Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG
1 August 1932 – 4 February 2024
Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG, Yankunytjatjara woman, died peacefully aged 91 on 4 February 2024.
Please read the Family Statement
Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation
On 1 August 2022, Lowitja Institute proudly announced the formation of the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation, in honour of this significant day, the 90th birthday of Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG.
Yankunytjatjara woman Dr O’Donoghue is arguably Australia’s most recognised Aboriginal woman. A powerful and unrelenting advocate for her people and an inspiration to many.
Dr O’Donoghue’s lifetime contribution to the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights, produced significant outcomes in health, education, political representation, land rights and reconciliation.
Lowitja Institute, Australia’s only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health research institute, is named in honour of its Patron, Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG.
The Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation acknowledges, recognises, and preserves the extraordinary legacy of Dr O’Donoghue’s dedicated lifetime of work and creates opportunities for advancement and change.
Learn about Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue’s life
Biography and achievements timeline
As a national organisation, we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land across Australia and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. Our offices are located on the lands of the Wurundjeri people.
