Pioneer Who Created 'Welcome to Country' Farewelled

The woman who gave Australia the words "Welcome to Country" has been laid to rest in a ceremony that blended tears, laughter, and powerful cultural celebration.

Rhoda Roberts AO, a proud Widjabul Wieybal woman, died earlier this month at age 66. More than 1,000 people filled St Carthage's Cathedral in Lismore, New South Wales, while countless others watched the livestream to honor her legacy.

Roberts was a giant in Australia's arts community. She served as creative director for the Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony and spent decades elevating Indigenous voices and stories across the nation.

Her daughter Sarah shared the wisdom Roberts passed down: "You never judge because you never know what people are going through." When grief felt heavy, Roberts taught her children to look up at the trees and remember that every ancestor is a leaf, guiding them always.

The service reflected Roberts's vibrant spirit. A smoking ceremony opened the gathering, followed by performances from Troy Cassar-Daley and Casey Donovan. The Jannawi women's Dance Group moved through the cathedral, gently brushing the coffin with branches in traditional ceremony.

Her son Jack brought laughter to the crowd, recounting how his mother could transform watching a simple bird into an epic story about totems, different mobs meeting, and cultural movements being born. "She was a true storyteller who transported you into the story," Sarah said.

The Ripple Effect

Roberts's impact extended far beyond her immediate community. Tracy Askew, who worked with her on the Sydney Olympics, told mourners that Roberts "changed the way I saw what mattered and how I wanted to show up in the world."

Colleague Nicola Penn described her as someone who "filled the room before she even spoke." Her aunty Lola Roberts captured it simply: "Whatever she touched turned to gold."

That golden touch continues today. SBS, where Roberts served as Elder-in-residence, is honoring her with a curated collection of programs airing nightly through April 6. Her phrase "Welcome to Country" has become woven into Australian life, ensuring Indigenous voices open important gatherings nationwide.

Roberts is survived by her partner Stephen and her children Emily, Jack, and Sarah, along with countless artists, community members, and friends whose lives she transformed through her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering cultural leadership.