Empowering community through culture-first events: The xhalEvents story
As the Founder and Managing Director of xhalEvents, Tikesa Hale is grounded, humble, and driven by a deep love for her people.
However Ms Hale is building something far greater than an events business - she is creating spaces where culture leads, stories flow, and community stands proudly at the centre.
A proud Luritja and Wuthathi woman, Ms Hale established xhalEvents on Larrakia Country to fill a gap she could no longer ignore, the lack of events created by mob, for mob.
"xhalEvents was born out of a deep desire to create a space where Aboriginal voices are prioritised,
respected, and celebrated in every part of the event journey, not just at the front of the stage, but behind the scenes too," she said.
Her business is built on values that reflect who she is, community, respect, and authenticity.
"My identity as a proud Aboriginal woman is woven into every part of xhalEvents, from the suppliers I work with, to the way I engage with my community," she said.
"It is not just about running events, but about walking with community and ensuring our culture is embedded with care and integrity."
Since launching in 2021, xhalEvents has delivered powerful and memorable experiences across the Northern Territory and beyond, from The Gathering with the Healing Foundation and Garrmalang Festival, to ICIN Conferences, women's leadership retreats, and intergenerational storytelling camps in remote and regional communities.
With support from Aboriginal Investment NT's Start-Up Business Grant, Ms Hale invested in new equipment, training, and systems that strengthened her capacity to compete for large-scale contracts while staying true to her values.
"The funding allowed me to expand my services, develop new creative projects, and continue doing what I love most, creating safe spaces for mob to come together," she said.
But for Ms Hale, success is not measured by budgets or timelines.
"I recently managed an event where a few things did not go to plan, and at first I felt I had let everyone down," she said.
"But what happened next reminded me what this work is really about, the stories, the healing, the conversations that continued long after the formalities ended."
That reflection perfectly captures the heart of xhalEvents, bringing people together to heal, celebrate, and connect.
"Events are one of the most powerful ways we gather," she said.
"They give us space to share stories on our terms, to listen deeply, to strengthen identity, and to spark change."
One of her proudest moments was The Gathering, which united Stolen Generations survivors, young leaders, and service providers.
"Watching Elders share stories they had never told before, and seeing young people step up with courage and compassion, reminded me exactly why this work matters," she said.
Looking ahead, Ms Hale hopes to build a Cultural and Creative Events Hub, a space where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives can design and deliver culturally safe and impactful events together.
"I want my journey to show others that running your own business is possible, no matter where you start," she said.
"There is space for young Aboriginal women in every boardroom, every festival, and every creative industry."
As Indigenous Business Month is celebrated under this year's theme, 'Strength Through Collaboration', Ms Hale's story is a reminder that true strength lies in community.
Every event she delivers is a collaboration between Elders and youth, clients and creatives, culture and Country, working together to build something lasting.
Through xhalEvents, Tikesa Hale is not just managing events. She is creating legacy, one gathering, one story, and one powerful moment at a time.
Nicole Brown, National Indigenous Times, October 31 2025