Parrtjima - A Festival in Light 2016. Photo by James Horan Photography. Annual Report 2016 - 2017 We have taken due care and attention in ensuring information contained in this annual report was true and correct at the time of publication. However, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact upon its accuracy. We do not warrant that it is correct, complete or suitable for the purposes for which it is intended to be used. We disclaim all liability associated with the use of this information. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island readers and viewers should be aware that this material may contain images or names of deceased persons. © Northern Territory Government Northern Territory Major Events Company 16 Bennett Street Darwin City NT 0800 GPO Box 3333 DARWIN NT 0801 www.ntmajorevents.com.au Published October 2017 by NTMEC, a non-statutory authority of the Northern Territory Government. Contents Company Overview 04 Message from the Chair 05 Board of Directors 06 Skills and Diversity of the Board 11 Operational Structure 12 Corporate Governance 13 NTMEC Strategic Plan 2016 - 2021 15 FestivalsNT 22 History of Events 24 Event Portfolio 2016-2017 26 Annual Financial Statements 40 Northern Territory Major Events Company About Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) is a dynamic organisation that delivers and supports significant events across the Northern Territory. Northern Territory Major Events Company Vision (NTMEC) is a government owned Northern Territory Major Events Company will organisation, which is responsible for develop, deliver and promote world class identifying, attracting and facilitating major events in the Northern Territory for the local community, entertainment, sporting and community and visitors, which will create cultural events across the Northern Territory. improved event experiences and outcomes Through major events, NTMEC drives local, as well as strengthen the visitor economy for intra and interstate expenditure, contributes to the benefit of all Territorians. visitor bed nights, and plays a significant part in the growing Tourism and Culture sector, which aims to bring substantial economic Mission and social benefits to the NT. To grow the events portfolio and industry capability in the Northern Territory by providing leadership, advice, support and be the Front Door for the events sector. 4 NTMEC Annual Report 2016-17 BASSINTHEGRASS 2017. Photo by Glass Ambience Photography. Message from the Chair Another year of meaningful development A holistic approach in the Festivals space has within the organisation. A year of balanced meant that we now have some real clarity in focus on both external and internal issues terms of our current events calendar and this with both the event development and from a will lead to an improved offering as we move staff perspective, skills development across forward. We will be able to identify the gaps, the operational and strategic platforms. evaluate the opportunities and provide some further insights to support the economic The introduction of another major event benefits of the events calendar for the benefit being Parrtjima a Festival of Light was a great of all Territorians. success. The opportunity to present this significant event based on one of the oldest NTMEC has a rich history of event cultures of our planet using new age light development and activation which is technology will allow the Northern Territory to reflective of the work carried out by the stand alone in this space and hopefully draw NTMEC staff who constantly improve upon significant local and overseas visitors to the event outcomes. event in years to come. To the Board, who have a wealth of The work that goes into any event is experience across a very broad base of significant and all events are constantly in industry and events, I would like to sincerely a state of development in order to deliver a offer my thanks for their support, insights and better experience for all stakeholders, which guidance. from an operational perspective means that our staff are constantly being challenged to Alistair Feehan find logical enhancements that support an Chairman improved stakeholder experience. NTMEC Annual Report 2016-17 5 Supercars at Mindil Beach Markets 2017. Photo by Glass Ambience Photography. Board of Directors The Northern Territory Major Events Company Under the Board Charter, the Board’s Pty Ltd is governed by a 7-member Board of obligations include: Directors appointed by the Chief Minister. • Setting NTMEC’s strategic direction, The Board is accountable to the shareholders, including approving strategies and who hold the Deed in Trust for the Territory, targets and establishing policies for the overall performance of NTMEC. • Accountability for monitoring performance The Board of Directors provides leadership and against strategies and plans vision through strategy formulation and policy • Ensuring good corporate governance, development whilst meeting its legislative, effective risk management, legal financial and governance obligations. compliance, strategic direction and The Board is guided by a charter of appropriate structure of NTMEC. operations, which sets out the roles and responsibilities of the Directors. 6 NTMEC Annual Report 2016-17 Board of Directors Alistair Feehan, Chairman Michael Bridge, Director Chief Executive Officer, Imparja Television Director, Airnorth Group Alistair has held the position of CEO at Michael has overseen Airnorth’s growth Imparja Television for 14 years. During this from a small charter company to Australia’s time the organisation has seen continued second oldest continuously operating airline and sustainable growth with expansion in brand. key business areas, in turn creating a highly Michael was the Chair of the Regional efficient business model. Aviation Association of Australia for seven Alistair previously held senior positions at the years and still sits on the Board. He was 7 Network and was General Manager of Val Director/Trustee of the Aviation Industry Morgan Australia. He is a member on the Superannuation Trust for eight years. Board of Free TV Australia, the peak industry Michael is a recipient of the National Australia body for the free to air television broadcasting Bank’s Medal for Management Innovation sector. and in 2008 was awarded the Australian In 2015 Alistair was appointed to the Ministerial Aviation “Personality of the Year” for his work Advisory Council on Communications, on creating an industry wide forum bringing is a Director of Eastern Australia Satellite together the 12 industry associations in an Broadcasters, and the Director of Central effort to find a consolidated voice. Digital Television. Michael is the Chair of Tourism NT and Chair Previously a Director of the Board, Alistair of international specialist labour-hire and was appointed Chair for the NT Major Events recruitment company CGH Pty Ltd. He is also Company in July 2014. an Ambassador for the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame, Business Events Northern Territory and the Museum and Arts Gallery of the Northern Territory. NTMEC Annual Report 2016-17 7 Board of Directors Andrew Bruyn AM, Director Colin Fuller AM, Director General Manager, Territory Television Pty Ltd Retired (Nine Network Australia) Colin provides a wealth of experience for Andrew has resided in the Territory for the the Board. A Territory resident since 1969, past 39 years. He has held a position on the Colin is a previous Chairman and CEO for Northern Territory Major Events Company the Power & Water Corporation, and former Board for more than 10 years and is actively board member of the NT Tourist Commission. involved in a variety of local sports clubs A qualified quantity surveyor, Colin has throughout the NT. an outstanding background in public Andrew is former Chair of NT Employment administration management occupying Chief and Training Advisory Council. He also Chairs Executive positions for several Government the St John Ambulance NT Endowment Trust departments from 1982 – 1999, culminating and was a founding member of the Federal as Chief Executive for the Department of the Government’s Australian Industry and Skills Chief Minister. Committee. Colin was awarded a Member of the Order In 2011 Andrew was awarded a member of Australia in 1999 for service to the of the Order of Australia for service to the development of the NT through the provision community of the NT through executive roles of infrastructure, land management, within a range of cultural, tourism, education conservation and tourism. and charitable organisations, and to the broadcast media industry. 8 NTMEC Annual Report 2016-17 Board of Directors Janet Hamilton, Director Andrew Hopper General Manager, Darwin Convention General Manager, NT Major Events Centre Company Pty Ltd Janet has managed large-scale and high Andrew commenced with NT Major Events profile major projects and special events, as Company in March 2015. Andrew has well as delivered comprehensive marketing, a wealth of experience with an extensive communications, sponsorship and place record in leading the planning and delivery of management strategies and programs. major national and international projects and events. Janet’s assignments involved delivering 300 special events in the lead up to the Andrew has a proven track record of success Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and 600 in the developmental and implementation of annual events for Sydney Harbour Foreshore strategic plans and management of revenue Authority including the high profile