On 15 March 2024, Chamber of Commerce NT and Darwin Innovation Hub were proud to host a luncheon to celebrate International Women's Day and the significant contributions of women in the Export sector, with support from Steeline GRP, Ikuntij Arts, and Humpty Doo Barramundi.

With three keynote speakers who brought unique insights and perspectives to the audience. These speakers shared their experiences and insights, fostering a platform for professionals to network and explore potential collaborations. The event served as a testament to the power of shared knowledge and the importance of women’s roles in the export sector.

  • Dr. Chrischona Schmidt - Ikuntji Arts
  • Tarun Richards - Humpty Doo Barramundi
  • Nicole Brown - Steeline GRP

   

  

  

Ikuntji Arts

Ikuntji Artists was the first art centre established by women in the Western Desert Art Movement. Already in the 1980s, women began painting in Haasts Bluff in the aged care facility. They had been instructed by their husbands and fathers, and they had often assisted them in completing their paintings. By the early 1990s these women artists decided to pursue setting up their own art centre.

Ikuntji Artists was first established in 1992, after a series of workshops, and under the influence of the then community president, the late Esther Jugadai. The art centre was initially set up to fulfil the role of women’s centre providing services such as catering for old people and children in the community. After first experiences made in printing T-shirts, the artists began producing acrylic paintings on linen and handmade paper, which quickly gained the attention of the Australian and international art world as well as earning the centre an impressive reputation for fine art. The focus changed from a women’s centre to an art centre in 2005 with the incorporation of the art centre as Ikuntji Artists Aboriginal Corporation. Today Ikuntji Artists are represented in many national and international galleries and institutions. Their art is famous for bold colour choice, decisive brush strokes and a long legacy of internationally renowned artists.

 

Humpty Doo Barramundi

Humpty Doo Barramundi is a 100% Australian family owned and operated farm located halfway between Darwin and Kakadu National Park. Since 1993, Humpty Doo Barramundi has nurtured their premium saltwater Barramundi on their family farm  alongside the majestic Adelaide River in Australia's remote Northern Territory - the spiritual home of the Barramundi.

Humpty Doo Barramundi aims to be Australia’s best provider of beautiful Barramundi with a passion for always doing better while demonstrating our genuine care for and commitment to our people, environment, and partners.

 

  

  

The event was not just a celebration, but also a call to action. It highlighted the need for continued support and recognition of women’s contributions in the export sector. It also underscored the importance of providing platforms for professionals to connect and collaborate.

For further information about international trade opportunities, please contact Rohan Badenhop, NT Industry Councils Manager at r[email protected].

Chamber of Commerce NT