Celebrated Indigenous Leader Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue Passes Away at 91

Australia has lost one of its most celebrated Indigenous leaders, Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG, who passed away at the age of 91. The Yankunytjatjara woman and former Australian of the Year, who fought tirelessly for the rights of her people, peacefully passed away on Kaurna Country in Adelaide, surrounded by her family. Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue’s legacy will continue through the work of the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation, established on her 90th birthday, which dedicates itself to the rights, health, and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue’s leadership and commitment in improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, highlighting her efforts in meaningful reconciliation and her involvement in significant moments such as the Apology to the Stolen Generation and the 1967 referendum. Indigenous leader Noel Pearson referred to Dr O’Donoghue as a ‘leaders’ leader,’ acknowledging her courage, principles, and boundless love and loyalty to her people.

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Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney expressed her profound sadness and paid tribute to Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue’s remarkable legacy. She emphasized the enormous courage, dignity, and grace displayed by Dr O’Donoghue during her career in public life. Ms Burney highlighted how the seeds of Dr O’Donoghue’s commitment to human rights and social justice were sown in a childhood marked by powerlessness and deprivation of love.

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Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue’s upbringing included being taken from her mother at an early age and growing up at the Colebrook Children’s Home in Quorn, where she experienced the punishment for speaking Aboriginal languages. The policy of removal deeply affected her and her mother, but after many years, they were eventually reunited. Despite facing discrimination, Dr O’Donoghue persevered and became South Australia’s first Aboriginal nurse, leading her to a lengthy career in the public sector.

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Dr O’Donoghue played an influential role as chairperson of the National Aboriginal Conference and later advised the government on the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. She became the first Australian Aboriginal person to address the United Nations General Assembly, advocating for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. She was also involved in negotiating Australia’s historic Native Title legislation following the Mabo High Court decision.

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The passing of Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue marks the end of an extraordinary public life, characterized by unwavering service and dedication to her people and country. Her memory will undoubtedly endure, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.