Skincare brand Native Secrets Australia has been recognised for its innovative approach delivering products enhanced by Traditional medicinal practices.
The Dubbo-based company founded on Wiradjuri Country by Cherie and Phil Thompson won the First Nations category in the 2026 KPMG Nature Positive Challenge and a share of $250,000 in tailored advisory services to help scale their business.
Native Secrets makes skincare and wellness products using native botanicals derived from cultural harvesting cycles, which help protect land and support ecosystem regeneration.
The annual KPMG Challenge champions and supports innovative eco startups to build scalable businesses with a positive impact on nature and the environment.
This year it focused on two fast-growing sectors within the "nature positive" ecosystem: AI-enabled solutions and startups supporting the circular economy.
The First Nations award recognises the ongoing and significant contribution Indigenous knowledge brought to natural ecosystems.
Ms Thompson said winning the First Nations category was a proud moment for Native Secrets and her community.
"Indigenous knowledge has always been nature-positive; it's grounded in responsibility to Country, sustainable practice and long-term stewardship," she said.
"This recognition helps us accelerate our impact - strengthening ethical sourcing, supporting biodiversity outcomes, and building an Indigenous-owned brand that proves sustainability and commercial growth can move together."
KPMG Australia chief executive Andrew Yates said Native Secrets was a deserving winner.
"The company stood out for its ability to blend deep cultural knowledge with cutting-edge practices to deliver great skincare products, while protecting and revitalising our natural landscapes and providing employment opportunities for their local community," Mr Yates said.
Running for a second year, the First Nations award celebrates the leadership, wisdom, and innovation of Indigenous entrepreneurs deeply committed to caring for Country.
"This award is not just recognition; it's a commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices and creating opportunities for sustainable and inclusive economic growth," Mr Yates said.
Native Secrets Australia can now access KPMG's tailored advisory services and valuable industry connections and networks to help reach new markets for its range of products.
From 75 applicants, Native Secrets was one of five finalists in this year's Nature Positive Challenge. Queensland ocean-restoring climate-tech company Blue Carbon took home both the top $100,000 Prize and the $20,000 People's Choice Prize at this year's Challenge.
The other four finalists for the Challenge were:
• Blue Carbon (Brisbane, QLD) - a climate-tech company restoring ocean ecosystems and decarbonising marine industries through AI-enabled, nature-positive innovation.
• BlockTexx (Loganholme, QLD) - an award-winning Australian cleantech company that recycles textiles and clothing, transforming waste into high-value raw materials.
• Newera Bio (Sydney, NSW) - pioneering the development of high-performance, bio-based dyes and binders to replace toxic and fossil-fuel-based dyes used in the textiles and beauty industry.
• Syenta (Eveleigh, NSW) - makes ultra-fine wiring inside computer chips, called interconnects, which are much smaller and denser, allowing data to move faster and more efficient for next generation computing.
