PM Anthony Albanese delivers eulogy for Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue in Adelaide

The Yankunytjatjara woman has been honoured as one of the most remarkable leaders in the country's history at her state funeral on Friday. Watch the replay here.

*Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the name and images of a deceased person

**Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised this story includes images of an Indigenous person who has died.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has remembered Yankunytjatjara woman, Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DG as one of the “most remarkable leaders” in Australia’s history as he delivered one of two eulogies at her state funeral service in Adelaide on Friday.

Dr O’Donoghue died on Kaurna country on 4 February peacefully and surrounded by family.

More than 700 people attended the St Peter’s Cathedral in North Adelaide to pay their respects to the trailblazer who “created pathways” for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

In his eulogy, Mr Albanese spoke about the adversities Dr O’Donoghue overcame throughout her life and remembered her as one of the “most remarkable leaders” Australia “has ever known”.

SCROLL DOWN TO READ ANTHONY ALBANESE’S EULOGY IN FULL

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivers a eulogy for Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

Lowitja O'Donoghue, Charge sister at Royal Adelaide Hospital 1959 Picture: Lowitja O'Donoghue Collection

“Last year, when I delivered the Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration, I said I saw her as one of the great rocks around which the river bend of our history has gently bent, persuaded to flow along a better course,” Mr Albanese will say.

“Starting with a childhood that saw her separated from her family, her language and even her own name, Dr O’Donoghue endured discrimination that would have given her every reason to lose faith in her country – but she never did.

Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue’s coffin is carried out to the waiting car. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

“Her remarkable power was one built on an abiding faith in the possibility of a more united Australia.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas, Attorney-General Kyam Maher, former Premier Steven Marshall, federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, Governor-General David Hurley and SA Governor-General Frances Adamson were also present at the service.

Iconic singer-songwriter, Paul Kelly also attended and performed Dr O’Donoghue’s favourite song, Brown Skin Baby by Bob Randall.

Dr O’Donoghue’s niece, Deborah Edwards delivered a reflection on her beloved aunty and a woman who was revered at the highest levels of government throughout her career in the public sector.

Friends and family pay their respects outside after the Dr Lowitja O‘Donoghue AC CBE DSG funeral service at St Peters Cathedral in Adelaide. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

“We (family) watched on with great pride as she created pathways, took charge of board meetings, negotiated history making events, received awards of the highest order, and she handled it all with determination, a cool head, grace, dignity and compassion,” Ms Edwards said.

“We have no idea what life will be like without her here (and) we are so proud of all that she was and all that she achieved and all that she gave to this nation.

“We are proud that she was ours.”

Dr O’Donoghue became the first trainee Aboriginal nurse in SA and worked at the Royal Adelaide Hospital for 10 years, rising to the position of Sister Charge.

During the 1967 Referendum, she was a strong campaigner for the recognition of Indigenous people before joining the SA branch of the Federal Office of Aboriginal Affairs.

From 1970-72, she became a member of the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement and was appointed to the position of Regional Director of the SA Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

She went on to take numerous leadership roles including founding Chairperson of the National Aboriginal Conference in 1977, and the inaugural Chairperson of ATSIC – the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission – in 1990.

Dr O’Donoghue retired from public life in 2008 and in 2010, the Lowitja Institute was established which aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.