Bubbles flow as Munda Wines takes out Exporter of the Year award
South Australian winery Munda Wines had the bubbles flowing in Canberra on Wednesday evening as they won the Inaugural First Nations Australian Exporter of the Year award.
The Australian Export Awards is one of Australia’s most prestigious and longest running export awards programs.
Munda, based in Birkenhead (Kaurna) beat five other Indigenous finalists to take out the award, a unique company that creates pathways for Aboriginal employment.
“Munda is the Wirangu and Kokatha word for land. It pre-dates the French concept of terroir by tens of thousands of years,” it says on its website https://www.mundawines.com.au
Founded by proud Wirangu and Kokatha man Pauly Vandenbergh in 2022, the concept for Munda Wines had been quietly fermenting for years.
Pauly was the first Aboriginal holder of a commercial tuna licence in South Australia. Inevitably the question arose of what wine pairs best with a chargrilled bluefin tuna steak fresh from the waters off the Far West Coast…. and Munda Wines was born.
What began as two wines has now grown into a national collection from Chardonnay to Cabernet Sauvignon and the acclaimed Djab Warring Syrah.
The Australian newspaper described the Syrah as “flawless as its siblings…. A seriously good wine.”
“I congratulate Munda Wines for being the inaugural recipient of the First Nations Exporter Award,” Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said.
“This new award celebrates and showcases the success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses sharing First Nations culture and expertise with the world, while also supporting local communities.”
“This year’s First Nations finalists export bush food, art, fashion, rail signals, consulting and coaching services, highlighting the diverse nature of our businesses breaking into international markets and making their mark on the world stage.”
Other finalists:
Aldridge Rail Group from East Lidcombe (Dharug) NSW, has been associated with the rail industry and road traffic signals for more than 75 years. The Indigenous manufacturer supplies signals to a global marketplace.
Innovations over the decades include LED rail signals for the Sydney Underground System, the first smart signal in Bangkok, and solar-powered, wireless crossing technology. The company is currently finalising contracts for commuter line and signalling projects in the Philippines and Indonesia.
Elephant in the Room Consulting (EITRC) is a First Nations, female-led consulting firm based in Carindale (Yuggera) Qld. The team is committed to helping organisations and entrepreneurs grow with purpose, lead with clarity, and deliver lasting impact.
EITRC specialises in culturally intelligent strategy, leadership development, and business coaching. It designs business and growth strategies for purpose-driven enterprises. It also provides cultural advisory and First Nations engagement expertise.
https://elephantintheroomau.com
Ikuntji Artists is a leading Aboriginal art centre located in Haasts Bluff (Mparntwe), Northern Territory. It celebrates vibrant, contemporary art rooted in culture, Country and tradition.
The art centre supports the artistic practice and cultural heritage of the local Luritja people. Its talented artists create paintings, textiles and jewellery, and participate in international collaborations.
Jala Jala from Cranbourne West (Bunurong) Victoria, celebrates First Nations culture through food. The First Nations women-owned business creates premium bush food products and handcrafted chocolates. It also offers First Nations food experiences that educate, empower and delight.
The Jala Jala mission is to elevate Indigenous food culture while creating economic opportunities for First Nations communities. The company is commitmed to sourcing through Aboriginal supply chains and honouring traditional knowledge. This ensures Indigenous voices and ownership are at the forefront.
https://www.jalajalatreats.com.au
Kirrikin, from Como (Whadjuk) in WA is a luxury fashion and accessories brand that brings contemporary Aboriginal artwork to life. Each piece is a celebration of identity, story and heritage – designed in Australia, worn worldwide.
Kirrikin was founded by Amanda Healy. The proud Wonnarua woman had a vision to create a brand that not only celebrated Aboriginal culture but also empowered Aboriginal communities through meaningful economic participation.
2025 Australian Export Award Winners
- 2025 Australian Exporter of the Year and Sustainability and Green Economy winner: Premier Metal Recyclers(WA)
- Agribusiness, Food and Beverages: Marquis Macadamias(QLD)
- Creative Industries: Orbitkey(VIC)
- e-Commerce: Humanitix(NSW)
- Emerging Exporter: Six Zero Pickleball(QLD)
- First Nations Exporter: Munda Wines(SA)
- International Education and Training: UOW Global Enterprises(NSW)
- International Health: Marinova(TAS)
- Manufacturing and Advanced Materials: PWR Advanced Cooling Technology(QLD)
- Professional Services: CMAX Clinical Research(SA)
- Regional Exporter: Almondco Australia (SA)
- Resources and Energy:Matrix Composites & Engineering (WA)
- Small Business: Three Warriors(TAS)
- Technologies: MyVenue(SA)
