Who is Rhoda Roberts AO?
Rhoda Roberts AO is a Widjabul Wiyabal woman from the Bundjalung territories, a mother, and a long-term partner of Steven Field. They live on a 100-acre farm in northern NSW. A former registered Nurse. She is a highly respected and accomplished arts executive, Rhoda is the Creative Director for Parrtjima Festival (NT), Boomerang Dreaming (NSW), and Shine on Gimuy (Cairns), as well as the First Nations Advisor for Vivid Sydney. She is engaged by Voyages Indigenous Tourism as a consultant.
Rhoda has extensive experience in the arts, working across commercial, community, and non-profit sectors, and is currently the Elder in Residence for SBS, Creative Director for First Nations NORPA, and a consultant with NIDA. She was recently appointed cultural lead for the National Indigenous newspaper, Koori Mail.
A practicing weaver, actor, producer, and director, Rhoda continues to thrive in the creative industries and is a sought-after consultant, speaker, and performer in theatre, film, television, and radio. She was the first Aboriginal person to host a prime-time current affairs show, Vox Populi (SBS), and her podcasts, Deadly Voices, continue her legacy in broadcasting alongside her previous radio show, Deadly Sounds (1992-2012).
Rhoda was also the former Head of First Nations Programming at the Sydney Opera House and founded the Dreaming Festivals (1995-2009). She is a co-founder of the Aboriginal National Theatre Trust. She is currently working on the Bukal Bukal documentary as writer/director. She was engaged as one of the EP on the recent full feature doc Aquarius, which is currently screening nationally.
As an author, her recent publication for Arts Northern Rivers, the book, Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali was launched at the Byron Bay Writers Festival 2023. She is currently touring the production My Cousin Frank – directed by Kirk Page – based on the life of the First Aboriginal Olympian. Rhoda is the writer and performer.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
It’s an absolute privilege to continue our cultural legacy and the work we do in this space, and there’s not much I would change – except for having the psychic and detective abilities that might have prevented my sister’s brutal murder.
Who inspires you and why?
My Dad & I are inspired by so so many – as each generation of custodians has shown the perseverance to ensure Australia remembers, values equity & honours our stewardship, and recognises their knowledge. Despite all the challenges – it is what the future should hold.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Win the lottery to fund accessible housing and create art and cultural spaces, while ensuring the world knows that Lismore is home to the first Aboriginal Olympian.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Northern NSW is home to vibrant people, a counter-culture society, the Bundjalung language, and stunning landscapes, including pristine waterfalls, ancient mountains of significance, and iconic beaches.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Nimbin, part of the custodial land of the Widjabul Wiyabul people, is where the story of the country is told. Nimbin Rocks is majestic, ancient, and rich in cultural significance. Steeped in spirituality, the area exudes a sense of complete Nirvana across its waterways…
What are you currently reading?
Tony Birch – Blood.
What are you currently listening to?
True Crime Podcasts.
Happiness is?
My family they know me, accept my foibles, and love me unconditionally. Living on country – my family are 3,000 plus generations, where I walk my ancestors have walked. I’m surrounded by friendships and incredible women who are my sisters.
What does the future hold for you?
I want us to reflect deeply on what has happened and where we go from here – there is nothing to fear. By hosting the oldest continuing culture our country is unique – it’s through film, theatre, broadcast, and especially the digital space, we can reinvigorate respectful conversation. In all the areas I work, I see them as platforms to guide the dialogue for the next century, one that values peoples and all their stories.
Rhoda presents My Cousin Frank – a compelling story about her cousin Frank, a man who spent his entire life fighting tirelessly, both in the boxing ring and for his family and culture – which will be presented in the Space Theatre, as part of the 2025 Adelaide Festival, from 3 – 5 March. For more information, visit: www.adelaidefestival.com.au for details.
Image: Rhoda Roberts AO – photo by Kate Holmes