The Barkly Business Hub has officially opened after an almost $4 million refurbishment of the old Government building on Peko Road, which was a key initiative of the Barkly Regional Deal.
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (DITT) and the Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet have already moved in and begun operations.
The official opening took place during October Business Month, which was the perfect time to do so.
During the opening ceremony, Senator Anthony Chisolm, Assistant Minister for Regional Development, released the Economic Growth Strategy and the Regional Workforce Development Strategy.
NT Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Treaty, and Local Decision Making Selena Uibo then officially opened the Barkly Business Hub.
Additionally, three grants were presented from the Barkly Regional Deal Local Community Projects Fund to Arlpwe Aboriginal Corporation, Owairtilla Aboriginal Corporation, and North Barkly Aboriginal Corporation for projects important to their communities.
The Ministers toured the facility along with other guests and had the chance to speak with staff and business people from the Barkly.
The Hub will provide support for businesses in the Barkly and boost local job creation.
It will also offer meeting room facilities for training sessions or meetings, essentially providing a “one-stop-shop” for businesses in the Barkly while improving local business capability.
Aboriginal business support services will also be available through the Hub, delivered by the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network.
The Business Hub will no doubt prove to be a great asset to businesses in the Barkly and will support the region’s economic growth and development.
This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 6 October 2023.
