BUILDING a STATE OF HOPE

Inspired by Don Dunstan, we work to create better lives for all South Australians, no matter their background or size of their income.

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What we all want is that we ourselves, and every other Australian as well, should have the chance to enjoy life and live it to the full.

Don Dunstan’s Australia p95

Shaping long-term solutions to big challenges

Housing and homlessness, justice for Aboriginal people, well-supported and accessible arts and culture, and a state that looks after vulnerable people in the face of climate change – these are the issues that drive our policy work.

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EVENTS WITH IMPACT

Australia’s first Aboriginal Productivity Commissioner, Romlie Mokak delivered a powerful 2025 Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration – one of the key events on the Don Dunstan Foundations’ calendar.

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Political and policy leaders should be talking up a self-determination agenda, not a practical reconciliation agenda. And in doing so, it will mean that communities should have power. It will mean that communities are in control.

Romlie Mokak, 2025 Lowitja O'Donoghue Orator
Advancing Don Dunstan’s vision for progressive change

We are a thought leadership organisation that perpetuates the memory and vision of Don Dunstan and his commitment to progressive social change through strong democratic institutions.

Our purpose is shaped by guiding principles and aspirations for South Australia as a model for reform, nationally and internationally.

The Foundation is proudly supported by The University of Adelaide and Flinders University. For 25 years our work has been made possible by the ongoing support of the Government of South Australia.

It’s about time we celebrated the fact that eccentric is beautiful.

Don Dunstan – Parkinson Interview

Featured Projects

The Don Dunstan Foundation supports an evolving variety of projects which aim to build on Don’s legacy, relevant to the 21st century.

Climate Justice

The climate crisis is here In Australia, more than 10 million people live in areas with very high…

Housing and Homelessness

Don Dunstan believed secure housing was a fundamental human right and, therefore, a primary responsibility of government. Don was…

Aboriginal Empowerment

Our work supports the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including to self-determination and recognition of…

SALA Award

This award is for artists whose work explores social justice themes which align with the objectives and priorities…

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Foundation News

Stay informed with the latest updates from the Don Dunstan Foundation. Explore thought-provoking articles, organisational milestones, and stories that reflect our ongoing commitment to social justice and progressive reform.

Foundation Events

Join us at events that bring Don Dunstan’s vision to life. From thought-provoking discussions to community gatherings, our events inspire action, collaboration, and progressive change.

Reoccuring Event Series
Dunstan Dialogues

The Dunstan Dialogues Series has been re-imagined as a Chatham House forum where decision-makers, researchers, the social services sector,…

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HELP DON’S LEGACY LIVE ON

Your donation empowers us to continue driving positive, impactful change.
Every contribution helps us work towards a more just and equitable future.

Together, we can make a lasting impact.

My conclusion is that change will continue. Looking at the healthiness of grass-roots Australia I can proudly say that in world terms this is a good place to be in and belong to.

Don Dunstan’s Australia p96

SIGNUP NEWSLETTER

If you would like to receive information from the Don Dunstan Foundation, please sign up to our newsletter below. We send out regular information about our work and upcoming events.