More Than a Partner:
My Journey With Kruze Summers and Yarriba at Mt Barney Lodge
Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside an emerging Indigenous leader — someone whose passion for Country, culture, and community continues to grow in the most grounded and authentic way.
Kruze Summers
Kruze Summers, founder of Yarriba, has been a partner with Mt Barney Lodge since the very beginning of his tourism journey. What started as a professional collaboration has evolved into something far deeper: a genuine friendship built on shared experiences, respect, and learning.
While we come from different worlds, we’ve found common ground in the land we both care deeply for, and in the work we do to connect people to its stories and spirit.
Learn more about the 3 day tour
From Cultural Burning to Cultural Tourism
Right now, Kruze is blazing a trail — quite literally — in the cultural burning space.
He’s currently mentored by the Firesticks Alliance, an Indigenous-led organisation restoring cultural fire knowledge across Australia. This week a Firesticks Monitoring Workshop has been organised by Yugumbeh Land Enterprises (YLE) just down the road on is tbeing hosted just down the road at Minjelah Dhargun country for 3 days. For once Kruze is staying as a guest at Mt Barney Lodge with the other Firesticks participants, instead of being the visiting tour guide!
This moment is part of a much bigger journey. Kruze’s leadership has also extended to:
- Land advocacy at Minto Crags, Boonah
- Mentoring Indigenous youth and upcoming indigenous tourism operators and businesses
- Delivering immersive cultural tourism experiences for school groups, tour operators and the general public
He’s not just “doing the work” — he’s carrying culture forward with integrity, humility and strength.
From Aunty… to Anty?
Over time, our friendship has grown in depth and humour. Kruze calls me “Sis” — a title I wear with pride. (Let’s be honest, I’d probably be “Aunty” if we went by age alone… and I’m not quite ready for that yet!).
Tracey and Kruze networking after the 2022 Destination IQ at Gold Coast
One of the moments that made me laugh and feel seen all at once was when Kruze gave me my totem name: “Nimini” — the little black worker ant.
Anyone who has seen a day in my life at Mt Barney Lodge would understand why. From accommodation prep to cleaning, catering, guest greetings, office admin, gas bottle swaps, social media and more… I’m always on the go, making sure the background runs smoothly so that the tours can shine. Less Aunty, more Anty indeed!
Celebrating a Young Achiever in His Prime
At the QTIC Destination IQ Conference in 2022, I heard about the Young Indigenous Achievers Award — and I immediately thought of Kruze. He was approaching the age cut-off, so 2023 would be his last eligible year.
I applied for the award on his behalf, and it was with immense pride that I watched him receive the award in 2023. No one deserved it more.
Then in 2024 I was there again to see him deliver a polished speech in front of hundreds of people, as he handed the award onto it’s next recipient. Deninately an Aunty’s pride on that day!
2023 Kruze Summers is THE QTIC Indigenous Young Achiever of the Year!!
Some Highlights of Our Work Together
Working alongside Kruze has brought many unforgettable moments to Mt Barney Lodge, and lifelong experiences to our guests. Together, we’ve:
- Hosted Intrepid Travel’s“Walk Queensland’s Scenic Rim” tour on-site for accommodation and a cultural walk and smoking ceremony
- Celebrated NAIDOC Week in 2023 and 2024 with community events
NAIDOC Celebrations at Mt Barney Lodge 2023
- Welcomed school groups with powerful Welcome to Country and engaging cultural interpretation
- Participated in industry famils across all levels of Queensland tourism
- Delivered half-day, 1-day, and 3-day cultural immersion programs to both day guests and residential visitors
The Path Ahead
Yarriba means “walking together” — and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
Yarriba logo – sitting around a yarning circle and sharing stories
Whether you’re a visitor, a school group, a tour operator or part of the tourism industry, I invite you to experience one of Kruze’s Yarriba cultural tours. You’ll leave with more than just knowledge — you’ll feel the heartbeat of Country and the strength of culture.
To learn more about the organisations Kruze is working with:
Here’s to walking forward, together. 🔥🖤💛❤️
