Naidoc awards honour 'fearless, brilliant' promoter of First Nations culture Rhoda Roberts
Guardian AU
β’Sat, 15 Aug 2026 14:01:01 GMT
π° What Happened
One of Australia's greatest cultural ambassadors has been recognised after her death. Rhoda Roberts, a proud Widjabul Wieybal woman of the Bundjalung nation, died in March aged 66. On Saturday night in Alice Springs, she was posthumously awarded the lifetime achievement award at the Naidoc awards. Her family and colleagues described her as fearless, brilliant and deeply committed to community and culture.
π The Backstory
Roberts spent her life sharing, preserving and promoting First Nations culture through language, dance and ceremony. She was an Indigenous broadcaster and a real cultural powerhouse. The Naidoc awards celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. Lynette Riley, co-chair of the National Naidoc Committee, said Roberts was a force whose legacy would inspire generations to come.
π― Why It Matters
Honouring people like Roberts helps keep First Nations culture alive and visible. It reminds all Australians of the power of preserving language, art and ceremony.
One of Australia's greatest cultural ambassadors has been recognised after her death. Rhoda Roberts, a proud Widjabul Wieybal woman of the Bundjalung nation, died in March aged 66. On Saturday night in Alice Springs, she was posthumously awarded the lifetime achievement award at the Naidoc awards. Her family and colleagues described her as fearless, brilliant and deeply committed to community and culture.
Roberts spent her life sharing, preserving and promoting First Nations culture through language, dance and ceremony. She was an Indigenous broadcaster and a real cultural powerhouse. The Naidoc awards celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. Lynette Riley, co-chair of the National Naidoc Committee, said Roberts was a force whose legacy would inspire generations to come.
Honouring people like Roberts helps keep First Nations culture alive and visible. It reminds all Australians of the power of preserving language, art and ceremony.