A NOTE FROM SHARLEE
This Indigenous Business Month, I’m reflecting on what “Strength Through Collaboration” means. For me, it’s about honouring every person and partnership that helps Dja-Wonmuruk (Yes-Tea!) grow. From the hands that harvest our ingredients to the communities that share in our story. Collaboration is more than a cultural practise or business; it’s a way of caring for Country and each other.
Tea is one of the world’s most loved drinks - a simple, grounding ritual shared across cultures and generations. It's is one of the world’s most consumed drinks - a daily ritual for nearly half of the global population.
With the global tea market topping tens of billions of dollars, the potential for Indigenous-led food and beverage enterprises is enormous, but the current inequity in benefit-sharing shows how far there is to go.
In reality, very little of economical value actually flows back to Indigenous growers and communities (ISSD.ORG), despite the tea industry being worth up to US $53.57 billion (AUD 81.59 billion) in 2024 (THE BUSINESS RESEARCH COMPANY).
In Australia, the bush foods sector was valued at around AUD 81.5 million in 2019–2020, yet less than 2% of its' production and profit is led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with Indigenous participation in the native botanicals supply chain remaining under 1% in many segments (INDIGENOUS.VIC.GOV). While demand continues to rise, and despite the industry value growing, much of the benefit and revenue remains captured by non‑Indigenous companies, leaving Indigenous custodians with only a minuscule share of profits. (ABC NEWS)
THE IMBALANCE WITHIN THE INDUSTRY CALLS FOR A MORE COLLABORATIVE AND INCLUSIVE APPROACH.
The Indigenous business sector already contributes over AUD 16 billion to Australia’s economy and is growing rapidly, yet representation in the bush foods value chain remains minimal. Collaboration, transparency, and shared values are key to achieving sustainable growth that benefits Country, community, and culture. The Indigenous business sector already contributes over AUD 16 billion to Australia’s economy and is growing rapidly, yet representation in the bush foods value chain remains minimal.
Indigenous Business Month 2025, themed “Strength Through Collaboration,” highlights the power of partnerships that centre culture, respect, and Country (INDIGENOUS BUSINESS MONTH). Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and cultural grounding, we can collectively give back to Country and community.
The Indigenous business sector already contributes over AUD 16 billion to Australia’s economy and is growing rapidly, yet representation in the bush foods value chain remains minimal. By working together, through stories, partnerships, and collective leadership, we can rebalance the supply chain, return value to community, and ensure that Indigenous people guide the future of Australia’s bush foods and tea industries.
As we celebrate Indigenous Business Month, Dja‑Wonmuruk invites readers to support our vision; whether by sharing this story, purchasing a tea blend, or connecting with us on social media. Dja‑Wonmuruk honours food sovereignty, safety, and sustainability with respect for the land and those who nurture it. We continue to rebalance the supply chain and return value to Country and community by nurturing relationships that sustain both the bush foods industry and the cultural knowledge that underpins it, bringing culture, sustainability, and ethical trade to the bush foods sector.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR COUNTRY AND COMMUNITY
These insights show how Indigenous leadership and collaboration are reshaping the future of bush foods and tea. Real life data is an example of community empowerment, cultural strength, and opportunity. As the industry grows, true sustainability depends on shared value, transparency, and Indigenous voices leading the way for Country and community.
- After water, tea is the world’s most consumed beverage, with a market worth over USD 53 billion (AUD 81.59 billion).
- Indigenous businesses contribute more than AUD 16 billion annually to Australia’s economy, yet at large, remain underrepresented in the bush food value chain.
- Less than 2% of bush food products come from Aboriginal producers.
- Despite growth, there is still limited data on profit distribution, underscoring the call for transparency and equity.
STRENGTH THROUGH COLLABORATION: INDIGENOUS BUSINESS MONTH 2025
This month (1-31 October 2025) we're honouring Indigenous Business and the power of collaboration, with allies, across Country, culture and continents.
With the official Indigenous Business Month Award Winners announced, annual celebrations are truly now underway, and we’re reminded more than ever that every partnership, story, and shared cup of tea brings us closer to a sustainable, inclusive future for bush foods and Indigenous enterprise.
This year's theme, "Strength Through Collaboration”, celebrates the power of Indigenous businesses working together with community and partners, centring culture, connection, and collective growth. It reflects the cultural practices of working together to create collective knowledge sharing, decision-making and innovation. It encourages building trust, reducing risk, and generating creative solutions through shared goals and meaningful partnerships.
Every cup of tea we blend tells a story of Country, culture, and care for authentic partnerships. From growing, sharing, and sustaining Indigenous knowledge systems, Aboriginal-owned producers, growers, and community partners, we're building a stronger bush food industry together.
JOIN US IN THE CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY AND EQUITY
Keep the collaborations growing by joining us in celebrating culture, connection, and collaboration this October.
Learn more, discover our blends, connect with us, explore our Tea Story, share this post with someone passionate about Indigenous business, tea, or bush foods, or leave your thoughts below to take your step in shaping the future of Australia’s food systems!