Carol’s Story
A life of art, culture, and dedicated service
Carol Anne Martin OAM (née Pilkington, born 1957) is a community minded trailblazer and an accomplished artist. She was the first Aboriginal woman elected to any Australian parliament, serving in the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia from 2001 to 2013. In 2023, Carol was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the Parliament of Western Australia and the Indigenous community.
Born in Subiaco, Western Australia, Carol grew up in Perth, Geraldton and Mukinbudin. Her mother Rose Pilkington is Yamatji, and her father was Noongar. Carol is the second eldest of eight children, her father taught her maintenance, traditional painting in his people’s style, singing and hunting.
At the age of 12, Carol was removed from her family and placed in several foster homes. Though this period of her life was painful, she developed the skills necessary to overcome her challenges. At 16, she moved to Broome to join her mother, where the local community protected her from the authorities. Despite not completing formal schooling, she later pursued a Business Management course and built a career as a social worker and counsellor. Later, she helped Aboriginal families dealing with the trauma of the Stolen Generations and advocated for children lost in the system. In 1992, Carol won a scholarship to study a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at Curtin University, becoming the first in her family to graduate.
A journey rooted in culture and resilience
Political
milestones
Carol's commitment to her community led her to a career in politics. She served on the Derby-West Kimberley Shire Council and was involved in various community organizations. In 2001, she made history as the first Aboriginal woman elected to any Australian parliament. During her political career, she championed Indigenous rights, women's issues, and social justice, playing a significant role in the establishment of EMILY’s List's Partnership for Equity Network, which encourages Indigenous women’s participation in public life.
After three full terms, Carol retired from politics in 2013, in part following racial slurs related to her support for an industrial project and a desire to spend more time with her family. She remains a strong voice in the Indigenous community.
The power of art
Carol is not only a leader but also a passionate artist. She returned to Derby in the 1990s and rediscovered her love for painting. Her work has been exhibited by Curtin University, and some pieces are housed in the Centre for Aboriginal Studies. Former Governor-General William Deane owned several of her paintings. Her art is a reflection of her heritage, life experiences, and the beauty of the Kimberley and Midwest.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Carol has contributed to initiatives like the Australian Indigenous Art and Culture Development Fund, which advocates for royalty payments to traditional Aboriginal artists, and the Indigenous Stock Exchange (ISX).
Immerse yourself in Carol’s captivating artwork
Cultural Advisory and Art for Change
With a heart committed to both art and social change, Carol continues to empower people by sharing her expertise in cultural advisory services, including the development of Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) and cultural awareness training. These services are aimed at fostering deeper understanding and engagement with Indigenous communities.
Personal Life
Carol enjoys fishing, camping, reading, and spending time with her large extended family. She has two children and several grandchildren. Her art serves as both a source of relaxation and a means of sharing the stories of her people, land, and culture with her family, and the community.