Darwin 19 September 2013. Chief Minister Adam Giles today announced the establishment of the Northern Territory Business Events Ambassador program.

“The Northern Territory Business Events Ambassador program brings together 16 of Australia’s leading business and community leaders. They have a broad cross section of experiences and expertise and their single goal is promoting the Northern Territory both nationally and on the international stage,” Mr Giles said.

“I am proud to announce the establishment of a program that comprises eminent Australians who understand the potential of the Northern Territory and wish to contribute to the future development of North Australia.

"These ambassadors will play an important part in helping to build a prosperous economy, one of the key objectives of our ‘Framing the Future’ blueprint.

Chief Minister Adam Giles is the inaugural patron of the program.

“As the capital of North Australia, this Government wants to build an economy that uses our place in the region to grow international trade, culture and tourism links and to leverage new investment.

“Engaging leaders of labour-hire companies as our ambassadors will help realise that vision. Their contacts, knowledge and advice will be crucial to our success.

The list of ambassadors includes diverse talents such as Simon McKeon, who is executive chairman of Macquarie Group’s Melbourne office and a former Australian of the year, and Mr Chen Min, Chief Representative of the China Council for Promotion of International Trade.

“These Ambassadors have been chosen for their influence at the highest level. Their mission is to bring business events to the NT in fields that have strategic importance to the economic, social and cultural development of the Territory,” Mr Giles said.

They comprise some of the NT’s and Australia’s leading business and industry professionals from key sectors including renewable energy, health, tourism, oil and gas, primary industries, finance and business.

“They will significantly boost the Northern Territory’s capacity to attract a bigger share of the lucrative business events market and identify other commercial opportunities,” Mr Giles said.

The ambassadors are the founding members of the NT Business Events Ambassador Program, which is a joint initiative between Tourism NT, and the Darwin and Alice Springs Convention Centres.

“As well as delivering the goods from a tourism perspective, these events have the scope to attract investment, provide increased engagement with Asia, showcase NT innovation and expertise, and increase the local knowledge base,’ Mr Giles said.

“Accepting our invitation to become ambassadors demonstrates great goodwill on their part and I cannot thank them enough for their willingness to go into bat for the Territory.’

The Business Events sector produces the highest daily yield in tourism and is estimated to generate $89 million in expenditure for the Territory economy annually.

THE AMBASSADORS

Luke Bowen, Executive Director, NT Cattlemens Association

Extensive contacts through working with government and Industry at the local, national and International level.

Sarina Bratton, Entrepreneur

First female to found shipping line. Founded Orion Expedition Cruises – Asia Pacific’s only five-star expedition cruise.  NSW Entrepreneur of the year 2008, Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year 2006.

Michael Bridge, CEO, AirNorth

Chair of Northern Territory Tourist Commission and of national labour-hire company CoreStaff, which has offices throughout Australia specialising in the provision of mining and offshore labour .

Professor Alan Cass, Director, Menzies School of Health

A leading kidney specialist with particular interests in Indigenous health, chronic disease and research translation.

Lyndon Frearson, General Manager, CAT projects

Respected advisor to Australian and NT government on energy policy development. Developed Alice Springs Solar Program and oversaw Alice Springs CBD Development. Recently awarded young professional of the year.

Daryl Guppy, Founder, Guppytraders

President of the NT Australia China Business Council and a regular CNBCAsia commentator recognized globally for financial market analysis

The Hon. Paul Henderson, BeSpoke Territory

Former NT Political Leader, strong government and industry contacts.

Simon McKeon – Executive Chairman of Macquarie Group

Chairman of CSIRO, Business for Millennium Development, Global Poverty Project Australia, In2Science and a Director of AMP Limited and Red Dust Role Models.

Dr Doug McTaggart (member of NTG Economic Development Panel)

A board member of the Suncorp Group and UGL Limited, and Chairman of the Queensland Public Service Commission.

Mr Chen Min, Chief Representative, China Council for Promotion of International Trade

A senior economist with extensive contacts arising from his 17 years with the council.

Dr Len Notaras AM, Executive Director of the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre

A key player in disaster response for many years, including the 1989 Newcastle earthquake response and coordination of the RDH’s response to the first Bali Bombing in 2002 and the second in 2005.

Vicki O’Halloran, Chief Executive Officer, Somerville Community Services

Extensive experience in welfare services, President of National Disability Service, Secretary of Northern Territory council of social services. Winner of Telstra Business Woman of the Year 1998

James Paspaley, Executive Director Investments

Oversees all the businesses within the Paspaley Group and an Executive Director of the parent Board

Gina Rinehart, Executive Chairman, Hancock Prospecting

Iron Ore Mining and media investments

Katherine Sarneckis, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Territory Seafood Council

Founding member of National Seafood Alliance Inc a group formed to give seafood a national voice federally. Graduate of National Seafood Industry Leadership Program.

Ian Smith, Founder, BeSpoke Approach (member of NTG Economic Development Panel)

Works with major domestic and international businesses on a range of complex projects across Australia and internationally; member of NAB Private Wealth Advisory Council.