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:

1. Starting Your Own Business: Insights into transitioning from a teaching career to becoming a leader in cultural tourism.
2. Preserving Culturally Significant Sites: Balancing tourism with the protection of sacred spaces and heritage.
3. 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.