Pat Anderson AO is an Alyawarre (pron. Alla-Yarr-Eh) woman known nationally and internationally as an advocate for the rights and health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Ms Anderson was the Chair of the Lowitja Institute for nearly 20 years and has extensive experience in Aboriginal health, including community development, policy formation and research ethics.
She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2014 for distinguished service to the Indigenous community as a social justice advocate, particularly through promoting improved health, and educational and protection outcomes for children.
Along with Professor Megan Davis and Noel Pearson, Pat was awarded the internationally renowned Sydney Peace Prize for 2021-2022 for leadership in delivering the Uluru Statement From the Heart to the Australian People calling for Voice, Makarrata, Truth.
Ms Anderson was Co-Chair of the Referendum Council that released its final report in 2017 and has since led the work of the Uluru Dialogue in partnership with the ILC UNSW.
Put simply Aunty Pat Anderson AO is one of our great elders, she cares deeply for her people and wants peace in this country.