GATHER FOODS - CELEBRATING FIRST NATIONS INGREDIENTS
Meet Gather Foods, an Aboriginal-owned and led culinary enterprise in Walyalup celebrating native ingredients, Indigenous culinary traditions and positive social change through food and hospitality. Through delicious catering and bush food experiences, to unique retail products and cultural ceremonies, Gather Foods brings the stories and flavours of Indigenous Australia to life. They’re also committed to empowering Aboriginal communities by offering training, mentorship, and employment opportunities, proving that their food not only tastes good but can also uplift others.
We loved collaborating with Gather Foods to create a Native Lemon Myrtle Tea as part of our Mettle Paid Employment Program. Designed and made by the proud Noongar & Yawuru sisters, Aleiyah and Twanieka, they managed every step of the process. We hope that every sip brings you the same warmth and care it brought us!
“The impact I hope to achieve is twofold: creating real pathways for Aboriginal people through employment and enterprise, and shifting the way people see and value Indigenous food and culture—as central to Australia’s identity. For me, it’s about building a legacy where culture, community, and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do.”
Let’s start from the beginning. What inspired you to create Gather Foods?
I wasn’t one of the original founders of Gather Foods, but I came on as an owner in recent years because I deeply connected with its mission. What drew me in was the vision to celebrate Aboriginal culture through food, create meaningful employment, and showcase the incredible diversity of native Australian ingredients. Food is such a powerful way to bring people together, and I saw Gather Foods as a platform that could carry culture, community, and sustainability forward in a truly impactful way.
Is there a dish, product, or project that’s especially close to your heart? What makes it so meaningful to you?
One project especially close to my heart is Gather to Plate, which we delivered in partnership with Tourism WA. We took 20 Indigenous students on a journey through every part of our hospitality, catering, and events business. The goal wasn’t just to showcase food, it was to spark something bigger. We wanted them to see that entrepreneurship is possible, that Indigenous-owned businesses can thrive while staying true to cultural values. Even if their futures don’t lie in hospitality, the experience opened their eyes to the idea that they, too, could one day own and grow their own businesses no matter the industry. Seeing that spark of possibility ignite in those students was incredibly moving. It reminded me that Gather Foods isn’t only about feeding people; it’s about inspiring the next generation of Indigenous leaders and showing them that genuine, successful, culturally grounded businesses do exist.
Your ingredients are such a big part of what makes Gather Foods special. Can you share a bit more about where they come from and why that is so important to your work?
We work closely with Indigenous growers, local farmers, and regional suppliers who share our values of sustainability and respect for Country. Every lemon myrtle leaf, every wattleseed, every Davidson plum has a story and a cultural lineage. By sourcing this way, we ensure authenticity, traceability, and quality, while also creating economic opportunities for Aboriginal people and regional communities. For us, it’s not just about ingredients, it’s about honouring Country and the people who care for it.
Staying connected to culture and community is at the heart of your work. How do you and your team keep that connection alive through everything you do?
Culture is woven into everything we do. From Bush Tucker talks and Corroboree for Life performances to the menus we craft for major events, we ensure culture isn’t an “add-on”—it’s the heart of the experience. Our team participates in community events, supports Indigenous initiatives, and passes on cultural knowledge to younger generations through food and storytelling. Staying connected to culture means we’re not just running a business; we’re nurturing identity and pride.
Looking ahead, what is your ultimate vision for Gather Foods and what impact do you hope to achieve?
Since stepping into ownership in recent years, my vision has been to honour the strong foundation of Gather Foods and take it into its next chapter of growth. I want Gather Foods to become a household name synonymous with Indigenous excellence, innovation, and purpose. That means making native ingredients an everyday staple in kitchens across Australia and beyond, not just something reserved for fine dining or special occasions.
The impact I hope to achieve is twofold: creating real pathways for Aboriginal people through employment and enterprise, and shifting the way people see and value Indigenous food and culture—as central to Australia’s identity. For me, it’s about building a legacy where culture, community, and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do.
The definition of Mettle is to face adversity with spirit and resilience. Is there someone in your life that has inspired you with their Mettle?
My husband, Gerry, has been a constant source of inspiration. His journey as an Aboriginal man in business has shown me what true resilience and spirit look like. He’s faced barriers, bias, and challenges, yet he’s always stood tall with dignity, strength, and generosity. His example taught me that mettle isn’t just about enduring hardship, it’s about transforming adversity into opportunities for others. That spirit runs through everything we do at Gather Foods.
Taste Margaret River
Taste Margaret River
Try out Gather Foods Native Australian Tea in our giftboxes.
