About
Black Business on Country was born from a deep cultural responsibility — a responsibility carried through generations of Kaylene Butler’s family.
As a Gungarri, Iman, Juru and South Sea Islander woman with Chinese heritage, Kaylene’s life has been shaped by storytelling, performance and cultural knowledge. For decades, she has walked between worlds — from community spaces to national stages, from classrooms to film sets — always guided by culture.
Black Business on Country brings together this life’s work to support pride, healing and belonging. Rooted in Country and guided by joy, we share culture so future generations can walk strong, connected and proud.
“You are supported. You belong. Culture is alive and for everyone.”
Kaylene's Story
Producer/Writer/Cultural Consultant.
Kaylene Butler- Buwabuwa (Butterfly) is a proud First Nations Australian, South Sea Islander and Chinese (Umbie) woman from Queensland,
Australia.
Born in Rockhampton, Kaylene currently resides in the beautiful area of Burnett Heads, Queensland.
Having honed her skills as a Writer, Director and Producer over 24 years – working across factual and scripted projects – Kaylene is known for her
work on the internationally acclaimed crime-drama series Black Snow and climate documentary Alick and Albert.
Kaylene has made important cultural contributions to many homegrown
and international projects, advising productions on implementing best
representation of cultural practices for production.
Uncle Joe's Story
Howard “Uncle Joe” Butler is a proud Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang and Gangulu-Iman First Nations man.
Born in Rockhampton in 1961, Uncle Joe now resides in Burnett Heads, Queensland, while maintaining strong cultural ties to his ancestral Countries across Gladstone, Bundaberg, PCCC and Taroom regions.
With over 50 years of cultural practice, Uncle Joe has honed his skills across painting, carving, artefact making and printmaking, alongside traditional dance, acting and storytelling performances.
His work has been commissioned privately, corporately and publicly across Australia and internationally. Uncle Joe has also collaborated in major Indigenous cultural exchanges and international art gatherings in Australia and New Zealand.
As a respected Elder, he continues to carry forward cultural knowledge.
Values & Cultural Principles
Responsibility and accountability to culture
passed down through ancestors, grandparents, parents.
Family legacy
three generations living and practising culture daily.
Inclusivity and togetherness
her work brings people together to celebrate.
Cultural authenticity and protocols
especially in filmmaking.
Community uplift and service
teaching, consulting, supporting, and creating safe spaces.
