Our Mission

Tourism to the Northern Territory is thriving, with many visitors seeking to learn about and support Indigenous cultures. However, there is a shortage of authentic, meaningful products that truly reflect the values of the Kungarakan people. Koolootook Trading fills this gap. We offer unique additions to your wardrobe and home while educating locals and visitors alike about our people, language, and Country.

The Keeper of Our Country

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

Zoe's Story

Wullingi (Zoe Patullo) is the great-granddaughter of matriarch Alyandabu and granddaughter of national trade union leader Jack McGuinness. She also proudly acknowledges her Gurindji family through her maternal grandmother.


With over 25 years of experience operating highly successful retail stores like Zozarts, Fitzos Boutique, and Foot Print on Groote Eylandt, Zoe's aim is to leave a lasting legacy. Koolootook Trading is her vehicle to continue the education of Kungarakan culture—not just for tourists, but for Kungarakan people seeking knowledge in modern times.

The Kungarakan Legacy

The Paperbark People & Alyandabu

Kungarakan, also known as the Paperbark People, are the recognized traditional owners of lands south of Darwin, including Berry Springs, Litchfield National Park, Batchelor, and the Finniss and Adelaide Rivers. We are descendants of Alyandabu, one of the Matriarchs of the Finniss River region. She was a proud, independent woman known for her generosity and one of the few survivors of her people following a poisoning during the early occupation of Kungarakan lands.

Champions of Indigenous Rights

Alyandabu's sons made history. Jungung (Jack McGuinness, Zoe's grandfather) was a National Trade Union leader, and Pumeri (Joe McGuinness) was the inaugural President of FCAATSI. Together, they successfully campaigned for the rights of Aboriginal workers and the historic 1967 National Referendum to remove constitutional limitations on Aboriginal citizenship.

Excellence in Art, Music & Leadership

Kungarakan people continue to lead nationally and internationally. Wayne McGuinness (Liwingu) is a nationally recognized artist whose steel artwork features at every Kmart store in Australia. Val McGuinness was a musician and sporting hero described by author Xavier Herbert as "the truest Australian I have ever met." Today, leaders like Professor Tom Calma (2023 Australian Senior of the Year) and Kathy Mills (Mooradoop) continue this legacy of advocacy, both having been awarded an Order of Australia (OAM).