Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG

Dear Henley families

You may be aware of the passing Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG, who died peacefully on 4 February 2024, aged 91, with her immediate family around her.

A proud Yankunytjatjara woman, Dr O’Donoghue was a true trailblazer, leader, and advocate for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Indigenous peoples globally.

She lived a remarkable life and made an enormous contribution to public life and the pursuit of justice and equity. Her commitment to championing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and health research will always be remembered, and her legacy continues through her family, the Lowitja Institute and Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation.

Among many achievements, Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue was the founding chairperson of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) and played a key role in drafting the Native Title legislation that arose from the High Court’s historic Mabo decision. Named 1984 Australian of the Year, Dr O’Donoghue was the first Aboriginal person to address the United Nations General Assembly and the first Aboriginal woman to be appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

As a school community, we will continue to honour Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue as the namesake of our Lowitja House and through sharing the stories of her incredible life.

If you wish to read further about Dr Lowitja O’Donohue, please go to https://www.lowitja.org.au/lowitja-foundation/ where you will find information about her life’s work.

Yours sincerely

Tony Sims
Principal