Business bulletin: 23 May 2024

A new major screen production from Prime Video and Goalpost Pictures, Top End Bub has commenced production in the Territory providing a boost to the local economy through goods, services and jobs.

The Northern Territory Government, through Screen Territory, has invested $1 million towards production through the Production Attraction Incentive Program.

This investment supports the growth of our screen industry by attracting big productions to the Territory which creates local work, networking and upskilling opportunities for Territorians.

Screen Territory Director, Jennie Hughes said, “we are thrilled to see the Northern Territory host yet another major screen production which will showcase our unique culture, creative talent and unrivalled locations to a global audience.”

Top End Bub sees Miranda Tapsell return to the Territory to lead the cast alongside Gwilym Lee in an 8-part series that follows on from the hit Australian movie, Top End Wedding. The production also includes Goalpost’s Rosemary Blight serving as Executive producer.

Co-creator, writer, Executive Producer and lead actor Miranda Tapsell said “being on set with this wonderful team and cast is inspiring. We’ve all been working on this for so long, so finally being in production is like a fire in the belly, we are doing it and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Top End Bub is a heart-warming comedy that follows Lauren and Ned as they unexpectedly return to the Top End to care for Lauren’s niece after a family tragedy.

The series has also received funding support from Screen Australia and the South Australia Film Corporation (SAFC). Top End Bub marks the third collaboration between Screen Territory and the SAFC.

To End Bub will launch on Prime Video in Australia and New Zealand and will be distributed internationally by ZDF Studios.

The Territory Government will invest $4.8 million into the new Charles Darwin University (CDU) new trades centre to support Territorians to become work ready, reskill or upskill.

This investment is part of Territory Government’s broader workforce growth and skilling initiatives with Budget 2024 allocating $109  million towards vocational education and training.

There are currently 3,772 Territorians in apprenticeships and traineeships. Of these 1,140 are Aboriginal apprentices and trainees, this is an increase of 12 percent compared to the same period last year.

CDU Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Ruben Bolt said “by investing now we position ourselves as a prime location for workforce development opportunities.”

“This trade training centre is needed now but it is also an investment in our future. Our commitment to education and training at CDU is essential in building a capable workforce that can meet any future demands.”

The 2-storey Centre features a heavy equipment precinct, an assembly area, an industrial sandpit, and classrooms. It has been designed for trade’s courses that need larger work spaces with an initial focus on carpentry and roof plumbing.

Local Territory Company Aspire Design and Construction is undertaking this build. Construction is progressing well and civil works are all but complete. The transition from ground works to the build form is now underway.

The CDU trades centre it expected to be opened towards the end of 2024.

Territory government and industry representatives are in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland this month raise the Territory’s profile as a desirable place to live and work and to promote employment opportunities.

Territory employers are encouraged to log their jobs on WorkerConnect so their vacancies can be discovered by jobseekers in the UK and Ireland.

This year’s Worker Attraction events kicked off in Birmingham on 18 May. Events are planned for Leeds, Liverpool, Belfast, Cork and Limerick and it is expected around 1,000 people will attend all 6 events.

The UK and Ireland information sessions are part of the Territory Government’s Global Worker Attraction Program. The program is designed to assist Territory employers experiencing recruitment difficulties to fill jobs with skilled and semi-skilled workers.

Targeting young and mid age workers and families the information sessions give prospective workers inside tips to succeed in the Territory job market. The sessions also provide information on moving to the Territory and lifestyle opportunities for singles and families.

Sectors that will be targeted include automotive, hospitality, ICT, education, aged and disability services, health, construction and manufacturing.

Visitors to the events will also have access to search for jobs at the information sessions using the WorkerConnect Platform.

Territory employers can post their vacancies for free on Worker Connect, go to the Jobs in Australia's Northern Territory.

To find out more about the UK and Ireland information sessions go to the The Territory website.

Sarawanan Nandhakumar owner of Connecting Dots

A Darwin based boutique tech and cyber consulting agency is expanding its services into Indonesia with help from Austrade’s local and international network.

Sarawanan Nandhakumar owner of Connecting Dots champions the use of technology to support small businesses. He is also focused on positioning the Territory as a thriving hub for technology, digital innovation, cybersecurity and data analytics, including artificial intelligence.

Earlier this year, Sarawanan reached out to Austrade’s about expanding his services into international markets.

He was put in touch with the Northern Territory Government’s representative to Indonesia, Kukuh Saputro and Darwin based TradeStart advisor, Iain Forrest.

The Northern Territory Government’s representative to Indonesia position is an Austrade in-country partnership, connecting the Territory to an international trade network.

Kukuh Saputro is a seasoned consultant and researcher with experience in policy analysis, the energy sector, consumer goods and international trade.

Austrade also has a domestic network of advisers including Iain Forrest, who is the Northern Territory TradeStart Senior Trade Officer.  The role is embedded alongside the Northern Territory Government’s Small Business Champions team and connected to a network of experienced advisors across Australia.

Iain has previously worked for NT Farmers Association and brings a wealth of business experience to the position.

Sarawanan said both Iain and Kukuh were thorough in understanding his company’s objectives and were very proactive in addressing out needs from the start.

“Kukuh was exceptional on the ground in Indonesia, scouting for companies and businesses that would benefit from my company."

“He managed to identify over 6 companies within 3 to 4 weeks and connected us to multiple start-ups and tech founders that can benefit from the use of our services.”

Sarawanan said Iain’s support was also fantastic and helped with organizing meetings with his Indonesian counterparts and provided invaluable advice to help expand his services to Indonesia.

“Iain has a thorough understanding of how the government machine works, and diligently followed up with Austrade colleagues across the country to identify other avenues to meet our objectives.

“Working with Kukuh and Iain has been exceptional, both have motivated and pushed businesses like ours to perform better on the wold stage,” Sarawana said.

If you are a Territory based business interested in expanding your business or services into new markets you can get in touch with Kukuh and Iain at trade@nt.gov.au

Businesses, student groups and community organisations still have time to apply for grants to deliver programs and events to enhance the wellbeing of international students in the Territory.

Grants of up to $10,000 are now available under the International Student Wellbeing program. Funding is available for sporting activities, community and multicultural events as well as mental health awareness activities.

The program aims to increase international students’ connections and belonging to the Territory, increase employment opportunities and provide tools and strategies for students to manage mental health and physical safety.

Events and activities will take place from 1 July 2023 until 1 June 2024.

Since the grant’s introduction in 2018, more than $850,000 in funding has been provided and over 9,000 international students studying in the Territory have engaged in programs and events.

There are currently approximately 5,000 international students studying in the Northern Territory and the Territory Government aims to grow this number to 10,000 by 2030.

Applications close 3 June 2024.

To find out more and to apply, go to the Grants NT website.