Lowitja O’Donoghue Excellence in Leadership – Public Sector Scholarships

Applications for the inaugural Lowitja O’Donoghue Excellence in Leadership – Public Sector Scholarship were open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals with substantive public sector experience to deepen their leadership capacity, cultural authority and influence, strengthening capacity to drive reform, and create positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. 

As the prestigious first initiative of the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation’s new Leadership program, the scholarship carries forward Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue’s legacy of courageous, self-determined leadership. Guided by her example, it aims to empower through the continuation of her work of leading with, for, and through our communities.

The objective of this scholarship is to strengthen the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership pipeline, and to contribute to a broader national reform initiative which creates genuine, long-term impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership across the public sector.

Distinct from a traditional academic scholarship, this initiative provides funding for the successful recipient to co-design a personalised 12-month leadership pathway plan with the Foundation. This may include options such as mentoring, executive and governance training, and conference and exchange opportunities.

The scholarship is open to applicants from across Australia, with up to three scholarships available.

Applications closed on 31 August.