Our mission
We want to change our world.
This is our intrinsic belief and is the motivation for how we at Jalbi Australia operate. From the very beginning of our supply chain we endeavour to create an Aboriginal supply chain of ethically sourced Australian Native Ingredients.
Our natural products are made right here is Western Australia as we continue to support our local community and jobs. And when people choose to purchase products from our beautifully scented Australian Made and Aboriginal Inspired range we continue to care for their hands.
We want to work with Aboriginal communities and organisations through our supply chain needs to provide economic independence as well as achieving social goals with cultural and environmental benefits to the community we work with.
Jalbi Australia is a 100% Australian owned and majority owned Aboriginal Company
We welcome the opportunity to be part of your Aboriginal supply chain.
Mother’s Mother’s Mother
Jalbi, the image, tells a story of colonisation, of pride in identity and of new beginnings.
Jalbi is an intergenerational artwork created by founding director Mandy’s daughter, Ayesha. It depicts four generations of Ayesha’s maternal lineage, her mother’s, mother’s, mother (the meaning of the word Jalbi in Yawuru language). Teresa Lacy (rest in peace), the matriarch of Mandy’s family, and Ayesha’s great grandmother was descended from the Yawuru people from the Broome area in the West Kimberley of Western Australia.
Mother’s Mother’s Mother
Jalbi, the image, tells a story of colonisation, of pride in identity and of new beginnings.
Because of her, we can!
Our Company, Jalbi Australia, has drawn it’s namesake from this artwork as a tribute and honour to an incredible woman who worked hard to provide the opportunities we now have as a family. It pays homage to our Aboriginal heritage; our products are built on a childhood of connecting with the bush and learning from the strong women in our family, and we are proud to share this with you, our customers.
Founded by Mandy Gadsdon and Kym Hawkins
Our vision is to create a range of beautifully made natural products that draws inspiration from traditional knowledge and Australia scents and botanicals
Jalbi Australia is founded on nearly 40 years of friendship and 60,000 years of traditional knowledge
Meet our founders
Mandy Gadsdon and Kym Hawkins, share a profound respect for the ancient traditions and draws inspiration from the wellspring of traditional knowledge.
Mandy Gadsdon
A Yawuru woman with a passion for social justice and equity and in my other work in management consulting.
Mandy Gadsdon
Hi, I’m Mandy, a Yawuru woman who grew up in Nyikina (Derby) and Ngarinyin Country (up the Gibb River Road) in the remote Kimberley region of WA. I am the eldest of three girls, and I know and understand first-hand the challenges facing Aboriginal people. Throughout my childhood, and into adulthood, I have been fortunate enough to have spent a lot of time in the bush and had the privilege learning and experiencing Country alongside Elders who I consider kin. I have learnt many important lessons in the bush, including rituals to observe, how to stay safe and what to do, and not do!
My grandmother was not a citizen of our Country until one month before my mother was born; she never had an opportunity to go to school, and one of her lasting legacies was teaching me the value of education and its potential to be life changing. She also instilled in me the value of hard work, as well as how to love, live and sustain, from and on Country. Both her and my mum were also givers and I grew up always giving-back to Community. They understood the importance of being connected.
Jalbi Australia has allowed me to realise a dream born of my lifelong love of all things soap! I wanted to create a product and brand that shared my connections with the Australian bush. I am married to Paul, my best friend and biggest supporter, and together we have two beautiful daughters, Phoebe who is 22 and Ayesha who is 20. I have a dog and two cats; all were rescue animals and they are all spoilt rotten and living their best lives!
I have a passion for social justice and equity and in my other work in management consulting, I strive to make a positive difference through working with organisations to improve outcomes for Aboriginal Australians across a range of specialty areas.
I have loved creating Jalbi with Kym, the learning journey, the nostalgia of scent, the excitement of receiving our first products and the aspiration to create a brand that will hopefully one day be a household name. I also love that Jalbi honours my Nanna, an inspirational and resilient woman, who overcame so much and always put family first.
Kym Hawkins
A deep appreciation for nature and community made me commit to create a meaningful change in our world.
Kym Hawkins
Welcome to Jalbi Australia! I’m Kym, and I am thrilled to have you here. Let me share a little bit about my journey and the passions that drive me.
Growing up in a small seaside town, I developed a deep appreciation for nature and community. When I moved to Perth for boarding school, I met Mandy and we have been friends ever since. Little did we know that our bond would endure and shape the path we’d walk together.
I had the opportunity to move to Broome, nestled on Yawuru Country in my 20’s. Immersed in the rich cultural tapestry of the region, I fell in love with its beauty and diversity. Once again I was able to connect with Mandy whilst she was living in Derby a mere 220km away.
Though I now reside in the city, my heart remains tethered to the enchanting landscapes of the Kimberley and Pilbara areas. In 2001, I established Scribe Design Group, a business that allows me to channel my creativity and contribute to projects that shape and enhance these unique environments. Through Scribe Design Group, I am privileged to stay connected to the regions I hold dear.
In my personal life, I am blessed to share my journey with Steve, my amazing and patient husband, and our two incredible daughters, Libby and Lauren. They inspire me every day and remind me of the profound impact we can make in the world.
Now, I am embarking on an exciting new venture Jalbi Australia alongside Mandy. Together, we are deeply committed to creating meaningful change in our world. Leveraging our shared experiences and unwavering passion for making a difference, we aim to leave a lasting impact on the lives we touch.
This website is a platform to share our trans-formative journey with you. Join us as we explore new horizons, tackle challenges, and seek opportunities for growth and positive change. Together, we can make a difference and shape a brighter future.
When we started our company Jalbi Australia, at the forefront of our planning and all our conversations was how we could build in a community ‘give back’ and create our own Aboriginal Supply Chain wherever possible.
We talked about when the right time to do this would be, and how we would decide what and who to support. We have decided that the right time to do this is now, in conjunction with the release of our new ‘Body Mist’.
Because of you, we can!
Our ‘Body Mist’ is made with beautiful Western Australian essential oil hydrosols, and .50c from the sale of every bottle will be put aside for a charity of our choosing. We will report on this every year, right here on our website so that you, our loyal and growing customer base, can see how you are helping us help others.
Building on the generations of women in our family supporting others we are proud to continue this legacy. Growing up, we always had instilled in us that no matter how much or how little you have,
if you have something to offer, you should always do so and look after and support others.
Thank you for your support, and for walking with us to be visible in how we support others.
