FROM THE CEO – JORDY BOWMAN
After a well-earned break over the holiday period, the DEAL team is back on deck and ramping up into what is set to be a significant and exciting year. Last month, we were pleased to add two new staff to our office, both based in Nhulunbuy, to work with us to deliver on our priorities, and support regional stakeholders and businesses.
We have continued to drive work on critical projects including the East Arnhem Landowner Prospectus, with the release of a Fact Base that outlines the opportunities and challenges across a number of industries in the region. In collaboration with regional stakeholders and industry, we have also progressed the East Arnhem Land Tourism Destination Management Plan, which you can read more about in this update.
We have continued to respond to feedback about the needs of the region to support business growth. Our new Business Support Manager position and our partnership with Enterprise Learning Projects (ELP) aim to fill identified business support gaps in the region. Applications close soon for ELP’s business incubation program – learn more about how to apply below.
I hope you enjoy learning more about the variety of work we have been progressing so far this year, and look forward to sharing more over the coming months. This year is certainly shaping up to be another exciting and productive year working in partnership across the region.
INTRODUCING NEW TEAM MEMBERS
We are excited to announce that DEAL has recently welcomed two new employees to our team. Emma Drew has joined as our Business Support Manager, a newly created position to support Yolŋu businesses across the region. Beth McCartney has taken on the role of Administration Officer. Rebecca Johnston, who has been with the DEAL team for nearly two years as the Administration Officer, has stepped into the newly created position of Project Officer.
The addition of these two positions will greatly increase the capacity of the DEAL team and will support effective operations and delivery of objectives under our Strategic Plan.
You can learn more about the DEAL team on our About Us page.
TOURISM
East Arnhem Land Destination Management Plan
The East Arnhem Land Destination Management Plan (DMP) is a ten year plan to grow the East Arnhem Land tourism industry, commissioned by Tourism NT and developed by DEAL. DMPs for each tourism region of the Northern Territory are a core recommendation of the Northern Territory’s Tourism Industry Strategy 2030.
The DMP outlines the current state of tourism in East Arnhem Land and presents a strategy specific to the region. A diverse range of actions, led by multiple organisations have been recommended to ensure the tourism industry has strong foundations for future growth.
DEAL is committed to ensuring this plan has a regional focus, owned by the community. The East Arnhem Land DMP is based on broad ranging consultations both across and outside of the region with a significant number of stakeholders.
The first draft of the East Arnhem Land DMP was released on Monday 11 January 2021 to stakeholders for comment and feedback. Feedback is now being incorporated as part of the final stage of development, with release expected for April 2021.
You can learn more about the DMP process here.
East Arnhem Land itineraries
In partnership with Tourism East Arnhem, DEAL has developed and released four itineraries to help visitors plan their East Arnhem Land journey. Whether travellers are in Nhulunbuy for a day, planning on exploring the broader region for a week or two or are looking to road trip along the Central Arnhem Road, these itineraries have all the best tips to make their experience unforgettable!
The maps and itineraries will be printed for distribution at the Nhulunbuy Visitor Information Centre, Gove Airport and by tourism operators.
BUSINESS INCUBATION PROGRAM
Last year we announced an exciting new partnership with ELP to support East Arnhem businesses to access ELP’s business incubation program. The business incubation program is open to Yolŋu-led businesses that are looking for support to grow their operations.
This is a reminder that applications are now open for individuals or businesses to join the program – you can apply online, or the DEAL team can support you to complete your application. Applications close on Friday 12 March 2021 and the program will start in July 2021.
If you would like to learn more about the ELP business incubation program, you can visit the ELP website, read the DEAL announcement, or talk to the DEAL team.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND
Arnhem Dental Services
In 2020 DEAL invested in Arnhem Dental Services, an important service for the liveability of the region and health of its residents. The business will begin its operations in Nhulunbuy this month, with customers able to make bookings from 22 March 2021.
You can contact Arnhem Dental Services via their Facebook page, on 0438 814 994 or at enquiries@arnhemdental.com.au.
HOUSING OCCUPANT AND TENANT SURVEYS
DEAL’s Annual Housing Satisfaction Surveys will be sent to all Occupants and Tenants of DEAL properties this week. Participation is highly encouraged and anyone who completes a survey will go in the draw to win a $200 voucher to an East Arnhem business of their choice.
These surveys have been designed to identify the strengths, weaknesses and suggested improvements to DEAL properties. Previous surveys have resulted in DEAL implementing changes and completing significant capital works based on suggestions by survey respondents.
The information provided through these surveys is confidential and responses will be received only by DEAL.
If you are an Occupant or Tenant of a DEAL property and have not received an invitation to complete a survey by Monday 8 March, please contact our Property Managers, East Arnhem Real Estate, at pm@eare.com.au or on (08) 8987 2209.