Pat Anderson AO named NT’s top women’s leader in 2023

A passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and health has been recognised as the NT’s top woman in leadership.

Lowitja Institute chair and Alyawarre woman Pat Anderson AO won the NT’s 2023 Excellence in Women’s Leadership award. Picture: Rohan Thomson

An internationally renowned advocate for Indigenous rights and health has been recognised as one of the Territory’s top female leaders.

Lowitja Institute chair and Alyawarre woman Pat Anderson AO won the NT’s 2023 Excellence in Women’s Leadership award on Wednesday.

Ms Anderson’s extensive advocacy includes her work as the former CEO of Danila Dilba Health Service, and as the chair of the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education Council and chair of Remote Area Health Corporation.

She also played a critical role in leading conversations around Australia that led to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which she now co-chairs alongside Professor Megan Davis.

Her broad experience in community development, policy formation, and research ethics extends to several publications, including a co-authored report on the abuse of Aboriginal children in the NT.

Lowitja Institute chair and Alyawarre woman Pat Anderson AO won the NT’s 2023 Excellence in Women’s Leadership award.

Ms Anderson is highly accoladed, and was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia in 2014 for her distinguished service to the Indigenous community as a social justice advocate.

In 2018, she received the national NAIDOC Committee’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

She was awarded the ACT Senior Australian of the Year in 2021.

Uluru Statement from the Heart co-chairs Professor Megan Davis (glasses) and Pat Anderson AO discuss progress towards a referendum on the Indigenous voice. John Feder/The Australian.

Ms Anderson will accept her latest award at the Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium on September 1.

Women and Leadership Australia CEO Karen Taylor said Ms Anderson was a role model for women across the country.

“She tirelessly campaigns for improved health, educational, and protection outcomes for First Nations people,” she said.

“We hope to shed light on her integral work in building a better future for First Nations as an advisor to the government on the path to a referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.”