Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
Showgoers are being encouraged to come on down and visit staff from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade during show season.
In partnership with local industry groups, representatives from the department's business, agriculture and biosecurity teams will be available at this week's show in Katherine and in Darwin next week.
The staff will be on hand to offer support and advice to businesses and individuals.
The types of topics staff will be able to provide answers on include:
- How to get an ABN number
- Help with a business plan or advice on working with government
- Diversifying your pastoral lease and developing new agricultural produce in your area
- Biosecurity, including what to do if you think you've seen a new bug or pest.
The department's friendly regional staff will be available until lunchtime each day at the NT Government display to provide advice and support for growing a local business in the Northern Territory.
Staff will be at the Agriculture pavilion for the Katherine Show and in the Ray Foskey pavilion in Darwin.
Showgoers are also encouraged to cast their vote in the NT Cattlemen's Association Cows for Schools program.
The Cows for Schools Competition was first established in 2015 by the Centralian Beef Breeders Association (CBBA) and held in conjunction with the Alice Springs Show. In 2017 the CBBA and the NTCA partnered to deliver the competition across all regions of the Northern Territory.
The Territory-wide program encourages primary school students to learn about the industry and supplies classrooms with their own cow to display at all NT shows. Nearly 50 cows will be on display at the Territory Shows as part of the 2021 Totalweld Sales & Services Cows for Schools Program.
Quotes to be attributed to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Chief Executive Officer, Shaun Drabsch:
"Our regional businesses and industries are the lifeblood of the Territory.
"We are committed to bridging knowledge gaps, identifying opportunities and brokering solutions for businesses across the Territory.
"Through events like this, our team are working with industry to foster the capability and capacity of business to be profitable, resilient and sustainable.
"If you're at the show, please pop in and have a chat to our team."
Quotes to be attributed to the NT Cattlemen's Association (NTCA) Project Manager, Stephanie Frankham:
"The NTCA and CBBA are pleased to deliver the TotalWeld Cows for School again in 2021 - a no bull educational program and competition, that aims to inspire young Territorians to explore and learn about the NT Pastoral Industry and express their learning in a fun and hands-on way using art, design, creativity, technology and teamwork to create their competition entries.
"This year's theme 'Thought for food - Food for thought' encourages students and teachers to explore how Pastoral properties continue to operate when faced with numerous challenges and still produce affordable, safe and healthy food every day for everyone."
Quotes to be attributed to the Centralian Beef Breeders Association (CBBA) President Andrew Barrett:
"The Centralian Beef Breeders Association have been organising the cattle section for the Central Australian Show Society since 1972 and during their long history have always encouraged and promoted the quality of the Central Australian Cattle. The CBBA support running events for junior handlers from learning to lead their poddy calves through to showing as seniors, classes for led, unled and supporting Southern Studs to show and sell their bulls at the event.
"The CBBA is fostering community engagement by opening up the cattle section and interacting with the general public, teaching them about the cattle industry with a chance to help feed a poddy! This was one of the reasons for starting the Cows in Schools competition in 2015. The CBBA are very proud to see the competition continue to grow throughout the NT with joint collaboration from the NTCA."
