About Carol

Carol is a Proud Yamatji Naaguja and Noongar Woman, who enjoys sharing her Culture through her Art.

Carol was born in Subiaco Western Australia, the eldest daughter of Bernard and Rosemary Pilkington. Carol left home in 1974, arriving in Broome, and falling in love with the people, the community and finding a future for herself. Carol has had a very interesting and full career, she graduated in 1993 as a Social Worker from Curtin University, she was preselected for the Seat of Kimberley in February 2000 and on the 10 February 2001, she was the “First Aboriginal Woman elected to any Australian Parliament”.  Carol uses her Art as a means of relaxation, meditation and a way of expressing how she sees the world.

Awards

2023	Awarded the Order of Australia Medal	Kings Honour List
2022	Inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame, for commitment to Health services in the Kimberley	WA Women’s Hall of Fame
2013	Certificate of Service	Australian Labor Party WA Branch
2011	In recognition of your leadership and commitment to Indigenous Women of Australia	Pat Giles Award - Emily’s List
2008	Success as a role model in becoming a Non-Smoker	ACOSH – Mike Daube
2002	Commemoration and Honorary Recipient of Path of Honour – The First Female Aboriginal Member of Parliament in Australia	Edith Cowen University
2001	Recipient of the Australian Council of Women’s Award, as the First Aboriginal Woman elected to any Australian Parliament	National Council of Women of Australia
2001	Inducted onto the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll, as the First Aboriginal Woman elected to any Australian Parliament	The Parliament of Victoria
1988	Full scholarship to attend Curtin University	Public Service Award
1988	80% scholarship to attend Curtin University	The Department of Community Welfare