Our People

Michael Woodley is a Yindjibarndi man who was born in Roebourne, WA and raised at the Ngurrawaana homeland on his traditional country from the age of 10. In 2000 he and his partner Lorraine Coppin founded Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation, which is dedicated to cultural preservation and promotion.

Mr Woodley has led the Yindjibarndi community since 2007 as CEO of the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation, a native title body. He now heads a group of entities that is working towards achieving community, cultural and commercial benefits for the Yindjibarndi people. This includes the Yurra contracting business which now employs 400 people and generates $120 million in annual turnover, together with Yindjibarndi businesses and partnerships in the areas of renewable energy, housing, water management, media services and car rental.

Under his leadership, the Yindjibarndi people are engaged in a legal battle that could redefine the rights and entitlements of Indigenous people in Australia in relation to mining and other development. He and Lorraine recently returned to Ngurrawanna on Yindjibarndi Ngurra (country) where they live with community members, children and grandchildren.