Wednesday 07 Feb
Honouring Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue.
Warning - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander readers are warned this story contains an image of a First Nations person who has died.
One of the most significant First Nations leaders of the past century Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue passed away on Kaurna country in Adelaide last weekend. Baptist Mission Australia gives thanks for an extraordinary life dedicated to the wellbeing and justice of First Nations and other vulnerable people.
Among the many inspiring chapters of Dr O’Donoghue’s life of service was her time with our mission community. Dr O’Donoghue, who at the time was a registered nurse, was sent from Unley Park Baptist Church to serve with our organisation as a relieving nurse in Assam. She served as part of our team for more than a year. She envisaged a longer period of service but with other team members was forced to return to Australia because of serious political tensions and unrest in Assam.
Dr O’Donoghue was a trailblazer in many areas of her life, being the first Indigenous trainee nurse in South Australia. This was one of her first fights for First Nations justice, opening the door for others to follow in her nursing footsteps.
Upon returning to Australia from Assam she joined the public service and would serve First Nations people in government and not-for-profit roles for the rest of working life.
In 1976, Dr O’Donoghue was the first First Nations woman to be appointed to the Order of Australia. In 1992 she was the first Aboriginal person to address the United Nations General Assembly, calling for constitutional recognition for Indigenous people.
In 1984 she was named Australian of the Year and in 1988 a National Living Treasure.
From 1990-1996 she served as the inaugural Chairperson of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission.
Dr O’Donoghue is remembered as a human rights champion, a passionate advocate and graceful negotiator, who made a significant contribution in the improvement of the health and wellbeing of First Nations people, as well as the pursuit of land rights and broader justice issues.
Executive Director Scott Pilgrim writes:
"Baptist Mission Australia gives thanks to God for the example and lasting legacy of this courageous woman of faith and justice. As a follower of Jesus, Dr O'Donoghue dedicated her life to the service of others. Our prayers are with her family at this time of loss."
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