Adelaide Unveils Statue Honoring Indigenous Leader

A powerful new landmark stands on the banks of Adelaide's River Torrens, reminding everyone who passes by what determination and courage can achieve.

Dr. Lowitja O'Donoghue, one of Australia's most influential Aboriginal leaders, was honored Tuesday with a bronze statue at Elder Park. Hundreds attended the unveiling, including her family, community members, and government leaders who came to celebrate her extraordinary life.

The Yankunytjatjara woman's journey began in 1932 in remote South Australia, where she was removed from her mother at age two. She grew up at Colebrook Children's Home and fought to become the first Aboriginal nurse at Royal Adelaide Hospital after initially being refused admission because of her heritage.

That fighting spirit never left her. Dr. O'Donoghue became Australian of the Year in 1984, led the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, and became the first Aboriginal person to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Her niece Deb Edwards said Dr. O'Donoghue was always willing to go first. "She was always happy to go first because that meant it would open doors and pathways for other people," Edwards shared at the unveiling.

Artist Robert Hannaford, who also painted Dr. O'Donoghue's portrait for the National Portrait Gallery 20 years ago, created the bronze statue. "It's probably one of the highlights of my life," he said.

The Ripple Effect

This statue is just the beginning. South Australia committed $1 million to honor six prominent Aboriginal leaders with statues, including inventor David Unaipon, community leader Gladys Elphick, and anti-nuclear advocate Yami Lester.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Kyam Maher said the choice of location was intentional. "After all, you can't be what you can't see, and we want to make sure young Aboriginal kids see this," he explained.

Edwards' niece Mahailia Levinson created the artwork at the statue's base, featuring the family totem of an owl. Three generations of the O'Donoghue family attended, including an eight-year-old great niece learning about her ancestor's legacy.

Young Aboriginal children visiting Elder Park will now see themselves reflected in the city's heart, knowing that they too can achieve extraordinary things.