Lowitja – A Life of Leadership and Legacy
Inaugural exhibition portraying the life and influence
of Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG to be held on Kaurna Country in Adelaide – June and July 2025
On 4 February 2025, the first anniversary of the passing of Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG, her life and legacy will be commemorated with the announcement of an inaugural exhibition in her honour.
Dr O’Donoghue, a Yankunytjatjara woman and one of Australia’s most respected and prominent Aboriginal leaders, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on Kaurna Country, Adelaide, in her home state of South Australia.
One year on, Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue’s remarkable life and lasting impact will be remembered and honoured in an inaugural exhibition portraying her most iconic, triumphant, and heartbreaking moments from childhood, a career in health, Indigenous activism, high-profile leadership, and stellar career in Australian Aboriginal Affairs.
The exhibition titled ‘LOWITJA – A Life of Leadership and Legacy’ will be held at the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery managed by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, University of South Australia in Adelaide, from 4 June to 25 July 2025.
Lowitja Institute CEO, Mr Paul Stewart said, ‘This exhibition is the first of its kind, a powerful testament to the unparalleled legacy of the late Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue — a visionary and transformative leader whose long-lasting impact resonates across the nation and beyond.
‘Dr O’Donoghue has impacted many of us and as CEO of Lowitja Institute, I am proud to honour and build upon her legacy.’
The exhibition content will feature vision of a selection of Dr O’Donoghue’s landmark speeches and media interviews, historic items of personal clothing and awards, items of cultural and political significance, newspaper clippings and quotes, and never seen before photographs, letters, and reports.
Themes within the exhibition will include Stolen Generations, Nursing and Health, Aboriginal Affairs, ATSIC, Significant Achievements, Family, and Indigenous Peoples.
The exhibition coincides with the Lowitja Institute 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre (16–19 June). Its theme Strong, Fearless, Together honours the legacy of Dr O’Donoghue. Delegates will be able to visit the exhibition, which is only a short walk from the convention centre.
The exhibition is proudly presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, in partnership with the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation and Lowitja Institute, with the support of principal sponsor, the Government of South Australia.
We invite everyone to attend and immerse themselves in her extraordinary life, to be inspired to carry forward her unyielding pursuit of justice and human rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and Indigenous peoples across the globe.
Hosted Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation Talk sessions will be available for ticketed group bookings, details will be announced soon.
LOWITJA – A Life of Leadership and Legacy
The life and influence of Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG
Wednesday 4 June 2025 to Friday 25 July 2025
Kerry Packer Civic Gallery
The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre,
Hawke Building Level 3, UniSA City West Campus
55 North Terrace, Kaurna Country, Adelaide SA
(Corner North Terrace and Fenn Place)
Opening Hours – Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm
Closed on weekends and public holidays
FREE ENTRY
For more information, visit: The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre
For more information about the late Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG and the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation:
CONTACT
Please direct all media enquiries to communications@lowitja.org.au
View all media assets and high-res images here
