About Us
Honouring tradition, empowering community, and sharing the healing power of bush medicines.
Our Founding Story
Bush Medijina was born from the vision and shared determination of a group of women on Groote Eylandt to preserve and celebrate the healing power of native bush medicines. Inspired by generations of traditional knowledge passed down through the Anindilyakwa people, a group of passionate individuals came together to create a business that would not only honor these practices but also provide sustainable opportunities for local women. Driven by a deep connection to Country and culture, the goal was to empower the community, create jobs, and ensure that the wisdom of the land would continue to thrive. Today, Bush Medijina is proud to be a thriving business that blends ancient knowledge with modern practices, supporting the health and wellbeing of our people and sharing the benefits of bush medicine with the world.
"We want to grow our business from a small seed to a giant tree, so it can stay strong, just like our culture."
Gayangwa Lalara
OAM
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower Anindilyakwa women with jobs that respect our culture, build financial independence, preserve traditions, and strengthen our communities.
Our Values
Our values are rooted in respect for culture, community, and the land, guiding everything we do.
Culture
Story, knowledge, grandmothers, generations, our country, bush recipes
Wellbeing
Help each other, good heart, positive, healthy choices, family safety
Education
Learning, sharing, strong, children, business, community
Respect
Honesty, manners, communication, our rules, work hard, different cultures one people
Making A Positive Impact
Every Bush Medijina product helps create lasting change for our community. By supporting our business, you’re directly contributing to job creation for Anindilyakwa women, strengthening cultural practices, and funding local initiatives that promote health and wellbeing. We’re committed to reinvesting profits back into the community, ensuring sustainable growth and empowering future generations to carry forward our knowledge and traditions.
100% Indigenous Owned & Led
We strive to make a significant and positive impact in our community.
100% Led By Women
We are led and run by women, providing meaningful employment and a safe community.
100% Social Enterprise
100% of our profits go to doing good in our communities.
100% Community Driven
100% of our profits go back into our communities.
The Origins of Our Name
Bush Medijina means "bush medicine" in our language. It’s a name that carries the wisdom and healing power of the land we come from. Our connection to these plants has been passed down through generations, and it’s something we hold close. The name is a reminder of our traditions and the healing that comes from the land, and it’s at the heart of everything we do.
Groote Eylandt Archipelago
The homeland of the Anindilyakwa people, located in the pristine waters of the Arafura Sea in Australia’s remote north. Groote Eylandt, the largest island in the group, is a short 25-minute flight from Nhulunbuy.
The Anindilyakwa people, made up of 14 clan groups, continue to practise strong cultural traditions and saltwater ways of life, while adapting modern tools to suit their needs. Their language, Anindilyakwa—or Amamalya Ayakwa—is one of the few First Nations languages still spoken fluently across generations.
There are seven Indigenous communities across the archipelago, including Angurugu, Umbakumba, and Milyakburra, along with several smaller satellite communities connected by deep cultural ties.
The landscape here is diverse and sacred- pristine beaches, rainforest, red dunes, freshwater springs, and ancient rock art.
This is where our story begins.
Meet The Team!
We are Warnumamalya and Wurramangadirra women, working together with shared purpose. Some of us bring the knowledge of this land, passed through family and lived experience. Others bring new perspectives and skills shaped elsewhere. What we create together is built on trust, hard work, and a deep respect for culture, each of us playing a part in something meaningful and lasting.
Our Botanicals
We use a selection of native Australian bush medicines that have been trusted for generations for their healing properties. These plants are carefully sourced from the land, selected for their ability to support skin health and overall wellbeing. We combine these traditional botanicals with high-quality essential oils, ethically sourced and blended with care, to create products that honour both nature and our cultural heritage.
Milestones on Our Journey
We don’t do this work for awards but we’re proud when our story is seen and celebrated. These moments remind us we’re on the right path.
All First Nations
Remote Area Products
Telstra Business Awards
Social Change Maker - NT
Kochie's Business Builders
INNOV8RS
Awards Australia
Small Business Achiever Award
Clean + Conscious
Miracle Balm
Our Partners
Our work wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partners. From funding to shared values, each organisation we work with plays a role in helping us grow a strong, self-sustaining social enterprise led by Anindilyakwa women. Together, we’re creating meaningful opportunities, celebrating culture, and building a better future for our communities.
Anindilyakwa Land Council
The support we receive from the Anindilyakwa Land Council reflects the strength of our community. Our people across the Groote Archipelago are proud of what we’re building together.
With ALC’s backing, we’re able to stay true to our mission, to grow a strong, self-sustaining social enterprise that shares our traditional bush recipes with the world, crafted to the highest standard and grounded in Indigenous knowledge.
Groote Eylandt Aboriginal Trust
Together with the Groote Eylandt Aboriginal Trust (GEAT), we’re creating real employment pathways for Anindilyakwa women. This partnership also reflects our shared commitment to uplifting women’s voices and ensuring they are heard and respected in community decision-making.
South32
Bush Medijina is grateful for the support from GEMCO South32, which contributes to our mission of creating lasting, positive change across Groote Eylandt. We share a vision for strong communities, cultural pride, and opportunities that will carry on long after mining ends.
GEBIE Aboriginal Corporation
Support from Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island Enterprises (GEBIE) helps us continue making a real difference. Their funding allows us to keep delivering strong social outcomes and opportunities for women and families across our local communities.
