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Empowering Community Through Culture-First Events: The xhalEvents Story

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:14:28 GMT

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.

“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,” Tikesa shares.

“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. It’s not just about running events, but also about walking with community, empowering our people, and ensuring our culture is embedded with care and integrity.”

Since its establishment in 2021, xhalEvents has delivered an impressive array of events across the Northern Territory and beyond — including The Gathering with the Healing Found ation, ICIN Conferences, Garrmalang Festival, women’s leadership retreats, and various intergenerational storytelling camps in remote and regional communities.

With funding support from Aboriginal Investment NT’s Start-Up Business Grant Program , Tikesa was able to invest in critical infrastructure — equipment, training, and project systems — which strengthened xhalEvents’ capacity to compete for larger-scale contracts, while still staying grounded to its core values.

“The funding from Aboriginal Investment NT has enabled me to expand my business offering by investing in additional equipment and services that clients can now book. It has also allowed me to develop new revenue streams and pilot projects that explore the creative side of xhalEvents,” Tikesa shares.

This grant support from Aboriginal Investment NT not only elevated the operational capacity of xhalEvents but also allowed Tikesa to stay true to her vision of culturally grounded, community-first experiences that empower and uplift.

Yet, success for Tikesa goes beyond timelines and logistics.

“ I recently managed an event where a few logistical things out of our control didn’t go to plan. As the event manager, those hiccups made me feel like I had let the event down ,” Tikesa recalls.

“But as the days unfolded, something more powerful took place — the stories that were shared, the healing that occurred, and the deep conversations that flowed far outweighed any small errors.”

For me, that’s what success really looks like — when people stay long after the formalities end, still yarning, smiling, and planning to reconnect.”

That philosophy drives the deeper purpose of xhalEvents: creating safe spaces for truth-telling, healing, and connection.

“ Events are one of the most powerful ways we gather. It’s to celebrate, to pass on knowledge, to educate the wider community and come together ,” Tikesa explains.

“They give us space to share our stories on our terms and invite others to listen deeply. They bring us together in solidarity, strengthen identity, and allow intergenerational healing to happen. Events can spark conversations, create change, and help us reclaim space that was once denied to us.”

One of the most powerful examples of this was The Gathering event, which brought together Stolen Generations survivors, young leaders, and service providers.

“Watching Elders share stories they’d never told in public and seeing so many young people step up with courage and compassion reminded me why this work matters, ” Tikesa says.

“When we create safe spaces, real healing and connection can take place.”

Looking forward, Tikesa envisions building a Cultural and Creative Events Hub which will serve as a dedicated training and design space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives to co-create impactful, culturally safe events.

“I hope my journey inspires others to believe that running your own business is possible — whether you’ve just finished school or, like me, you’re in your 30s, married with young children ,” Tikesa says.

“There is space for young Aboriginal women in every boardroom, every festival stage, every creative space, and every male-dominated industry.”

Through xhalEvents, Tikesa Hale is building more than events — she’s building legacy, one gathering at a time.

Scaling Culture-Led Enterprise in the Western Desert

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:02:29 GMT

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.

"The opportunity in the NT is enormous across a wide range of culture-based industries, such as the arts, which we know are steadily growing," Nigel Browne said.

"Culture is a strong motivator, equipping Aboriginal Territorians with a comparative advantage to thrive within these culture-based industries. Not only do these industries provide sustainable sources of employment, business and commercial opportunities, but they also allow Aboriginal Territorians to take ownership of their futures and live well according to their own values and measures of success. This is self-determination in action."

In addition to direct commercial outcomes, the growth of Ikuntji’s textile and fashion arm has resulted in:

Increased employment and income for local Aboriginal artists and support staff,
Greater intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge through mentorship and on-Country learning,
Heightened tourism interest, with Haasts Bluff becoming a destination for cultural and artistic experiences.

The centre has also expanded its reach through digital platforms, enabling e-commerce sales and remote customer engagement while retaining full community ownership of the supply chain.

"We are looking forward to seeing Ikuntji Artists continue to grow. Congratulations to the team for all their success," Nigel Browne added.

As Aboriginal Investment NT continues to support Indigenous-led economic development, Ikuntji Artists stands as a compelling example of how culture can be both the foundation and future of sustainable Aboriginal enterprise. Their success reflects the value of targeted investment, long-term capability building, and enterprise models that prioritise self-determination, cultural continuity, and economic opportunity.

TEDDY Portaminni is a man with an unbridled love for teaching.

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 02:49:27 GMT

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.”

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Pest company’s deep dive into Big Rivers

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:15:07 GMT

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

Centre Pest Management has been servicing clients in Central Australia and the Barkly region since 2016 and recently set up a base in Katherine to undertake work in the town and nearby Aboriginal communities.

The company is the brainchild of long-time Alice Springs residents Stephen and Rachel Ellis, along with their daughter and son-in-law, Lyndelle and Tim Gibbons, and was successful in obtaining support from Aboriginal Investment NT (formerly Northern Territory Aboriginal Investment Corporation) through its initial round of business grant funding.

Aboriginal Investment NT is an Aboriginal-led investor tasked with granting and investing Aboriginal money to achieve long-term social, economic and cultural impact.

“Backing from Aboriginal Investment NT has allowed us to install fencing around the business base we have here in Katherine. We’ve also installed secure undercover parking for vehicles and were able to purchase quite a bit of equipment which has allowed us to grow our team.”

CPM prides itself on being a 75% Aboriginal-owned company, providing a culturally safe and trusted service to a growing list of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal clients.

“We decided to come up to Katherine because Stephen is originally from the area, but we also saw an opportunity to provide good pest management for Aboriginal people living in the region,”
Rachel said.

“Since we’ve expanded the business into the Big Rivers region, we’ve done quite a bit of work with Kalano Aboriginal Corporation which has allowed us to treat houses in a couple of the communities they look after around Katherine.

“What we do is general pest treatments for domestic and commercial premises along with communities and pastoral stations. We generally treat cockroaches, spiders, ants, termites, really any other bugs that could be getting into homes and buildings.

“At the beginning, it was a little bit difficult, but now we’ve completed a few treatments the residents are more welcoming, and they can also see the benefits of having these treatments regularly.”

Rachel said undertaking extra work had allowed CPM to employ more people.

“When we started out, we had four people, now we have 10 employees, and majority are Indigenous.

“We know it’s important to employ local Aboriginal people who have local knowledge. In Alice Springs, we have a team of locals and now in Katherine, we’ve employed a technician and an administration officer, and both have been around Katherine for a very long time.

“Looking ahead, we’re not really looking to head to the Darwin region because there’s quite a bit of competition there. We feel that as a culturally safe Aboriginal, family-owned and run company, we can make a real impact servicing existing and new clients in Central Australia, the Barkly and Big Rivers region.”

Bush Tucker Becoming Big Business

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 01:27:27 GMT

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.

Mr Motlop’s Aboriginal Community Harvest employs local people to work on their traditional lands, collecting native cuisine bound for Territory and interstate markets.

“We work very closely with traditional owners,” he said.

“They’re the experts on their country and are key to the business's ongoing success. We have harvesting permits and work with Indigenous organisations, such as the Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation in West Arnhem Land.”

The harvest includes Kakadu plum, which is renowned for its high amount of natural vitamin C, and paperbark. Paperbark is used as a display for fresh salads, roasts, and fish dishes, and as a wrap when baking seafood, poultry, and red meats.

Aboriginal Community Harvest also wild harvests magpie geese and green ants.

“Magpie geese are starting to make a name for themselves as a genuine alternative to mainstream meats. It’s lean, high in protein and a very versatile food product. More and more chefs are considering how to incorporate it into their menus.”

Mr Motlop works with two other Indigenous-owned companies, Seven Seasons Spirits, makers of green ant gin, and Something Wild, which supplies produce to some of Australia’s top restaurants, including Melbourne’s Vue de Monde and Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck when it was in Australia.

“The demand for bush foods is certainly growing; native foods just have such amazing flavours, and that’s really catching on.”

The bush food industry, according to the latest available market research from the University of Sydney, was worth $81.5 million in the 2019-2020 financial year, with the potential to double by 2025.

Mr Motlop is focused on shoring up more local and interstate contracts while exploring international markets on an upcoming visit to Singapore.

Thanks to a recent capital injection from Aboriginal Investment NT, Mr Motlop is well-positioned to grow his business.

“Aboriginal Investment NT has been very helpful in supporting me in developing the business. The sky is the limit for Aboriginal Community Harvest.”

A first of its kind, Aboriginal Investment NT is an Aboriginal-led investor tasked with granting and investing Aboriginal money to achieve long-term social, economic and cultural impacts.

Chief executive Elly Patira said Aboriginal Investment NT is proud to support Aboriginal businesses that empower local communities.

“Mr Motlop has a unique company,” she said. “It’s got potential to sell nationally and even internationally, in turn creating further on-country employment opportunities.”

“There’s a strong community element. We aim to provide capital so that Indigenous people can leverage off their land and cultural knowledge, which has downstream benefits for Aboriginal communities.”

Ms Patira, a First Nations woman and lawyer, said Aboriginal Investment NT's approach to investing and deploying capital is founded on the principle of Aboriginal self-determination.

"We know from both personal experience and research that when our communities have the capital to back in their own economic, social and cultural goals - aligned with their cultural values and standards of success – we achieve better outcomes."

100% Committed to Cultural Tourism

emeline@captovate.com.au (Emeline Laurent) — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:15:07 GMT

BENJAMIN Kenny has a serious passion for sharing his stunning country.

The Western Arrernte man is the proud owner and managing director of 100% Finke River Culture and Adventure, which hosts cultural immersion camps for visitors out west of Alice Springs.

His tours take in bucket-list locations, including the West MacDonnell Ranges, the iconic Larapinta Trail, the Finke River Valley, and Palm Valley. He also takes tourists back in time with trips to former mission sites at Hermannsburg and Jay Creek.

“There are a lot of visitors who come to Central Australia who want to learn more about the Aboriginal culture, so just to have Aboriginal people around the camp, Aboriginal people to do cooking and guide them,” Benjamin said.

“It’s something that people from all over Australia want to see and do. Being out on country with Aboriginal people and feel and learn, and understand things the way we do.”

Benjamin started the business three years ago and is proud of its evolution. But employing other Aboriginal people from Central Australia is what makes him proudest.

He currently employs 15 Arrernte people, many of whom had previously been disengaged from work.

“It’s full-on work, but it gives our mob an opportunity to be out on country. It helps them to feel a connection to where their ancestors come from.

“My main priority, my main goal and the future that I want to see is to employ more local Aboriginal men and women. There’s so much opportunity out there. They can even come and do some work with us and see how we do it, and then go on and start their own company with support from us.”

2024 is a growth year for Benjamin’s enterprise. He recently secured backing from Aboriginal Investment NT to purchase vital assets.

Two new buses allow him to take more tourists to more locations, while purchasing a transportable kitchen means he can now cook up a storm for guests wherever they’re camping.

He also purchased 20 new safari tents to expand his permanent campground at Standley Chasm, upgrading the overnight experience from camping to glamping.

“When clients arrive at camp, a lot think that they’re going to stay in a small little dome tent on the ground, but when they see our tents, they see luxury. They’ve got a stretcher bed, a swag and enough room to put their luggage. When they see it, they say it’s more like a five-star hotel room.

“Aboriginal Investment NT has been a really big supporter of what we’re doing here, and I’d encourage other Aboriginal businesses in the NT to make contact with them and see how they might be able to assist them also.”

Flavours of Old Darwin Hit the Road

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:15:07 GMT

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

Aboriginal-owned Soul Essence on the Bay, located at the Cullen Bay Marina, recently purchased a food truck, providing a new mobile outlet to showcase unique dishes which reflect “the flavours of Old Darwin Town”.

“The food truck is a commercial kitchen on wheels, it’s amazing. We can travel anywhere and produce almost everything that we sell from the restaurant out of that truck,” co-owner Petra Adams, a proud Larrakia and Yanyuwa woman said.

“People who have visited the truck at the functions that we’ve attended and catered, there’s been a big response, and people are very excited about getting us to cater upcoming birthdays.

“We’ve even got a wedding booked in, so we’re very excited about being able to take our food and produce it like we do here in the restaurant at private functions.”

The food truck concept moved from dream to reality when Soul Essence on the Bay was successful in obtaining the backing of Aboriginal Investment NT, via its initial round of grant funding.

“Support from Aboriginal Investment NT allowed us to purchase the food truck and some more furniture for the restaurant and a shade sail out the front for alfresco dining. It has been amazing support, and it has made a huge difference.”

It’s the latest evolution for the established family business, which began operation in February last year.

“As a Larrakia woman, I have special memories of growing up in little old Darwin, where family and community were at the heart of everything in life and being part of an Aboriginal family of mixed heritage.

“We grew up celebrating diversity and cultural experiences, which were always accompanied by beautiful food, laughter and togetherness.

“Naturally, I grew up with a passion for food and began experimenting with flavours and infusions I learnt from my grandparents, parents and other family and friends. I always treasured those times that brought people together, so I found myself always getting involved in big cook-ups and creating safe and loving spaces for family and friends to share deep connections and create lasting memories.

“It was through my working life and involvement in community activities relating to good mental health and well-being, I rediscovered the power of food and how bringing people together to share a meal and simply be with each other to nurture relationships was the essence of who we are as people and a cornerstone of positive well-being.

“This passion inspired Soul Essence on the bay, quite organically, where we are building a vision to showcase the iconic and nostalgic, true flavours of little old Darwin, through a beautiful restaurant in Cullen Bay, as well as through events catering with the Soul Essence food truck.”

Petra describes Soul Essence on the Bay as being “like no other restaurant you’ll go to anywhere”.

“We are showcasing the old Darwin recipes, styling them up and making them more presentable.

“The highest seller from the beginning has been our curry bully beef arancini balls, and that’s just the old humble bully beef tin hamper and made into an arancini.

“Our chicken vermicelli is in a spring roll, we do chashu marinated goose on a boa bun.”

Soul Essence on the Bay is also proud to support other Aboriginal businesses, which supply the restaurant with a range of products.

“We proudly support, partner and collaborate with other Indigenous businesses. We work with Shannon and Daniel Motlop, who supply us with produce like magpie goose, green ants, some warrigal greens and saltbush. We also have their line of green ant gin, which is very popular among our customers.

“We get out tomahawk steaks from Gunbalanya Meats out at Oenpelli, and that meat is excellent, you can’t compare it.”