Donny Woolagoodja grew up in Mowanjum, near Derby, where his people - the Worrorra - had been re-located. There, he learnt the art and stories of the Wanjina and Lalia and after his father, Sam Wooagoodja, died he took on the responsibilities for passing on the traditions of his culture.
Woolagoodja has become one of Mowanjum's most successful contemporary artists, becoming well known for his design of the giant Wanjina, Namarali, displayed during the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. He won the 2004 Kimberley Art Award and the 2000 Western Australia State Images Art Award. Woolagoodja has been chairman of Mowanjum Community, Mowanjum Artists Spirit of the Wanjina Aboriginal Corporation and several other Kimberley organisations. As a leader in his community, Woolagoodja has actively pursued native title.
