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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    Aboriginal businesses providing employment for indigenous people

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    Indigenous-owned and operated businesses Wanna Mar tuna fishing and Munda Wines celebrate strong cultural connections to Aboriginal sea country and land and share that story locally and internationally.

    Pauly Vandenburgh, a proud Wirangu and Kokatha man started the businesses, and their growth has created opportunities for more Indigenous people to secure training and employment pathways in the seafood and wine industries.

    Through their values, philosophy and marketing, each business also shares 65,000 years of ancient culture that teaches respect for the land and seas that produce the world-class wine and seafood South Australia is renowned for.

    Munda Wines, a premium wine label, exports to the United States, Canada and Malaysia, promoting a strong connection to Aboriginal land and traditions (with “Munda” the ‘Wirangu & Kokatha’ word for land).

    Wanna Mar (which means ‘sea food’ in Mirning and Wirangu languages), is part of a joint venture with long-established west coast fishing family Stehr Group, which sees bluefin tuna exported to Japan.

    The businesses have worked closely with the South Australian Government, receiving advice and support through the TradeStart network and making connections with the support of global offices and through familiarisation activities associated with the South Australian Wine Ambassadors Club.

    Munda Wines Case study

    “I’ve worked with the South Australian Government and the Australian Government, over a number of years to grow my businesses. The support available to small businesses, and the bespoke support for First Nations business leaders, provides a real opportunity for more Indigenous people to grow businesses that increase understanding and respect for our culture.”

    Pauly Vandenbergh, founder of Wanna Mar and Munda Wines

    Sources:

    Pauly Vandenbergh - PIRSA

    Port Lincoln tuna partnership to drive employment for indigenous youth - Glam Adelaide

    Wanna Mar - Wanna Mar Produce

    Southern Bluefin Tuna Joint Venture in South Australia - ILSC

    Munda Wines - Ancient Soils, Ancient Culture