Yulki grew up in Wuyagiba before moving to the mission as a child. Yulki moved with her mother and father from Groote Eyelandt to Numbulawar in the fifties and helped establish the mission there, where she eventually became Australia’s first female Aboriginal priest.
Yulki was taught how to weave at age of 18 by her aunty, who she fondly calls Old Gagadee. They were in the missionary together and would spend their spare time collecting pandanus and the natural colours which were within walking distance of the homestead. Through Old Gagadee’s tutorage, Yulki found a love for weaving which continues strongly today. She and her group of self-proclaimed White Hair Ladies regularly spend their Saturdays collecting materials to create their much beloved weave-art.
Most recently Yulki has been using abandoned ghost nets and fishing line to weave her baskets with the other ladies at Numbulwar Numburindi Arts. Ghost nets account for about 40% of all ocean plastic. Numbulwar baskets divert this plastic away from the oceans, keeping nets clear of vulnerable sea life.
