Ikuntji Artists - located in Haasts Bluff, Northern Territory - is a prime example of an Aboriginal-owned creative enterprise that transforms cultural heritage into economic opportunity. Established in 1992 as the first art centre of its kind in the Western Desert, Ikuntji Artists has consistently demonstrated best-practice in Aboriginal-led governance, cultural integrity, and intergenerational artistic development. In the 2024–25 financial year, Ikuntji Artists received targeted funding support from the Northern Territory Aboriginal Investment Corporation (now known as Aboriginal Investment NT), allowing the organisation to scale operations across several strategic priority areas. This included: Expansion of textile production and sampling capabilities, Investment in fashion-specific design and marketing tools, Development of international-ready export pathways, and Support for artist development and cultural leadership. "Aboriginal Investment NT is so proud to play a small part in Ikuntji Artists' growth after supporting them with a grant to increase production of the centre's textiles range," said Nigel Browne, CEO of Aboriginal Investment NT. This investment has already yielded significant outcomes for Ikuntji Artists. Textiles now represent more than one-third of total revenue for Ikuntji Artists, positioning the centre as a major contributor to the national and international Aboriginal fashion sector. Garments produced by Ikuntji Artists have featured in First Nations Fashion and Design showcases, national fashion runways, and international exhibitions, generating both commercial visibility and cultural engagement.  Ikuntji’s business model is underpinned by community control and cultural protocol. Each textile design is derived directly from original artworks created by the centre’s artists — many of whom are senior women and custodians of important Dreaming stories. These artworks are translated onto fabric through a meticulous screen-printing process and sewn into garments and accessories that maintain the integrity of place, kinship, and language.

For more than 70 years, Pioneer Football Club has been a pillar of strength in Alice Springs and Central Australia. As one of the region’s oldest and most respected football organisations, the club is more than a sporting body. It is a place where families, young people and Elders gather to celebrate culture, sport and community pride.  In 2025, Pioneer Football Club received support from Aboriginal Investment NT through the Community Quick Response Grants program. The grant funded new uniforms and training equipment, ensuring players could take to the field with confidence and safety. For a club built on volunteer effort and community spirit, this investment provided more than financial relief. It was recognition of the role Pioneer plays in uniting people through sport. Jawoyn Cole-Manolis of Pioneer Football Club says they are extremely grateful for the assistance the Community Quick Response Grant has provided.

Tikesa Hale is the Founder and Managing Director of xhalEvents, a 100% Aboriginal-owned event management company based on Larrakia Country, delivering purpose-driven, culturally grounded events across the Northern Territory and beyond. A proud Luritja and Wuthathi woman, Tikesa launched xhalEvents in response to a critical gap in the market: the lack of event experiences designed by, for, and with Aboriginal peoples at the centre.

Please note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this article may contain names of deceased people. For 35 years the revered elder, aged in his late 60s, delivered language and cultural learning to school students on his remote Tiwi islands, just half an hour’s light plane ride across turquoise seas from Darwin. These days, Teddy and his wife Teresia are the proud hosts at Tarntipi Bush Camp on Bathurst Island, a thriving Aboriginal-owned and run, on-country enterprise which started back in 2016. The couple, along with their daughter, Baptista, and son-in-law, Nathan, spend the cooler, dry season months at camp providing cultural awareness and immersion experiences, catering to a wide range of clients. “People from the mainland coming over for camps, students from Darwin, we also have students from down south from the schools,” Teddy explains. Corporates and government agencies account for a large slice of Tarntipi Bush Camp’s clientele, undertaking cultural education and training programs. “They all come over and they’re wanting to learn more about what I do and what I teach here so it’s open for everyone to come and I’m encouraging people to come and learn about Tiwi culture.” While visitors to the islands make up much of Tarntipi Bush Camp’s clientele, the business also plays an important role in preserving ancient culture and language for younger generations of Tiwi people. “Today we’ve got students from Tiwi College here because our kids are the future and we have to give them the opportunity to learn about Tiwi culture, learn about themselves,” Teddy said. “We need to help them become proud Tiwi people. I’m hoping that the things we teach the young people will make them better people, better Tiwi people.” Teddy proudly states his business has never been stronger. Tarntipi Bush Camp recently received backing from Aboriginal Investment NT through its initial grant funding round. The capital injection helped the business purchase a new vehicle to transport guests and make critical infrastructure upgrades at the remote camp site. “I talked to Aboriginal Investment NT about my business here and now they’re getting behind me, helping me with my work here at Tarntipi,” Teddy said. “It’s great support for me to have them come aboard and help me, push me forward to the future that I’m looking forward to.”

AN Aboriginal-owned and run pest management business has expanded its operational footprint across the Northern Territory.

From collecting kicks at the MCG to gathering Kakadu plum, green ants and magpie geese, former AFL star Shannon Motlop is channeling his passion and drive into building a company that empowers Aboriginal communities to harness the abundance off their land.

Culinary delights from a popular Darwin restaurant have become more accessible for Top End diners.