35 Facts About Lidia Thorpe

Early Life and Education

Lidia Thorpe's journey began in Melbourne, where her early experiences shaped her future activism and political career.

1. Birth and Family: Born on August 18, 1973, in Carlton, Victoria, to Roy Illingworth and Marjorie Thorpe, Lidia has a rich heritage of English, Irish, Djab Wurrung, Gunnai, and Gunditjmara descent.

2. Early Life: Raised in Melbourne’s inner north public housing flats, Lidia learned to advocate for herself and her community from a young age, facing harassment at school.

3. Education: Attended Gold Street Primary School, Fitzroy High School, and Collingwood High. She left school at 14 but later pursued further education.

4. First Job: Worked with her uncle Robbie Thorpe at the Koori Information Centre in Fitzroy, a hub of Black political activity, which deeply influenced her activism.

5. Community Development Diploma: Graduated with a Diploma of Community Development from Swinburne University of Technology in 2007 and holds a graduate certificate in public sector management from La Trobe University.

Early Career and Community Involvement

Before entering politics, Thorpe's career was marked by various roles that showcased her commitment to community development and Indigenous rights.

6. Early Career: Worked as a project manager with the East Gippsland Shire Council, Indigenous manager at Centrelink, and manager at Lake Tyers Aboriginal Training Centre.

7. NAIDOC Committee: Co-chaired the Victorian NAIDOC Committee from 2014 to 2017, highlighting her leadership in Indigenous affairs.

8. Victorian Parliament: In 2017, became the first Aboriginal woman elected to the Victorian Parliament, representing Northcote until 2018.

9. Senate Career: Preselected by Victorian Greens members in 2020 to fill a federal Senate vacancy, becoming the first Aboriginal woman to represent Victoria in the Senate.

10. Greens Deputy Leader: Served as the Greens' deputy leader in the Senate from June to October 2022 after her re-election in May 2022.

Transition to Independent Senator

Lidia Thorpe's political journey took a significant turn when she decided to leave the Greens and continue her advocacy as an Independent Senator.

11. Independent Senator: Left the Greens in February 2023 to sit as an Independent Senator, representing the Blak Sovereign Movement due to disagreements over the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum.

12. Social Impact Award: Received the Social Impact Award from Swinburne University of Technology in 2021 for her contributions to social justice and community development.

13. Bankruptcy: Declared bankrupt in 2013 with over A$700,000 in debts, attributing it to domestic violence and financial strain.

14. Family Legacy: Continues the legacy of her family, who are proud working-class activists. Her grandmother, Alma Thorpe, was a founder of the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service.

15. Mother and Grandmother: Lidia is a mother and grandmother who has publicly shared her experiences with domestic violence and her advocacy journey.

Advocacy and Activism

Thorpe's activism spans various issues, from Indigenous rights to environmental protection, showcasing her dedication to social justice.

16. Advocacy for First Peoples: Focuses on public health, environmental protection, public housing, and child protection, campaigning for social and environmental justice.

17. Blak Sovereign Movement: Represents the Blak Sovereign Movement, advocating for Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination, critical of Australian political institutions.

18. Indigenous Voice to Parliament: Key figure in the "progressive No" campaign for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum in October 2023, opposing the proposed reform.

19. Confrontation with King Charles: In October 2024, confronted King Charles III during a parliamentary reception, accusing him of genocide against Indigenous Australians and demanding a peace treaty.

20. Criticism of Monarchy: Long critical of the British monarchy, calling King Charles "not the legitimate sovereign of these lands" and advocating for a treaty to address historical injustices.

High-Profile Protests and Re-election

Thorpe's protests and re-election campaigns have drawn significant attention, highlighting her unwavering commitment to her causes.

21. Activism and Protests: During her 2020 swearing-in ceremony as a senator, raised a black power salute while wearing a traditional possum-skin cloak and holding an Aboriginal message stick.

22. Re-election and Oath: After being re-elected in May 2022, referred to the late Queen Elizabeth II as "the colonizing Her Majesty" during her oath, which she had to repeat correctly.

Community Roles and Leadership

Thorpe's involvement in various community roles before federal politics showcases her leadership and dedication to Indigenous rights.

23. Community Involvement: Worked as a consultant for the Australian Conservation Foundation, chief treaty negotiator for the Traditional Owner Land Justice Group, and chairperson of NAIDOC Victoria.

24. Event Management and Consulting: Managed her own business in event management and consulting from 2010 to 2013, and was the managing director of Victorian Aboriginal Events Management.

25. Grandmothers Against Removals: Facilitated and fundraised for Grandmothers Against Removals from 2018 to 2019, advocating for Indigenous family rights.

26. Amnesty International: Served as the Indigenous Lead for Amnesty International from 2019 to 2020, promoting human rights and social justice.

27. Traditional Owner Land Justice Group: Worked as the chief treaty negotiator, focusing on land rights issues and Indigenous sovereignty.

28. Central Highlands Forest Campaign: Consulted for the Central Highlands Forest Campaign, involved in environmental activism and conservation.

29. Municipal Association: Advised the Municipal Association of Victoria from 2013 to 2016, providing expertise on Indigenous affairs.

30. Clan Corporation: Managed the Clan Corporation from 2016 to 2017, showcasing her leadership in various organizational settings.

31. Lake Tyers Aboriginal Training Centre: Managed the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Training Centre in 2010, contributing to Indigenous education and employment initiatives.

32. East Gippsland Shire Council: Worked as a project manager from 2011 to 2013, focusing on community development projects.

33. Koori Information Centre: Early involvement with her uncle Robbie Thorpe at the Koori Information Centre laid the foundation for her future work.

34. Victorian Aboriginal Health Service: Family legacy includes her grandmother’s role in founding the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, a cornerstone of Indigenous health services.

35. Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership: Received the Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership Award in 2008, recognizing her dedication to Indigenous leadership and community development.

Lidia Thorpe: A Force for Change

Lidia Thorpe's journey from public housing in Melbourne to the halls of Parliament showcases her resilience and dedication to Indigenous rights. As the first Aboriginal woman in the Victorian Parliament and later in the Senate, she has broken barriers and made history. Her work spans community development, environmental activism, and social justice. Thorpe's advocacy for the Blak Sovereign Movement and her stance on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament highlight her commitment to Indigenous sovereignty. Despite personal challenges, including bankruptcy and experiences with domestic violence, she has remained a steadfast advocate for her community. Thorpe's confrontations with figures like King Charles III and her bold protests in Parliament underscore her fearless approach to activism. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one individual can have on the fight for justice and equality.