Aboriginal Bush Traders has been named the winner of the Tourism Retail Hire and Services category at the recent 2025 Brolga Tourism Awards, and for those who know their work, this achievement is a powerful and emotional milestone.
The industry accolade is a recognition of the heart, cultural responsibility and community impact that Aboriginal Bush Traders carries with pride and purpose every single day.
A 100 percent Aboriginal-owned not for profit organisation in the heart of Darwin, Aboriginal Bush Traders has become one of the most significant cultural tourism anchors in the Northern Territory. It is a place where culture is lived, shared and honoured. A place where visitors can meaningfully connect with the world's oldest living cultures through art, food and story.
Step inside the gallery and you are welcomed by a beautifully curated collection of paintings, weavings, prints, sculptures, bush medicine, jewellery, textiles, books and homewares. Everything has a story. Everything is linked to an artist, an art centre or a remote community. Aboriginal Bush Traders works directly with creators from across the Top End, Arnhem Land, the Tiwi Islands, Central Australia and beyond. Every purchase sends income directly back to families and communities, making the organisation a critical economic lifeline for artists who often have limited access to the tourism market.
The café is another expression of cultural pride. Serving dishes infused with native ingredients like lemon myrtle, wattle seed, bush tomato and native herbs, it has become a favourite for locals and travellers seeking an authentic taste of Country. From light snacks to tasting plates, each dish carries stories of the land and the knowledge of those who have cared for it for thousands of years.
For Business Manager Samoane Regattieri, the Brolga win reflects years of dedication and cultural leadership.
"Winning the Brolga Award is a powerful affirmation of Aboriginal Bush Traders community and social impact," she said.
"It puts ABT on the map nationally in tourism. It positions ABT as a leader in ethical culturally grounded tourism retail. The Brolga shines a spotlight on Aboriginal artists and creators whose work is often undervalued in mainstream tourism. For me personally it validates my leadership cultural integrity my pride and legacy."
She also spoke about how Aboriginal Bush Traders maintains cultural integrity in everything it does.
"ABT sources every artwork bush food product and design with respect," she said.
"Artists stories are not just displayed, their stories are told. The space continues to diversify with rotating exhibitions Wearable Art Fashion and a café menu that surprises and delights where we have offered tasting plate tours."
Financial fairness and ethical responsibility are at the core of the organisation.
"ABT ensures that artists receive fair and ethical payments for their work," she said.
"We do a sixty forty split with the artist receiving the larger split. We also take the financial risk of purchasing all works outright to ensure money is flowing immediately to art centres and families. Each artwork and product is accompanied by artist stories where possible ensuring that cultural meaning and personal context are preserved and shared respectfully."
This depth of connection is felt by everyone who visits.
"ABT lives and breaths every piece of artwork bush medicine bushfood and educational product we have in store," she said.
"Every product has a story not just a price tag. Whether it is bush medicine woven baskets or fine art each item carries the voice of the artist and the spirit of their Country. Staff often share personal connections to the artists ingredients or stories behind the work. That human warmth builds trust and understanding. The experience is a sense of place that invites respect and reflection."
Looking ahead, she carries a vision shaped by hope pride and possibility.
"I have always dreamed of having a version of ABT in each state of Australia. But that is a long term dream. Looking ahead I would like to see Aboriginal Bush Traders become more than a destination but a cultural compass for locals and visitors alike. Expanded educational tourism regular workshops artist talks storytelling circles and mentorships for young Indigenous creatives not just in art but in business. That is the future I see."
The Brolga Award is a celebration of this vision and the cultural leadership that Aboriginal Bush Traders brings to the Northern Territory. It honours a place where culture leads community benefits and visitors walk away more connected to Country and to the people who call it home.
