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ADVERTORIAL: RESTORING NATURE, REVIVING CULTURE
RESTORING NATURE, REVIVING CULTURE
THE STORY OF NATIVE SECRETS
In 2014, Phil and Cherie Thompson embarked on a deeply personal mission that would intertwine their heritage, passion, and love for the land. From their home in Dubbo, Central West NSW, the Bidjara/Kara Kara and Wailwan couple founded Native Secrets, an Indigenous-owned producer of natural skincare, health, and wellbeing products. For them, this wasn’t just about starting a business—it was about honouring their ancestors and preserving the cultural knowledge that had been passed down for generations.
For Phil and Cherie, Native Secrets is more than a company; it’s a way to share the stories and wisdom of their people. “We grew up knowing the land and its healing power,” Phil reflects. “These are teachings from our old people that we’ve carried with us our whole lives.”
Their heritage as Bidjara/Kara Kara and Wailwan people is at the core of everything they do. Phil’s roots in central Queensland and Cherie’s ties to centralwest New South Wales have instilled in them a deep respect for the land and its resources.
One of their proudest achievements is finding a sustainable use for the invasive white cypress pine, which has long threatened local biodiversity.
This respect is reflected in their product range, which highlights the unique properties of native Australian plants. Using wild-harvested Australian native plants, they blend ancient practices with modern innovation to create essential oils and skincare products. One of their proudest achievements is finding a sustainable use for the invasive white cypress pine, which has long threatened local biodiversity. Guided by Wiradjuri Elder Uncle Peter Peckham, they discovered how to extract valuable essential oils from the tree, transforming what was once seen as a pest into a resource.
Customers can discover their dedication to quality through products like the White Cypress Leaf Essential Oil ($21.95), the Buddha Wood Essential Oil ($39.95), and their Lemon Scented Gum Essential Oil ($19.95). Each product carries the unique benefits of native plants and embodies the sustainable practices Phil and Cherie hold dear. Their line also includes body care items such as the Body Wash ($17.90), Shampoo ($18.90), and a Well-being Gift Pack ($76.00), all crafted with natural ingredients, and free from fragrance, parabens and sulphates.
“Uncle Peter’s knowledge has been life-changing,” Phil shares. “Every day, he reminds us of how much there is still to learn from our land.”
Native Secrets has always been a labour of love, but it’s also a mission of restoration. By removing the invasive white cypress pine, they’ve seen native grasslands flourish again, bringing back endangered species like the pink-tailed worm lizard. “It’s incredible to watch the environment come back to life,” Cherie says. “Hearing the birds sing again is a constant reminder of why we do this.”
Their efforts received a significant boost when they were awarded a $200,000 grant from the NSW Nationals’ Regional Job Creation Fund. The funding allowed them to upgrade their facilities and quadruple their production capacity. “This grant wasn’t just about scaling up,” Cherie says. “It was about creating opportunities for our community, especially for our young Indigenous people who want to stay connected to their land.”
While their roots are deeply traditional, Phil and Cherie have embraced modern science to take their products to the next level. Through the CSIRO Kick-Start initiative, they teamed up with researchers to refine extraction processes and study the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of native plants.
“We never thought we’d be working with scientists at this level,” Phil admits. “But seeing our traditional knowledge validated by modern research is so empowering.”
CSIRO’s Adjunct Professor Peter Duggan calls the collaboration a “testament to the power of blending ancient wisdom with contemporary science.” For Phil and Cherie, it’s another step in ensuring that their cultural heritage is both respected and celebrated.
As they look to the future, Phil and Cherie are dreaming big. The AustraliaUnited Kingdom Free Trade Agreement has opened new doors for their business, allowing them to reach customers across the globe. “It’s a chance to share our story with the world,” Cherie says. “Every product we sell carries a piece of our culture and our land.”
But for the Thompsons, success isn’t just measured in sales. It’s about creating a model that can inspire other Indigenous communities. “We’ve always said this isn’t just about us,” Phil explains. “It’s about showing what’s possible when you believe in your culture and your community.”
The journey hasn’t been easy. “There were days we thought about giving up,” Phil admits. “But then we’d think about the people we’re doing this for—our kids, our community, and our ancestors. That kept us going.”
Cherie recalls long nights juggling her master’s studies with business responsibilities. “It’s been tough, but it’s also been worth it,” she says. “Every step forward feels like a win for everyone who’s believed in us.”
Their story gained national attention when it was featured on ABC’s Movin’ to the Country. The show highlighted their passion and perseverance, as well as their unwavering commitment to their land and heritage.
At its heart, Native Secrets is about connection—to the land, to their culture, and to each other. “This business is a way to honour where we come from,” Cherie says. “It’s about showing our kids that our culture is something to be proud of.”
Phil agrees. “This isn’t just our story. It’s an Australian story. And it’s one we’re proud to share with the world.”
Through their dedication, innovation, and unshakable belief in the power of tradition, Phil and Cherie Thompson have built more than a business. They’ve created a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
