Co-founded by Lia Tabrah and Perina Drummond, in the absence of an established Australian production process for cane toad leather, we set out to develop our own. The journey began in 2019 on Thursday Island/Waibene, in the Torres Strait/Zeneth Kes, where communities are directly affected by the invasive cane toad species.

Through hands-on experimentation with traditional tanning principles, organic materials and self-developed recipes and formulas, we pioneered our own techniques for transforming cane toad skins into leather. Our approach was grounded in a commitment to ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility and the development of a more sustainable alternative to conventional leather production.

Community engagement was central to this process. We worked alongside local park rangers and biosecurity officers, sharing knowledge and having yarns about the ecological challenges posed by cane toads. We also engaged local teenagers in organised toad-busting sessions, collecting cane toads for ethical processing and leather production.

From the outset, our focus has been on developing a process that minimises environmental impact, avoids harsh tanning chemicals and makes purposeful use of an invasive species. What began as an experimental, community-driven initiative has evolved into an ongoing exploration of material innovation, sustainable design and the potential to transform an environmental challenge into a valuable resource.