One of Australia's most influential arts and creative sector leaders, Widjabul Wieybal woman from the Bundjalung Nation, Aunty Rhoda Roberts AO, passed away peacefully on Saturday, family confirmed, on her beloved Bundjalung Country, following a period of illness.

Ms Roberts was diagnosed with cancer last year.

At SBS, Ms Roberts has been a defining force over many decades.

Joining as a young journalist, she made history in 1989 as co-host of First in Line with Michael Johnson, becoming the first Indigenous presenters on prime-time Australian television, and later hosting Vox Populi. She went on to play a key role in major SBS milestones, including leading coverage of NITV's launch as a free-to-air channel as part of SBS in 2012, and becoming SBS's inaugural Elder in Residence in 2021.

An award-winning producer, artistic director, journalist, broadcaster, actor, curator and advisor, Ms Roberts' career was characterised by landmark achievements across Australia's cultural institutions and on the international stage.

Her work included co-founding Australia's first national Aboriginal theatre company, the Aboriginal National Theatre Trust, and serving as Creative Director of Awakening for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. She held many senior creative leadership roles, including Creative Director of Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations, inaugural Head of First Nations Programming at the Sydney Opera House, co-founder and Artistic Director of the Dreaming Festival, co-founder of The Deadlys, and Creative Director of the Parrtjima Festival in Alice Springs.

Among her accolades, in 2016 she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the performing arts and for advancing contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Rhoda Roberts 'inspired so many Australians'

Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said Ms 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," Senator McCarthy said.

"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."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: "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," Mr Albanese said.

"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."

'Championing First Nations voices across the nation'

In a statement, SBS extended their heartfelt condolences to her family.

"We also acknowledge the loss felt by her community, and the many people she connected with throughout her life and work," the broadcaster said.

"Rhoda will be remembered as one of Australia's most influential arts and creative sector leaders. A pioneer and cultural authority, she helped reshape representation across the arts and media, carrying culture with her into every space she entered, and championing First Nations voices across the nation."

SBS Director, First Nations, Tanya Denning-Orman, said: "Rhoda, our fiercely proud Bundjalung woman, reminded us of the shoulders we stand on and the importance of the work we do. Stunning in so many ways, seeing her on prime-time TV inspired me, and many others."

"She did not just lead change, she galvanised a sector, nurturing and guiding the leaders who are carrying the flame of change forward, one lit in her by her family, her story, her ancestors," Ms Denning-Orman said.

"Her craft extended beyond screen and stage through her advocacy for First Nations leadership and her commitment to the next generation. Her spirit is held in Country, carried through land, story and community.

"To her family - including her children Sarah, Jack and Emily who she adored beyond words - thank you for sharing Rhoda with us, and so many others. To you Rhoda, we thank you, we miss you, and we will carry you with us in all that we do."

'Her contribution set a benchmark grounded in culture, integrity and purpose'

SBS Chair, Dr Nicholas Pappas AM, said Ms Roberts "led with bold, visionary leadership, conviction and a deep sense of cultural stewardship that has left an enduring mark on Australia's creative and cultural life".

"Her contribution set a benchmark grounded in culture, integrity and purpose," Dr Pappas said.

"She strengthened the connection between First Nations cultures and contemporary multicultural Australia and will always hold a special place within SBS. She expanded what is possible in Australian media, and her influence will continue to guide the SBS network, and the broader arts and media sector, for years to come."

SBS Acting Managing Director, Jane Palfreyman, described Ms Roberts as "a true trailblazer and a leader of so many firsts in our industry" who played "a transformative role in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation across Australia's cultural landscape".

"At SBS, her impact is deeply felt, most recently as our inaugural Elder in Residence, where she embedded culture into the fabric of our organisation. Immeasurably generous in sharing her knowledge, wisdom, and spirit, she will continue to guide how we work, lead and tell stories," Ms Palfreyman said.

The publication of the name and image of Widjabul Wieybal woman from the Bundjalung Nation, Aunty Rhoda Roberts AO, has been permitted.