Naidoc awards honour ‘fearless, brilliant’ promoter of First Nations culture Rhoda Roberts

Rhoda Roberts, a revered figure in Australian Indigenous culture, has been posthumously honoured with the lifetime achievement award at the Naidoc awards held in Alice Springs on Saturday night. The recognition came as part of the annual celebration marking 50 years of the Naidoc observance, which highlights the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the nation. Roberts, a proud member of the Bundjalung nation, passed away in March at the age of 66. Her career spanned decades of dedication to promoting and preserving First Nations culture through language, dance, and ceremonial practices. She was celebrated for her fearlessness and brilliance in advocating for Indigenous voices both nationally and internationally. The award was presented by Lynette Riley, co-chair of the National Naidoc Committee, who described Roberts as a powerful influence whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Riley emphasized that Roberts' contributions were exceptional and that the committee believed it was vital to acknowledge her work even after her passing. Malarndirri McCarthy, the minister for Indigenous Australians, praised the recipients of the awards, noting they embodied the spirit of Naidoc. She highlighted their roles as leaders, advocates, artists, educators, innovators, and community champions, underscoring how their efforts contribute positively to society. Roberts' impact extended beyond Australia's borders. At the Sydney Olympics in 2000, she served as a creative director and choreographed the "Awakening" segment of the opening ceremony, which was viewed by millions globally. This marked one of her early high-profile contributions to international platforms showcasing Indigenous culture. In addition to her Olympic involvement, Roberts made history as the first Aboriginal person to host a prime-time current affairs program, SBS’s Vox Populi, in 1991. In 1992, she co-founded Deadly Sounds, a radio program that operated for 21 years and provided a platform for Indigenous voices across Australia and the Pacific. Her professional journey continued with her appointment as the inaugural head of Indigenous programming at the Sydney Opera House in 2012. During her tenure, she launched Dance Rites, a competitive event for First Nations dancers, and championed the inclusion of Bangarra Dance Theatre and the Deadly awards within the opera house’s programs. In 2017, Roberts took on the role of creative director for the Parrtjima festival of light in Alice Springs/Mparntwe, further expanding her influence in cultural promotion and artistic innovation. Other notable awardees included Aunty Pat Turner as Person of the Year, Christine Corby as Female Elder of the Year, Dr Stephen Hagan as Male Elder of the Year, Caitlyn Costello as Sportsperson of the Year, Tyson Neal-Edwards as Youth of the Year, Kaylene Whiskey as Creative Talent Award winner, the Southern Aboriginal Corporation for Caring for Country and Culture Award, and The Aboriginal & Islander Independent Community School (The Murri School) for Education Award. The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy received the Innovation Award. These accolades reflect a broader acknowledgment of the diverse contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals to Australian society, reinforcing the significance of the Naidoc celebrations in highlighting these achievements.