Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following statement references a deceased person. Rhoda Roberts’ family has given permission for her name and photographs to be used.

The NORPA family joins communities across the country in mourning the passing of Rhoda Roberts AO — a beloved cultural leader, creative visionary, and fierce advocate for First Nations voices. We are in awe of her extraordinary legacy, both at NORPA and across Australia and the world.

 

A proud Widjabul Wiyabal woman, Rhoda grew up on Bundjalung Country (Lismore), within a long line of Bundjalung leaders — a family renowned for its deep connection to Country, fighting spirit, and dedication to community.

Rhoda’s own contributions to Lismore were immense. She gave her time, expertise, and deep creative knowledge to NORPA, as the region’s major performing arts company and to its wider community. As a NORPA Board member (from 2019), First Nations Creative Director (from 2021), and mentor, she inspired and helped shape the creative direction of NORPA’s First Nations programming, including Three Brothers, Nini Nahri Gali, Bundjalung Nghari Indigenise, FLOW, the development of First Aboriginal Olympian, and her powerful storytelling in My Cousin Frank, bringing local stories to our communities. Even through challenging times — COVID-19 and devastating floods — Rhoda worked tirelessly with the NORPA, the community and artists to create outstanding art. Her most recent project was to work with musicians and community to write a Lismore song in language for everyone to learn and sing. NORPA is thrilled to be continuing her legacy through the connection to community.

Rhoda guided our company with wisdom, warmth, and an unwavering commitment to truth-telling. In writing My Cousin Frank, honouring Aboriginal boxing champion Francis ‘Frank’ Roberts, Rhoda brought together the Roberts clan from across Australia to share stories and memories. Many of them attended the premiere season in Lismore and Byron Bay in 2024 to such celebration of their shared history so beautifully told. The work then toured nationally to sold out audiences, with her final performance at the Sydney Opera House only months before her passing in December 2025.

 

“Working very closely with Rhoda over the past three years has been a highlight of my career. She embodied leadership, vision, and professionalism in everything she did. She often spoke of the lessons imparted by her formidable father — ‘Know your purpose’ and ‘Everyone has a role; a belonging for everything and everyone’ — and witnessing how these values shaped who she was, her work and her unwavering commitment to culture was so inspiring. I miss her so much.”

— Libby Lincoln, Executive Director, NORPA

Our lives have been profoundly changed and enriched by our long-term collaboration with Rhoda. As a company based on Bundalung country we were graced with Rhoda’s creative energy, passion and vision for over 20 years. An incredible continuity of guidance and creativity.
Rhoda ensured the company animated and reflected the voices of Bundjalung community and artists. She was a generous storyteller – and took delight in blowing our minds on a regular basis with yarns about people and history and her incredible work across the country . Rhoda was fiercely ambitious, a real visionary – and the busiest person on the planet. But she was always honest – and wasn’t afraid of a tough conversation. A deep and unique working relationship that I will cherish always – thank you darling Rhoda!

— Julian Louis Artistic Director, NORPA

 

We will remember her formidable intellect and creative brilliance, but perhaps more importantly her humour, candour, and generosity of spirit. She was a mentor to many, a fearless advocate for justice and cultural sovereignty, and a friend whose presence brought both strength and joy. And what awork ethic – dedicating herself to the work of many significant national organisations and projects. Multiple projects, jobs and passion projects happening at once – such extraordinary endurance.

We extend our deepest condolences to her partner Steven, her children Jack and Sarah, her niece Emily, and her extended family and communities.

Rhoda’s legacy lives on in the stories we tell, the projects we share, and the generations of artists she inspired.

Vale Rhoda Roberts AO