Phil Thompson

Phil Thompson is a Central Queenslander, born in a small rural town called Barcaldine. A Bidjara/Kara Kara man with links to Vanuatu from his mother’s people, Phil is the youngest of six children and spent his youth working with his family on the land chasing sheep and cattle around.

As a proud Bidjara Aboriginal man, he has benefited greatly from the encouragement provided by supportive, visionary parents who laid a solid platform. With over 15 years’ experience in customer service in various government positions and non-government agencies, Phil is a skilled communication, community engagement, and facilitation negotiator.

Phil is an environmentalist and conservationist passionate about biodiversity management and land rehabilitation. More recently, he founded natural skin care company Native Secrets, which manufactures essential oils based on traditional knowledge and supplies to outlets and corporates including Qantas and Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

In 2021, Phil’s family story was featured on ABC’s Movin’ To The Country. Phil has been featured in Qantas Magazine and Women’s Weekly and was a Finalist in Kochie’s ‘Australia’s Favourite Family Business’ awards in 2023.