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Pioneer of 'Welcome to Country' Passes Away
21 Mar
Summary
- Rhoda Roberts, an Indigenous cultural leader, passed away at 66.
- She pioneered the term 'Welcome to Country' for cultural protocol.
- Roberts dedicated her life to promoting First Nations culture.
Rhoda Roberts, a prominent Bundjalung Widjabul Wiyebal elder and cultural leader, has died at the age of 66. She is widely recognized for introducing the term 'Welcome to Country' into Australian cultural practice. Roberts spent her life championing Indigenous culture, working to preserve language, dance, and ceremony.
Despite facing discrimination, Roberts aimed to showcase Indigenous culture as an asset for all Australians. Her career began in nursing before she moved into the arts, notably directing the Sydney Olympics Awakening Ceremony in 2000. She co-founded the Aboriginal National Theatre Trust and the Dreaming festival, fostering First Nations talent.
Roberts also broke barriers in media, becoming the first Aboriginal host of a prime-time current affairs program on SBS in 1990. She co-founded Deadly Sounds radio, which ran for 21 years, providing a platform for Indigenous voices. Her commitment extended to institutions like the Sydney Opera House, where she led Indigenous programming for nine years.
In later years, Roberts directed the Parrtjima festival of light in Alice Springs, using installations to share Aboriginal stories. She also focused on personal projects, including a play about her relative, boxer Frank Roberts. Her passing marks a significant loss to Australia's cultural landscape, leaving a legacy of advocacy and celebration.
