The Yirralka Miyalk Bush Products business was launched in 2011 by Miyalk rangers Gurrundul Marika, Djurambil Mununggurr and Nyemburr Mununggurr. Their vision was to share cultural knowledge and create job opportunities in their homelands.

The business is fully run by the rangers with all harvesting, production and business administration tasks undertaken on homelands or at the Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation offices in Yirrkala.

The Miyalk rangers utilise their ancient knowledge of native plants and traditional Yolŋu healing methods to create a range of products including lip balm, body rub, bush body scrub and soap.

Nambarra (melaleuca dealbata) is used to treat colds and flu, Gadayka (eucalyptus tetrodonta) to treat skin rashes and irritations and Butjiringaning (litsea glutinosa) to treat skin sores and muscle cramps.

Through making the bush products, the Miyalk rangers use and share their ancient knowledge, with each other and with their customers.

This is a business with a rich cultural history – all of the plants used in the bush products are documented in Yolŋu stories and songlines, with many of special importance to the Miyalk rangers and their families.

After 10 years in business, Gurrundul has a new vision to expand the product range with other native botanicals and to also offering healing services through a purpose-built healing centre.

ELP is supporting the Yirralka Miyalk Bush Products with their expansion plans as part of our incubation program.