Rhoda Roberts, Indigenous cultural leader who introduced the term ‘Welcome to Country’, dies aged 66 | Australia news
Bundjalung Widjabul Wiyebal cultural leader and art enthusiast Rhoda Roberts has passed away at the age of 66.
In a statement made on Instagram, Roberts’ family announced that Roberts, who was diagnosed with a rare type of ovarian cancer seven months ago, died peacefully in hospital on Saturday afternoon.
“The Roberts-Field family is very sad to announce the return of our beautiful Rhoda Roberts to Dreaming on Saturday,” they said.
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“Rhoda will be deeply missed by all whose hearts she touched; she was an incredible person in so many ways. Words fail to describe the true love, depth, intelligence and warmth that was our beloved Rhoda.”
Roberts introduced the term “Welcome to Country” in the 1980s, co-founded the National Aboriginal Theater Foundation in 1988, and became the first Aboriginal person to host a prime-time current affairs program in 1990.
“He dedicated his life to culture, country and people from all walks of life. He never judged and never discriminated, he always wanted to help improve people’s lives and provide love and care,” his family said. “He went through a lot of trauma in his life but he kept fighting and never gave up.
“No one can compare to our Rhoda, and there will never be anyone like her.”
