About Nindethana

It all starts with a seed. From something so small, we can power extensive restoration, rehabilitation, and landscaping success across Australia. 

Nindethana is Australia’s longest standing supplier of native seeds, with over 70 years of formal operation and origins stretching back to the 1930s. The original nursery was established by George Althofer on the slopes near Burrill Creek in central western New South Wales. What began as a bare, windswept property grew into a pioneering arboretum and living experiment in native plant cultivation, laying the groundwork for what would become a nationally respected seed supplier.

“The Australian flora is unique and in the main it is very beautiful. As befits the world’s oldest land mass, we find here some plants which reach back to the beginnings of plant life. We have plants which have no living relatives in any other country of the world.” - G.W. Althofer

His vision was to gather and preserve Australia’s diverse native flora, creating a space where hardy species from across the continent could thrive. You can read his full account, The Story of Nindethana, here.

Since the 1940s, Nindethana has specialised in sourcing, processing, and supplying high-quality Australian native seed to projects of every scale, from home gardeners and community groups to large-scale mining rehabilitation and government revegetation programs. In 2009, Nindethana was purchased by Greening Australia from long-time owner Peter Luscombe, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Today, we operate with the highest quality control standards, providing expert advice and service to both customers and native seed suppliers. Integrity and impact continue to underpin everything we do.

Our Seedbank 

We hold the most comprehensive and diverse collection of Australian native seed in the country. Our seed is sourced from wild collections and seed production areas, with practices designed to maintain genetic integrity and support the sustainability of supply. Every seed lot is cleaned and processed to high standards with expert handling to give projects the best possible start. Our seedbank draws on decades of botanical expertise to supply high quality native seed that supports restoration, revegetation, and conservation efforts across Australia.

Supporting Conservation and Biodiversity

Native seed plays a vital role in conserving Australia’s unique biodiversity. Our team works closely with landholders, community groups, local governments, and restoration professionals to match the right species to the right places and support healthy, resilient ecosystems. Together we’re helping to restore ecological function, improve habitat for native wildlife, and build landscapes that can adapt and thrive into the future.

A Legacy of Service

With nearly a century of experience behind us, Nindethana has built its reputation on knowledge, friendly service, and a commitment to quality. While our technology and systems have evolved, our purpose remains the same: to promote Australian native plants, and to support their use across restoration, landscaping, and community projects throughout the country.

Partnering for Success

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) is a minority investor in Nindethana, helping scale Australia’s native-seed supply to meet growing demand for biodiversity restoration and high-integrity carbon projects. Their support strengthens national supply chains, and backs the development of Indigenous and regional seed enterprises, addressing one of Australia’s biggest restoration bottlenecks.

Grow with us

Looking ahead, Nindethana remains focused on delivering high-quality Australian native seed across the country. Guided by our expert team and a science-backed approach, we ensure every seed is handled with care and every project is set up for success. By combining expertise, innovation, and respect for Australia’s unique flora, we continue to help communities, landholders, and restoration professionals create resilient, biodiverse landscapes that thrive well into the future.


1930s

George Althofer's Nindethana Nursery commenced operations in NSW.  

Nindethana begins supplying native seed.

1940s

1970

Peter Luscombe begins supplying seed to Nindethana.

Peter & Craig Luscombe acquire business and move it to Western Australia.

1977

1984

Peter Luscombe acquires full ownership and relocates to new premises near the Stirling Ranges in South-West WA.

Nindethana moves to custom-built seed processing and storage facility near Albany on the South coast of WA.

1994

2009

Nindethana acquired by Greening Australia (WA).  Nindethana operations remain essentially unchanged, but partially administered from GAWA head office in Perth. 

Installed first smoke-treatment tunnel at the Western Australia facility, enhancing germination capability for fire-responsive species.

2012

2015

Joined the Revegetation Industry Association of Western Australia (RIAWA), strengthening industry alignment and best-practice standards.

Commissioned the first germination cabinet in Western Australia, improving seed data and quality assurance.

2016

2019

Delivered first formal training for First Nations groups in native-seed collection, supporting capacity building and local employment pathways.

Expanded seed testing capability with multiple germination cabinets installed in Sydney.

2020

2022

Contributing author to the Florabank Guidelines review, shaping updated national best practice for native-seed use and restoration.

 

Expanded seedbank operations with new facilities in Sydney and Canberra to improve east-coast storage and supply.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia partners with Greening Australia and Nindethana to support the expansion of Australia’s native seed market.

 

Joined the Australian Seed Federation, reinforcing commitment to industry leadership and seed-quality standards.

 

Further expanded seedbank capacity with new sites established in Victoria and South Australia.

2023

2025

National expansion of seedbank operations into Queensland, including installation of an advanced germination cabinet to increase testing throughput.

 

Appointed sole national distributor for SeedX, supporting growers and restoration projects with high-quality, provenance-verified seedline technology.

 

Launched Australia’s first nationally accredited native-seed training package, advancing professional standards for seed collection and handling.

WHY CHOOSE NINDETHANA

High quality seed

With known provenance and
strong viability, you can plant
with confidence and achieve
reliable establishment outcomes.

WHY CHOOSE NINDETHANA

Largest range

We have the largest range of
Australian native species.

WHY CHOOSE NINDETHANA

Value for money

We aim to provide top quality seed
at the most reasonable price.

WHY CHOOSE NINDETHANA

Prompt service

Our team is dedicated to fast
and efficient service.