The National NAIDOC Committee has named the late Rhoda Roberts AO as the recipient of the 2026 National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award.
A proud Widjabul Wia-bal woman from Bundjalung Country, Ms Roberts dedicated her life to elevating First Nations voices through storytelling, performance, creative direction and cultural leadership.
Her work transformed Australia's artistic and cultural landscape, creating space for our stories to be seen, heard and celebrated on the nation's biggest stages.
While the National NAIDOC Committee does not ordinarily present this award posthumously, the Committee said Ms Roberts had been selected by the Committee prior to her passing.
"It was deeply important to honour the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind," the Committee said in a statement on Thursday.
National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair Lynette Riley said "Rhoda Roberts AO was a force — fearless, brilliant and deeply committed to community and culture".
Co-Chair Steven Satour said Ms Roberts "embodied what '50 Years of Deadly' represents".
"She showed our people that our stories belong everywhere," he said.
The National NAIDOC Committee said it extends "our deepest respect to Rhoda's family, loved ones and community as we honour her enduring contribution to First Nations arts, culture and leadership".
