Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this vale contains the name and image of a person who has died.
"Every action, every sound, every step, every paint, every piece of music that we make as First Nations people has an impact on our society, and we grasp that with pride."
- Rhoda Roberts speaking at the 2019 National Indigenous Arts Awards
Creative Australia and the First Nations Arts and Culture Board join the sector in mourning the inimitable Rhoda Roberts AO. Rhoda’s life was devoted to truth telling and community, and she brought her remarkable spirit and clarity of purpose to every space she entered.
Across more than three decades, Rhoda forged an extraordinary career as a broadcaster, actor, producer, director, advisor and artistic director. A proud Bundjalung woman of the Wiyebal clan, she was a pioneering presence on Australian screens as the first Aboriginal presenter in prime-time television. As a co-founder of the Aboriginal National Theatre Trust, she played a vital role in establishing pathways for First Nations theatre and supporting the emergence of voices that continue to redefine Australian performance. Her artistic leadership extended across major festivals and significant national moments, including the Festival of the Dreaming in 1997 and creative roles for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, as well as groundbreaking work with the Dreaming Festival, Boomerang Festival, NORPA, Parrtjima Festival and the Sydney Opera House. In every context, Rhoda championed deep cultural knowledge, artistic excellence and meaningful community engagement.
Rhoda’s relationship with Creative Australia and the former Australia Council for the Arts, spanned more than twenty-five years and touched nearly every facet of our work. She was a recurrent collaborator, advisor, mentor and cultural leader whose insight shaped policy, strategic investment, major events and programs across artforms. She served on peer panels, contributed to ICIP frameworks, supported countless artists as an assessor, industry expert and mentor, and partnered with us on initiatives such as APAM, the Festival of Pacific Arts (FestPAC/FoPA), and multiple awards.
Her leadership was recognised through the Ros Bower Award in 2019, and in 2024 she began a new chapter of service as a member of the First Nations Arts Board, continuing her lifelong commitment to strengthening the sector. Rhoda’s influence within Creative Australia is profound and enduring, reflected not only in the breadth of her contributions but in the respect held for her by colleagues, artists and communities across the country. We will miss her dearly.
Her impact on the wider cultural sector is immeasurable. Rhoda opened doors for generations of First Nations artists and cultural workers, advocated tirelessly for cultural sovereignty, and carved out spaces where ceremony, contemporary practice and community knowledge could stand together with strength. From radio and television to theatre, festivals and large scale cultural celebrations, she reshaped the way Australia experiences First Nations creativity. Rhoda carried her custodial responsibilities with great care and consideration.
Adrian Collette, CEO, Creative Australia said:
“Rhoda’s influence shaped not only Creative Australia, but the cultural life of this nation. Her leadership and commitment to cultural truth-telling will remain foundational to our sector. We honour her contributions and mourn her deeply.”
Franchesca Cubillo, Executive Director, First Nations Arts and Culture, said:
“Rhoda’s work redefined what creative leadership could be and to work alongside her was a privilege. She built bridges between communities, elevated countless artists, and ensured that First Nations stories were celebrated with integrity. Her legacy is both immense and enduring.”
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Rhoda’s family, friends, colleagues and the many communities whose lives she enriched.
Rhoda Roberts AO
1959 - 2026
Featured image: Rhoda Roberts AO, photo by Lisa Hatz.
