Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains references and photos of an Indigenous person who has died.
Tributes are flowing for Indigenous cultural icon Rhoda Roberts, who has died at the age of 66.
Roberts, who worked as a journalist, actor and producer over her illustrious career, died on Saturday following a battle with cancer.
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She is credited with coining the term “Welcome to Country”.
SBS’s First Nations Director, Tanya Denning-Orman, paid tribute to Roberts, writing that she had been inspired seeing the Bundjalung woman on TV.
“Rhoda, our fiercely proud Bundjalung woman, reminded us of the shoulders we stand on and the importance of the work we do,” Denning-Orman said in a statement shared by SBS.
Rhoda Roberts has died at the age of 66 following a battle with cancer. Credit: Supplied
“Stunning in so many ways, seeing her on prime-time TV inspired me, and many others.
“She did not just lead change, she galvanised a sector, nurturing and guiding the leaders who are carrying the flame of change forward, one lit in her by her family, her story, her ancestors.
“Her craft extended beyond screen and stage through her advocacy for First Nations leadership and her commitment to the next generation. Her spirit is held in Country, carried through land, story and community.”
She thanked Roberts’ family for “sharing Rhoda with us, and so many others”.
“To you Rhoda, we thank you, we miss you, and we will carry you with us in all that we do.”
Rhoda Roberts coined the term ‘Welcome to Country’. Supplied. Credit: Supplied
Roberts became the first Indigenous presenter on prime-time Australian television, along with co-host Michael Johnson, on the program First In Line.
Her many achievements include co-founding the country’s first national Aboriginal theatre company (The Aboriginal National Theatre Trust), as well as achieving an Officer of the Order of Australia award for her service to the performing arts and work in advancing contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Roberts will “always be respected, revered and loved” in a statement posted to social media on Saturday afternoon.
“For every step Rhoda took forward she took a generation of people with her,” Mr Burke said.
“We have more creativity, more Australians dreaming bigger and a better understanding of our nation because of Rhoda Roberts.
“Rhoda Roberts, you will always be respected, revered and loved. We are grateful for you. Rest in peace.”SBS Chair Nicholas Pappas AM said R0berts “will always hold a special place within SBS”.
“Rhoda Roberts led with bold, visionary leadership, conviction and a deep sense of cultural stewardship that has left an enduring mark on Australia’s creative and cultural life,” Dr Pappas said.
“Her contribution set a benchmark grounded in culture, integrity and purpose… She expanded what is possible in Australian media, and her influence will continue to guide the SBS network, and the broader arts and media sector, for years to come.”
SBS Acting Managing Director Jane Palfreyman called Roberts a “true trailblazer”, saying her impact is “deeply felt” at the outlet.
