Chris Thomas moved to the Northern Territory for the lifestyle but stayed for the working opportunities which have made call Darwin home for the last 4 years.

Originally from the UK, Chris moved to the Northern Territory in 2021, escaping the COVID-19 Brisbane restrictions, while at the same time chasing a dry season adventure.

'Darwin felt like a holiday that never ended. It’s so relaxed, and the lifestyle is addictive,' Chris says.

Landing at the MOM Darwin Backpackers, Chris is now the manager of the hostel’s bar, where he has the chance to bring his own creative flare to the job.

'Here, I’ve had the freedom to test my own ideas; to not just work for someone else, but to shape the experience for guests.'

For international workers, he says the Northern Territory offers a lifestyle and career path you won’t find anywhere else, saying, 'you become more open-minded here – the opportunities are better than back in the UK.'

MOM Darwin Backpakers’ owner Stratton Gilroy says Chris has brought a fresh energy to the business.

'Chris is the kind of person you want on your team – full of ideas and drive. Through the DAMA agreement, we’ve been able to support his sponsorship and keep great talent like him in the Northern Territory,' said Stratton.

With his roots now firmly planted in Darwin, Chris is excited about what’s next, saying,
'I’d love to keep growing the business and help boost the Northern Territory economy. There’s so much untapped potential here.'