Minyerri, Northern Territory, Australia
I’m a public relations, marketing and events professional with a strong passion for regional Australia and the people and businesses that make our communities thrive. After more than 20 years working across business advocacy, government programs, marketing and major events, I now run Lime and Fire – Public Relations, Marketing and Events, where I help organisations tell their stories, build strong connections and deliver work with real impact. I’ve been fortunate to work at both a national and regional level, including leading major programs at the Council of Small Businesses Organisations Australia and previously serving as Chief Operating Officer at the Chamber of Commerce NT. Across these roles, I’ve focused on practical leadership, stakeholder engagement and initiatives that support small business resilience, gender equity and regional development. At the heart of everything I do is community. I value collaboration, clear communication and getting things done, particularly in regional and remote contexts where relationships matter. I continue to contribute through board and committee roles, mentoring and community involvement, and I’m always keen to work with people who care about creating positive, lasting outcomes.
As the Chief Operating Officer at the Chamber of Commerce NT, I am deeply committed to driving the growth and development of the Northern Territory's business landscape. My role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from membership growth and event management to marketing, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. I also take pride in my work on regional development, overseeing committees across the Top End, Big Rivers, East Arnhem, Central, and Barkly Regions to ensure that the Chamber's support reaches every corner of the NT. I lead the Chamber's initiatives on sustainability and gender equality through the Sustainable Business Working Group and the Women in Business Working Groups. These groups focus on promoting eco-friendly business practices and supporting female entrepreneurs and leaders, addressing the unique challenges they face in the business world. I manage the prestigious Chief Minister’s Export Awards and the Business Excellence Awards in all five regions of the NT, celebrating the innovation and achievements of local businesses. These awards play a critical role in encouraging excellence and global competitiveness among NT businesses. Advocacy is another key area of my work, where I tackle pressing issues such as crime and antisocial behavior, housing, childcare, education, supply chain, and connectivity. My efforts are aimed at creating a better business environment in the NT, improving quality of life, and making the region an attractive place for talent. My role is to ensure that the Chamber of Commerce NT remains a dynamic and proactive advocate for the business community, driving initiatives that promote a sustainable and prosperous business environment in the Northern Territory.
During my tenure as Marketing Manager at Yeperenye Shopping Centre, an Indigenous-owned retail hub, I amassed nearly 12 years of experience in the nuanced field of regional shopping centre management. My responsibilities were extensive and varied, encompassing the comprehensive management of marketing, communications, promotions, and casual leasing, alongside the careful administration of the sponsorship budget. A significant aspect of my role was dedicated to stakeholder engagement, where I focused on forging and nurturing relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, including retailers, NT Police, Alice Springs Town Council, various Government Departments, and a wide range of community groups, organizations, and individuals. These efforts were aimed at creating a cohesive and mutually beneficial ecosystem for all parties involved. In my capacity, I represented the centre and its retailers on several key committees and boards, including the Chamber of Commerce Committee Alice Springs as Deputy Chair, the NT Chamber of Commerce Board, the Tourism, Events and Promotions Committee (ASTC), the Regional Economic Development Committee (NT Government), and the Vibrant CBD Committee. These roles allowed me to actively contribute to discussions and decisions that shaped the commercial and social landscape of Alice Springs. Security and car parking operations management were also under my purview, ensuring a safe and convenient shopping environment for our customers. Additionally, I often stepped in as a backup for other roles, such as centre and maintenance managers, further broadening my property management experience. Working for Yeperenye Pty Ltd, a company that has a many properties, provided me with a unique and comprehensive perspective on strategic and hands-on property management. This experience has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of the retail property sector and enhancing my capabilities in managing complex operational challenges.
During my impactful tenure at the Alice Springs Cancer Council, I had the privilege of orchestrating a series of significant community events that not only raised awareness but also substantial funds for cancer research, support, and prevention. My role involved the comprehensive coordination of hallmark events such as Daffodil Day, Pink Ribbon Day, and Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. These events drew together the community in a unified effort to combat cancer, fostering an environment of support, hope, and solidarity. One of my key achievements was the introduction of Relay for Life to Alice Springs. This initiative required not just organizational skills, but also a deep commitment to community engagement and mobilization. Bringing Relay for Life to our town represented a significant milestone, offering a platform for individuals and teams to participate in a relay-style event that symbolises the collective journey of those affected by cancer. It was a powerful demonstration of community spirit and resilience, and its successful implementation remains one of my most rewarding experiences. In addition to these event-focused responsibilities, I managed the day-to-day operations of the Alice Springs Cancer Council office. This role encompassed a broad range of tasks from administrative duties to volunteer coordination and stakeholder engagement. It was imperative to maintain a high level of organizational efficiency to support the broader goals of the Cancer Council and ensure that we could effectively serve the community's needs. My time with the Cancer Council was marked by a deep dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those impacted by cancer, driven by a belief in the power of community action and the importance of cancer awareness and research.