Introducing our AW23 Indigenous Program recipient, Bush to Bowl! This 100% Aboriginal-owned social enterprise creates a healing space & platform for First Nations people by helping them to connect to country and their traditional foodways. Founders Clarence Bruinsma (Yaegl) and Adam Byrne (Garigal/Gadigal) started the company to help care for Country, and share Aboriginal knowledge of Aboriginal foods. They practise their culture daily by giving back to country, mob and the wider community, creating a healthier environment and world.

We believe in changing the way people engage with nature our foods and see how we can look after Country whilst enjoying these great flavours.

Read on to discover more about the role Bush to Bowl plays within the community. Be sure to visit their stall and join a workshop at The Hordern Pavilion this 16th-18th of June!

Can you tell us about the journey of Bush to Bowl so far?

The business started two summers ago at a local mob meet-up; we found a lack of education about bush foods, plants and caring for the country. Currently, there is only 1.5% of Mob in the industry, and we saw it as an opportunity to empower them to connect back to their traditional foodways. Bush to Bowl has expanded into a social enterprise that supports many first nations people and families while also mentoring the younger generation to embrace their cultural heritage. 

What was the motivation behind starting Bush to Bowl?

Bush to bowl is our way of giving back to Culture and Country, as it gives so much to us daily. We believe strongly in protecting both these spaces now and in the future. It’s our way of Caring for Country based on our cultural values.

What do you love most about what you do?

Clarence – Having our hands in the dirt, harvesting plants in the bush or walking Country with mob.
Adam – Bush to Bowl aims to create spaces where families and community members can engage with Australia’s native plants and traditional Aboriginal knowledge and culture. We have loved the fact that we have inspired others to embrace our journey. 

What are your hopes for the future of Bush to Bowl?

We aim to create culturally safe working spaces for our Aboriginal community to work, share knowledge and connect whilst developing the economic position of our community in the Bushfood industry. The Nursery and Farm are both places where you can learn, connect over our native plants and buy the plants to grow at home or buy direct produce to cook in your kitchen. We hope to create a space for mob to connect and share learning so we have more knowledge in bushfoods.

What can attendees and shoppers expect to discover at your first Finders Keepers stall?

An insight into Aboriginal values of Country and how our connection to Country and our foodways can help solve many problems, from well-being for people to planet health for all. Whilst tasting unique and beautiful flavours that can accompany so many different foods, shoppers can expect to find an array of bush tucker plants and produce, and our experts can help them with any questions they may have. 

Sydney/Eora Market Workshops:

How to Create a Bushtucker Garden on your balcony
Participants will gain an introduction to Aboriginal traditional plant foods/bushtucker learning about the vast amount of native edible foods. The team will introduce them to how easily they can use these by creating their own bush tucker garden at home. We have the plants on sale to complement these, and we will also have produce examples they can take home to use straight away within daily menus. 

Facilitator: Anthony Freeman is a Wiradjuri man from Brungle, NSW. As the lead harvesting collector at Bush to Bowl, you’ll see him running workshops or managing our caring for Country landscaping installations. Anthony has been a tour guide for many years and shares stories of his culture through dance, song and art. 

Childrens Dance Workshop – Details to come
Children will learn some basic steps of traditional dance, accompanied by Didgeridoo. 
Childrens Art Workshop – Details to come
Our lovely artist will help children create their own boomerang to take home, using traditional colours and symbol design. 

Facilitator: Aleta Wassell is a proud Darkinjung woman from the Northern Beaches. She is well known for her interest in Aboriginal creative arts, particularly song, dance and contemporary Indigenous artworks. In 2020, she was featured as an artist in the Manly Art Gallery, and her work was also featured on the 2023 Indigenous Round NRL Jersey for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. As a university student studying primary education, Aleta is passionate about sharing her knowledge and culture with the wider community. 

Connect with Bush To Bowl:
IG: @bush_to_bowl
Website: bushtobowl.com

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The Finders Keepers Indigenous Program was established in 2018 and sets out to encourage and support Indigenous makers and provide a platform with a dedicated audience to support their commercial endeavours. Recipients in this program receive a sponsored stall position at the Finders Keepers market in their dedicated city and support with marketing, media and stall design.