Yearning for a lifestyle with less traffic and more sunshine

After initially seeing the Northern Territory as a pathway into Australia, Nicky from South Africa has found a home she doesn’t plan on leaving.

Seven years ago, Nicky Potgieter had never heard of Darwin.

In 2018, Nicky and her 2 boys were living in Johannesburg, South Africa. She was the head of Leisure Marketing at Flight Centre but yearning for a lifestyle with less traffic, more sunshine and beaches.

When an opportunity arose in the Northern Territory, the family applied for – and was granted – a subclass 482 visa.  Soon after, the family relocated to Darwin

'I’d never heard of Darwin. Most South Africans know Sydney and Perth, but I remember thinking, it’s still Australia,' she said.

Nicky began working in marketing at NT Major Events Company - now part of the NT Department of Tourism and Hospitality.

Life quickly fell into place. The boys settled into school, Nicky built strong friendships and embraced the Territory lifestyle - the sunshine, the 3-minute drive to the sea, the easy commute to work and the laid-back social life. Professionally, she was thriving.

The original plan was to stay for 2 years before moving to Brisbane, where she had friends.

Then COVID struck putting the original visa at risk.

NT Major Events Company stepped in and offered to sponsor her to remain in Australia.

'It was an incredible lifeline,' she said.

Today, the family are permanent residents and proudly call Darwin home.

Nicky has progressed through the ranks and is now Director of Domestic Marketing with Tourism & Events NT, overseeing major events and destination campaigns that drive visitation to the Territory. She credits her time in the NT with significantly expanding both her professional skillset and personal growth.

'I feel like there's just so many rich opportunities and experiences here that you probably wouldn't get elsewhere, even in other parts of Australia,' she said.

'Working in events you get to see really special things behind the scenes. With Parrtjima in Alice Springs, for example, I’ve had the opportunity to sit around a table with the reference group and Elders to discuss the marketing campaign and the event. That’s something that not everyone gets to ever experience.'

Nicky remains deeply grateful for the life she has built in the Territory.

'I loved Darwin from day one and I don’t think we’ll ever leave.'