Riley Callie Resources elevates First Nations voices in classrooms across Australia

Deborah Hoger

A passion for education, culture and community is driving one Indigenous-owned business to make a lasting impact in classrooms across the country.

Founded by proud Dunghutti woman Deborah Hoger, Riley Callie Resources is helping educators access authentic Aboriginal teaching resources that celebrate First Nations cultures, histories and knowledges. Based on Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi Country, the online business has grown significantly since its establishment in 2018, supporting schools and early childhood services nationwide.

Deborah launched the business after recognising a gap in the education sector, where many educators were searching for culturally appropriate Aboriginal resources but struggled to find materials that were both authentic and meaningful.

Named after her two children, Noah and Georgia's middle names, Riley Callie Resources was born from a desire to create positive change while balancing family life.

"I wanted to contribute to an education system that genuinely celebrates First Nations culture and history, while also creating a business that allowed me to spend valuable time with my children," Deborah said.

What began as a small home-based business has evolved into a respected resource provider, helping educators create learning environments where all children feel included, respected and connected to the stories of Australia's First Peoples.

For Deborah, the work goes far beyond educational materials. Her mission is to help transform the way First Nations peoples, cultures and histories are represented in Australian classrooms.

"Nothing makes me happier than seeing our resources being used by First Nations children and non-Indigenous children alike," she said.

"They are learning about culture, history and Indigenous knowledges, while building respect and care for the 60,000-plus years of connection our mobs have to this place."

Through its growing collection of resources, Riley Callie Resources supports schools and early learning centres to embed authentic Aboriginal perspectives into everyday learning.

The resources encourage deeper understanding of First Nations cultures and contribute to creating culturally safe and inclusive educational environments.

Deborah believes education plays a critical role in fostering respect, understanding and reconciliation.

"When children learn the true history of this country and engage with Indigenous perspectives from an early age, it helps build stronger relationships, greater empathy and a more inclusive future for everyone," she said.

The business is also committed to strengthening economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprises. By prioritising Indigenous suppliers and collaborating with other First Nations businesses, Deborah is actively contributing to the growth of the Indigenous business sector.

"Supporting other Indigenous businesses is incredibly important to me," she said.

"When we create opportunities for one another, we're helping to build stronger communities and break cycles of economic disadvantage."

As demand grows for authentic Aboriginal resources and lived-experience perspectives in education, Riley Callie Resources continues to expand its reach and influence, while staying true to its core purpose of elevating First Nations voices.

Today, the business stands as a powerful example of how education and entrepreneurship can work together to create meaningful cultural change.

By empowering educators, supporting Indigenous businesses and celebrating the richness of First Nations cultures, Deborah Hoger and Riley Callie Resources are helping to build a more respectful, informed and inclusive future for generations of Australians.

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