The team will look to travel to a range of target locations, such as Britain and Ireland, and will also deliver a range of targeted online seminars to key overseas markets.

It will also go interstate to Victoria as part of the Government’s 2026 Global Worker Attraction Program, which is aimed at easing the chronic labour shortage.

Territory businesses are encouraged to list their vacancies on local digital jobs board WorkerConnect to connect with skilled workers attending the international and domestic information sessions.

Peak body representatives say the NT’s presence in key labour markets is already making an impact.

Damien Charles from the ICT Industry Association of the NT says: “Having participated in previous international worker attraction events, I’ve seen first‑hand how important it is for the Northern Territory to promote itself in our key labour source markets.

“Often, it’s not about convincing people to move to Australia – it’s about ensuring they understand the fantastic opportunities we have here.”

South African-born Nicky Potgieter couldn’t agree more.

Seven years ago, she had never heard of Darwin. Now she calls the city home.

In 2018, Nicky and her two boys were living in Johannesburg. She was the head of leisure marketing at a travel agency but was yearning for a better lifestyle.

The family was granted an Australian subclass 482 visa. 

“I’d never heard of Darwin,” Nicky says.

She gained a marketing job at NT Major Events Company, now part of the NT Department of Tourism and Hospitality.

Life quickly fell into place. The boys settled into school, Nicky built strong friendships and embraced the Territory lifestyle – the sunshine, the three-minute drive to the sea, the easy commute to work and the laid-back social life. Professionally, she was thriving.

NT Major Events Company offered to sponsor her to remain in Australia.

Today, the family are permanent residents and proudly call Darwin home.

Nicky has progressed through the ranks and is now director of domestic marketing with Tourism & Events NT, overseeing major events and destination campaigns that drive visitation to the Territory.

She credits her time in the Northern Territory with significantly expanding her professional skillset and personal growth.

“I feel like there are so many rich opportunities and experiences here that you probably wouldn’t get elsewhere, even in other parts of Australia,” she says.

Nicky remains deeply grateful for the life she has built in the Territory.

“I loved Darwin from day one and I don’t think we’ll ever leave.”

Minister for Workforce Development Robyn Cahill says a “skilled, adaptable and diverse” workforce is critical to grow the Northern Territory economy.

“We offer skilled visa and government-supported options that help connect local employers with talent, which are promoted at key worker attraction events.

“Relocating to the Northern Territory will not only provide fantastic employment opportunities but also the chance to put down roots and enjoy everything our unique lifestyle has to offer. This includes for Australian citizens and permanent residents, access to the best home owner grant scheme in the country.”

The international and domestic program includes in‑person worker attraction events, supported by targeted marketing across radio, print and digital channels and the WorkerConnect digital jobs board.

For more information or to post a job for free, visit WorkerConnect at workerconnect.com.au TQ