Our Name, Our Heritage

Maudu (pronounced maw-doo) is a name rooted in the languages of Valerie Murray’s people.

‘Mau’ is the Barunggum word for head.
‘Du’ is the Wakka Wakka word for heart.

Together, Maudu means ‘head and heart’ – reflecting a philosophy of healing, learning, and living with purpose. It perfectly captures the spirit of Maudu Collective: a space where culture, creativity, and community come together to reconnect people to Country, to each other, and to themselves.

A personal journey back to country

Valerie Murray is a proud Barunggum woman, with family ties to the Ngarrabal people of northern NSW. After many years working in hospital administration including time in emergency departments and mental health wards - Valerie began to witness firsthand the healing power of culture.

She saw Elders bring native foods and bush remedies to in-patients as a way to care for both body and spirit. It was a turning point. Valerie recognised that Indigenous knowledge, especially around bush foods, had an important role to play in holistic health and wellbeing.

After personal losses and the desire to reconnect more deeply with her roots, Valerie returned to Jandowae on Barunggum Country. This began a new chapter of purpose, healing, and reconnection - one that led to the creation of Maudu Collective.

Group of people learning about indigenous weaving from Valerie Murray in a workshop setting.

Culture you can taste, touch and learn from

Maudu Collective brings Aboriginal knowledge to the kitchen table and beyond - from Davidson Plum-infused plum puddings and native bush chutneys, to therapeutic creams, traditional weaving, and Gumbi Gumbi capsules.

Valerie handmakes her products in small batches, using native Australian ingredients to honour the land, nourish the body, and share culture through flavour and feel. 

Valerie is also deeply involved in cultural skill-sharing groups, award winning weaving, and community education. Through hands-on workshops in bush tucker and traditional crafts, Valerie empowers others to learn from and walk alongside First Nations culture with respect and curiosity.

The Vision: Culture with Purpose

To help all people - Indigenous and non-Indigenous - reconnect with Country,
embrace the healing gifts of native foods, and grow knowledge of the land’s deep wisdom.

She’s building a future where traditional bush medicine is valued, cultural practices are shared, and stories are passed on through experience, not just education. With every bite, blend, balm and basket, Maudu Collective is sharing culture with meaning and purpose - from the head, and from the heart.

Our Guiding Values

Inspired by culture, community, and Country, these values guide everything we do at Maudu Collective.

  • Celebrating native foods and traditional knowledge passed down through generations.

  • Rooted in traditional knowledge, our approach values low-impact, meaningful production that gives back to the land.

  • We honour storytelling, community, and the spirit of gathering through food and creative expression.

  • Creating space for healing, learning, and walking together on a journey of cultural reconnection.

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