Rhoda Roberts, a pioneering figure for First Nations people and the visionary behind the term ‘Welcome to Country,’ has sadly passed away at the age of 66. Her death comes after a valiant months-long struggle with cancer.

Hailing from the Widjabul Wieybal clan of the Bundjalung Nation, Roberts was a trailblazer in many respects. She broke new ground as the first Aboriginal host on mainstream television and served as the inaugural head of Indigenous programming at the Sydney Opera House. Additionally, she held the distinction of being SBS’s first Elder-in-residence.

In a heartfelt message shared on social media, her family expressed their grief: “The Roberts-Field family are heartbroken to announce that our beautiful Rhoda Roberts has returned to the Dreaming on Saturday, March 21, at 1pm.”

They continued, “She passed peacefully in hospital after a seven-month fight with a very rare type of ovarian cancer.”

The loss of Rhoda Roberts will be profoundly felt by all who were touched by her presence. Her family described her as an extraordinary individual whose love, intelligence, and warmth were beyond words.

Roberts dedicated her life to enriching culture, supporting her Country, and embracing people from every background. Her legacy is one of compassion and inclusivity, always striving to enhance the lives of others with unwavering love and care.

‘She faced so much trauma in her life, but continued fighting and never gave up. Her strength, dedication and pure love will forever be remembered. 

‘She helped make incredible, positive change for so many and for this Country.’

Rhoda Roberts, who coined the term ‘Welcome to Country’, has died at the age of 66 after a months-long battle with cancer

The family of Ms Roberts (pictured centre with her children Jack and Sarah) announced her passing on Saturday afternoon

The family said they would share details regarding Ms Roberts’ celebration of life when they are finalised. 

They have asked for understanding and privacy while navigating grief and celebrating her life.

Ms Roberts is survived by her partner Stephen, her children, Jack, Sarah, and Emily – who is the biological child of her twin sister, who she raised from a baby.

Tributes have poured in for Ms Roberts, including from Indigenous singer and actress Casey Donovan.

‘What a voice for our people, our arts and for song women and men all over the world. Absolutely heartbroken to read this,’ she commented on the post.

‘The influence Aunty Rhoda has had on me and my career over the past 25 years has been absolutely life and career-changing. 

‘An extraordinary woman gone far too soon. Until we meet again in the promise land.’

Whadjuk Noongar journalist and commentator Narelda Jacobs added: ‘A leader and inspiration. Aunty Rhoda was wise, generous, kind, nurturing. She leaves our world a better place.’

In December last year, despite her illness, Ms Roberts wrote and performed My Cousin Frank at the Sydney Opera House, which told the story of her first cousin, Frank Roberts, a Widjabul Wieybal and Githabul man from Cubawee who became Australia’s first Aboriginal Olympian

Ms Roberts has been credited with coining the term Welcome to Country in the 1980s.

‘It (a Welcome to Country) was a moment for us to reflect on our religious beliefs, our rituals that we had always attended to,’ she told SBS Examines last year.

‘However, with occupation and the assimilation process, those practices were soon outlawed.’

The creative leader received an Order of Australia for distinguished service to the performing arts, leadership, advocacy, and the promotion of contemporary Indigenous culture in 2016.

She was the founder and Artistic Director of several festivals, including the Festival of the Dreaming, Sydney Dreaming Festival, and the Dreaming Festival, between 1995 and 2009.

She later co-founded and became artistic director of the QPAC Clancestry Festival, and served as Garma Festival’s festival director in 2010.

In December last year, despite her illness, Ms Roberts wrote and performed My Cousin Frank at the Sydney Opera House.

She shared the story of her first cousin, Frank Roberts, a Widjabul Wieybal and Githabul man from Cubawee who became Australia’s first Aboriginal Olympian.

A practised weaver, Ms Roberts was a prominent speaker, writer and performer in theatre, film, television and radio in Australia and across the world.