EMPOWERING YINDJIBARNDI: EXPO CELEBRATES CULTURE, PROJECTS, AND PATHWAYS

BY ASAD KHAN

Cultural Leadership and Long-Term Vision on Show in Roebourne

The resilience and growth of the Yindjibarndi Nation were front and centre at the 2025 Yindjibarndi Expo, held this week at the Ganalili Centre in Ieramugadu (Roebourne).

Hosted by Yindjibarndi Nation Ltd, the annual event showcased more than a decade of cultural and economic development. Community members, government representatives, and business partners gathered to reflect on key milestones and chart future directions.

“A Journey of 14 Years and Still Growing”

Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation CEO Michael Woodley said the expo demonstrated the strength of the Yindjibarndi people and their ongoing commitment to self-determination.

“I'm showcasing the Expo that speaks to the Yindjibarndi journey and some of our successes in terms of our projects,” he said.

“But also [it] can showcase to our members as well that this is a journey that we've been on for the last 14 years, and we continue to grow year by year.”

Training for the Future: Roadworks Announcement

Local Member for Pilbara Kevin Michel used the occasion to announce Yindjibarndi's involvement in the next phase of sealing the Karratha–Tom Price Road. The initiative aims to build on existing partnerships and provide hands-on training and employment opportunities for Yindjibarndi workers.

“Another good project which is upcoming at the moment—we're working with Yindjibarndi to do the next sealing of the Karratha–Tom Price Road,” he said.

“We've been working with Yindjibarndi to empower them, to get their people learning and training to do the road, so they can do the next number of kilometres.”

Pathways to Nation-Building

The expo also featured presentations from Yindjibarndi enterprises, including energy, housing, ranger programs, and media, highlighting the group’s “3C” model—cultural, community, and commercial development.

The Yindjibarndi Expo is fast becoming a key fixture in the Pilbara calendar, offering a space for truth-telling, celebration, and strategic planning for the future of the Yindjibarndi people.