Pauly Vandenbergh

Pauly Vandenbergh is a proud Wirangu and Kokatha man from South Australia’s Far West Coast. His upbringing in this remote part of SA kindled a passion for making an impact on the lives of young people, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

Pauly started the fully Indigenous-owned and operated businesses Wanna Mar tuna fishing and Munda Wines. Wanna Mar, which means ‘sea food’ in Mirning and Wirangu languages, was founded with assistance of the Stehr Group in Port Lincoln.

Munda, the Wirangu and Kokatha word for ‘land’, is the foundation of Munda Wines which has partnered with artisan winemakers to produce a local label with a deep respect for munda.

Earlier in his career as professional athlete, Pauly worked and studied in Aboriginal Affairs. He has also worked for government agencies across health, housing, and education portfolios. For a decade he led Aboriginal programs at Power Community Ltd – the community development organisation of the Port Adelaide Football Club (AFL); then was appointed as the National Diversity Talent Manager for the Australian Football League. In 2021, he co-founded the Tjindu Foundation.

Munda Wines partners with the Tjindu Foundation to accelerate pathways for Indigenous people into the wine industry. This includes opportunities in winemaking, viticulture, sales and marketing, hospitality, winery administration and export plans for Munda Wines.

Pauly is always guided by his:

• desire to promote Aboriginal identity
• pride in Culture and Country
• drive to improve long-term, positive health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

His work extends into non-Aboriginal cultural education, where he advocates for fusion of the cultural richness and diversity of Australia’s first peoples within our contemporary society.