THE ONLY STRAW
The Only Straw offers an alternative drinking straw to paper and plastic. The straws are 100% biodegradable, home compostable, and completely zero waste – made entirely of natural ingredients, and safe for everyone to use. The straws will last in a drink for over an hour, which proves better than paper straws which just don’t last the distance. Our straws break down within 90 days in any environment, landfill, or waterway, and are marine life and wildlife friendly.
CABARET ON CALL
Cabaret on Call was inspired after finding myself unable to perform in person at aged care sites during Covid-19, so I had to pivot to online delivery. Some nursing homes don’t offer live entertainment due to visitor restrictions, so I perform for residents through the screen, singing songs they love and request. I bring life back to old songs from previous decades, by dressing in the style of the era or genre.
Frenchism Language Learning
Meet Iris, 2021 Startup Gippsland Tech Startup Skills program participant and founder of Frenchism Language Learning.
Iris has been teaching French for over 10 years, and has helped over 150 students achieve their French goals! Frenchism Language Learning will be officially launching in early 2022, offering an easy and accessible way for people to learn French online.
CRSE Group
The CRSE group provides consulting services to social enterprise, not-for-profit organisations, government, large corporations, and philanthropic organisations. We are particularly interested in working with individuals with a passion for purpose. We nurture the growth of these business leaders frustrated by the system, to navigate profitable and tangible results.
Our services are broad, and can range from advisory, to innovation, to business modelling, evaluation and strategy, mentoring, and supporting people and culture. We are also the only Social Traders certified social enterprise in Australia that delivers governance advisory.
Content Queen Mariah
Content Queen Mariah has been in operation for 2 years, and is a content marketing and educational business for entrepreneurs and online business owners. I am the founder and main content creator of the business, but have a team of freelancers helping and supporting me. Together, we offer retainer and project packages for businesses wanting their content done for them, and DIY courses and templates for those who want to learn how to create their own!
Scarlet & Grace
Ryan and Kaitlyn, from Scarlet & Grace, inject a sense of lightheartedness and positivity into the way they approach our conversation; even amidst these tumultuous times. However, it is evident that the passion for their business, and commitment to the health of their end consumer, is no laughing matter.
This family-owned business has successfully cut through the noise of a saturated marketplace to come up with a range of products that are both beautiful and unique. After spending 4 years on research and development of their luxury homewares (candles and reed diffusers), Scarlet & Grace was launched; and their products are now stocked in lifestyle and gift stores around Australia. “Our jars are designed to be heat resistant, meaning they will never explode or burn your hands”, says Kaitlyn.
The Mindful Hub
For Tegan McKay, provisional psychologist and founder of The Mindful Hub, she knows all too well the implication the current COVID-19 crisis can have on the wellbeing and mental health of communities, particularly those in rural settings.
She launched her business as a result of participating in the 2019 Startup Gippsland program, as a way to provide online psychology services and appointments to those in need. From an early age, Tegan saw the divide in the level and quality of services offered to rural communities, compared to those in the city. Whilst suffering from a childhood disease, Tegan would frequently travel a 5 hour round trip to most appointments, which were located in the city, and it was here she realised the difference in medical care.
Little Bumble Wraps
It may be hard to imagine, but food wastage makes up for $10 billion dollars each year in Australia alone; which equates to approximately $1,200 annually per household.
For Laura Eddington, founder of Little Bumble Food Wraps, her business journey began 3 years ago as a way to reduce food wastage in her own home. After struggling to find a suitable beeswax food wrap in the market, she put her studies to use and set about to develop her own. Since starting her business, Laura has seen great success in creating a product that sees avocados and bread stay fresh for 2 weeks, and leafy greens remain fresh for up to 4 weeks.
Aeromedical Solutions
When we think about building a business to fill a much needed gap in the marketplace, we often don’t look to crisis or unfortunate events for inspiration.
But for Erin Lord and Steve McLaren, co-founders of Aeromedical Solutions, their opportunity in business was staring them in the face during their time working for the Royal Flying Doctors Service.
Aeromedical Solutions
When we think about building a business to fill a much needed gap in the marketplace, we often don’t look to crisis or unfortunate events for inspiration.
But for Erin Lord and Steve McLaren, co-founders of Aeromedical Solutions, their opportunity in business was staring them in the face during their time working for the Royal Flying Doctors Service.
Fern & Frost
It’s hard not to feel impacted or worried in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, Annebelle van Tongeren, yoga instructor and founder of “Fern & Frost” speaks in a way that could calm any chaotic mind.
You see, for Annebelle, these current feelings dredged up by the virus are unfortunately all too familiar.
After experiencing a sudden and rapid burnout in 2013 and 2014 from working in a high-stress corporate career, she was forced to innovate and pivot the way in which she both worked, and operated.
And so, in a time where Annebelle felt lost, unsure of who she was, and unclear as to what was ahead, she decided to turn her attention to yoga, and the activities which would help her find resilience and strength.
Fern & Frost
It’s hard not to feel impacted or worried in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, Annebelle van Tongeren, yoga instructor and founder of “Fern & Frost” speaks in a way that could calm any chaotic mind.
You see, for Annebelle, these current feelings dredged up by the virus are unfortunately all too familiar.
After experiencing a sudden and rapid burnout in 2013 and 2014 from working in a high-stress corporate career, she was forced to innovate and pivot the way in which she both worked, and operated.
And so, in a time where Annebelle felt lost, unsure of who she was, and unclear as to what was ahead, she decided to turn her attention to yoga, and the activities which would help her find resilience and strength.
Fern & Frost
It’s hard not to feel impacted or worried in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, Annebelle van Tongeren, yoga instructor and founder of “Fern & Frost” speaks in a way that could calm any chaotic mind.
You see, for Annebelle, these current feelings dredged up by the virus are unfortunately all too familiar.
After experiencing a sudden and rapid burnout in 2013 and 2014 from working in a high-stress corporate career, she was forced to innovate and pivot the way in which she both worked, and operated.
And so, in a time where Annebelle felt lost, unsure of who she was, and unclear as to what was ahead, she decided to turn her attention to yoga, and the activities which would help her find resilience and strength.
Avail
Dave Sayers, a founder and head designer of Avail Care, which designs stylish and sleek healthcare products such as grab rails and shower seats, has learn about startup Gippsland from an editorial at the Warragul Gazette.
Fern & Frost
It’s hard not to feel impacted or worried in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, Annebelle van Tongeren, yoga instructor and founder of “Fern & Frost” speaks in a way that could calm any chaotic mind.
You see, for Annebelle, these current feelings dredged up by the virus are unfortunately all too familiar.
After experiencing a sudden and rapid burnout in 2013 and 2014 from working in a high-stress corporate career, she was forced to innovate and pivot the way in which she both worked, and operated.
And so, in a time where Annebelle felt lost, unsure of who she was, and unclear as to what was ahead, she decided to turn her attention to yoga, and the activities which would help her find resilience and strength.
Aero Chair
Do you travel overseas and dread the discomfort that comes with it? Stay tuned! At the Aerochair we have one mission...to take the pain and hassle out of flying! Sarah Wong, a founder of a Warragul-based startup Aerochair tells us her startup idea of developing ergonomic travelling products to combat the pain and discomfort associated with long flights.
Avail
Dave Sayers, a founder and head designer of Avail Care, which designs stylish and sleek healthcare products such as grab rails and shower seats, has learn about startup Gippsland from an editorial at the Warragul Gazette.
Checkit Health App
After years of experience as a nurse both within Australia and abroad, and studying public health, Dr.Lucy Nijam earned her medial degree at the University of Notre Dame. Her passion is in helping Australians reduce their risk of disease using innovation and digital technology. She is he founder of Checkit.
King Fisher Citrus
King Fisher Citrus is a proudly owned and operated fourth-generation family farm and the family is the heart and soul of their food growing business. Brothers Angus and Alexander Fisher first established the farm back in 1938 and it is the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of Alexander, who continue to live and work the farm today. Lex and Glenda, together with their sons Ronan and Lynton and their wives , Mel and Aimee have embraced the opportunity to sell direct through farmers' markets across Victoria. The Fisher family business continues to flourish.
Amazing Anatomy
The Amazing Anatomy program teaches young children how the main body systems work, linking the effects that our health choices make, delivered in a fun and interactive way. Amazing Anatomy health education sessions are designed for pre-school to prep aged children. Each session runs for approximately 45 minutes and includes basic information about the main systems of our body, followed by a fun and interactive game related to that system.
ESMWIZ
Managing building compliance doesn't have to be hard, says the sale-based founder of ESMWIZ, Rajender Singh. From safety manuals on the go, to managing inspection tasks on the run, ESMWIZ software manages essential safety measure compliance obligation in an easy and organised way by automating reports, manuals, inspections, alerts and more.
Friendie
Founders Jane and Phil Sahhar from the Humble Audio Splitter, Friendie has quickly grown into a successful web-based business, selling high-end, sports-luxe headphones and speakers Australia-wide, thanks to this winning husband and wife partnership.
Enviro Micro Bio
EnviroMicroBio aims to assist industry on matters involving wastewater, water, organic and trade waste. We specialise in the provision of analytical services, process problem solving, biological monitoring and technical training.
The Bronte Centre
The Bronte Centre has always been a face-to-face service provider for the families of individuals who suffer from eating disorders. The service has always been delivered in a face-to-face format, so this limits the number and location of families who can engage with us and make a difference in their loved one's recovery and connection with life.
Purely Goats Milk
Purely Goats Milk startup is a subscription-based goat milk skincare products catering for the premium market.
The health benefits we have experienced personally by bringing fresh Goats Milk into our lives has been life changing - both internal and external and has become the reason we started our journey creating Purely Goats Milk.
Deadly Wears
Deadly Wears is a majority owned Aboriginal Apparel Business. Along with her sister and brother in law, Hollie aims to respectfully create ethical and sustainable First Nations products that showcase their Culture, Country and Community, for all People to wear with pride. Through Deadly Wears, Hollie wishes to share and celebrate her Indigenous Australian culture with everyone.
Cellfield
Rhonda Campbell is a Speech Pathologist, and she founded Bellfield Speech Pathology 32 years ago, which has supported more than 5000 families across the Gippsland region. Approximately 13 years ago, she met Dimitri Caplygin, the founder and inventor of the Cellfield Reading Program. This computer based program can improve reading skills by an average of 18 months over a one month time period. Rhonda is now in the process of securing ownership of the Cellfield business, and is excited for the ongoing potential of the program.
Kooee Brew Pty Ltd
Asbrand and Lachlan describe themselves as being naturally curious, adventurous, and driven, with a passion for achieving their goals. They embarked on their entrepreneurial journey 12 months ago, and came up with the concept for Kooee Brew, which creates and distributes packaged iced teas using natural botanicals, and nitro cold brew coffee. They are excited to continue to build their business, which contributes to the local economy, community and environment.
Night Babe
Night Babe founder, Elle James, is a freelance makeup artist of 14 years. 2020 put a halt to the makeup industry and her normal 9-5, creative outlet and livelihood was stopped for nearly 8 months! It was here that Night Babe was born, and Elle has used her experience in sewing and understanding of skin care, to create luxurious handcrafted silk pillowcases. Elle is proud to be a Gippsland product manufacturer and e-commerce store owner, and can’t wait to show fellow entrepreneurs that you can run a successful, fashionable and national e-commerce store right here in Gippsland.
Cottage Garden Threads
Katie Dawson is the co-founder of Cottage Garden Threads (CGT), and her team are proud to be connecting stitchers of all ages, genders, cultures and abilities through inspiring projects and addictive hand dyed threads. By using Lean methodologies, CGT are able to manufacture 20,000 threads per month from a little quirky old building in the tiny town of Mirboo North, all while retaining the magic of a small local family business.
SISU Society
Brooke is the founder of SiSu Society, a safe space online for #metoo women to connect, heal and grow by building digital toolkits with coping strategies for survivors, and strategies for loved ones to facilitate difficult conversations with those close to them affected by sexual violence. Sisu Society are taking themselves #offmute, to reduce social isolation for survivors.
We asked Brooke what her favourite thing about living in Gippsland is:
“My favourite thing about living in Gippsland is being surrounded by people who truly believe in the importance of community, resilience and compassion.”
Solarsync
Jon is the founder of SynDAC, a local system which optimises renewable energy generators, saving businesses and homeowners money. SynDAC is a holistic approach to energy optimisation, as it’s controlled via one system - a virtual power plant grid. SynDAC will be an important solution as Australia moves toward a new energy future.
We asked Jon what his favourite thing about living in Gippsland is:
“It's got to be the 'feel' of the place, the people, the culture, the land. The richness of wildlife and unbroken nature stirs the soul. It's a truly beautiful corner of the world.”
Good Things Gippsland
Julie is the founder of Good Things Gippsland, which provides tours and experiences to customers looking to see more of what Gippsland has to offer. These experiences introduce people to the great things available in the region, through exploring farms, meeting producers, and visiting micro-businesses.
We asked Julie what her favourite thing about living in Gippsland is:
“My favourite thing about Gippsland is that it has so much to offer... It’s lush and full of such beautiful landscapes, produce and of course, people.”
Sleep School
Leanne is the founder of Sleep School, an online directory of Baby and Toddler Sleep Consultants. By connecting parents with sleep consultants, they can get the support and resources they need to improve sleep in their household.
We asked Leanne what her favourite thing about living in Gippsland is:
“East Gippsland is full of beautiful natural places to spend time with my family. We enjoy living amongst nature and enjoy all outdoor activities from the water to the snow!”
Foodie
Paul and Therese are the founders of Foodie, an online food ordering system which is designed to streamline and simplify ordering in school Food Technology departments. Foodie is a web-based application which collates and generates shopping lists for each of the school's suppliers, which saves staff time and money. Paul and Therese hope to expand the application of Foodie to aged care residences and restaurants.
The Demonstration Effect
Stephanie is the founder of The Demonstration Effect, a cause which is all about increasing the diversity in imagery. Stephanie’s idea is to celebrate women in leadership, by displaying them on electronic and printed greeting cards. The imagery will showcase talented women, with an aim to inspire the recipient in all aspects of their life.
We asked Stephanie what her favourite thing about living in Gippsland is:
“I love living life in the open and being so close to nature!”
