Renowned artistic and cultural leader Rhoda Roberts AO shares the story of her trailblazing first cousin, Frank Roberts, a Widjabul Wia-bal and Githabul man from Cubawee who became Australia’s first Aboriginal Olympian.

In 1964, Frank travelled to Japan to compete in boxing at the Tokyo Olympics, even dining with Emperor Hirohito. Despite his achievement, he was denied an Australian passport because he was not recognised as an Australian citizen.

Beyond boxing, Frank was a man of immense integrity and determination. Known as “Honest Frank,” he fought tirelessly in every sense of the word — in the ring, in advocacy and for his family and culture. Rhoda brings the fighting spirit of Frank and her mob to life on stage, tracing a family’s journey from the tumultuous era of dispersal and silence to navigating a world shaped by Government policy.

In this compelling, moving and uplifting evening of storytelling, Rhoda sheds light on Frank’s extraordinary journey from rural Australia to the world stage, exploring the challenges he faced and his remarkable achievements.