Uncle Charlie’s Taste of Country is a 100% Aboriginal owned and operated business specialising in artisan blending of native food and spices. The first food application of the spice blends was popcorn seasonings.

Raised on Wiradjuri Country (Trangie, NSW), founder Mark McMillian created the family-owned business alongside Mark’s siblings. Celebrating the life of Uncle Charlie Evans, Mark’s grandmother’s brother, the family wanted to create a product that reflected both their culture and the warm and fun-filled way of living that Uncle Charlie was known for in Trangie. And as he was a passionate move buff, popcorn was the perfect solution.

Over time, Uncle Charlie’s have developed popcorn seasonings that have cleverly integrated to reflect familiar flavours such salt and vinegar, and sweet and tangy. The three popcorn variations include: Saltbush and apple cider vinegar, Sunrise limes and lemon myrtle, and Davidson Plum and honey. The popcorn, sourced from Australian-grown corn – watered by the Wiradjuri rivers, is made to be shared and enjoyed.

The environmentally sustainable packaging also tells a Wiradjuri story. The artwork is designed by a family friend and the boxes have been created to be opened into a bowl or dish, known as a coolamon, in which the popcorn can be served.

It’s the intelligence and deeper thinking of a values-driven company and the desire of the family to communicate kindness to all Australians on their reconciliation journey, that is the basis of Uncle Charlie's Taste of Country. This regionally-based business has a purposeful legacy - to support community and relationships through offering an accessible product that balances familiarity and native traditions of blending spices for flavour. In this way, we can all share the food that we love, as well as understand and appreciate culture and Country.

Uncle Charlie’s Taste of Country is far more than delicious popcorn; it’s a powerful and purposeful representation of our shared future.

To find out more about Uncles Charlie’s Taste of Country go to: www.unclecharlies.com.au

Uncle Charlie's Wiradjuri family has been blending Native Foods for 2000 generations, and are striving to make their Native Foods affordable and accessible.

Dry roast caraway seeds in a dry pan for 1 or 2 minutes or just until fragrant. Set aside. Heat oil and cook onion until soft and translucent for about 5-7 minutes on medium low heat. Add garlic, chopped carrot, beetroot, roasted whole caraway seeds,  beef stock and bring to the boil. Reduce and simmer about 45 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Allow the soup to cool slightly. Using a stick blender, blend soup until smooth or the preferred consistency. If too thick, add hot water. You can also puree in batches in the blender if you prefer.

Serve with crème fraiche and chopped chives. Can also be served cold.

A simple and wholesome beetroot soup that's delicious hot or cold

Recipe: A simple and wholesome Beetroot Soup

It’s all happening in Canberra where premium beef producer Claystone Foods is meeting the market for discerning consumers as well as providing meals for our four-legged friends! Dynamic duo Stace and Mish Allen arm a mix of Angus and Hereford cattle on the Hoskinstown Plains. The pair have equally balanced the conscious breeding of their herd and the sustainable custodianship on the land over many years, creating a working farm that connects the consumer to the country.

The production of premium quality meats appeals to consumers who want to make ethical meat consumption choices and the sourcing of additional free-range, antibiotic and hormone-free meats from fellow regenerative farmers, results in a range of high-quality butchered cuts. Locals and visitors can call by the on-farm multi-award winning butchery or stop by the Capital Farmers Markets on a Saturday. Door-to-door delivery is also offered across the Canberra region and into Sydney. 

But it’s not only us humans who get to enjoy the range from Claystone, our fur babies also get to benefit! As with all good farming practices, Claystone places huge importance on reducing waste; this, coupled with the desire to feed their farm dogs high-nutrition meat from the farm, led to the realisation of diversifying into the pet food market and filling a gap for vet-endorsed, nutritionally-balanced meals. 

And so, Pawstone Pet Meals was born which has led to the launch of an exciting crowdfunding campaign! Activated during April 2024, the opportunity for investment is designed to support the growth of the company both within Australia and internationally and position Claystone Foods as the undisputed market leader for meals with reliable nutrition for the whole family, pets included! 

Expressions of Interest are now open for investors interested in supporting this incredible vision. Learn more about Claystone Foods and Pawstone crowding funding campaign here: www.birchal.com/company/claystone

​​**Always consider the General CSF risk warning and offer doc before investing.

Claystone's founders, Stace and Mish Allen created Claystone to create change and provide choice for consumers.

The secret’s out! Canberra’s Claystone Foods is making culinary leaps for the whole family, pets included!

Transitioning away from gluten can be a daunting journey for many, as they search for alternatives that not only satisfy the palate but also cater to their dietary needs. Enter Breadicine, a gluten-free, organic artisan bread company whose aptly named tagline, "a body-wise bakery," encapsulates their ethos perfectly. Founded by seasoned baker Nadia Martin, Breadicine offers a diverse range of breads crafted with activated and sprouted seeds and nuts, alongside options tailored to Paleo, Low-Carb, Fodmap, and Prebiotic dietary preferences.

Nadia's culinary journey, fueled by a passion for food and informed by her personal struggles with gut health, led her to create Breadicine in the idyllic setting of Murwillumbah in the Northern Rivers region; being surrounded by a community perfectly suited to appreciate quality organic ingredients gave Nadia the opportunity to refine her breads.

Beyond bread, Breadicine’s range includes Nadia’s highly sought-after vegan, gluten-free cookies, featuring flavours like chocolate chip and white choc cranberry walnut. And for home chefs, a range of Bake-at-Home Premixes is in the works, promising to bring the wholesome goodness of Breadicine to kitchen counters everywhere.

In her quest to develop a variety of products for her retail customers, Nadia has also created sourdough loaves - organic seeded and activated charcoal sesame - which can be bought at the weekly Murwillumbah Farmers Markets on a Wednesday morning. 

Catering to the evolving demands of the culinary world, Breadicine extends its reach to chefs and foodservice providers, offering wholesale options tailored to their needs. With products handmade and designed to accommodate various dietary sensitivities—from organic and gluten-free to vegan and keto—Breadicine ensures that everyone can indulge in the joy of freshly baked goodness.

Discover more about Breadicine's wholesome creations at www.breadicine.com.au and embark on a journey of delicious, conscious eating.

Breadicine is a small-batch artisan bakery creating unique, high-nutrient breads from carefully selected organic, gluten-free, plant-based wholefoods ingredients.

The bold world of Breadicine's gluten-free organic artisan breads!

Maida Hill Estate

Latest posts

Uncle Charlie’s Taste of Country

Recipe: A simple and wholesome Beetroot Soup

The secret’s out! Canberra’s Claystone Foods is making culinary leaps for the whole family, pets included!

The bold world of Breadicine's gluten-free organic artisan breads!

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