2023 Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration
Around 900 people gathered for “a moment to unite” as the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP took to the stage for the 16th annual Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration on Monday, May 29.
It was the first time a sitting Prime Minister had delivered the oration and was the largest in the event’s history. The occasion brought together people from diverse cultures, backgrounds and ages, including around 90 secondary school students, for what commentators described as a defining two hours, both for those attending and, the entire nation.
Mr Albanese cited historical facts and recounts culminating in a clear call to action ahead of the upcoming referendum.
“After the 1967 referendum, we woke up to a better nation. Not because anyone believed that the referendum was going to magically solve every problem, but because we had – together as a nation – done what was right.
“Once again, we have a chance to act not just with our heads but our hearts as well in unison… In 2023 our generation can go one better.
“None of us has anything to lose. But we have something wonderful and so very real to gain.”
During his 20-minute speech, Mr Albanese used the opportunity to dissect and dispel “scare campaigns”.
“But what those campaigns have in common is that they underestimate Australians so radically.”
He also drew on his personal experiences and connections with Aboriginal elders – including Patrick Dodson, the late Yunupingu, Noel Pearson and Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG.
In paying tribute to Dr O’Donoghue, Mr Albanese said: “Some see her as the rock that stands firm in the storm, sometimes even staring down the storm. But I see her as one of the great rocks around which the river of our history has gently bent, persuaded to flow along a better course.
“As our nation prepares to make a profound choice, who better to honour than the very woman who so powerfully embodies the spirit of the referendum that shows us the success of the next one is indeed possible.”
Guests entered Bonython Hall to a powerful and uplifting organ performance by Casey McEwan, a student of The University of Adelaide’s Centre of Aboriginal Studies in Music, setting a powerful tone for the evening.
Mr Albanese’s oration was followed by a question-and-answer session facilitated by The Honourable Dr Jane Lomax Smith, Chair of the Don Dunstan Foundation and Lord Mayor of the City of Adelaide.
The Freedom Songs followed and, in a slight deviation from tradition, the audience was led in singing by talented multi-instrumentalist Indigenous singer-songwriter, Rob Edwards, in a special recording. The dedicated performance was beautifully recorded by Channel 44 and featured Rob playing Don Dunstan’s very own and much treasured piano, donated by the Dunstan family to the Elder Conservatorium.
It was an emotional but uplifting ending to an evening which demonstrated the power of unity over division.
In the Prime Minister’s words: “We’ve always been at our best when we’ve looked to the future with excitement and hope – that’s when we make progress.
“Let us write the beginning of a better chapter, a chapter in which we turn hope into reality.”
The 2023 Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration was presented by our Foundation in partnership with the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, Reconciliation SA, the Lowitja Institute and the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation. It was sponsored by BHP, SA Power Networks and the Government of South Australia.
A recording of the Oration is now available here.