Michael Woodley is chief executive of the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation and Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation, was founder and chair of its contracting arm Yurra, and appointed convenor of Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation in September 2019. Among his most significant achievements is the development of Juluwarlu, an Indigenous-operated organisation that is a central point of access for all Australians to learn about Aboriginal history and culture. Located in Roebourne, Juluwarlu aims to collect, preserve and exhibit the culture and history of the Ngardangarli Yindjibarndi people and provide moral and professional support by managing and protecting the local land, culture and environment. Mr Woodley was instrumental in securing a narrow broadcast licence and for developing the Juluwarlu TV channel 34, a local Indigenous community television station. He was also involved in the establishment of Juluwarlu’s education and scholarship program with Woodside Energy. Lack of funding for Juluwarlu has been a major setback for Mr Woodley, where he worked as operations manager unpaid for six years. However, his commitment to the organisation remained strong and he submitted a successful proposal to a major Aboriginal foundation to develop Juluwarlu as a consultancy to government and private industry. Mr Woodley remains heavily involved in assisting cultural and community days in Roebourne including school events, sports days and presentations. In addition, he convenes the Ngarluma & Yindjibarndi Foundation, which is developing a school homecare building program in conjunction with Roebourne School to increase class attendance through participation with children and parents.
