Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG is remembered as the greatest Aboriginal leader of the modern generation.

A proud Yankunytjatjara woman, Lowitja O’Donoghue was a fierce advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Her significant contribution to this nation was a lifelong commitment to advancing health, social justice, and reconciliation.

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Lowitja was born on red earth between De Rose Hill and Indulkana on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands.

She was removed from her mother at just two years of age and would not see her again for over 30 years

Raised by church missionaries and trained to be a domestic servant.

At age 16, she was told that she would never amount to anything.

But Lowitja had other plans.

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Fighting against the racism and discrimination which threatened to disarm her, Lowitja became the first Aboriginal person to train as a nurse at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

She achieved triple certificate qualifications, rising to the role of Charge Sister.

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After nursing with missionaries in India, Lowitja felt called to devote her life’s work to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Her people.

She returned to South Australia to work on Country then joined the public service, eventually becoming Regional Director of Aboriginal Affairs.

But there was more to do. National leadership in Canberra beckoned.

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Lowitja was a powerful champion for Indigenous self-determination.

With unrelenting courage and grace, she played a crucial leadership role in the movements and legislations that reshaped modern Australia.

The 1967 Referendum

Native Title Legislation

The National Apology to the Stolen Generations

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Lowitja was the first Aboriginal person to address the United Nations General Assembly.

The first Aboriginal woman to be inducted as a member of the Order of Australia.

The inaugural Chairperson of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission.

1984 Australian of the Year

And a National Living Treasure.

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Universally admired and respected, Lowitja paved the way for generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to follow. She opened doors and she held them open for others.

But of all her achievements, Lowitja was proudest of her service.

Dedicating her life to her people.

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In the spirit of reconciliation,

Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue calls us to continue her life’s work.

Her powerful words – ‘Standup and be counted, we want to hear your voices’ – live on.

VOICE: Dr Lowitja O’Donohue (recording)

“We must be fearless in our work for the health and the well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We must be fearless in our work for the Indigenous peoples of the world over.

Now is the time that Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander People must take their rightful place at the heart of this nation.”

Robert Hannaford AM is a South Australian artist known for his portraiture painting and sculpture practice. A political cartoonist for The Adelaide Advertiser in the 1960s, he began painting full-time in 1970, encouraged by portraitist Sir Ivor Hele, and has since become a regular finalist in the Archibald Prize and winner of the Doug Moran Portrait Prize.

In 2006, Robert Hannaford painted a portait of Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG, commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. Painted from life over six to eight sittings, the portrait capture’s Lowitja ‘vast understanding and sympathy’. 

Hannaford has completed numerous major commissions, including official portraits and works held in national collections. Based in Riverton, he continues to paint and sculpt from his studio, producing a significant body of work and exhibiting widely, including a major survey at the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Tim Thomson is a sculptor working in bronze who also provides casting services to South Australian artists. Living and working in Crafers west since 1984, Tim is one of the longest standing Guildhouse members and has worked on many public art commissions. Tim has had the privilege of casting for significant artists such as Robert Hannaford AM, James Martin, Jannette Moore and Pat Mosely.

Aaron Pedersen is from Arrernte and Arabana country and is an acclaimed Australian actor who has worked across film, television, and theatre.

On screen, Aaron is known for his award-winning role of Detective Jay Swan in the critically acclaimed films Mystery Road and Goldstone, and the television series of the same name. Other select TV credits include Water Rats, A Place to Call Home, Jack Irish, and High Country. Film credits include Dead Heart, Spear, Dirt Music, High Ground, and most recently, It Will Find You and Apex.

On stage, Aaron has performed for many of Australia’s major theatre companies, with credits including King Lear and Cost of Living (Melbourne Theatre Company); The Shiralee and Visitors (Sydney Theatre Company); The Accidental Death of an Anarchist (Black Swan); and Dear Song and Eating With Your Eyes Closed (Queensland Theatre).