Meet Our Elders: Aunty Carol Palmer

The Spear Foundation is strengthened by the knowledge, spirit and leadership of our Elders. This ongoing series shares their journeys, celebrating the voices that continue to guide and uplift our community.

Early Life & Journey Beyond Geraldton

A proud Yamaji Bard Giga woman, Aunty Carol was born on the reserve in Geraldton, surrounded by the warmth of her parents and a bustling household of nine children—five sisters and four brothers. She often speaks of her childhood with great affection. “I wasn’t part of the Stolen Generation,” she says softly. “I had a beautiful upbringing.”

Her mum, despite having only completed Year 4, was determined that her children would have the education she never had. That encouragement shaped Carol’s path. After finishing Year 11 in Perth, she completed business studies and then made the bold move to Kununurra  taking up a role with Main Roads. In classic country style, the local policeman gave her a lightning-fast driving test, and before long she was cruising around the region in a panel van, managing payroll and hand-delivering pay packets to crews working across the Kimberley.

Love, Family & Building a Life With Kim

After several years up north, Carol returned to Perth and began working at Mr and Mrs Shedley’s Home for Aboriginal Children in Applecross. It was there, among the laughter, the routines, and the deep responsibility of caring for young ones, that she met a young man named Kim. What began as a shy glance across the kitchen soon blossomed. She still laughs about the moment she whispered to a friend, “Gee, he’s a bit hot, isn’t he?” A later trip to Point Peron—complete with an enthusiastic game, a tumble on jagged rocks, and Kim rushing to her rescue—sealed the beginning of their life together.

Today, family is still at the heart of everything for Aunty Carol. She and Kim share two sons, Nathan and Winton, and a cherished group of granddaughters. “The boys gave me girls,” she says proudly, speaking of Allegra, Belle, Persia, Matahnah, and Sierra. “I’m truly blessed.”

Community, Connection & the Joy of Eldering

Beyond family and the Everlasting Elders, one of her greatest joys is the Kookaburra Club, an Aboriginal women’s group that has been established for more than 30 years. Tuesdays and Thursdays are for morning tea, deep yarns, and fiercely competitive Rummikub battles—“We are SO competitive!” she grins.

When asked what brings her joy as an Elder, she answers with heart: “Helping people where they’re at. Sometimes you just need to be quiet, listen, and be a friend.”

For Aunty Carol, the Everlasting Elders events have opened new circles of connection and belonging. “I love meeting women from other communities. It fills my heart,” she says.

We are honoured to walk alongside Aunty Carol—a woman of kindness, humour and quiet strength, and a treasured guiding light in our Spear Foundation family.

Carol (centre) at the Everlasting Elders Pamper Day.