Bundjalung woman and nationally acclaimed arts executive Rhoda Roberts AO has been posthumously recognised at the 2026 Luminas awards, following her passing in March.
Roberts was named the Leadership in Arts/Creative honouree at the inaugural ceremony, held at the Sydney Opera House on 30 April, in a tribute that underscored her extraordinary contribution to Australia’s cultural life.
Rhoda Roberts AO is a trailblazing force in the Australian arts sector and a proud Bundjalung woman of the Widjabul clan from Northern NSW and South East Queensland. A highly awarded arts executive, she led First Nations Programming at the Sydney Opera House. She served as Festival Director of the Boomerang Festival at Bluesfest, as well as Creative Director of the Parrtjima Festival in the Northern Territory.
Roberts was recognised with an Order of Australia (AO) for her distinguished service to the performing arts, alongside numerous major accolades celebrating her leadership and advocacy for contemporary Indigenous culture.
With decades of experience spanning theatre, film, television, radio and major global events – including the Sydney Olympic Games, Vivid Sydney and Expo 2021 Dubai – her influence on Australia’s cultural landscape is profound. She also played a pivotal role in media as a journalist, producer and presenter, and is widely credited with helping establish the “Welcome to Country” protocol now embedded across the nation’s arts and public events.
Across her career, Roberts was a driving force behind major cultural moments, including her role as creative director of the Awakening segment in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, where she helped share Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures with a global audience.
She went on to shape and elevate landmark events, including the Garma Festival in Arnhem Land and Parrtjima in Alice Springs, championing spaces for First Nations voices to be seen and heard.
In a statement following her passing, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Roberts’ enduring legacy.
“Rhoda Roberts’ generosity enriched Australians’ lives, her wisdom enlarged our nation’s understanding,” he said.
“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.”
The Luminas, presented by Diversity Arts Australia and Media Diversity Australia, celebrates First Nations and culturally diverse leaders across arts, screen and media.
For communities across the North Coast, Roberts’ recognition is both a celebration of a remarkable life and a lasting reminder of her profound cultural legacy.
Advertising with North Coast Times is a cost effective and reliable way to reach locals who are interested and engaged. Find out more here.