Augustines of Central

A multi-year medal winner and our 2021 Emerging Business Champion, Augustines of Central isn't just creating outstanding preserves—they're setting a new standard for sustainable enterprise. Built on a deep foundation of family values and respect for the land, this Portobello-based business is our true Sustainability Hero.

🌱 Guardians of the Land and Water

Augustines' commitment to the environment is clear in the very place they operate. Their new Farmstore & Kitchen, opened in November 2024 is purposefully built on a precious 50-acre native bush property.

This choice ensures the land remains family-owned, well-maintained for generations and crucially, preserves vital native bushland. By preserving native bushland and collaborating with a local biodiversity group, Augustines actively contributes to local biodiversity and essential environmental restoration efforts. They manage water responsibly onsite by collecting rainwater and operating a septic tank system at their production site, demonstrating smart, sustainable water management.

♻️ Closing the Loop on Resources

From the field to the finished jar, Augustines prioritises minimising their environmental footprint.

The factory kitchen is designed to allow the team to process available fruit each season without waste. This adaptive approach ensures they sustainably work with the fruit they can source despite seasonal variations.

Focus on reusability and recyclability is paramount. They use glass jars and have implemented a reuse system in their Farmstore, aligning their packaging with best-practice eco-friendly principles. They also minimize outbound waste by reusing materials like cardboard boxes for packaging.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family, Community, and Local Economy

The heart of Augustines is its 'family first' structure, which extends into its powerful community engagement:

Led by Gus and Jana, the business thrives on collaboration, with Gus’s parents offering fresh ideas and his sister & partner handling graphic design and marketing. This structure ensures passion, consistency, and innovation.

Augustines is a proud and active member of the Portobello community, they actively supports local causes by participating in fundraisers and providing free products. A prime example is their sponsorship of the local kindergarten, organizing unique fundraisers where the school sells the preserves and retains all retail profits. By opening the Farmstore & Kitchen, they’ve created a vibrant hub that not only showcases their preserves but also provides a platform for other local businesses to feature their products, directly supporting economic growth in the Portobello community.

Augustines of Central proves that business can achieve award-winning excellence while upholding profound environmental and community responsibilities. They are truly preserving a better future, one jar at a time.