Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation celebrates second anniversary
On 1 August 2024, Lowitja Institute’s Board, management and staff respectfully acknowledge and remember our namesake and co-patron, the late Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG on what would have been her 92nd birthday.
Dr O’Donoghue was a proud Yankunytjatjara woman and founding chair of Lowitja Institute – Australia’s only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health research institute – and bestowed her name to the organisation in 2010.
Lowitja Institute CEO, Taungurung man Paul Stewart, said Dr O’Donoghue entrusted her spirit and energy, values and priorities to the organisation.
On this day, Lowitja Institute also acknowledges the two-year anniversary of the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation established to celebrate her 90th birthday in 2022, and six months since the passing of Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG on 4 February 2024 at 91 years old.
Deb Edwards – Dr O’Donoghue’s niece and senior project officer for the Foundation – expressed her gratitude for the remarkable outpouring of respect and heartfelt tributes from people of all walks of life.
‘Our family have been completely overwhelmed by the expression of condolences, support and love extended to us during our time of Sorry Business,’ Ms Edwards said.
‘Our Auntie and Nana, Lowitja, meant so much to so many people and she can never be replaced nor forgotten. We have been held by the nation who loved her, and we are very grateful.
‘Through the Foundation, we are honoured to carry forward her vision to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through self-determined pathways that provide equality, empowerment, voice and action.
‘The impact of Dr O’Donoghue’s incredible life and achievements will remain as her long-lasting legacy for all.’
Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation welcomes support from organisations and individuals who may wish to consider a donation to support the Foundation’s ongoing work to grow the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the health workforce.
To gift a donation in honour of Dr O’Donoghue, visit lowitja.org.au/lowitja-foundation
For more information, use of image/s or to arrange an interview with Deb Edwards, Dr O’Donoghue’s niece and Senior Project Officer for the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation, please contact the Communications team at communications@lowitja.org.au
