Pilkington was born at Balfour Downs Station, near the north Western Australian settlement of Jigalong. Her mother, Molly, named her Nugi Garimara, but she was called Doris after Molly’s employer at the station, Mary Dunnet, who thought Nugi was “a stupid name”. As her birth was unregistered, her birth date was recorded as 1 July 1937 by the Department of Native Affairs. She was taken from her mother to be raised at the Moore River mission when she was three and a half years old. Her younger sister, Annabelle, was also taken and was told she was an orphan, and over the years distanced herself from her Aboriginal heritage.
Australia boasts a rich literary tradition, and delving into classic Aussie books is an excellent way to explore the nation’s unique stories and perspectives.
