Rhoda Roberts loved Country. It wasn’t a sentiment expressed in abstract terms, but a lived experience woven into the fabric of her being. For decades, the Widjabul Wiyebal woman travelled the breadth of Australia, listening to the land, absorbing its stories, and amplifying the voices of its First Nations people. Her passing on March 21st, at the age of 66, has left a profound void, but her legacy – a deep and unwavering connection to Country – endures. Now, as a nation mourns, Country, in turn, holds her memory.
Roberts’ journey wasn’t one of simple visitation. She possessed a rare ability to truly *hear* Country, to understand its history, its pain, and its enduring spirit. This wasn’t a skill learned in classrooms, but one gifted by generations of knowledge keepers who recognized in her a worthy vessel for their stories. She carried those stories, not as artifacts, but as living, breathing entities, sharing them through her work in television, radio, and cultural leadership. Her early career at SBS, beginning with the program First In Line, provided a platform to connect with communities across the continent, a connection that would define her life’s work.
A Life Dedicated to Storytelling and Cultural Leadership
Roberts’ influence extended far beyond the screen. She was a tireless advocate for First Nations arts and culture, serving on numerous boards and committees, and consistently championing the importance of Indigenous representation. She understood the power of storytelling to heal, to educate, and to foster understanding. Her work wasn’t simply about preserving culture. it was about ensuring its continued evolution and relevance in a modern world. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2020, recognizing her distinguished service to the performing arts and to First Nations people.
Those who knew her speak of a quiet strength, a humility that belied her immense talent and influence. She wasn’t interested in accolades or personal gain; her focus was always on the stories and the people behind them. She had a knack for creating safe spaces, for fostering dialogue, and for bringing people together. As journalist and friend, Stan Grant, wrote in a tribute for the ABC, Roberts “understood the sacredness of place, the weight of history, the power of story.”
“Forever Held in Country”: A Seven-Day Reflection
NITV is honoring Roberts’ life and legacy with “Forever Held in Country,” a seven-day reflection beginning Tuesday, March 31st, at 8:25pm AEDT on NITV and SBS On Demand. The program is described as a “sluggish TV” experience, a meditative journey across the continent guided by the four winds, beginning on her beloved Bundjalung Country in north-east New South Wales and south-east Queensland. More information about the program can be found on the SBS website.
The week-long program, “Rhoda Roberts AO: A Lasting Legacy,” will feature a curated selection of programs airing nightly from Tuesday, March 31st, to Monday, April 6th. It’s a fitting tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to amplifying First Nations voices and sharing the stories of this land. The initiative aims to provide a space for reflection and celebration, acknowledging her profound impact on the Australian arts landscape and her unwavering commitment to cultural representation. SBS released a statement following her passing, acknowledging her significant contributions.
Roberts’ passing is a loss felt deeply across the nation, particularly within First Nations communities. But her spirit, her stories, and her unwavering connection to Country will continue to inspire generations to come. She understood that Country isn’t simply a place; it’s a living entity, a repository of knowledge, and a source of strength. And now, she is, in the most profound sense, held within it.
The legacy of Rhoda Roberts will continue to unfold through the work of those she mentored and inspired. The ongoing commitment to First Nations storytelling and cultural preservation will serve as a testament to her enduring influence. Further details about memorial events and initiatives honoring her life will be announced in the coming weeks.
If you are affected by this news and require support, resources are available. Lifeline offers 24/7 crisis support on 13 11 14. For First Nations specific support, contact 13YARN (13 92 76).
Share your memories of Rhoda Roberts and her impact on Australian culture in the comments below.
