Deadly Discussions

In this episode of Deadly Discussions, today I sit with John Burgess, a proud Gurindji man and founder of Little Rocket, a 100% First Nations-owned and operated creative and marketing agency based in Brunswick, Naarm.With more than 15 years at the helm of Little Rocket, John reflects on building a purpose-led business, the traditional differences between marketing and PR, and why those distinctions matter when it comes to Indigenous storytelling. He unpacks the responsibility of being visible, advocating for truth, and why in his words, you have got to be in it to win it.John also shares a deeply personal story about his mother, a member of the Stolen Generations, and her search for answers about her ancestry. What began with questions led to a single photograph, which led back to her Country. A moment that brought a profound sense of home, connection, and healing after generations of separation.It is an honest and moving conversation about identity, truth-telling, business, and the reality that many people we cross paths with are only one step removed from one of Australia’s darkest chapters.

In this episode of Deadly Discussions, we sit with Uncle Ken Jones, a proud Boandik Elder and legendary cultural educator behind Bush Adventures, based out in the beautiful Limestone Coast.Uncle Ken shares stories of growing up on Country, learning from the land, and teaching the next generation through foraging, fishing, and the old songlines of the Boandik seasons.He also brings forward a legacy many people have never heard — the remarkable story of his grandfather, William Charles Westbury, a Boandik man who served in the Boer War and World War I. Partly responsible for the iconic photo, a young roo named Shake by the Egyptian Pyramids.This yarn is one of courage, resilience, and recognition, echoing through Uncle Ken’s own life’s work and ancestry.

On this episode of Deadly Discussions, I sit down with Renee Turner—an inspiring voice for change who’s making waves across culture, tourism, and storytelling. From her seafood adventures and the spiritual significance of Indigenous Welcomes to unveiling Australia’s hidden histories beyond 200 years, Renee brings fresh insights and passion to the mic.We dive into her work bridging cultures through bush medicine workshops, celebrating Western Australia’s best seafood and produce, and reshaping tourism to highlight cultural heritage. Plus, Renae shares her journey with astro tourism, the beauty of wildflowers, and how collaborative tourism in the Pilbara is unlocking new opportunities.

In this episode of Deadly Discussions, we sit down with Aunty Francene Kickett, a distinguished visual artist, textile and fashion designer, and educator of the Wiilman Nyoongah Yorga peoples. Recorded at the Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference 2024 at the iconic MCG, we delve into the significance of Indigenous tourism, the art of storytelling, and the unique journeys shared by mobs from across the country. Aunty Francine shares her insights on preserving heritage and the powerful role storytelling plays in connecting communities.Aunty Francine Kickett, born in Narrogin, Western Australia, has dedicated her career to empowering the next generation of Indigenous artists. A graduate of Curtin University with an associate degree in Contemporary Aboriginal Art, she specializes in textile designs and visual art inspired by the Nyoongah Boodja (land). Her accolades include the NAIDOC South West Artist of the Year (1998) and Indigenous Designer of the Year (2001). Internationally, she has showcased her work at Malaysian and Hong Kong Fashion Weeks, launching her label BushWA designs. Aunty Francine continues to be a ground-breaking visual artist, textile and fashion design icon.

In this episode of Deadly Discussions, We sit down with Haydyn, a descendant of the Adnyamathanha, Yarluyandi, and Narungga peoples, with deep connections to the Flinders Ranges, Yorke Peninsula, Simpson Desert, and South-West Queensland.As a qualified teacher with over 30 years of experience, Haydyn shares his journey from education to founding Bookabee Australia in 2005, a pioneering business in Aboriginal Cultural Tourism and Consultancy.The conversation explores:Starting Your Own Business: Insights into transitioning from a teaching career to becoming a leader in cultural tourism.Preserving Culturally Significant Sites: Balancing tourism with the protection of sacred spaces and heritage.Ensuring Sustainability for Future Generations: How Indigenous knowledge can guide modern environmental practices.Recognised as the City of Adelaide’s 2021 Australia Day Citizen of the Year, Haydyn’s passion for cultural sensitivity, education, and environmental stewardship is both inspiring and educational.Tune in for an engaging discussion that blends business, culture, and sustainability for a brighter future.

This week, we sit down with Mick Harding, the founder of Ngarga Warendj – Dancing Wombat, a thriving Indigenous business blending art, culture, and innovation.From his workshop on Gunai Kurnai country near Morwell, Mick shares how he turned his passion for Aboriginal art into a successful enterprise, creating unique products like shields and cutting boards featuring traditional symbols.Learn how Uncle Mick rediscovered his heritage, scaled his business with family support, and used innovation—like a laser cutter funded by Indigenous Business Australia—to increase production and grow his brand.

In this episode of Deadly Discussions, we have two deadly guests: Sara and Jake. While their journeys are different, they share a common thread of overcoming challenges and staying grounded in their culture.Sara:Indigenous entrepreneur and founder of Australia’s largest female-owned commercial printing business.Grew up in the foster system and turned those challenges into the foundation for her success.Now thriving in industries like printing, fabrics, and pyjamas, she shares how resilience and creativity fueled her journey.Jake:Former AFL player and son of football legend Michael Long.Grew up balancing his father’s legacy with his own path in the AFL.Shares how his connection to Aboriginal culture grew over time and became a key part of his identity.Both Sara and Jake have faced significant life challenges, finding strength in unexpected places along the way. Sara’s entrepreneurial journey and Jake’s transition out of professional sports demonstrate that success is rarely a straight line. Their stories highlight the importance of embracing culture, as their Aboriginal heritage continues to shape and inspire their paths. Through life’s unpredictable twists, they share valuable lessons in adaptability, offering insights on staying grounded and moving forward, no matter the obstacles.

This episode was such a pleasant surprise. Petina Tieman, a highly respected coach and mentor, celebrated for her holistic approach to personal and business growth. A First Nation's woman from Tasmania, Petina outlines super practical framework for building economies in some of Australia’s most remote communities.Petina combines life coaching, and in some cases counseling, with expert strategies for small business development, helping entrepreneurs and micro-businesses succeed without relying on grants or external investments.Petina specialises in working with Indigenous businesses, copreneurs (couples or families who run businesses together), and small enterprises looking to overcome challenges and grow sustainably. Listen in to explore the unique struggles, strategies, and solutions that Petina brings to her clients, empowering them to build resilient, thriving businesses.

In this episode, we chat with Troy Benjamin, a self-made entrepreneur and proud Indigenous Man from Geelong. His journey began in 2010 with a small café in Melbourne. Troy went on to create Backup Barista, an online service connecting cafes with skilled baristas across Australia. Troy is also a huge personality and is an experienced MC and has a real go with the flow vibe.I’ve crossed paths with Troy a couple of times, so it’s awesome to finally get him on the pod to share his story.Now, Troy is the founder of Blak Brews, a 100% First Nations-owned business that blends premium teas with native ingredients to celebrate Indigenous culture. With a popular coffee truck and six unique tea blends, Blak Brews has made waves at festivals and events and won Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars.

Recorded LIVE in person at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), traditional meeting area for the people of the Kulin Nation. I sat down with over 15 guests during three days at the Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference. Which brought together everyone and anyone for a corroboree around Tourism and Hospitality in Australia. Just like the mob who met on that ground down by the Yarra all those years before - we got to connect with people from all over the country. From house boat operators to explorers, star gazers, farmers and commercial drone pilots, the conference covered it all.So heads up if there is a bit of background noise. As the MCG was doing MCG things.First up we have Sharon Brindley. I have known Sharon for many years. We first met when she owned a cafe down on the Melbourne Mornington Penisula, where she served crocodile burgers with davidson plum jam.Fast forward to now, Sharon owns a successful confectionery (chocolate) business and is expanding the business by acquiring existing manufacturers and retailers. Sharon also serves on the board of FNBBAA (First Nations Bushfood and Botanicals Alliance Australia).As with many of my guests, Sharon overcame some serious childhood trauma to get where she is today. An encouraging listen for all, no matter where you are in your life.

Michael Morrissey, Electrician and owner of Melbourne Jerky. Handcrafted beef jerky which started here in Melbourne. Mike is a Gamilaroi (northern NSW) man from The Pines, Frankston.Notorious for many reasons, Mike unpacks growing up in that environment and never taking much notice.Business minded as a kid, Mike was always thinking of ways to get ahead. Combine that with a hard work ethic, a trade and becoming a young father and home owner. Mike’s responsibilities grew, as well as his passion for new ventures.This is a seriously encouraging listen. One thing I gained from listening to Mike, “setting your own boundaries of success” whatever that may be at this time of your life.Enjoy!

Bungandidj Man and Former Police Officer Nick Buenen unpacks his life as a brother who has walked and worked in two worlds.We discuss what it’s like to have parents and grandparents from the “mission” and to move from that environment at a young age.Nick shares about not identifying as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person when joining the police force. He eventually was found out by an aunty who spotted him playing in the local Indigenous football team.We finish discussing some crazy police stories, one involving Nick calling in a brother for some bush tracking, and Nick’s time working abroad.The pod concludes as we discuss current enterprise opportunities for Indigenous Australians, and some exploits people have been using to leverage this, and what can be done to stop this.

Model - Hairdresser - Frontman - Painter (trade) - Retail worker - Nurse Listen to find out how Josh turned all these experiences into the business he is today. The origins of Josh’s story begin with his Grandfather, a Palawa man moving from Tasmania to Queensland. Josh’s Grandfather, to remain under the radar, would often tell people he was eastern European as opposed to an Indigenous Australian and was quite private about culture. Josh’s father and uncles were and are very proud of their ancestral ties, which motivated connections with mob in Queensland. An accident befalls Dad at an early age and all Josh can really remember in those days is trauma, pain, domestic violence and moving around a lot. Josh would describe himself as a jack of all trades but unlike the cliché of being a master of none. Josh clearly displays authentic and rare artistic talent that has been shaped by life, love, and lost. This episode has jammed packed with goodies, nuggets of wisdom and some truly moving experiences.

Kaley Nicholson is the Co-Founder of Yilam. A sustainable camping brand that offers the highest quality camping gear and On Country tourism experiences. Yilam in Taungurung means camp. Kaley is connected to various tribes in Victoria and New South Wales, so she identifies as Koori, an Indigenous person from those areas.Kaley grew up in Swan Hill and migrated south to Geelong once she finished school. After sometime, the rest of the family came down too. Kaley and her mother had an off-the-cuff idea on one of their camping trips out On Country. This led to the founding of Yilam. The idea stuck and when they got home, Kaley got to work, using her policy background to shape up something doable.This mother and daughter team is one of a kind. They are inspiration on many levels. Starting a business with a middle-aged co-founder and no experience, dreaming big, and making financial changes for their family.

Kevin grew up between Adelaide and a township called Murray Bridge. He remembers vividly the challenges he faced as a young Aboriginal man just going with the flow. During his teen years, he was faced with a choice between hanging out with the “brothers” which could lead to trouble or listen to the advice of his father and leave. Not knowing where to go, Kev headed back to his ancestor’s country to stay with his Nan. During this time, he was offered an opportunity (through a ranger’s program) to work with nurseries, which held a lot of Native Australian stock. Kev shares the moment he knew he was called to work with Indigenous plants. Kev also outlines some characters along the journey that mentored him into being the Indigenous plants expert. One of those, a retired chemist who just turned up one day. Today Kev is sought out by many Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australian farmers needing cultural expertise with native plants. Kev currently works with Outback Academy's Follow the Flowers initiative where they help other farmers in the Murray Darling Basin, and across the southern regions of Australia.

Mick Buckworth married into the Yorta Yorta people in Shepparton, Victoria. Mick, a builder by trade, ended up working with the mob at Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative. For the last two decades, the Co-op focused its work on aged care, dental, GP and health programs to the First Nations community in North East of Victoria.Rumbalara, similar to other Indigenous Co-ops, has access to land, but are limited in capital and industry skills needed to develop country.This episode Mick shares about the unique ways in which the Co-op attracted funding, skills and even support from local farmers to kick start their Indigenous food growing business.Rumbalara is a part of the Follow the Flowers initiative who works with First Nation food growers across the country. The movement is open to all land tenure types, including Traditional Owner owned and jointly managed lands; Aboriginal community-controlled organisation (ACCO’s) lands/farms such as health cooperatives; and private, family-owned farms.

I sat down with David and Aunty Jeanette Crew to discuss their unique journey to owning their own farm in On Country. Aunty Jeanette, a Wemba Wemba woman, was forcibly relocated from the mission into town during her primary school years in the 60s. We discuss her take on first hand institutional racism. We also discuss what the economics were like for her family, who primarily worked in the shearing industry; and were paid at the same rates as their non-Aboriginal counterparts. After being “relocated”, the standard of living was drastically affected, but Aunty kept a passion for learning and a desire to do better. After studying and years working in public service, Aunty Jeanette decided it was time to return to Country. In the late 90s David and Jeanette purchased the Killara property in Deniliquin. They were the first to purchase land back on Country in their local area. So surprising that onlookers assumed they had been given the land by the government. More recently, Killara has joined in partnership with the Outback Academy’s program called Follow the Flowers, which works alongside the Government and private sector to fund Indigenous growers to maximise their growing capacities. With support from the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program, David and Aunty Jeanette have the much needed industry experience for turning their plot of land into a sanctuary for bees, pollinating endemic native floral, fauna, and bush foods. They have named the farm Pandyil Farm in honour of the industrious Murray Cod.

Luke Fallini, a Quandamooka man with Italian heritage from SE Queensland, Australia, joins me on the podcast.A builder by trade, with a passion for football (of course). Shares his not so typical upbringing as an Indigenous Australian with an Italian father.We touch on the rental crisis in QLD, and Luke shares his unique construction business that is offering a new model for social housing. Luke also sits on the board for an Aboriginal Housing organisation as an interim board member. He shares some of the unique challenges facing Aboriginal housing organisations.

What an inspiring episode this was! Alana Kennedy is a Waanyi Kalkatungu woman from North Queensland. Raised by her Non-Indigenous mother in Mt Isa. Alana understood there was something a little different with her family. Knowing her heritage without “knowing” it was something she grew accustomed to. Alana’s mother set the standard for work ethic and encouraged the kids to always have a try. With such an amazing example before her, Alana set out to find out more about her culture (oldest living) and the world around her.The visionary origins of Alana’s business Orche Sun began in MLM. After years of success, she gradually lost interest in pursuing a “better” life, simply cause. Alana craved something, but didn’t know what it was. Another factor leading to the brands inception was Alana’s clients who were mainly women complained their husbands stole their products. The Husbands excuse, “well men’s products aren’t as good”.Fast forward to today. Alana has combined her passion for cosmetics, her love for native botanicals and care for community into the brand known as Orche Sun. Come and listen.

Cory is the founder of Meat Brothers, a food truck that had evolved into a shipping container cafe. A Kamilaroi and Wonnarua Man from New South Wales, Cory shares the importance of having powerful women in his family. It was his matriarchs and siblings that always pushed him outside of his comfort zones. This came in handy for Cory and Meat Brothers during the COVID waves that hit NSW. Cory was forced to navigate the business out of the “bush food” food truck business and into a more mainstream cafe working out of a shipping container on a busy construction site. Learning how to ask yourself the hard questions has been so important to Cory’s growth as a cook and businesses owner. If you feel yourself stuck in a rut or unable to break out of negative environments, Cory’s story is for you.