free shipping in australia for retail orders over $150
our beginnings

What's In A Name?

Didgeridoonas® was bought by the Eagle Outdoors Group Pty Ltd in 2012 and became one of the Rodgers family companies. The Didgeridoonas® brand was developed over 25 years ago by Leigh and Barbi Hemming and to this day is continuing its long history of innovative products that exude style, utility and excellence!

The name ‘Didgeridoonas®’ came about in the early 1990’s and was created to portray the products that were being produced and the characteristics that were important. The ‘doonas’ portion was included as the company started out with woolen filled doonas as part of the range which were made here in Australia.

In recent years we have been aware that the name could and has become a talking point. As such we engaged in talks with several Aboriginal and Torres Strait community members across the country to ensure that the brand continued in good faith. These community members have included Reverend Raymond Minniecon from the Scarred Tree Indigenous Ministries who has written, “The Rodgers family have always been culturally sensitive to the way in they have supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Their business, Didgeridoonas is one of the many ways that the Rodgers family support Aboriginal and Torres Strait people. I have no hesitation in recommending the Rodger’s family business and support of Aboriginal people. I am always ready to support them and their important work amongst vulnerable and marginalised Indigenous youth, Elders and their communities and the important recognition of all Indigenous war veterans.”

Also, during these conversations the etymology of the word Didgeridoo has been discussed and researched. The research revealed that the word was actually not derived from an indigenous language but originated from the attempts by white settlers to invent a word which mimicked the sound made by the instrument. The many indigenous languages have their own words for the instrument.     

We have ensured that the continuation of the brand and its name would not be seen as disrespectful to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and that our long-standing support and relationship would be nurtured and cherished.

The Eagle Difference

The Eagle Outdoors Group is passionate about giving back to the community and has worked with a number of charities and foundations over the years. 

Well before the acquisition of the Didgeridoonas® brand the Rodgers family and Eagle Outdoors group have supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in a wide array of initiatives. These included the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans – specifically the Australian Light Horse Brigade and Aboriginal Light Horse Monument in Israel. Another initiative close to the philosophy of the company and the Rodgers family is their support of the Walk A While Foundation which invests in the Ikuntji community 250 Km southwest of Alice Springs and provides First Nations’ youth with equipment and skills to tell their stories and to equip them to engage in meaningful employment opportunities for the future.

Read more about the Eagle Outdoors Group HERE

The Didgi Team

The Didgi Team

Typically replies within an hour

I will be back soon

The Didgi Team
Hey there 👋
How can I help you?
Messenger