The Lowitja Institute

09/03/2026

The launch of the 2026 Close the Gap Report, subtitled 'Community Voices: The Pathway to Justice, Equality and Healing', will be held online at 10:30am (AEDT) on Thursday 19 March.

The report explores how the rights affirmed in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) can be realised through Australia’s National Agreement on Closing the Gap and its four Priority Reform Areas. It examines the shift from symbolic recognition to structural reform, and why meaningful change across government systems is critical to achieving outcomes.

Centred on justice, equality and healing, the report features nine community-led case studies demonstrating how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations are embedding self-determination in practice.

Hear from three presenters (one from each thematic area) sharing insights from their work and the report’s key findings. The launch will conclude with a panel discussion featuring the presenters and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss, exploring, self-determination, leadership, accountability, and the path to genuine reform.

Register: https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0F_1D0

08/03/2026

This International Women's Day, we honour our co-patrons – the late Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue AC CBE DSG, and Pat Anderson AO – two women who have dedicated their lives to advancing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and Indigenous peoples globally, advocating for self-determination and justice in health.

This year's theme from UN Women is Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL women and girls. For us at Lowitja Institute, our legacy is built on elevating the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls through health research led by our communities, for our communities.

A proud Yankunytjatjara woman, Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue was a nurse, charge sister and activist. She was the first woman to hold the position of regional director in a federal department for Aboriginal affairs; and in 1990 was appointed the inaugural chairperson of ATSIC – the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission – winning universal admiration for her leadership, tenacity and integrity.

A true trailblazer, leader and advocate for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Indigenous peoples globally, Dr O'Donoghue continues to inspire what we do. Find out more about Dr O’Donoghue’s inspiring life > https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0FGgg0

Pat Anderson AO, an Alyawarre woman, has dedicated her life to advocating for the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, leading national and international efforts to achieve justice for First Nations people. As chair of the Institute for nearly 20 years, Pat became co-patron of Lowitja Institute in 2021. Her leadership and commitment to self-determination guide and support us at Lowitja Institute. As co-chair of the Uluru Dialogues in partnership with Professor Megan Davis and Noel Pearson, Pat was instrumental in championing the Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017.

You can hear Pat Anderson's powerful speech from our Lowitja Conference 2025 here > https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0FG9J0

We are proud to be led by the vision and lives of these two inspiring women, and to carry forward the work they have championed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

06/03/2026

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

The annual Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration is a highlight event of the Reconciliation Week calendar in South Australia.

Join Professor Larissa Behrendt AO at Elder Hall on Kaurna Country, as she explores how First Nations leadership styles can move us past the bitterness of current public discourse toward a more mature national identity.

This isn't just a lecture: it is a roadmap for more effective advocacy.

Where: Elder Hall, Adelaide University, Kaurna Country

When: 6:30pm, Wednesday 3 June

GET TICKETS: https://lnkd.in/g2-JDp3t

Use the discount code DDFEARLYBIRD for 50% off until 5 April

(livestream tickets also available)

Read more: https://lnkd.in/g3wUyYB3

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

06/03/2026

Lowitja O'Donoghue Oration - TICKETS ON SALE NOW

The annual Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration is a highlight event of the Reconciliation Week calendar in South Australia.

Join Professor Larissa Behrendt AO at Elder Hall on Kaurna Country, as she explores how First Nations leadership styles can move us past the bitterness of current public discourse toward a more mature national identity.

This isn't just a lecture: it is a roadmap for more effective advocacy.

Where: Elder Hall, Adelaide University, Kaurna Country

When: 6:30pm, Wednesday 3 June

GET TICKETS: https://events.humanitix.com/2026-lowitja-o-donoghue-oration

Use the discount code DDFEARLYBIRD for 50% off until 5 April

(livestream tickets also available)

05/03/2026

We are hosting a unique workshop on Wiradjuri Country, in Orange, New South Wales, on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 April.

This workshop will focus on growing organisational research capability, infrastructure and strategy as well as building networks between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, students, and staff across sectors.

The gathering creates opportunities to connect, reflect and shape a strong, community controlled research agenda that advances the health and wellbeing of our peoples.

Places are limited, so we encourage you to register early.

Register: https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0FJjX0

04/03/2026

Last month we had an amazing opportunity to engage with a number of stakeholders on Waiben (Thursday Island) to hear and learn about the priorities, governance structures and culture of the people of the Torres Strait, while also sharing the work of Lowitja Institute.

We were hosted by Renee Williams, CEO, Torres Health Indigenous Corporation, and welcomed through a cultural performance by Joey Laifoo and the Lagaw Titui (Island Stars) next generation dance team.

Pictured (from top left):

(L-to-R) Paul Stewart; Senior Project Officer – Consulting, Aaliyah Davey; Renee Williams, CEO, Torres Health Indigenous Corporation (THIC); Executive Manager, Research and Knowledge Translation, Jaki Adams; and THIC's Charleeja Viti.

(L-to-R): Maleta Abednego and Marsat Ketchell from Torres Cape Health and Hospital Service (TCHHS), with Jaki Adams.

(L-to-R): Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chair George Nona, Jaki Adams, TSRA CEO Charlie Caddy, Aaliyah Davey, and Paul Stewart.

(L-to-R): Aaliyah Davey, Paul Stewart, Torres Shire Council Mayor Elsie Seriat, Jaki Adams, and Torres Shire Council CEO Mary Bani.

(L-to-R): Jaki Adams, Torres Strait Islander Media Association Senior Broadcaster Sylvia Reuben, and Paul Stewart.

03/03/2026

To help redress perinatal inequities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and newborns, government health policies recommend the implementation of evidence-based, co-designed models of care. This study explored the views and experiences of First Nations women who gave birth at one of the health services where new models had been implemented.

Overall, the ten women interviewed reported having very positive experiences of the culturally tailored caseload midwifery models: ‘relationships’, ‘trust’ and ‘culture’ were key factors that explained the high ratings of care.

Read the full article in 'The Lowitja Journal':
https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0FhXW0

03/03/2026

Our 29 January webinar, 'Protecting our kids: Confronting and challenging racism after 26 January', focused on what’s needed to protect their futures, highlighting how Aboriginal-led and community-driven solutions can address racism and strengthen communities.

During the event we heard from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, researchers, and community advocates who shared their knowledge and lived experience, and held space for honest conversations about racism, its impacts on children, and the collective action needed to create safer, more just futures.

Our position paper, 'Racism and the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children', highlights the ongoing and pervasive nature of racism in Australia and the ways systemic racism continues to be experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but particularly our children. The paper calls for urgent action to supporting local, community-led responses and driving systemic reform to protect and promote the wellbeing of our children.

Read more: https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0Fc9S0

23/02/2026

This study demonstrates statistical links between intergenerational child apprehensions and negative HIV outcomes among Indigenous people with HIV.

Involving a cohort of young Indigenous peoples in British Columbia, Canada, this study explored how intergenerational child apprehension shapes human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) health and wellness among young Indigenous peoples who have used drugs and are living with HIV.

The findings add to mounting evidence affirming what Indigenous Elders, leaders and parents have known for generations: that child apprehensions are a negative determinant of health for Indigenous individuals, families, communities and nations.

Read the full article in 'The Lowitja Journal': https://www.lowitjajournal.org.au/article/S2949-8406(24)00021-4/fulltext

17/02/2026

17/02/2026

Congratulations to our three 2025 Lowitja Institute Health and Wellbeing Scholars.

Lowitja Institute scholarships contribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership of health by providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to develop skills in their chosen area of study.

Higher Degree Research (HDR) Top-Up Health and Wellbeing Scholarships are offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are enrolled in a higher degree by research and have passed their confirmation of candidature. This scholarship supports emerging researchers with a research focus related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and aligns with Lowitja Institute’s Research Agenda.

Read more: https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0BMpm0

17/02/2026

Ready to shape policy that makes a real difference?

Our Program Manager, Policy, will lead high-impact work improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

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📍 Melbourne

Apply now:

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