Four South Australian businesses emerged victorious at the 63rd national Australian Export Awards held at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday night. Among the winners from over 370 applications across eight states and territories, and 95 national finalists, was the Aboriginal-owned premium wine company, Munda Wines, which claimed the inaugural First Nations Exporter award.
This new category is dedicated to recognizing First Nations traders and exporters who make outstanding contributions to international trade. Munda Wines, sourcing grapes from across South Australia, currently exports to the United States, Canada, and Malaysia.
Munda Wines: A Cultural and Commercial Success
Founded by Wirangu and Kokatha man Pauly Vandenbergh, Munda Wines officially launched in 2022. Vandenbergh expressed the importance of engaging international markets with the rich heritage of the oldest continuing culture on Earth. “International markets are eager to engage with the oldest continuing culture on the face of the planet. It is an incredible point of difference for Aboriginal-led businesses and resonates powerfully with our commercial partners,” he stated.
Vandenbergh’s journey into the wine industry began with a joint venture, Wanna Mar Produce, alongside the renowned Port Lincoln fishing Stehr Group. As the first Aboriginal holder of a commercial tuna license in South Australia, he was inspired to create Munda Wines when considering what wine pairs best with a chargrilled bluefin tuna steak from the Far West.
“Munda Wines redefined what Australian wine can stand for – proving that culture, Country, and commerce can walk together and open pathways for the next generation of Aboriginal entrepreneurs,”
Vandenbergh added.
Recognition for South Australian Innovators
Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell highlighted the significance of Australia’s exporters in contributing to the nation’s economic prosperity. “They create thousands of jobs in our regions and cities, taking the best of Australia to the world and enhancing our reputation as a strong and trusted trading nation and partner,” he said.
Minister Farrell commended all finalists and winners, noting their collective generation of over $4 billion in export earnings in the last financial year.
Other South Australian Winners
- Technologies Category: MyVenue, an Adelaide company, powers next-generation commerce for sports and entertainment venues globally. It develops cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) solutions that are hardware-agnostic, allowing venues to reuse existing equipment or choose preferred devices. Since its 2020 launch, MyVenue has deployed over 19,000 POS terminals worldwide.
- Professional Services Category: CMAX Clinical Research, Australia’s longest-established independent facility for clinical trials, designs and delivers early-phase clinical trials to global clients. Recognized for supporting clients in accelerating product development, CMAX leverages Australia’s research approval process to deliver fast, high-quality results. Over 31 years, it has conducted more than 800 early-phase trials, including over 200 first-in-human studies.
- Regional Exporter Category: AlmondCo, a successful South Australian regional business, produces premium almond products for the global market. As a grower-owned cooperative representing over 85% of the country’s almond growers, AlmondCo has been operating for 81 years, with state-of-the-art processing facilities in the Riverland and Riverina regions.
Implications and Future Prospects
The recognition of Munda Wines and other South Australian businesses at the national awards underscores the growing importance of cultural heritage and innovation in global markets. Munda Wines’ success illustrates how Aboriginal-led enterprises can leverage cultural uniqueness to carve out a niche in competitive international markets.
As Munda Wines continues to expand its global footprint, it sets a precedent for other Aboriginal entrepreneurs to follow, demonstrating that cultural identity can be a powerful asset in business. The company’s achievements may inspire further collaborations between traditional knowledge and modern commerce, fostering a new wave of Aboriginal entrepreneurship.
Looking ahead, the success of these South Australian businesses at the national awards highlights the potential for continued growth and innovation in the region. With a focus on unique cultural offerings and cutting-edge technology, South Australia is poised to strengthen its position as a leader in international trade.
