NEVILLE’S VISION: FROM POP-UP DINING TO BUSH MEDICINE AND INDIGENOUS TOURISM INNOVATION

Neville is on a mission to share the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the Kimberley with the world, one unique venture at a time. From his Three Frogs pop-up restaurant to his expanding bush medicine business, Neville is blending tradition with modern entrepreneurial spirit. Recently, he also shared his insights at the Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference , where he discussed the evolving tourism landscape and what needs to be done to create more opportunities for Indigenous communities. Here’s a closer look at Neville’s journey and the innovative businesses he’s creating.

Three Frogs: A Pop-Up Restaurant with a Personal Touch

One of Neville's most exciting ventures is Three Frogs, a pop-up restaurant concept that offers a truly personalized dining experience. The concept is simple yet unique: guests tell Neville what they want to eat, and he and his son will cook it for them. “Basically, you tell me what you want to eat, and I’ll cook that,” Neville explains. From global cuisines to specialty dishes, he’s ready to prepare whatever his guests desire. “I like this concept because I do all the cooking. My son and I can make anything on the spot, from Teppanyaki to something you’ve never even heard of.”

The idea for Three Fronts was born out of Neville’s desire to create something different and personal. “I posted something on social media and invited a few people for a full moon dinner. It was such a hit that I thought, ‘This could be another business,’” he says. What started as an informal dinner gathering quickly grew into a full-fledged business with Neville running the kitchen and creating tailored dining experiences wherever he goes. He chooses locations based on where his guests are, and the goal is always the same: a relaxed, intimate environment where people can enjoy food the way they like it.

When Neville was recently in Sydney, he took his pop-up restaurant concept on the road, hosting a dinner for a small group of 12 people. The menu for the evening? Hot pot, with guests choosing from a variety of meats and ingredients. “It’s all about creating a relaxed atmosphere,” Neville says. “When you go out with friends, you want to hear each other and feel comfortable. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the experience.”

Neville also offers a unique twist: “I don’t charge for alcohol. I let guests bring their own drinks because I don’t want to attach that to the experience. I focus on the food, and I want people to just enjoy their meal and the company they’re with.” His approach creates a refreshing and intimate dining experience, with an emphasis on connection and community.

Sharing Traditional Knowledge Through Bush Medicine

While food is central to Neville’s business, he’s also passionate about sharing the healing traditions of his community. Alongside Three Frogs, Neville is developing a bush medicine business that draws on the natural resources of the Kimberley to promote wellness and cultural understanding. “I’m really enjoying sharing traditional Kimberley medicine with others,” he says. “The plants here have been used for centuries to heal, and I want people to experience that for themselves.”

Neville’s bush medicine offerings range from workshops to product sales, helping people connect with Indigenous knowledge and explore natural health remedies. By combining his passion for wellness with cultural preservation, Neville is making an impact in both the tourism and health sectors, introducing people to the power of the land while offering practical, holistic solutions.

“I’m doing this not just for business but to preserve the knowledge and pass it on to the next generation,” Neville adds. His bush medicine business is growing as more people seek natural alternatives for health, wellness, and spiritual connection.

Key Insights from the Indigenous Tourism Conference

Neville’s entrepreneurial ventures also extend to the broader Indigenous tourism sector, where he is actively involved in creating pathways for Indigenous businesses to succeed. He recently attended the Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference , where key issues regarding the future of Indigenous tourism were discussed. One of the major topics was the Labour government’s proposal to establish a permanent First Nations National Tourism Peak Body in partnership with fishing tourism businesses.

Neville shared his thoughts on this initiative: “I think it’s great that the government is supporting Indigenous tourism, but I feel that we’re jumping the gun. We need to focus on supporting state-level organizations first,” he says. “Each state needs to have its own infrastructure and funding before we can think about a national body.” His comments reflect a pragmatic approach to building Indigenous tourism businesses from the ground up, ensuring that local organizations are properly supported before expanding into national frameworks.

Neville’s takeaway from the conference was clear: persistence, adaptation, and a focus on people are key to success in tourism. “The more you try, the more you tweak things, the better your business will become,” he says. “It’s not about doing things for yourself; it’s about doing them for the people around you.” His perspective is rooted in the idea that successful businesses are built on relationships and trust, whether it’s with customers or community members.

Looking to the Future

As Neville continues to develop his culinary and wellness businesses, his overarching goal is to create meaningful connections through food, culture, and traditional knowledge. “I want to inspire young people in the Kimberley to dream big,” he says. “I want them to see that there are so many opportunities out there. If I can do it, they can too.”

Neville’s ventures are just the beginning of his broader mission to celebrate the Kimberley’s unique culture and share it with the world. Whether through the intimate experience of Three Frogs or the healing power of bush medicine, Neville is redefining what it means to be an Indigenous entrepreneur in today’s world.

By focusing on the things that matter most—community, culture, and connection—Neville is not only building successful businesses but creating opportunities that will benefit generations to come. With his innovative ideas and dedication to cultural preservation, he’s leading the way in shaping the future of Indigenous tourism and wellness in Australia.