Our beginnings
"How a yarn between Adam and Clarence about food on Country at a local Mob meet-up led to the shocking discovery of a lack of First Nations representation in the bushfood and botanicals industries—and sparked an even bigger fire in both their bellies to give back to Culture."
This is the origin story of Bush to Bowl, a 100 percent Aboriginal owned company by Clarence Bruinsma (Yaegl, mid-north coast NSW) and Adam Byrne (Garigal, Sydney).
"Bush to Bowl is a social enterprise built from the ground up. It not only creates a Culturally safe space for its team but also continues to build a strong and meaningful platform for First Nations people by fostering their deep connection to Country & traditional foodways."
Hard truths
While the Australian bush foods and botanicals industry is booming, Indigenous representation, from growers to exporters, is alarmingly low, with data suggesting less than 1% of the industry's produce and dollar value is generated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
How did this happen you ask?
Our people lost their traditional foodways due to colonization, which led to displacement from traditional lands, forced reliance on poor-quality rations, and the introduction of Western food systems that disrupted traditional practices and knowledge
At Bush to Bowl, caring for Country is more than a sustainability practice — it’s a deep Cultural responsibility. Our work is guided by intergenerational knowledge and a strong Connection to Culture, centred on ecological respect and the long-term healing of land and community.
We prioritise community collaboration and regeneration across all areas of Country to ensure health, balance, and abundance for future generations. Our environmental initiatives include the propagation of endangered and endemic plant species native to our local areas, and a strict focus on cultivating only native plants. This approach supports natural biodiversity and reduces reliance on invasive, non-native agricultural systems.
By creating bushfood gardens that replicate natural ecosystems, we demonstrate how Indigenous land management can lead to healthier, more resilient food systems. Every plant grown is more than a product — it’s a story, a teaching tool, and a step toward healing both land and people.
We actively restore degraded landscapes by reintroducing culturally significant species into urban and community settings. This rewilding work revives traditional ecological knowledge and strengthens cultural landscapes that have long been disconnected from ancestral practices.
Community Empowerment
Bush to Bowl is built to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through meaningful employment, cultural reconnection, and self-determined enterprise. Our work is grounded in First Nations ownership, leadership, and cultural integrity — opening real pathways into sectors such as horticulture, eco-tourism, hospitality, education, and cultural consultancy.
We engage youth, Elders, and families in hands-on experiences that build confidence, skills, and pride in Culture. Our community-focused programs break down systemic barriers through equitable employment, business mentoring, and culturally safe, land-based healing initiatives.
Over the past five years, we’ve delivered Community Giveback projects across NSW, including in Bourke, Narrandera, Coomaditchie (Port Kembla), and in vital spaces such as women’s shelters, medical centres, foster care programs, rehabilitation services, and juvenile justice centres.
Within our own organisation, we live by the values we teach. We prioritise family, health, and flexibility — designing roles that support personal and cultural obligations, walking alongside our team through hardship, and celebrating each individual’s unique journey. We are proud of the values-driven, community-first culture we continue to grow at Bush to Bowl.
 Education & Awareness
Our education programs reconnect both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to the deep, living wisdom of Country. Through cultural workshops, bushfood walks, school incursions, and corporate training sessions, we immerse participants in Aboriginal ways of knowing, seeing, and caring for the land.
We teach the traditional uses, seasonal rhythms, and stories of native plants — creating deeper understanding and respect for First Nations knowledge systems. Our education work not only builds awareness but also disrupts colonial narratives by placing Aboriginal voices at the forefront of environmental care, science, and Australia’s sustainable food future.
Our long-term goal is to embed bushfoods and cultural knowledge into everyday Australian life — in home gardens, school curriculums, policy decisions, and supermarket shelves. This is how we bring cultural knowledge back into the hands of community and the broader public.
Our Achievements as a Social Enterprise
- Authentic partnerships with First Nations organisations, local businesses, councils, and corporations — generating meaningful employment opportunities and long-term collaboration.
- Employment for over 40 First Nations people across full-time, part-time, and casual roles — from nursery operations to education and consulting.
- Thousands of native plants propagated and planted in households, schools, and public spaces across NSW — many installed directly on Country by our team.
- Planted critically endangered species in local Country areas as part of our commitment to ecological restoration and Indigenous-led conservation.
- 100% of staff reported improved wellbeing, attributing it to cultural connection, purpose-driven work, and a supportive team environment.
- Hundreds of hours dedicated to school programs across Greater Sydney, regional NSW, and other states — embedding First Nations knowledge into education systems.
