sue Nattrass Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the First Nations Media Awards.

Aunty Rhoda Roberts leaves behind an indelible legacy as a cultural warrior who tirelessly worked to ensure Indigenous culture was not only seen and heard but celebrated and understood by all Australians. Her pioneering efforts, particularly in introducing and embedding the "Welcome to Country" protocol, have fundamentally reshaped national identity and fostered a deeper appreciation for the world's oldest living culture. She will be remembered as a mentor, an inspiration, and a national treasure.