ELEVATE AND CELEBRATE
The Festival of Women is set to light up Darwin in May, bringing together thousands of people for a vibrant Territory celebration of connection, culture and community.
After a blockbuster debut, the festival returns bigger and bolder, transforming the showgrounds into a full-day playground of experiences designed to inspire, entertain and empower.
For just $40, festival goers can explore a series of dynamic arenas across the precinct. Live entertainment stage hosts fashion parades, cooking displays, panels and live entertainment and builds toward the biggest Territory Bar Choir sing-along.
Visitors can recharge in the Health and Wellbeing Arena with workshops, beauty sessions and a candid sexology panel, or head to the Business and Innovation Hub to connect with women entrepreneurs, mentors and leaders shaping the Territory’s future.
There’s plenty of action too, from the Women in Sport Arena and the crowd-favourite Blokes Barn, where dads learn the art of ponytails over a pint, to the bustling Women’s Marketplace packed with local makers and creators.
Families are welcome, with a Kids Arena keeping young festivalgoers entertained all day.
For and additional $20 the Territory Taste Pavillion showcases the Top End’s best local flavours. Grab a glass and sample cocktails, wines and produce.
Grab your tribe, gather your friends and experience one of the Territory’s most uplifting events.
AN EVENT DRIVEN BY PASSION
In the Territory, great events don’t just happen, they’re driven by passionate people who believe in bringing communities together. And when it comes to celebrating, empowering and connecting women in the Top End, Rebecca Forrest is one of those driving forces.
As the founder of Festival of Women, Bec has helped create a vibrant platform where women from all walks of life can gather, share stories, learn from each other and celebrate their achievements. What began as a vision to elevate women’s voices has grown into an annual event that blends inspiring speakers, meaningful conversations and a whole lot of Territory energy.
Bec is no stranger to building powerful conversations. Through her broader work with community initiatives and leadership forums, she has spent years creating spaces where people feel seen, heard and supported, raising awareness around wellbeing, leadership and resilience along the way.
The Festival of Women reflects that same spirit. It’s not just an event on the calendar; it’s a celebration of connection, courage and the incredible women shaping the Northern Territory.
In true Territory style, Bec’s approach is simple: bring people together, start real conversations, and make sure no one is left behind.
And thanks to her passion and drive, the Festival of Women continues to do exactly that.
If you want to be involved in Territory Taste Pavillion or the Festival of Women reach out to rebecca@nooneleftbehind.com.au
Festival of WomenSaturday 2 May 2026
NATALIE PIZZINI – PIZZINI WINES, KING VALLEY VIC
Marketing Manager at family-owned Pizzini Wines in Victoria’s King Valley, Natalie drives brand growth and tourism initiatives. Pizzini Wines specialises in Italian varietals like Sangiovese and Nebbiolo and combines tradition with sustainability. Natalie leads wine tourism experiences, including the King Valley Food and Wine Festival, and is passionate about sharing the Italian “stopping to relax” culture in Australia.
ANNELIESE GRAZIOLI – BAR KOKOMO & HANKY PANKY – NT
Anneliese is a true pioneer of Darwin’s hospitality scene, bringing style, creativity, and bold flavour to every venue she touches. As the driving force behind Bar Kokomo and Hanky Panky, Anneliese blends innovative cocktails curating experiences that are as visually striking as they are delicious. Known for her infectious energy and meticulous attention to detail, she elevates every guest’s experience, whether behind the bar or hosting exclusive events.
LOULOU – EXECUTIVE CHEF, POOLHOUSE BAR & KITCHEN – NT
Poolhouse Bar & Kitchen blends land and sea with sustainable, local ingredients. Loulou began her culinary journey in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Marseille and has worked internationally across France, the Seychelles, St. Barths, and Australia. Now in Darwin, she brings French technique, Mediterranean roots, and Top End produce to create flavour-driven dishes designed to share.
DARRYL THOMAS – LIQUOR DOWNUNDER – NT
Darryl has over 30 years experience in the liquor industry. The first Territorian to complete the Roseworthy Wine Marketing course in 1993, Darryl has a passion for fine wine that has shaped his “lifestyle” career. He established Thomas Chin Pty Ltd in 2002 and now runs Liquor Downunder, Darwin’s boutique wine and spirits store, where wine lovers can discover rare finds and share stories.
SHANNON MOTLOP & ZACH GREEN – FIRE & FORAGE, NT
Shannon, an Indigenous harvester, and Zach, an Indigenous chef, connect land to plate the right way. Shannon sources and harvests using knowledge passed down through Country, while Zach brings these ingredients to life over open flame. Fire & Forage focuses on Indigenous food led by Indigenous hands, honouring ingredients, culture, and storytelling in every dish.
WILLING DISTILLERY, NT
Darwin’s award-winning distillery, Willing Distillery produces high-quality spirits, including single malt whisky, gin, vodka, and liqueurs, using native Australian ingredients. It’s the northernmost whisky distillery in Australia and the first in the NT to use traditional pot still, single-shot distillation for gin. Willing Distillery champions craft, community, and excellence, adding a unique flavour to Darwin’s cultural landscape.
HUMPTY DOO BARRAMUNDI, NT
Australia’s leading producer of premium saltwater barramundi, Humpty Doo Barramundi has been farming sustainably along the Adelaide River since 1993. Family-owned and operated, the company prioritises environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and meaningful engagement with First Nations communities.
TROPPO TREATS
Established in 2024, Troppo Treats business concept was created from seasoned business professionals Jessie and Corey Jenkins. This duo specialises in commercial mango farming, with over 17,000 mango trees, multiple mango properties, and a large packing and distribution shed. Troppo Treats was launched to contribute to the growing NT primary producer offerings and delivering even more tropical goodness to mango lovers across the region.
MONICA BUGNO AND BRIANT CLARK – THE LAST SUPPER, NT
Monica and Briant Clark (aka Clark Norris) run Darwin’s quirky food, bar, and comedy venue, The Last Supper. Monica creates playful food-focused events celebrating unusual ingredients, while Briant brings laughter as the venue’s MC. Together, they blend food, comedy, and community into unforgettable experiences.
REBECCA (BEC) BULLEN – DARWIN DISTILLING, NT
Originally from Victoria, Bec has transformed Darwin’s hospitality scene with sophisticated venues and locally inspired spirits. From Stone House wine bar to Charlie’s of Darwin and the Raintree Lantern Terrace, she champions Northern Territory botanicals like Kakadu plum, turkey bush, and myrtles, crafting premium gins and vodkas with international flair.
DOM WUNDKE – SPEARGRASS VODKA, NT
Straight from the Northern Territory, Speargrass Vodka is all about bold flavours and local spirit. Infused with the essence of Northern Australia, this craft vodka celebrates the land, its natural ingredients, and the people who make it unique. Fun, raw, and authentic, Speargrass is more than a drink — it’s the taste of the Territory in every sip.
CATHY SIMMONDS – HOSPITALITY NT
Cathy Simmonds is the Chief Executive Officer of Hospitality NT, the peak industry body that brings together pubs, clubs, hotels, bars, restaurants, cafés and producers from the Top End to the Red Centre. She has experience across tourism, events and hospitality, and brings practical insight into industry policy, regulatory settings, and sector development. Cathy is passionate about celebrating the Territory’s food scene as a pillar of our inimitable lifestyle, and promoting our home as the best place to live, work, visit and invest.
