KOOLOOTOOK TRADING

KIMEK (Kungarakan Greeting)
Welcome to Koolootook Trading,
Our online store proudly offers high-quality clothing and accessories that promote Kungarakan language and culture.
Kungarakan, also known as the Paperbark People, are the recognised traditional owners of lands south of Darwin including Berry Springs, Litchfield National Park and lands located around Batchelor, Finniss River and Adelaide River.

Koolootook is the Kungarakan name for the peaceful dove and he is the keeper of our Country and “little brother”. He plays a significant role in our culture. When Kungarakan visit country, we call out to Koolootook and thank him for looking after our land and listen for his response, which signals a positive outcome to our visit.

Tourism to these regions is thriving. Many local and international visitors to the Northern Territory seek to learn more about and support Indigenous cultures.
However, there is a shortage of unique, authentic and meaningful products that reflect the values of the Kungarakan people.

Koolootook Trading fills this gap, offering customers unique, meaningful additions to their wardrobes and homes while educating them about our people, language and culture during their sightseeing adventures on our beautiful country.

Kungarakan (Paperbark People) Kungarakan are descendants of Alyandabu, one the Matriarchs of the Finniss River region. A proud independent woman known for her generousity and devotion to her family. She was one of the few
survivors of her people following a poisoning in the early days of the occupation of Kungarakan lands. Kungarakan people are widespread both nationally and internationally with many doing amazing things in Government, Education, Arts, Music and Business, while others have equally important responsibilities as our knowledge holders. One of our artists, Liwingu- Wayne McGuinness has gained national recognition for his beautiful art reflected in his steel artwork which features at the entrance of every K Mart store in Australia.

Alyandabu’s sons, National Trade Union leader- Jungung - Jack McGuinness (Zoe’s Grandfather) and inaugural President of FCAATSI – Pumeri - Joe McGuinness who fought for the rights of all Indigenous Australians, successfully campaigned for the rights of Aboriginal workers and the removal of constitutional limitations on Aboriginal citizenship via a National referendum in 1967. 
Their brother, musician and sporting hero Val McGuinness (Wayne’s grandfather), described by Xavier Herbert, the acclaimed Australian author, as a great Australian and & the truest Australian I have ever met;.

Kungarakan leaders such as Tom Calma, is currently an Australian university Chancellor. In 2023, Professor Tom Calma was named Australian Senior of the Year in recognition of his having worked for more than 45 years fighting for the welfare and rights of Indigenous communities. Tom and Mooradoop - Kathy Mills (Jack McGuinness’s daughter) have each been awarded an Order of Australia (OAM).

Wullingi - Zoe’s Story Wullingi - Zoe Patullo (Alyandadu’s great granddaughter and Jack McGuinness’s granddaughter), also acknowledges her Gurindji family through her maternal grandmother. Zoe has over twenty-five (25) years’ experience as a proprietor and operator in the retail industry. Her first business “Zozarts” brought and sold Aboriginal arts and crafts helping to revive the art industry and support for the artists of Groote Eylandt and those with Groote Eylandt connections.
Two highly successful retail stores in Alyangula, Fitzos Boutique and Foot Print followed operating on Groote for 22 years, providing clothing, accessories, work and footwear along with souvenirs and homewares catering for the township and communities on and surrounding Groote.
Zoe’s aim is to leave a legacy for her family to continue the Kungarakan culture and education of our people, to not educate the tourist but more importantly, those Kungarakan who are seeking knowledge that at times is misplaced in these modern times.