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 use approval 
In consideration of Indigenous cultural protocols, media are permitted to use and reproduce Rhoda’s name, voice and image. Media may refer to her as Rhoda Roberts AO, a Widjabul Wieybal woman of the Bundjalung nation and SBS’s inaugural Elder in Residence. The supplied image is approved for all media use. All video and audio content is also approved for media use.  

* We acknowledge that Widjabul Wieybal is also spelt Widjabul Wia-bal or Widjabul Wiyabal.  

 For further information and interview requests please contact:
Jessica Parry| jessica.parry@sbs.com.au | 0428 767 836
Emma Blong | emma.blong@sbs.com.au | 0421 008 517