Carol Martin, first Aboriginal woman elected to any Australian parliament, given Order of Australia Medal

A life dedicated to service and paving the way for Aboriginal leaders comes full circle today as Carol Martin receives the Order of Australia Medal.

"It was a bit unbelievable," Ms Martin said. The political figure began her career more than two decades ago. And it was the Kimberley that gave Ms Martin the platform to make history. "I went to the Kimberley when I was 16 and that community helped shape the adult that I am and it was a great place to grow up," she said. Ms Martin became the first Aboriginal woman elected as a member of any Australian parliament in 2001, when she was voted in as the state Member for the Kimberley as part of the Labor party.

Click here to read the full article published by ABC News Australia on 11 June 2023.