Lanje Team Strengthens Partnerships on Bardi Jawi Country

28 November 2025 Rosanna Angus, Founder of Lanje and Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours, and James Brown, Managing Director of Aquaculture Innovation and Pearls of Australia, proudly hosted the Lanje project team on Bardi Jawi Country for a multi-day workshop and cultural immersion as part of the Marine Bioproducts CRC flagship initiative, Indigenous Skincare Innovation – Lanje (Project MBCRC338).

The visit brought together the collaborative team united by a shared vision to grow an Indigenous -led marine bioproducts enterprise grounded in culture, sustainability and community benefit. Attendees included:

• Dr Pia Winberg, Chief Scientist and Founder, Venus Shell Systems and PhycoHealth
• James Brown, Managing Director, Aquaculture Innovation and Pearls of Australia
• Rosanna Angus, Founder, Lanje and Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours
• Suzanne Haddon, Founder and Creative Director, Rooland
• Daniel Abrahams, CEO, Marine Bioproducts CRC
• Carron Daveson, First Nations Engagement Advisor, Marine Bioproducts CRC

Connecting with Community and Country

Over four days, the team travelled from across Australia to Rubibi, Broome and north to Borrgoron, Cygnet Bay, where they met with organisations, community leaders and Traditional Owners to deepen relationships and listen to community priorities.

Daniel and Carron began their day in Rubibi, Broome, engaging in meaningful conversations with Kirby Thorpe, Strategic Project Manager at the Kimberley Land Council and then with Nyul Nyul representatives Wayne Barker and Eugenia George.

The team then explored the Pearls of Australia shop, where James shared the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm’s historic timeline and their strong working relationship with the Bardi Jawi people. Highlights included trying on a historic diver helmet, admiring beautiful pearl jewellery, and hand carved pearl shells by the Wiggan family.

The last stop before heading to Borrgoron, Cygnet Bay was Mabu Buru shop, a proudly Indigenous-owned retail outlet, where we explored potential opportunities to stock Lanje skincare range. We met with the Founder of Mabu Buru Tours and shop, Johani Mamid, along with his partner Emma, and team member Clive.

Listening to and learning about the cultural tours they offer, and watching highlights from their YouTube videos, was both highly educational and a true highlight.

On the way up to Bardi Jawi Country, the team visited Beagle Bay Sacred Heart Church on Nyul Nyul Country, famous for their mother-of-pearl-shell alter and its architectural incorporation of marine shells throughout the church.

Upon arriving at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm and checking into their 2025 WA Tourism Gold awarded unique accommodation, James took us on the water and guided the team around the vast pearl farm, sharing insights on pearl cultivation, operational logistics, and the impact of climate change on local waters.  

Project Planning, Design and Strategic Development

The team held a dedicated Lanje workshop, focusing on growth, strategy, and sustainability.

We shared our vision and purpose, shaped the business model for growth, and explored future project opportunities. A highlight of the day was reviewing and finalising Suzanne’s designs for the Lanje Christmas Box, which beautifully showcase marine bioproducts while honouring cultural connections, weaving together creativity, language, and storytelling in every detail.

The afternoon featured an on-Country experience, with Rosanna welcoming the team to Sunday Island and surrounding waters. Her immersive Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours showcased the history and inspiration of Lanje and the deep cultural connections, resilience, and craftmanship of the Bardi Jawi people.

The evening concluded with a shared dinner with representatives from Ardyaloon Incorporated, including CEO John Reudavey, Jasirah Bin Hitam, Alec “Unja” McCarthy and Phillip “Bibido” McCarthy, providing an opportunity to connect, share stories, and strengthen relationships.

The journey concluded as the team departed Bardi Jawi Country and returned to their home states.  

Looking Ahead

The visit reinforced that Lanje is more than a skincare initiative. It represents a model for Indigenous led innovation in the marine bioproducts sector, driven by cultural authority, partnership and respect for Country. Across every conversation and experience, the team deepened their understanding of how culture, community and marine science can come together to create positive social, economic and environmental outcomes. The Marine Bioproducts CRC looks forward to continuing this journey in partnership with Rosanna, the Bardi Jawi community and project collaborators as Lanje grows.