CANBERRA, ACT, March 21 -- The Prime Minister of Australia issued the following media release:
On behalf of the Australian Government, we pay tribute to Rhoda Roberts AO, a trailblazer in the media and across the creative arts, and fierce advocate for First Nations culture and voices.
For every step Rhoda took during her journey, she took a generation of people with her.
At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, when the world was watching, it was Rhoda's choreography that took centre stage in the Opening Ceremony.
As creative director of the Awakening segment, she helped share Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures with Australia and the world.
Rhoda would go on to bring her creative vision to many festivals, including Garma in North East Arnhem Land, the country's largest Indigenous gathering, and Parrtjima Festival in Alice Springs.
A proud Widjabul Wieybal woman of the Bundjalung nation, Aunty Rhoda was a fierce advocate for creating spaces for First Nations voices and perspectives to be heard in the media and creative arts.
Among the many honours during her long career, Rhoda received an Order of Australia in 2016 for distinguished service to the performing arts and her leadership, advocacy and promotion of contemporary Indigenous culture.
Last year, she was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the First Nations Media Awards.
Rhoda Roberts made an extraordinary contribution to our country. Australians have a better understanding of the world's oldest living culture and our nation because of her.
On behalf of the government and all Australians, we extend our sympathy and condolences to Rhoda's family, friends and loved ones.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
"Rhoda Roberts' generosity enriched Australians' lives, her wisdom enlarged our nation's understanding.
"Her grace gifted to all of us a deeper sense of who we are and the extraordinary privilege we have to share this continent with the oldest continuous culture in the world.
"Rhoda made it easier for others to not just follow in her footsteps, but to continue the journey after her final one. That is power of her legacy and through it, Rhoda will always be with us."
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Arts Tony Burke:
"Rhoda Roberts paved the pathway for First Nations First in Australia's National Cultural Policy.
"There are generations of artists who credit Rhoda as the catalyst for their careers.
"Rhoda Roberts, you will always be respected, revered and loved. We are grateful for you. Rest in peace."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy:
"Rhoda Roberts inspired so many Australians, especially First Nations Australians in the media and creative arts.
"Rhoda was a confidant and mentor to me and many others, during our time as journalists in the 1990s.
"I will treasure our final conversation recently about how First Nations people are now everywhere in the arts and media sectors, in front of and behind cameras and on stage."
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
