Indigenous Botanical Brewery wins KPMG Challenge

By PETER ROWE

KPMG Australia’s Nature Positive Challenge has unearthed a a First Nations winner with NSW start-up Native Botanical Brewery the recipient of a six-figure advisory service package.

Native Botanical Brewery was founded by Corey Grech, a proud Gamilaraay and Wonnarua man who wanted to celebrate and showcase the rich biodiversity of Australian native botanicals.

His venture creates unique and sustainable sourced food and non-alcoholic beverages that are a salute to the land’s Indigenous heritage.

The startup actively engages in restoring local ecosystems through planting native food species while striving to build capacity of the Bush Food industry and increase First Nations’ participation within the industry.

“Our ambition at Native Botanical Brewery is to create a space that will not only house brewing, fermenting, seed propagation, roasting, and packaging facilities, but also serve as a welcoming hub for the community,” Corey said.

“Being selected as a KPMG Nature Positive Challenge finalist will help give us valuable support as we take the next steps, so that more people can experience the unique flavours of native foods, learn about sustainable practices, and connect with the passion behind our mission.”

KPMG Australia CEO Andrew Yates said the challenge continued to unearth some exceptional Indigenous innovators and Native Botanical Brewery were the deserving First Nations choice.

“The addition of a First Nations category to the Nature Positive Challenge this year aims to recognise the growth potential of Indigenous businesses and reflect how these communities, through traditional knowledge and practices, continue to play a leading role in promoting a harmonious relationship with the land,” he said.

“We are incredibly proud to be helping fast-track the growth of these amazing businesses, and we hope that they inspire the next generation of First Nations’ innovators.”

Rainstick, an Indigenous led agri-tech business was also selected as a finalist in this year’s Challenge.

Inspired by the traditions of the Maiawali People of Central West Queensland, Rainstick combines modern technology with ancient Indigenous wisdom to mimic the natural effects of lightning to grow crops, bigger, faster and more sustainably.

“By harnessing our traditional knowledge and combining it with modern technology, we’re showing that Indigenous-led innovation can help grow crops more sustainably and nurture Country for future generations,” proud Maiawali Man and co-founder of Rainstick, Darryl Lyons said.