The Murrin Bridge Local Aboriginal Land Council is proud to announce the completion of bottling for Australia’s first and only Aboriginal wine label, Murrin Bridge Connections.
The tiny Aboriginal community of Murrin Bridge is located 90km west of Condobolin in the vast, red heart of NSW. A one-time mission settlement, Murrin Bridge is now a thriving community with the winery and local Aboriginal land council at its core.
This year, around 600 cases have been produced by the Aboriginal owned and operated venture, which first came into existence in the late nineties.
A string of bad seasons initially limited supply, but in 2011, Murrin Bridge Connections is back on track producing quality wine for the Australian domestic and international markets.
Viki Bell from Murrin Bridge Connections and Chairwoman of the Local Aboriginal Land Council said this year’s harvest was a roaring success.
Work on a fresh new label is also complete, with the product re-branded and revitalised in time for a Christmas launch in 2011.
“It is a proud time for Murrin Bridge LALC and it’s members. Persistence, belief, dedication and hard work have allowed us to reach this moment,” Ms Bell said.
“Murrin Bridge Connection wine is unique, in that it is the Only Aboriginal Community Wine produced in Australia and Murrin Bridge Connections wine will be a cultural tradition to savor”.
Councillor for the Wiradjuri region for the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC), Craig Cromelin, said he was delighted to see yet another powerful example of Aboriginal land rights at work.
“This isn’t just about an Aboriginal owned and run wine label, it’s also about Aboriginal self-determination and the positive effects land rights can have in this great state,” Mr Cromelin said.
“Connections is a great example of the economic advantages that can reveal themselves within Aboriginal communities…it’s a direct result of Aboriginal land being returned to Aboriginal people.
“I’m a member of the Murrin Bridge Local Aboriginal Land Council myself and I can tell you, my chest swells with pride at what this community has been able to achieve in a relatively short time frame.
“This is a world first and I can only hope the people of Australia and indeed those overseas will support the brand and of course enjoy the quality product.”
