Meet Louise Forster
Louise is a proud Nattingerry woman from Raukin, located on the Lower Murray River in South Australia, an area famous for the church featured on the $50 note.
Adopted and raised in Sydney and Mittagong on Gundan Gara country, Louise has built a life full of family, culture, and community. She is now married with five children and five grandchildren and has spent much of her life reconnecting with her Aboriginal roots through art and cultural engagement.
“The one-on-one support from Naomi was the most useful part for me. She guided me through business planning, coaching, and support. She helped me focus my ideas and take practical steps to get my business off the ground. She kept me on track, helped me take it step by step, and was always available to answer my questions. – Louise Forster
Read more about Louise’s business journey so far:
Louise’s Business
I started my Indigenous food market stall, Deadly Croc’n Dogs, about six months ago. I operate at local weekend markets, and my business specialises in unique Indigenous-inspired foods. On the menu, I sell crocodile sausages with toppings like lemon myrtle, grilled onion, and bush tomato chutney. Recently, I added crocodile spring rolls, and they’ve quickly become popular. I also sell packaged native spices and freshly pressed lemonade, including a native lemon myrtle version.
Even though it’s a small setup, I use these markets to see what people like, refine my offerings, and build a local following. My eldest daughter and my 13-year-old granddaughter help me at the markets, which gives them valuable experience in customer service, confidence, and connecting with the community. For me, this business isn’t just about running a stall—it’s also about training and inspiring the younger generation.
Working with Many Rivers
Before I started Deadly Croc’n Dogs, I worked in hospitality and helped my husband run a roofing business. I’ve also been involved in Aboriginal art projects in the community.
I met Naomi, my business coach, through a friend who introduced me to Many Rivers. Naomi guided me through business planning, coaching, and support. She helped me focus my ideas and take practical steps to get my business off the ground. The one-on-one support from Naomi was the most useful part for me. She kept me on track, helped me take it step by step, and was always available to answer my questions.
With support from Many Rivers, I was able to access a loan to buy all the equipment I needed for the markets, including food warmers, a marquee, stock, and advertising materials. This helped me start operating professionally right away.
Biggest Challenge
My biggest challenge so far has been the weather, especially starting out during winter. Another challenge has been figuring out how much stock to order since crocodile meat is hard to get and expensive. I’ve learned to plan orders carefully, sometimes weeks in advance, and to figure out which markets are busier than others.
Biggest Success
The biggest success for me has been seeing how interested people are in what we do and the support we’ve received from the market community. Other stallholders have given advice and even suggested new markets for us to branch out to. People genuinely care about our products, and it’s amazing to see the community helping us grow.
Biggest Change
Starting this business has brought positive changes for me and my family. My granddaughter has gained confidence and experience in customer service, and my family all pitch in to help, like looking after the younger kids when needed. I really value the flexibility and the way my business brings my family together; it’s truly a family affair.
Future Goals
Looking ahead, I plan to keep doing the local markets until after Christmas. In the new year, I hope to get a food truck, which will allow me to reach more locations and operate roadside a few days a week. My goal is to grow the business while keeping it family-oriented and connected to the community.
Thank you Louise for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
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