The Albanese Labor Government is proud to contribute $3.5 million to support the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation to honour the remarkable legacy of the late Yankunytjatjara woman and support the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and public sector leaders.

The Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation was established in 2022 with support from the Albanese Government to create pathways for First Nations people to carry forward Dr O’Donoghue’s vision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Throughout her career in public life spanning more than 60 years of service, Dr O’Donoghue worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This funding, over the next three years, will support the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation to continue her legacy and increase the number of scholarships offered for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to follow Dr O’Donoghue’s footsteps in nursing and the public sector.

This funding includes:

• $645,000 over the next three years to support 10 scholarships per year, for First Nations people interested in study, internship, and a career in the nursing sector.
• $2 million will be provided as a contribution to a scholarship fund that the Foundation will establish to support public sector scholarships into the future.
• $892,000 over three years for employment, resource development and operational costs.

For more information about the Foundation and to learn how to support its ongoing work, visit the Lowitja Foundation website.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Lowitja O’Donoghue was one of the most remarkable leaders this country has ever known.

“She was like a rock that stood firm in the storm – sometimes even staring down the storm. More than anything, she was of the great rocks around which the river of our history gently bent, persuaded to flow along a better course.

“I am proud that we will deliver $3.5 million to support the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation to honour her remarkable legacy and support the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and public sector leaders.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Mark Butler:

“Never backwards in coming forwards, Lowitja didn't just beat a path for others to follow, she beat down any door that was closed to her and First Nations people.

“The Albanese Government is proud to support the Foundation to carry on her work and further the causes of reconciliation, recognition, agency and self-determination.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Linda Burney:

“Lowitja’s leadership has been an inspiration for generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, including myself. 

“The Albanese Government is proud to support the Foundation in acknowledging Dr O’Donoghue’s exceptional achievements in creating a fairer and more just society.

“She broke down so many barriers, faced up to racism, overcame adversity.

“These scholarships, in Dr O’Donoghue’s honour, will support the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals and public sector leaders.”