For many people the did jeridoo becomes a passion. It gets into your blood and your soul the wood, the spirit, the art, the vibe. Mungas first didg was made by and old aboriginal bloke from the Kimberley in Western Australia. Then in 1992 he began going bush to find and make his own, firstly for personal use and then for sale. His interest in didjeridoos stems from his love and respect for the Australian bush and Aboriginal culture and music.. This is reflected in his art, as does his many experiences travelling around Australia.

Munga was born and raised in Newcastle, NSW, in a family of six children. At 19 he left on his boyhood dream to travel around Oz with his best mate. After a year and a half they parted ways in Margaret River, WA. Munga then spent time around Broome, doing various jobs (including working in Malcom Douglas’ Crocodile Park), living in the sand dunes and surfing, becoming in tune with himself and nature. It was during this time that he received his first didg

Being a lover of music, Munga also plays guitar, drums, percussion, basically anything he picks up. And he’s a great singer. Particularly good at Australian bush music. He has the style and character to get a crowd going, once he gets over his shyness.

Travelling is another of Mungas passions, so for many years he followed the fruit picking seasons. It was during the tomato season in Bowen, QLD, in 1991 that we met and have since rarely been apart. We followed the same routine of picking during the pear, apple and cherry seasons and in betweeen exploring National Parks and beaches, and living on his brothers rainforest property on the NSW Mid North Coast. It was an idyllic life for a few years. By the time the chemical side of fruit picking became too much for us, we were already doing markets, selling Mungas didjs and other crafts that we make. So we decided to focus on this lifestyle and gave up picking. Over the years we have lived in various places from his brothers place to Newcastle to Townsville and now Kuranda, Far North Queensland. We have travelled many miles during this time and met many wonderful people through the markets. Some of whom are Tynon, Anthiam and family, who we met at the Bellingen markets in 1994. Munga and Tynon connect. They are kindred spirits. Which is why they can both make the beautiful, classic didjs that they do, and work together for Heartland.

Munga puts a lot of time into each of his didjs. I’ve seen him sit until early hours of the morning for days on end, painting or carving. Always asking me if I think it is finished, but never satisfied until each dot is placed and it is perfect. A lot of his spirit and passion goes into each didg, especially his paintings.

He puts a lot of work into other things he makes as well. He has very talented hands and a creative mind. He can see beauty in a lump of wood and turn it into a carving, burl (bowl) or piece of furniture. He can paint, he can build, he can carve and construct all manner things, particulary with wood. As I look around our house I see it is full of things he has made over the years. Each is a great conversation   piece and has a story.

Munga has taught me many things during our time together. He’s shown me the country, brought me out of myself in many ways, taught me to express myself in art, craft and poetry, that was always in me but hidden. Now he is teaching our son the same. Mungalli, three and a half at this time, is a budding handyman and didj player and maker like his dad. Following in his "fathers footsteps" he sits in the shed, chiselling, sanding and painting his own didjs over and over again. I’m sure that Munga will have a positive and creative influence over our coming baby as well.

As I said, Munga has a deep respect and interest in Aboriginal culture. Therefore, reconciliation between all the peoples of Australia is very important to him, Through his playing of the didjeridoo he feels connected to these ancient people and hopes one day everyone in this wonderful country can live in harmony with each other and our environment.