Ancient flavours spell business success and transform lives in Western NSW

First Nations food company Dreamtime Tuka hopped aboard the flying kangaroo – and took a community along for the journey. Qantas is just one of Dreamtime Tuka’s high profile clients; the company also has contracts with BP Australia, Accor Hotels and Westpac, among others. However, Dreamtime Tuka CEO and Wiradjuri man, Herb Smith, has kept his feet firmly planted in the heart of his community.

For Herb, success in business means creating employment for Aboriginal people within the bakery industry where he works. The Dreamtime Tuka Pathways to Employment Program is working to close the gap in employment between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

  

“My vision is for this program to be the catalyst to create employment opportunities and real jobs for Aboriginal people,” Herb said. “By giving people employment and opportunity we create their future.”

Since its launch in 2019, Dreamtime Tuka’s employment program has helped dozens of Indigenous people find employment. People who went through the program now have roles as apprentice bakers, cleaners and drivers, and in administration and customer service. Most have found work in Dubbo, where Dreamtime Tuka products are manufactured through a partnership agreement with Earlyrise Baking Company, a key supporter and employer for the program. 

The theme for Indigenous Business Month this year was actions today, impact tomorrow. While Dreamtime Tuka embodies this through its various philanthropic works, Herb Smith shows what is possible at any stage in life. Herb founded Dreamtime Tuka at the age of 63, after three decades working in the NSW Police.

“If you have a business idea, be confident and don’t be afraid to back yourself,” Herb said. “Take that idea and mix it with passion, motivation, and hard work and watch your dream become successful. I am living proof that it can be achieved."