Rhoda Roberts, the Bundjalung Widjabul Wiyebal cultural leader and arts devotee, has died at the age of 66. She was diagnosed with a rare type of ovarian cancer seven months ago and died peacefully in hospital on Saturday afternoon, her family announced via Instagram.
Roberts introduced the term 'welcome to country' in the 1980s, co-founded the National Aboriginal Theatre Trust in 1988, and in 1990 became the first Aboriginal person to host a prime-time current affairs program. Her family said she dedicated her life to culture, country and people from all walks of life.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute, calling Roberts 'a trailblazer' who enriched Australians' understanding of the world's oldest living culture. He said her generosity and wisdom enlarged the nation's understanding of the privilege of sharing the continent.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy described Roberts as a confidante and mentor, recalling their time as journalists in the 1990s. McCarthy treasured their final conversation about how First Nations people are now prominent across arts and media.
