In many ways, John epitomised what the Territory is all about – a bloke from a migrant family developing a tremendous business from scratch and creating a good life for his family. John never claimed to be an academic and that was part of his charm – in fact, he liked to joke about his lack of schooling – but make no mistake: he was as sharp as a tack, very well respected, a man with a natural intelligence. And he was great at recognising a good deal when he saw one! I was fortunate to talk to John about this publication and particularly because he was our cover a few years back. He thanked me personally for producing a publication all Territorians could be proud of. He said everyone, including all levels of government, need to be better at talking the Territory up because it creates business confidence and a positive attitude goes a long way to keeping things moving. Nobody thanks you for doing good and keeping it a secret. He was proud to be the face of Territory business, and the photo opposite reflects that. I know his family are hurting. From me and the team at Sprout, our thoughts are with you.

I looked back over John’s TQ story and re-read the publisher’s letter from that edition. At the time I was coming out of a tough three years and we were heading into a two-speed economy. Ten years later we are in a place of global uncertainty and cost of living pressures, plus I’ve got a front seat about the real effects of menopause in the workplace, so disruption is a place I know well and I’m embracing it. I’m also older and wiser and know when to pick my battles, plus I have a heightened sense of bullshit. I love what I do and I’m lucky to know what that is.

We have some exciting announcements, including the launch of a new magazine, NORTH, and some new events to add to the calandar coming up. I’ve been in business for over 25 years – I bought business partners in and then bought them out. I’ve created a flash office in the CBD but now we are looking forward to returning to the feng shui of the Tiki Store, built in 1956. I have decided to choose the people we work with, those who share common values, to create a more sustainable and fulfilling place to operate. And I have a great team and supportive partner.

The three key points of realisation for me is that when you create something successful the sharks will circle (karma will take care of that), change happens (I‘m embracing it) and people who lack integrity always come unstuck. The past will catch up at some point, so the only thing to do is forge ahead with a positive attitude, clear intentions and maintain authenticity. 

In saying all that, the resources industry gets a lot of bad press – wrongly, in my opinion. This edition illustrates the community work being carried out by the industry. INPEX, McArthur River Mine and Santos all pump millions of dollars a year into good causes. It is their way of giving back as corporate citizens. Batchelor Institute is increasing access to its courses for Indigenous students. As they say, it’s not how you go into college that matters – it’s how you come out. And I’m delighted with the tourism and hospitality show of confidence from Delaware North in the Northern Territory’s future by spending millions on upgrading the Mindil Beach Casino Resort. 

Of course, Territory Q is not just about big companies; we enjoy publishing articles about the little guys. For instance, Hibiscus Pharmacy has been named Community Pharmacy of the Year for doing something that seems almost old-fashioned nowadays: putting the customer first. And I particularly like the article about Northern Glass Solutions. The company’s new production plant needs to be seen to be believed – it’s a tremendous example of innovation and investment.

We are planning a special edition in July to mark 50 years of Aboriginal land rights. The Land Rights Act changed the face of business. Many Indigenous organisations, such as ALPA, Gumatj, Rirratjingu and Jawoyn, have gone into business on their own to give Aboriginal people greater control of their lives. I encourage you to contact us if you would like to take part in what promises to be a fascinating edition of Territory Q.

Finally, I’m pleased that Australian Engineer of the Year Elisha Harris is our cover story. She has made great strides in a profession still dominated by men. Elisha is a Territory girl to admire – tough, professional, ridiculously well-qualified and not afraid to speak her mind. She will be one of the speakers at the Territory Q Long Lunch so this is an invitation to join us for the first TQ Long Lunch for the year. It’s a chance to network, relax and listen to three great speakers: Shane Dignan CEO of DCOH, our latest cover, Elisha Harris (expect a few home truths from her!), and Michael Allen, CEO of Rimfire. The Long Lunch is on Friday, 24th April in the private back room at Sweethearts. With the digital age of zoom meetings and now AI, we figured it was time to network the old-fashioned way and get back in the room with great food and a few drinks.

So it is with pleasure that I present this edition of Territory Q, which is packed with amazing business stories of people who have got on with it. They have created their own opportunities through hard work, determination and integrity. We couldn’t have had a better example of that as we remember John Halikos – he didn’t wait for anyone.

That’s it from me as I have NORTH to launch – and for all those who told me more than 50 editions ago when I launched TQ that print was dead, I’m dedicating this new publication to you.