South Australia is set to honour the life and legacy of Dr. Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG with a State Funeral, recognising her significant contributions to the rights, health, and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The ceremony is scheduled for Friday, 8 March 2024, at 1pm at St Peter’s Cathedral, Kaurna Country, North Adelaide, reflecting the state’s respect and admiration for Dr. O’Donoghue, a distinguished Yankunytjatjara woman and a leading figure in Aboriginal advocacy.
Dr. O’Donoghue’s career milestones include becoming South Australia’s first Aboriginal trainee nurse at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and later the first woman to hold the position of regional director in an Australian federal department, where she was instrumental in implementing national Aboriginal welfare policies. Her significant role in the development of the Native Title legislation following the Mabo decision, and her tenure as the founding chairperson of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC), highlight her pivotal contributions to Indigenous rights in Australia.
Her achievements have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including her appointment as the first Aboriginal woman member of the Order of Australia in 1977, Australian of the Year in 1984, and an Australian National Living Treasure in 1998. Further honours include being named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1983, a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1999, and a Dame of the Order of St Gregory the Great in 2006, alongside receiving several honorary doctorates.
Dr. O’Donoghue passed away peacefully on 4 February 2024, at age 91, in North Adelaide, South Australia, leaving behind a profound legacy. The State Funeral arrangements require registration for attendance, with more information available at dpc.sa.gov.au. A free livestream will also be provided for those unable to attend in person.
The family has requested that donations be made to The Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation in lieu of flowers, supporting ongoing work in areas important to Dr. O’Donoghue.
Premier Peter Malinauskas paid tribute to Dr. O’Donoghue, stating, “Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue was a highly respected advocate and campaigner for the rights and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout Australia and will be honoured with a State Funeral.” He added, “Through her lifelong work, Dr O’Donoghue has made an incredible contribution to the betterment of our country and people. From South Australia’s first Aboriginal trainee nurse to one of Australia’s most regarded Aboriginal leaders of our time, Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue leaves a legacy of strong advocacy, passion, and dedication.”
As South Australia prepares to commemorate Dr. O’Donoghue, her enduring impact on the nation and her advocacy for Indigenous rights will be solemnly remembered and celebrated.
