Wavemaker and Palmolive shine a light on First Nations growers ahead of NAIDOC Week

Wavemaker has helped Palmolive shine a light on the under-representation of First Nations People in the native agricultural sector by redirecting its Skin Food supply chain to include First Nations growers. 

Native foods are synonymous with First Nations People, culture and ancestral heritage. By consciously sourcing the native ingredients for its Skin Food range from First Nations growers and suppliers, Palmolive is aiming to inspire other brands and companies to follow its example.

The agency is spread the message with a media campaign that includes a 20% budget allocation to SBS-owned NITV free-to-air channel, which broadcasts programming produced and presented largely by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Through a long-form content series with NITV, Palmolive is sharing the stories of three First Nations growers – Dominic Smith, Auntie Pat Torres and Dan Newchurch – shining a light on their native Australian ingredients, traditional agricultural practices and connection to land.

The series will culminate with three 3-minute spots during NAIDOC Week (2-9 July).

The broader brand campaign, featuring indigenous actor and Skin Food enthusiast Miranda Tapsell, is running on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Kate Johnson, Colgate-Palmolive senior brand manager, said: "Although the native food industry is expected to double  between 2020 and 2025, First Nations representation is sadly low, with industry bodies suggesting it is less than 2%. More than a campaign, this initiative is about driving positive change and we’re incredibly proud to help share the voices of some of the industry’s most inspirational leaders.
 
"By partnering with First Nations growers, we hope to set off a domino effect among companies like ours, which will provide new opportunities for indigenous communities."

Auntie Pattie

Laura Brady, Wavemaker group client director added: "Palmolive challenged us to build awareness of its new partnership with First Nation growers and encourage consumers to consciously choose to use the Palmolive Skin Food range within their everyday lives.
 
"At present Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples represent 3.3% of the Australian population but less than 0.3% of advertising is invested in media dedicated to reaching these audiences. To go beyond the 3%, we chose to invest 20% of our total media budget with NITV, one of Australia’s most credible channels, to demonstrate that Palmolive is genuine about enacting change."

The Palmolive Skin Food 3-minute spots will air during Yokayi Footy programming across NAIDOC Week 2-9 July.

Dan Newchurch

CREDITS
Director: Cornel Ozies
Executive & Creative Director: Andrew Coyle
Production platform: Genero 
Creative agency: We Believe
Media agency: Wavemaker

Research agency: Kantar
Music composition: Tristan Barton
DOP: David Guest
Editor: Trevor Holcomb
Producer: Jake Coombes
Executive Producer: Jason Byrne