Exploring cultural connections: Brendon McKenzie from Three Burrows Adventure Hire.

In celebration of NAIDOC Week 2023, we had the opportunity to catch up with Brendon McKenzie, Brisbane local and the friendly face behind caravan hire company Three Burrows Adventure Hire. Brendon gave us an insight into how he maintains a strong bond with his Aboriginal roots and infuses Indigenous traditions into his day-to-day business operations.

1. Can you provide some additional information about yourself, your family, and your Aboriginal roots?

My family and I have a rich heritage rooted in the Gubbi Gubbi mob, which hails from the southeast Queensland regions encompassing Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast, and Gympie - an area we both live and work. Our journey began with Three Burrows Adventure Hire, initially sharing a single successful camper on the platform. Recognising the platform's potential, we decided to trial three additional vans in 2021. Impressed with the outcome, the state manager invited us to manage rentals for other owners in the community. Despite some trial and error, we now proudly operate a management sharing system for 50 vans, 10 vehicles, and recently established a caravan dealership named Badger RV.

2. Has your deep connection to the country and your Aboriginal heritage influenced your decision to list and share your van with like-minded travellers?

Absolutely. For us, immersing ourselves in the land we call home, breathing in the fresh air, feeling the sand and dirt beneath our feet, kayaking through the Everglades, and floating in the prestigious Lake McKenzie have been powerful sources of rejuvenation and family bonding. These experiences have been especially significant during the challenging times of the pandemic, when we faced job losses, border lockdowns, and the constant threat of illness. We wanted to inspire the community to explore this beautiful country, reset their mindsets, and feel the same connection we do, all while enjoying the comfort and safety of an unused RV.

3. Can you share some unique experiences or moments you've had while camping, either by yourself or with some of your hirers?

One of our most memorable moments was when we organised an off-road marketing trip for photos and brought along some of our regular hirers to K'gari Island. We had the opportunity to showcase the island's finest tourist spots, including the Champagne Pools, Iconic Shipwreck, and Lake McKenzie. By nightfall, gathered around the fire, we all shared a delicious dinner catered by Wild Delicious camp meals, and the kids put on a talent show for us. It was a wonderful occasion to connect with our regular hirers, listen to their stories and experiences, gather valuable feedback to improve our company, and truly get to know the people who utilise our services.

4. In what ways do you incorporate your Indigenous knowledge and traditions into the tourism experiences you provide for Camplify hirers, such as your logo?

One of the core values behind creating Three Burrows Adventure Hire was to foster an appreciation for our lost Indigenous culture and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we adventure. We hold deep respect for our elders—past, present, and emerging. Our original logo represented a meeting place or campsite with family. However, after receiving feedback suggesting that it might be mistaken for a traditional flower without understanding its cultural significance, we decided to make a slight change. Our current logo, an orange "spiral," is now recognised by our local community as symbolising a campsite.

Our company vehicle also proudly displays artwork by award-winning Indigenous Artist Alan Mckenzie. The artwork, titled "Identity," serves as a powerful reminder of our connection to the sacred land on which we adventure—not only because of the colour of our skin, but from within our very souls.

Three Burrows Adventure Hire's incorporation of Indigenous knowledge and traditions, from logo symbolism to showcasing Indigenous artwork, honors and preserves Aboriginal culture. Let us appreciate and support the rich contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during this NAIDOC Week.