Our History
Yarbun Creations did not begin in a boardroom. It began in the bush, shaped by story, survival, and deep cultural knowledge. It grew from the wisdom of generations — not textbooks. From the very beginning, healing was at the heart of our journey.
In 1927, families arrived at Woorabinda on foot after being relocated from Taroom. The journey left their bodies weary and their spirits broken. There was no hospital, no doctor — only the land, and one man.
Uncle Charlie
Charlie Mummins, a Garangebal medicine man, stepped forward. He used Aboriginal knowledge to treat wounds, fevers, and infection. His ways were old, but his touch brought trust. As a result, many lived when hope seemed lost.
A Legacy Passed Down: Tim Kemp
One young boy watched Charlie closely. His name was Tim Kemp, Charlie’s nephew. Born in 1921, Tim grew up with language, lore, and a deep connection to Country.
When Charlie grew too old to ride, Tim saddled the horse. He rode through bushland collecting bark, leaves, and roots. At just ten, he was already making medicine.
Tim never forgot what he learned. He listened to many Elders, not just Charlie. His knowledge became refined, and his spirit remained humble. Over the years, he became a respected knowledge holder.
He lived to the age of 95. He taught often. He lived simply. His legacy became the seed of something greater.
From Then to Now
Today, we still create with the same care Tim showed. We gather with permission. We carve by hand. We teach with patience. Our products are not just items — they are stories made tangible. Our workshops do not just teach — they build bridges between generations.
Our history continues because it is not finished. It walks beside us. It guides what we do. And it shapes what we pass on.
A Seed Becomes a Forest
At ten, I began learning from Dad. However, my true learning began when I returned to Ghungalu Country more than 30 years ago. That was when the stories returned. That was when the land began to speak again.
“That was when I knew it was my turn to carry the knowledge forward.”
— Steve Kemp, Oral History Interview, Wayne Ah-Wong Thesis (2007)
That moment shaped everything that followed. Yarbun Creations became the natural continuation of this legacy. It is not just a business. It is a living archive, a modern-day practice of ancient science.
Moreover, Yarbun Creations honours Tim Kemp and Charlie Mummins. It keeps healing alive — not just in bottles, but also in minds, stories, and hearts.