Statement regarding 2026 National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award for the late Rhoda Roberts AO – SBS and NITV recognise the National NAIDOC Committee’s presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Widjabul Wieybal woman from the Bundjalung Nation, Aunty Rhoda Roberts AO.
We congratulate the Roberts/Field family on this posthumous award honouring Rhoda’s profound and lasting impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the nation.
This award recognises Rhoda’s immense contribution across culture, theatre, arts, dance, media, journalism and public life in Australia. It celebrates her remarkable legacy which continues to inspire generations through the stories she championed, the voices she elevated, and the pathways she created for First Nations artists and communities.
SBS Director, First Nations, Tanya Denning-Orman, said:
“Few people have shaped Australian culture as profoundly as Rhoda. She was deadly in so many ways – a visionary leader, trailblazer and tireless advocate for First Nations voices. She transformed Australia’s cultural landscape with courage, integrity and unwavering purpose. Her dedication to storytelling and truth-telling embodies what this NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award represents and we congratulate the Roberts/Field family on this prestigious honour.”
NITV’s collection of programming honouring the breadth of Rhoda’s work as one of Australia’s most influential leaders in the arts and creative sector – including her powerful orations as SBS’s Elder in Residence – are available on SBS On Demand here.
Media Release – SBS
Link to SBS HERE
TV Central SBS content HERE
Statement regarding 2026 National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award for the late Rhoda Roberts AO
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