O’Donoghue, who played a key role in some of the greatest changes to Indigenous recognition in Australia, died on Sunday.

The Yankunytjatjara woman was active in the 1967 referendum, successfully lobbied the Keating government to recognise Indigenous land ownership through Native Title laws, and advised on the Rudd Government’s Apology to the Stolen Generations.

O’Donoghue was born at Indulkana on the APY Lands in South Australia’s Far North in 1932, but was taken from her family aged two and put in a children’s home at Quorn.

In 1954 she became the first Aboriginal nurse at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and in the 60s joined the SA branch of the federal Office of Aboriginal Affairs. O’Donahue also was a member of the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement before being appointed Regional Director of the SA Department of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

She campaigned for the 1967 referendum which changed the constitution to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the population. O’Donahue’s continued advocacy and leadership was recognised when she was made a member of the Order of Australia in 1977, received the Advance Australia award in 1982, was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1983, and in 1984 was named Australian of the Year.

In 1990, O’Donahue was appointed inaugural chairperson of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, playing a pivotal role in negotiations with the Keating Labor Government which led to recognising Aboriginal land ownership through the Native Title Act.

In 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd sought O’Donahue’s advice on his Apology to the Stolen Generations, while Australia’s national institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research is named in her honour and a non-profit Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation was set up in 2022 to continue her legacy.

O’Donahue’s niece Deb Edwards said her aunt died peacefully on Kaurna Country with her immediate family by her side.

“Aunty Lowitja dedicated her entire lifetime of work to the rights, health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” she said.

“We thank and honour her for all that she has done – for all the pathways she created, for all the doors she opened, for all the issues she tackled head on, for all the tables she sat at and for all the arguments she fought and won.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said she was one of the the nation’s most remarkable leaders.

“Dr O’Donoghue had an abiding faith in the possibility of a more united and reconciled Australia,” he said.

“It was a faith she embodied with her own unceasing efforts to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to bring about meaningful and lasting reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.”

Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney reflected on her experience with Dr O’Donoghue.

“Lowitja’s leadership and tenacity has been an inspiration for generations of Aborginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, including myself,” she said.

“I had the great honour and privilege of working with Lowitja when I was appointed to the National Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation in 1997.

“She was a truly extraordinary leader. Lowitja was not just a giant of those of us who knew her, but a giant for our country.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas said he would offer a state funeral at the appropriate time to the family of O’Donahue, a pre-eminent and persistent force in Indigenous representation who achieved significant outcomes in health, education, politics, land rights and reconciliation.

“We mourn the loss of a truly great South Australian,” he said.

“Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue dedicated her life to the service of others, and leaves a proud legacy of improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout Australia.

“Determined, strong, thoughtful and deeply compassionate, Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue leaves a substantial legacy, that will continue to be felt by future generations.”

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher said O’Donahue had made “countless positive change” in her life.

“We recognise the profound impact she had on the country and the many lives she touched. Her legacy will forever stand as a testament to the influence of her relentless dedication and service,” he said.

“Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue’s leadership was not just about strength and determination; she led with a presence that inspired others to rise. Her legacy as a leader of both conviction and compassion will continue to inspire generations to come.

“For those that knew Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue, understood that below her steely resolve was a tremendous amount of generosity, warmth, and kindness. So often she provided comfort for those who needed it.

In this difficult time, our hearts go out to Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue’s family, friends, and the wider community who share in the weight of this significant loss. We find solace in celebrating a life that brought joy, inspiration, and lasting change.”