Bush Medicine Provides Relief to the Lismore Mob

Port Macquarie-based bush medicine knowledge keeper Deb Munson collaborates with not-for-profit CHESS Connect and the Koorie Mail to donate and distribute traditionally sourced and crafted mozzie spray to the Lismore Community.

Jenna Sifonis Profile Picture

Written by Jenna Sifonis

Reading Time: two minutes, on the nose.

Reaching out to the Lismore Mob

A few weeks ago, proud Gomeroi woman Deb Munson, owner of Aboriginal bush wellness company Baagi Milaygiin – Grandmothers Spirit, reached out to CHESS Connect in the hope that we could collaborate on a flood relief project. After a previously successful collaboration with Deb during the COVID lockdowns, CHESS Connect was eager to be involved. 

In the wake of the horrendous flooding that decimated parts of the east coast, Deb felt compelled to connect with the Koorie Mail, a national newspaper based in Lismore, to offer assistance in whatever capacity she could. The message back from community was, that as well as the major issues of housing, homelessness and possession loss, mosquito-borne diseases were a dangerous problem.

Bush Medicine Relief

As a healer and bush medicine knowledge keeper, Deb sprang into action. The result, Baagi Milaygiin Mozzie Spray, a traditional bush recipe product that keeps the mozzie’s at bay while its aromatic properties provide comfort and support for the soul. Mindfully handmade, hand poured and bottled by Deb, cases of the mozzie spray are now on their way to the Koorie Mail for distribution to the community. 

Thanks to our Community

CHESS Connect want to thank Deb for this opportunity to support the local Lismore Mob through this collaborative effort. Thanks also to Summa at Dj Design Studio who designed and paid for the labels, an awesome contribution from a small local business in South West Rocks. And acknowledging the wonderful Koorie Mail in Lismore, who just published their first edition since the floods, and who have volunteered their premises as a collection point for the sprays.

"The sharing of learnings and gifts our Mother Earth provides, through our lands, waters, plants and sky, provided the essence to all of the products created by Baagi Milaygiin"

Deb Muson

Baagi Milaygiin – Grandmothers Spirit provide a range of therapeutic bush beauty products that are made using Australian Native plant-based ingredients. These bush beauty products have been created from handed down knowledge, and incorporated into modern products.

Disaster Recovery for the Lismore Community

Our teams have been on the ground in Lismore and the Clarence Valley supporting recovery for business and community. We’ve found one of the key challenges for people is not having the time or ability to research and access the diverse range of recovery funding and supports now available to them.

In collaboration with HeartStart Glenreagh we have created an inclusive list of current funding and advice for businesses, primary producers, individuals and community groups so you can quickly see what you supports you could be eligible for.

This includes current Federal and State Government grants and allowances, charities, rebate schemes, subsidies, housing and wellbeing supports.

This resource is available to everyone and will be continuously updated as more supports become available:

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