The Lowitja Institute

The Lowitja Institute Australia's National Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through high-impact quality research, knowledge exchange, and by supporting a new generation of researchers.

07/08/2026

The Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation inaugural Lowitja O’Donoghue Excellence in Leadership — Public Sector Scholarship is now open for applications.

Are you inspired by Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue’s legacy and thinking of applying?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals with substantive public sector experience in Health, Aboriginal Affairs, Education or Human Services can apply for a scholarship of up to $50,000, to deepen their leadership capacity, cultural authority and influence, strengthening ability to drive reform and create positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

Applications are now open, learn more and apply today here: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01fC4v0

On the National Day of Recognition, we thank Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practiti...
07/08/2026

On the National Day of Recognition, we thank Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners for the invaluable contribution they make to our communities, health services and healthcare system.

Whether through clinical care, advocacy, education or leadership, their work strengthens health outcomes and creates positive change every day. Many Paths, Many Ways. One Workforce, One Purpose!

Learn more about the day here: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01fl4j0

National Association of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Workers

The Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation proudly opens applications today for the inaugural Lowitja O’Donoghue Excellence in Le...
07/08/2026

The Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation proudly opens applications today for the inaugural Lowitja O’Donoghue Excellence in Leadership — Public Sector Scholarship.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals with substantive public sector experience in Health, Aboriginal Affairs, Education or Human Services can apply for a scholarship of up to $50,000, to deepen their leadership capacity, cultural authority and influence, strengthening ability to drive reform and create positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

Three scholarships are available nationally, applications from rural and remote areas are welcomed.

Distinct from a traditional academic scholarship, this initiative supports the co-design of a personalised 12-month leadership pathway plan, shaped around the successful recipient’s individual experience, journey and values.

Are you inspired by Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue’s legacy? Now is the time to step forward into courageous leadership.

Applications are now open, learn more and apply today here: https://lowitja.org.au/scholarships/public-sector-excellence-in-leadership

The official artwork for the 5th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference 2027 has arrived. The artists ...
06/08/2026

The official artwork for the 5th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference 2027 has arrived.

The artists behind the artwork are Cyan and Mikaela, Larrakia sisters from the Cubillo family. Born and raised in Darwin, they have a deep connection to Larrakia Country. They are fortunate to collaborate artistically as sisters to continue their cultural and spiritual practice of mark-making.

They’re inspired by their Country and draw upon ancient techniques passed down to them by their Elders as well as exploring contemporary styles.

What’s the story behind the artwork? 🎨

‘Our artwork depicts our sacred banyan tree to represent the ancient and continuing knowledge and connection Larrakia People have with their land and culture. The spangled drongo represents our unique and diverse wildlife and our traditional star dreaming pattern and crosshatching represents our connection to saltwater. The colours reflect those found in our Country’.

Check out the artists on Instagram:

🔗Head to the conference website to learn more and stay up to date: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01dKYz0

04/08/2026

June 2026 – Lowitja Institute Co-Patron Pat Anderson AO shares her thoughts on Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue CBE DSG’s courageous leadership.

Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue spent her life standing up for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, social justice, and human rights – often the first to break new ground through her advocacy and leadership.

The Lowitja O’Donoghue Excellence in Leadership – Public Sector Scholarship is an inaugural national initiative for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander public sector professionals who are ready to deepen their leadership capacity.

Applications open this Friday 7 August. Learn more about the scholarship, eligibility requirements, and application process here: https://lowitja.org.au/lowitja-foundation/public-sector-scholarship

Join us from 8–10 June 2027 for the 5th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference on Larrakia Country in ...
03/08/2026

Join us from 8–10 June 2027 for the 5th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference on Larrakia Country in Garramilla (Darwin).

Our conference brings together leaders, knowledge holders and advocates committed to advancing Indigenous health and wellbeing.

This year’s theme, ‘Time, Place, Spirit: Living our legacy’, speaks to the enduring strength, connection and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, carried across generations, expressed in the present moment, and grounded in the world’s oldest continuing and living cultures.

Across all places and across the country, our connections are timeless, carried through story, language, knowledge and belonging to Country.

Following the success of our 2025 conference, which welcomed more than 1,300 delegates from across Australia and the world, we look forward to once again creating a safe space to share innovative ideas and transformational research grounded in our ways of knowing, being and doing.

🔗Head to the conference website for more information and updates: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H018PYT0

Today on 1 August, we celebrate Lowitja O'Donoghue Day.On what would have been the 94th birthday of the late Dr Lowitja ...
01/08/2026

Today on 1 August, we celebrate Lowitja O'Donoghue Day.

On what would have been the 94th birthday of the late Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue AC CBE DSG, we honour her extraordinary life, legacy, and courageous leadership.

From today, 1 August will be recognised each year as Lowitja O'Donoghue Day, a day to reflect on her vision and take One Act of Courage in her honour. Whether it's learning, listening, speaking up, or taking action in your community, every act can help create meaningful change.

Lowitja Institute CEO Paul Stewart says, ‘Lowitja O'Donoghue showed us that true leadership is about creating opportunities for others and leaving a legacy. Her courage challenged injustice and paved the way for future generations. This Lowitja O'Donoghue Day, we're inviting every Australian to honour that legacy through One Act of Courage. Together, our actions today can help create a stronger future for those who follow.’

Today also marks four years since the establishment of the Lowitja O'Donoghue Foundation, created to continue Dr O'Donoghue's vision of empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Join us by sharing this post and telling us what your will be.

To support the Lowitja O'Donoghue Foundation and continue the work and legacy of Lowitja O'Donoghue, you can donate here: https://lowitjafoundation.com.au/

Having a baby during adolescence (youth pregnancy) increases the risk of poorer maternal and perinatal outcomes, includi...
31/07/2026

Having a baby during adolescence (youth pregnancy) increases the risk of poorer maternal and perinatal outcomes, including social outcomes such as poverty and educational attainment.

This study examined First Nations peoples’ perspectives about youth pregnancy and parenthood in Western Sydney, Australia.

Although young participants in this study wanted to avoid pregnancy, there was a high level of acceptance of youth parenthood.

Programs addressing young men’s needs about pregnancy and fatherhood could be useful to better prepare men to become fathers.

🔗 Read the full article in 'The Lowitja Journal':
https://ap1.hubs.ly/H018M3l0

A message from Deb Edwards, Head of Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation: This Saturday 1 August is Lowitja O’Donoghue Day. It ...
30/07/2026

A message from Deb Edwards, Head of Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation:

This Saturday 1 August is Lowitja O’Donoghue Day.

It would have been her 94th birthday and she would have insisted on going out, Lowitja LOVED attending a ‘gathering’. I hope you'll join us as we come together to celebrate Lowitja O'Donoghue Day, and I want to share with you why this day matters.

Lowitja was a woman of extraordinary courage, compassion and determination. Throughout her life she challenged injustice, opened doors for others and never lost sight of the importance of creating pathways for future generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Her legacy is not something we simply remember. It is something we have a responsibility to continue.

At the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation, that means investing in the next generation through scholarships, programs, and education resources that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Every scholarship creates lasting impact through First Nations leadership - strengthening communities and increasing the influence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander expertise.

If you're on Kaurna Country, Adelaide this Saturday, I'd love to see you there as we honour an extraordinary woman whose enduring courage continues to inspire us all.

We will be at Tarntanya Wama (Elder Park) by Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue's statue between 1pm and 3pm. Come for a photo, a coffee on us, and you’ll be invited to participate in our important One Act of Courage display. Bring your family, friends and work colleagues – everyone is welcome.

Wherever you are across the nation, join us in recognising Lowitja O’Donoghue Day in a meaningful way which celebrates Lowitja’s enduring courage and leadership.

Share with us

If you’re interested in helping us with the work of the Foundation, you can donate here: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H018D260

You can also visit the Foundation’s new website and sign-up to the newsletter to join our network here: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H018D4V0

With gratitude and thanks.

28/07/2026

Are you an emerging leader who aspires to carry forward Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue’s legacy of courageous, self-determined leadership?

The Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation’s inaugural initiative of its new Leadership program, the Lowitja O’Donoghue Excellence in Leadership – Public Sector Scholarship, opens Friday 7 August.

Delivered for the first time in 2026, the scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals with substantive public sector experience, to strengthen their ability to drive reform and create positive outcomes for their people and communities.

Distinct from a traditional academic scholarship, this prestigious initiative provides funding for successful recipients to co-design a personalised 12-month leadership pathway plan with the Foundation.

Up to three scholarships are on offer, applicants from across Australia including rural and remote regions, are encouraged to apply.

Learn more about the scholarship, eligibility requirements and application process: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H0181Ql0

Address

71 Oxford Street
Collingwood, VIC
3066

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Lowitja Institute posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to The Lowitja Institute:

Shortcuts

Share

Category