Business bulletin: 03 September 2026

October Business Month (OBM) is set to inspire businesses to embrace change, seize opportunities and grow with more than 140 events planned across the Territory in 2026.

Now in its 32nd year, OBM remains the Territory’s premier business development program, connecting thousands of business owners, industry leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs through a month-long program of events.

This year’s theme ‘Embracing Change’ will focus on how businesses can adapt to rapidly changing technologies, shifting market demands and evolving workplace dynamics.

There are 64 event partners who will deliver 147 events across the Territory during October. Regional highlights include:

• Top End: Connecting Humpty Doo, hosted by Palmerston Regional Business Association
• Big Rivers: Building websites and web apps with AI
• East Arnhem: The Arnhem Voices Creative Media Festival, showcasing East Arnhem’s growing creative and screen industries while supporting local storytelling and creating pathways in the film and digital media sectors
• Barkly: Everyday AI for Barkly Business workshop
• Central Australia: Building a Sustainable Territory Workforce: Leveraging the NT DAMA to Address Evolving Workforce Needs.

The Business Support Series will run across all regions and provide practical tools, resources and advice to help Territorians grow their business.

There is a stacked line up of Territory success stories who will participate in discussion panels at keynote events and include:

• Tegan Peirce, Dragonfly Events
• Trent de With, Rod and Rifle Tackleworld Katherine
• Melanie Daly, Swank Shoes Alice Springs and Frock Star
• Andrew Mowles, Alice Hosetech & Industry Supplies
• Nicki Marakas, Enness Beauty
• Jessie Risk, AKJ Services
• Kylie Straube, Remote Territory Healthcare
• Jeff Usher, Custom Cabinets Katherine
• Roshelle Dell, Pure Pilates NT
• Matthew Jacques, Neptune Holding Group
• Sam Molloy, MEC NT.

Tickets are still available to OBM keynote events and this year’s line-up includes:

• Renee Wootton Tomlin, founder of New Era Energy
• Rochelle Courtenay, founder and managing director of Share the Dignity
• Brett Blake, stand-up comedian
• Adam Jacobs, co-founder of THE ICONIC and Hatch.

Tickets purchased to the ‘Renee Wootton Tomlin: Leading from the edge in a changing world’ keynote event between 5 to 30 September 2026 will go into the draw to win a travel package from Alice Springs to Cairns, thanks to Airnorth.

To book your tickets, go to the OBM website.

A recent Northern Territory Government and industry delegation to Vietnam, focused on advancing trade, business and international partnerships between our 2 regions.

Building on the momentum of the Investment Summit, the delegation strengthens the Territory’s position as a strategic investment location and a trusted partner, and shows the Territory is open for business.

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies and one of Australia’s key emerging trading partners, sharing a dynamic relationship with the Territory built on trade, investment and regional cooperation.

The delegation met with major Vietnamese companies, investors and government representatives to showcase the Northern Territory’s strengths and investment opportunities across education, energy and resources, infrastructure, agribusiness and tourism.

With our proximity to Southeast Asia, strong natural resources and growing industries, the Northern Territory is well positioned to build deeper economic partnerships with Vietnam.

The visit reinforced an important message: the Territory is thinking bigger about its role in the region and the opportunities that stronger partnerships with Vietnam can deliver.

Northern Territory Government delegation meeting with international education stakeholders in Vietnam.

We’re shining the light on our dedicated clubs and associations who play an important role in strengthening communities across urban, regional and remote areas of the Territory.

In Katherine and across the Big Rivers region, the Katherine Women’s Information and Legal Service (KWILS) is one of them.

KWILS supports women and gender-diverse people with free legal information, advice and representation, helping people understand their rights, make informed choices and have their voices heard.

Their work is grounded in grassroots relationships, local knowledge and a strong connection to the community they serve.

Behind that work are people like Natasha Reece, KWILS Board Member and Treasurer, whose knowledge, experience and commitment help strengthen the organisation and support its direction.

'Being present in the community is central to our work. Through regular events and gatherings, we share information, support those in need and ensure our community stays connected,' Natasha said.

Across the coming weeks, the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations will celebrate the people, clubs and organisations that make the Northern Territory a vibrant place to live as part of the #MyNT social media campaign.

Stories will be shared on Facebook and LinkedIn and highlight the important role incorporated associations play in strengthening Territory communities.

Join the conversation by using #MyNT in your social media post.

To find out more about incorporated associations, go to the Business Territory website.

Our Territory Business Advisors have been busy supporting and connecting with employers, training providers and job seekers at the Darwin and Big Rivers Careers Expos.

The Expos play a key role in showcasing career pathways, training opportunities and emerging industry needs across the Northern Territory.

Both events brought together key sectors including defence, mining, construction, health, education, and aviation, alongside government and industry support organisations committed to building a future‑ready Territory workforce.

The Territory Business Advisors connected with more than 50 employers, training providers, education organisations and career seekers, strengthening relationships and gaining valuable insight into workforce trends and opportunities for Territory businesses.

Businesses seeking support with workforce planning, training pathways or navigating programs can email their local Territory Business Advisors at businessinfo@nt.gov.au.

Territory Business Advisors, Nephra Jacob and Jonathan Jones, at the Darwin Expo.

What started with a passion for reducing waste and creating natural products for her family has turned into an exciting new business venture for Jess Krauss.

The micro-business owner established Mother Cluckers Farm Friendly Products around 3 years ago and specialises in natural, farm-derived skincare made from locally sourced ingredients.

Her range includes creams, soaps, lip balms and deodorants, built around a primary ingredient of beef tallow sourced from a local butcher, alongside fruit, honey and beeswax produced at her Eva Valley home.

The idea grew out of a self-sufficient lifestyle on a remote cattle station, where reducing waste and making use of the whole product became second nature. Since relocating to the Territory, Jess has turned that ethos into a growing local brand, selling online and at markets across the Greater Darwin area, including Fred’s Pass, Batchelor, Berry Springs and Southport (Litchfield) Markets.

With support from her Territory Business Advisor, Bo Leighton, Jess is now sharpening her marketing strategy to boost brand awareness and online sales and is connecting with local businesses that share her focus on locally produced goods, with a view to supplying them at wholesale prices for resale.

Jess said the support has come at the right time.

'I started out small, selling to workers and passing tourists in the hope that one day the business could grow,' Jess said.

'I’m now connected with the Territory Business Advisors who are helping me take it to the next stage.'

Territory Business Advisors work with businesses of all sizes, as well as incorporated associations, not-for-profit organisations and registered training organisations across the Territory.

If you are thinking about starting a business or improving your current operations, get in touch with a Territory Business Advisor on 1800 193 111 or email businessinfo@nt.gov.au.

Left to right: Territory Business Advisor, Bo Leighton with Mother Cluckers Farm Friendly Products business owner, Jess Krauss.