Local HEROES

MEET THE AUSSIE BRANDS THAT KEEP ON KEEPING ON WHEN IT COMES TO CREATING AND MANUFACTURING ON OUR SHORES

-  CHRIS PEARSON

Little wonder many trailblazing products and companies have been born in Australia. With the challenge of distance, the demands of our tough climate and good old Aussie ingenuity looking for something to invent, the roll call of Aussie icons is long. Some have since been sold to overseas interests, while others are now made offshore. But a hardcore of Aussie brands and products remain locally owned and made. During the 1980s, the Australian Made campaign saw its green-and-gold kangaroo logo become a badge of honour. Now, hiccups in supply chains, climate change and the desire for cosy home comforts could all prompt another push to think local. Here are some brands and products showing the flag.

KING

King’s ‘Delta’ modular sofa has in the past featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show and made an appearance at various Hollywood events. Add durability to that popularity – with its countless options, it can become a chaise, three-seater sofa or a guest bed. And you can shuffle the pieces around. “A lot of people said the ‘Delta’ solved the problem of flexibility and adaptability that no other furniture had at that time,” says company founder David King. Now, the low-slung ‘Jasper’, wider and with storage, is proving even more popular. “It’s flexible, like adult Lego,” says David. The furniture is designed in Australia, and manufacturing is shared between Turrella, New South Wales, and China.
‘Zaza’ sofa, ‘Oasis’ pedestal side table and ‘Monument’ square coffee table, all King. Visit kingliving.com.au.