About Us

Our Message

For over four decades, Wakka Wakka | Gooreng Gooreng Queensland man, Uncle John Smith Gumbula, has dedicated his life to art, culture, and community. A proud multi-award-winning Indigenous artist, Uncle John’s journey has taken him across the world, immersing him in diverse cultures and inspiring visions for the future of his own people.

During his travels, he witnessed extraordinary buildings and iconic landmarks structures that stood as proud testaments to the heritage and identity of their people. On returning home to Australia, Uncle John carried a clear vision in his heart: to create sustainable, culturally significant buildings for First Nations communities.

These would be places of strength and belonging where people could live, learn, teach, rest, dream, and heal. Spaces designed in harmony with nature. Buildings that uplift youth, inspire pride in Elders, and reflect the unique character of each community and Country.

And so, the concept of The Gunyah Group was born.

In 2020, Uncle John brought together a like-minded team of professionals who shared his passion and commitment to this vision. With skilled designers, experienced builders, and strong partnerships across Australian industry, The Gunyah Group was officially launched.

Today, we remain committed to delivering sustainable, eco-friendly, ethical, and culturally sensitive buildings for Indigenous communities. Every project we undertake begins with simple but powerful questions:

Is it sustainable?

Is it low-maintenance?

Is it uniquely beautiful?

Does it honour the people who will live, learn, and work within it?

Through these guiding principles, The Gunyah Group delivers more than just infrastructure—we create buildings of meaning, designed to inspire generations to come.

We are proud to present outstanding design solutions and iconic cultural buildings that bring life, connection, and significance to communities across Australia.

The Gunyah Group Team

Our Team

Uncle John Smith Gumbula

'QEII Silver Jubilee Queens Trust Awardee'

Founder | Ambassador & Chief Indigenous Officer

Uncle John Smith Gumbula is a visionary leader, cultural ambassador, and proud WakkaWakka | GoorengGooreng man of Queensland, also honoured as an adopted son of the Yolngu people of Galiwinku, Elcho Island in the Northern Territory. On his mother’s side, he also carries proud Irish and Scottish heritage, giving him a deep appreciation for building bridges across cultures and communities.

A recipient of the prestigious ‘QEII Silver Jubilee Queen’s Trust Award for Young Achieving Australians, Uncle John has dedicated his life to sharing his cultural heritage and art with the world. His journey has taken him across numerous countries, where he has educated communities about the diverse cultural and spiritual traditions of Australia’s First Nations peoples, and their ancient, enduring connection to Country.

For more than four decades, Uncle John has worked passionately across traditional and contemporary Indigenous art forms, carrying forward his personal mission of “Building Cultural Bridges of Understanding.” His work not only celebrates culture but also creates pathways for meaningful engagement between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities worldwide.

Today, Uncle John continues to lead with vision and purpose, shaping strategy to develop long-term, sustainable cross-sector partnerships and open global market access for Indigenous businesses. His leadership represents a powerful blend of culture, creativity, and innovation rooted in Country and guided by a legacy of resilience and excellence.