Lifetime achievement award to a wonderful woman

The National NAIDOC committee has named the late Rhoda Roberts AO as the recipient of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognises individuals whose leadership, advocacy and contribution have had a profound and lasting impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the nation.

The Committee does not ordinarily present the Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously, but Ms Roberts was selected by the Committee prior to her passing. The Committee felt it was deeply important to continue with this recognition and honour the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind.

Extraordinary contribution

“Rhoda Roberts AO was a force — fearless, brilliant and deeply committed to community and culture,” Co-chair Lynette Riley said.

“Rhoda had been selected for this honour, and we felt strongly that it was important to continue recognising her extraordinary contribution. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”

A proud Widjabul Wia-bal woman from Bundjalung Country, Rhoda dedicated her life to elevating First Nations voices through storytelling, performance, creative direction and cultural leadership. Across decades, she created space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories to be seen, heard and celebrated on some of the country’s biggest stages.

Her work reshaped Australian arts and culture, inspired generations of First Nations creatives, and challenged institutions to make room for truth, representation and Blak excellence.

Deepest respects to family

“Rhoda embodied what ‘50 Years of Deadly’ represents. She showed our people that our stories belong everywhere! On stages, screens, in institutions and in the national conversation. This recognition honours a lifetime of cultural leadership and the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind,” Co-chair Steven Satour added.

The National NAIDOC Committee said it extends its deepest respect to Rhoda Roberts AO’s family, loved ones and community as we honour her enduring contribution to First Nations arts, culture and leadership.