Meet Valerie Ann Murray, the owner of “Maudu Collective” a small business based in Jandowe, Queensland.
Valerie’s business Maudu Collective is 100% Indigenous-owned business where she sells native products made out of bush tukka such as quandong jam, native bush dukkah, gumbi gumbi tea leaves, lemon myrtle powder, sea celery, wattle seed powder, ruby saltbush, Kakadu plum powder, karkalla relish & native turmeric and so on.
“People don’t know about our valuable native plants such as the gumby-gumby, or the midgin berry, or the roasted wattleseed – which is a delicious alternative to coffee. You can’t buy these products in the supermarket and it brings me joy to introduce people to Australian native foods.” Valerie Ann Murray
Read more about Valerie’s business journey so far:
Valerie’s Business
I started my business two years ago in Jandowe, Queensland, which is a small rural town with only about 100 residents. Through my business, I sell native products made out of bush tukka such as quandong jam, native bush dukkah, gumbi gumbi tea leaves, lemon myrtle powder, sea celery, wattle seed powder, ruby saltbush, Kakadu plum powder, karkalla relish & native turmeric and so on. Through my business, I want to introduce people to Australian native foods through natural products.
Maudu Collective also sells bush remedies like gumbi gumbi oil, which helps with pain. I focus a lot on healing the mind and body. I also run workshops on bush tucker and traditional weaving, and I have won multiple awards for my weaving.
There are so many parts to running a business, and my Many Rivers business coach, Tito helps me focus. He’s helped me with cashflow forecasts too. I live with a spinal disease, but I want to keep the weaving skills alive because I feel that’s my purpose and keeps me going. Weaving baskets or ceremonial skirts is very spiritual for me. I want to give back to my community and help the younger generation keep these skills alive.
What motivated you to take the next step in growing your business?
I love my culture, and I just really want more people to experience Aboriginal culture. I am very passionate about what I do. I want everyone to learn about Australia’s culture and stories.
How did you hear about the Small Business Development program?
I found out about Many Rivers at an Indigenous business expo in Toowoomba, Queensland. They showed me how they could help me take my business to the next level. At first, I was scared to grow, but Many Rivers really supported me and guided me.
“Tito, my business coach, has been amazing. He has so much knowledge about running a business. He’s like my cheerleader and he keeps me motivated, gives me tasks, and helps me stay on track with deadlines.” – Valerie
I wanted guidance on how to grow my business, manage finances, and develop my products. I needed someone to help me take the next step and stay focused.
What kind of services have you received from your business coach after joining the SBD program?
Tito has helped me a lot with product development, packaging, networking, marketing, and managing my finances. He showed me how to plan projects and forecast cashflow. He also helped me develop my product, Indigo Fudge.
I initially started with Many Rivers “Microenterprise Development (MED)” program and then joined their “Small Business Development (SBD)” program after two years and started working with Tito in October 2024. I wasn’t sure how to grow my business. Tito’s support has been incredible, he has helped me manage everything, even with limited funds.
Did you get a loan from Many Rivers? If yes, how did it help you in growing your business?
No, I have funded everything myself so far. But I do need more capital to buy a confectionery kettle, which is a machine to help me make more of my products.
Have the planning workshops and business tools offered by Many Rivers helped you? If so, in what way?
Yes, they have really helped me with the product development and with creating a project plan for my business.
Since joining our SBD program, what changes have you seen in your business?
To be honest, I feel that I have become more confident, more organized, and clearer about my business goals.
In what ways has your business grown or changed over time, such as increasing revenue or expanding your team?
My business has significantly grown because my sales have doubled in the past year. I also moved into a shopfront with a commercial kitchen so I can make more of my products and sell them.
Tito helped me get intellectual property and trademark my product and logo. I’m planning to move from being a sole trader to a company. I also hope to hire Indigenous trainees in the future to give back to the community. If I keep growing, I might move to Dalby.
What has been the most valuable part of the program for you?
For me, the most valuable part has been having Tito there when things get tough. Running a business can be really draining sometimes. It’s been so helpful having a mentor who encourages me, keeps me going, and gives me confidence. He’s helped me tackle challenges and stay positive.
Future Goals
In the future, I also plan to host women’s retreats in Jandowae. The nearby Bunya Mountains are very special to me as it’s a spiritual place. At the retreats, I am planning to have a “yearning circle,” weave around the fire, and connect as part of the Maudu Collective experience.
Next, I want to focus more on the things I love such as teaching weaving, bush tucker, and other cultural products. I also plan to start cultural retreats at the nearby Bunya Mountain to share these skills and stories with those who value the Aboriginal culture and want to learn more about it.
What advice would you give to other Indigenous business owners considering the program?
I would really recommend Many Rivers to anyone starting or growing their business. The mentors help you stay on track and turn your ideas into goals you can achieve. My advice to others is to not try and do all on your own, it’s really worth reaching out for Many Rivers support to move in the right direction.
Thank you Valerie for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Valerie’s small business, follow “” through the following links:
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