The international spotlight is shining on the Territory after Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) won 10 awards at the prestigious global Eventex Awards 2023.
Parrtjima – A Festival in Light 2022 received six awards, while BASSINTHEGRASS Music Festival 2022 and the Darwin Triple Crown Supercars Indigenous Round 2022 both received two each.
Parrtjima was recognised as best overall Australian/Oceanian Event (Platinum), best Outdoor Event (Gold), best Public Event (Gold), best Local Solution Event (Gold), best Positive Change Event (Gold) and best Cultural Event (Silver). BASSINTHEGRASS was awarded best Festival (Bronze) and best Australian/Oceanian Event (Bronze). Darwin Triple Crown Supercars Indigenous Round received best Cultural Event (Bronze) and best Positive Change Event (Bronze).
The awards follow NTMEC events receiving seven accolades at last year’s Eventex Awards, and three at the 2022 Australian Event Awards.
NTMEC events play an important role in boosting the Territory in a social sense as much as an economic, and this was recognised by judges this year with the Positive Change Event and Local Solution Event wins.
When it comes to the economy, Parrtjima 2022 generated a total expenditure stimulus of $14.7 million, $11.9 million of which was new money to the region. BASSINTHEGRASS 2022 generated $15.8 million, $11.1 million of which was new money. Last year’s festival also attracted a record crowd of nearly 16,000. The 2022 Darwin Triple Crown Supercars Indigenous Round attracted 40,448 attendances, and generated a total expenditure stimulus of $28.4 million, 75 per cent ($21.3 million) of which was new money to the Territory.
Quotes from Minister for Major Events, Paul Kirby:
“The Territory is a small jurisdiction, but we punch well above our weight when it comes to events, and these awards are testament to that. To see us winning awards alongside events from almost 50 other countries is incredible. The awards are also testament to the hard work put in by the NTMEC team, and the businesses who help them deliver these events.
“Parrtjima, BASSINTHEGRASS and the Darwin Triple Crown attract thousands of visitors who get to experience all the Red Centre and Top End have to offer. In 2022, these three events alone delivered more than $44 million of new money into our economy. That is great news for local businesses and jobs, and liveability in the Territory.
“What great news this is as we get deeper into our event season, with BASSINTHEGRASS kicking off today for what I’m sure will be another great dry season festival.”
Quotes from Eventex Awards 2023 judges about Parrtjima:
“You wrote ‘more than a light show’ and you are right. This was outstanding how you mixed culture with delivery. Thank you for your attention to detail and history while looking towards the future. I loved it and was impressed!” – Judge Laura Schwartz
“The decision to involve the Parrtjima Festival Reference Group was paramount, I think, to their [Parrtjima’s] success, because it ensured cultural authenticity and sensitivity in every aspect of the event, from the artwork to the creative direction. The high levels of visitor satisfaction and advocacy were truly impressive, making Parrtjima a success in every way.” – Judge Stacy Wyatt
Quotes from Eventex Awards 2023 judge Laura Schwartz about BASSINTHEGRASS:
“Thank you for including information about your work in making this event ‘work’ for all, especially with your focus on inclusiveness with the Carpentaria Disability Services community and increased engagement with the Larrakia people. You showed me through this entry that it was not just creating a festival alone.”
Quotes from Eventex Awards 2023 judge Ines Antti-Poika about Darwin Triple Crown Supercars Indigenous Round:
“What a wonderful way to showcase and appreciate the Indigenous culture and heritage. Clear objectives and excellent results.”
Northern Territory Government
