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Population: 70,250
Time Zone: GMT/UTC plus 9.5 hours
Telephone Area Code: 08

THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

Career Move

Young professionals are flocking to Darwin, where there are prospects and opportunities galore.
A few years ago, a move to the Northern Territory would have been a career kiss of death. Now high-flying young professionals are being lured there by the promise of work opportunities and a completely different lifestyle. Last year the state came second only to Queensland for the biggest influx of 20- to 34-year-olds (NSW clocked the largest outflow of this age group). And with a surging economy, there is no shortage of jobs.

"Businesses in the territory are crying out for people," says NT Chamber of Commerce head Chris Young. "There are all sorts of opportunities for people coming from down south." And young professionals are making the most of it. This is especially evident in the legal profession with all the major law firms searching across Australia for experienced lawyers in a variety of disciplines including Commercial Litigation, Energy and Resources, Insurance, Commercial Property and Construction.

This is a direct result of the booming economy in the NT. In the last financial year real economic growth is estimated to have climbed to 6.7%, significantly ahead of the national rate. The current financial year looks set to continue these strong results. The Northern Territory Treasury estimates an impressive growth rate of 5.8% in 2006-07. According to Access Economics (June 2006), this will be followed by the nation-leading economic growth, averaging 4.4% for the next five years.

There has not been a better time to come to Darwin!

Facts and Figures

• The average age in the Northern Territory is 29.
• The population of Darwin is 103,500.
• The average income is $1065 pw.
• The home loan affordability indicator is 52.3 compared with the 31.3 national average.
• Access Economics has forecast 4.3 per cent growth in the economy over the next five years.
• The cost of living in Darwin is 2.7 % lower than it is in Sydney.
• There are 151 government schools in Darwin, with total enrolments of approximately 33,000 students.

Lifestyle

Darwin was virtually rebuilt after Cyclone Tracy in 1974 and today Darwin can be described as young, modern, cosmopolitan and tropical. The sea on three sides borders the city centre and as you move around the offices, shops, hotels and restaurants of the city, you constantly catch glimpses of Darwin Harbour (which, by the way, is twice the size of Sydney Harbour and teeming with fish). Wide streets, shady parks, a pedestrian mall, a huge range of restaurants, trendy pubs and clubs, the nightlife strip of Mitchell Street, the tourist venues of the Wharf Precinct and the upmarket housing of Cullen Bay, Tipperary Waters and Bayview Haven complete the picture.

One of the great things about Darwin, which you will never truly achieve in a major city, is that no matter where you live you will feel close to nature. Suburban backyards are home to a surprising array of wildlife, including green tree frogs, rainbow lorikeets, sulphur-crested cockatoos. And occasionally the odd crocodile or two!

There is never a dull moment in Darwin and with a fully functioning international airport you are only a stones throw to Asia and indeed the rest of the world.

Still not convinced? Have a look at what a candidate said after being placed at a prestigious law firm in Darwin:

“When I first moved to Darwin, I was a little apprehensive. However, upon arrival, I was made to feel welcome and everyone was really friendly. The work here is great and I feel that I am finally progressing as a Lawyer!”

Activities

Darwin like most cities in Australia has exceptional sporting and recreational facilities including air-conditioned indoor stadiums, swimming pools, ovals, golf courses and extensive bicycle and walking tracks. In most places, you won't have to travel too far to find a gym or fitness centre.

The Territory is home to hundreds of clubs, covering about 50 different sports and activities. The Territory’s most popular game is Australian Rules football with a strong league known as the NT Football league which has produced a constant stream of talented players who have made there way to the national competition.

Other sports you can get involved in include rugby, soccer, league, cricket, basketball, baseball, hockey and netball with highly competitive competitions.

For those of you into outdoor activities and wildlife then Darwin is certainly the place to be. The world-heritage listed Kakadu National Park covers nearly 20,000 square kilometres and features a matchless array of flora and fauna as well as a rich Aboriginal culture and heritage. Similarly, Uluru (Ayers Rock) attracts visitors from all over the world to marvel at its majesty and cultural solemnity.

Getting Around in the Territory

You’ll find it easy to get around in the Territory.

Even at “peak hour” (which is nowhere near an hour) in Darwin, getting from home to work rarely takes more than 15 or 20 minutes.

An efficient public bus service runs in major population centres and taxis and hire vehicles are widely available across the Northern Territory.

Roads are generally of a high standard and many stretches of highway have open speed limits – so for those of you with a need for speed Darwin will be right up your alley!

The AustralAsia Railway, which links Darwin to Adelaide, provides fast, efficient transport for passengers and freight. Thousands of visitors to the Territory arrive every year on board The Ghan – a world-famous rail travel experience. Darwin has regular international and national shipping connections and is a popular stop for luxury cruise ships.

Climate

The Top End, north of the Katherine region, enjoys a perennial summer.

The Dry season lasts from May to October and is nothing short of perfect. While most Australians are freezing through winter, Top Enders are enjoying an average of 10 hours sunshine a day, just three cloudy days a month, low humidity and average daily temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius.

It's no wonder that Top Enders believe they live in paradise with sunny days, cool nights, soft breezes and clear blue skies.

For many, the wet season is their favourite part of the year, ushering in beautiful balmy evenings, spectacular lightning displays and cooling tropical rains. Between November and April nature puts on a show with spectacular thunderstorms that fill the northern sky. The humidity rises markedly but most homes are air-conditioned to beat the heat. And because you don't need to pay for heating for most of the year the overall cost of keeping your home comfortable is less than you think.

So take a closer peek and discover for yourself a truly unique location and way of life and have the experience of your life time! If you have always thought about a new challenge then Darwin could be the place for you. Contact Naiman Clarke to discuss ‘the Darwin experience today’ on 02 9233 7977.