NT Major Events marks 25 years in operation

In just 25 years, the Northern Territory’s Major Events Company has changed the face of the entertainment, tourism and events history. SEE THE PHOTOS.

2024 edition of BASSINTHEGRASS. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

In just 25 years, the Northern Territory’s Major Events Company has changed the face of the industry.

From humble beginnings in 1998 with the Territory’s first Supercars event, the company has grown from being Hidden Valley Promotions Pty Ltd to being involved in some of the Territory’s biggest and best events.

In the decades that have followed, NTMEC has added sporting events such as the Australian Superbikes, Red Centre NATS and of course the nationally-renowned Million Dollar Fish competition.

The NT’s premier music festival BASSINTHEGRASS was also added to the calendar in 2003, headlined by Sophie Monk and Russell Crowe.

These days the group is also involved in celebrations for Territory Day and popular Alice Springs event Parrtjima, as well as bringing the Australia Cup play offs and Harlem Globe Trotters to play their sport on the NT’s hallowed grounds.

In their half-a-century tenure in the NT, the company has brought millions of dollars in revenue into the local economy, welcomed millions of visitors and won several awards, both nationally and internationally.

CEO of NT Major Events Suzana Bishop ahead of the 2024 Bass In The Grass festival in Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Chief executive Suzana Bishop took over at the helm in September 2023 and has continued to grow the NTMEC’s legacy, hoping to attract even more world-class events to the Territory.

She said the team was “small but passionate” and committed to bringing the beauty of the NT to a global stage.

“Congratulations to all former and current members of the team who have, through innovation and perseverance, delivered events that build upon the liveability of the Territory, showcase this beautiful place we call home and generate millions of dollars for our economy,” she said.

Ms Bishop said the statistics showed the company was delivering results and looked forward to its impact continuing to grow.

“In 2022-2023 six major events delivered by NTMEC generated almost 314,000 visitor nights

and 33 per cent of attendees came from interstate,” she said.

“Independent research also showed that 26 events supported by NTMEC generated 167,195 visitor nights in the Territory. Combined, all 32 events generated $189 million in gross expenditure stimulus, which is around $4.90 in economic stimulus created in the NT.

“We’re not slowing down any time soon and with the recent announcement of Darwin hosting

the MXGP exclusively in Australia until 2029, we can’t wait to showcase the Territory to

audiences across the world.”

Bruce Munro in front of his Tropical Light illuminated sculpture Sun Lily. Tropical Light was an outdoor exhibition featuring eight illuminated sculptures across Darwin’s CBD by world renowned artist Bruce Munro.

Driver Marcos Ambrose pours bottle of champagne on his head after winning V8 Supercars round in Hidden Valley in 2003.

Australian Touring Car legend Peter Brock in action in his Holden Jackaroo on Darwin’s Mindil Beach. Brock finished second in the Auto Division of the 2001 Australian Safari in the Northern Territory.

Young Alice Springs swimmers Zac Dalby (14), left), Nathalie Collins (12), Gemmy Dalby (12), Sam Butler (13), Ben Fuller (11) and Jordan Hickey (12) competed at the Arafura Games in Darwin.

Alice Springs Basketball-players Staci Trindle-Price (17) and Braedon Abala (20) were selected for the Arafura Games in Darwin.

Inaugural Darwin Street Art Festival launch Georgia Beach , Pic Katrina Bridgeford.

Joel Goldring (17 years) dancing up a storm. BASS IN THE DUST. Alice Springs. Picture: CHLOE ERLICH

London to Sydney Car Marathon - Rally Cars unloaded at Darwin Airport - Picture: Michael Marschall

'The flairz' playing to the crowd. BASS IN THE DUST. Alice Springs. Picture: CHLOE ERLICH Picture: CHLOE ERLICH

Sophie Monk @ bass in the grass. Picture: Susan Bown

Russell Crowe performs with his band 30 Odd Foot of Grunt at Bass in the Grass. Picture: Susan Bown

Opening of the Convention Centre, George Triantafillos was part of the choir made up from school kids from across darwin

Paraolympian talent search Athlete CJ Grogan, Athletes with Disabilities co ordinator for the Arafura Games Neil Fuller, Paraolympian for the Aussie Squad Melanie Hall and Manager of the Paraolympian talent search Tim Matthew.

A section of the crowd at Bass in the Grass. Picture: Susan Bown

Rachel Toni (15 years) and Kathleen Gay (15 years) singing to the band "The Flairz' having a great time. BASS IN THE DUST. Alice Springs. Picture: CHLOE ERLICH

V8 Super car driver Greg Ritter limps back to the pits after crashing in the opening session during Round 6 of the championship. Supercar weekend at Hidden Valley in Darwin is the 350th round of the Australian Touring Car Championship since 1960.

Major Events Minister Paul Kirby holding the tagged million dollar barramundi as he officially open season nine of the Million Dollar Fish competition. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin