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Alice Springs Landscape
"I love this adventure I have chosen for myself."
Gagan Deep - Headshot

Gagan Deep

A/Executive Director Enterprise Project Services, Corporate and Enabling Services Division, Department of Logistics and Infrastructure

The Territory has allowed me to experience both ends of the spectrum, from boots in the dirt to executive leadership.

When Gagan Deep first saw the Senior Project Manager role advertised on the NT Government website, one line immediately stood out: working in remote communities.

The opportunity to contribute to housing projects in remote communities, while exploring a part of Australia he had never experienced before, felt like the right fit both professionally and personally.

Originally from Melbourne and India, Gagan moved to Alice Springs to join the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure, bringing experience in construction management and architecture to a role with real community impact.

“It felt like a unique opportunity to combine meaningful public sector work with the chance to explore and better understand Central Australia and its diverse communities.”

Today, Gagan works in the Central and Barkly Region as A/Program Manager, Housing and Land Servicing. His role includes project and program management, procurement, design reviews, site inspections and working across government to help deliver housing projects in remote communities.

No two days look quite the same. Some days are office-based and focused on planning, coordination and governance. Others involve travelling through Central Australia to visit remote sites, inspect works and meet with communities.

“Site visits feel more like sightseeing.”

Alice Springs Landscape
Alice Springs Community

For Gagan, one of the most memorable parts of the role has been the travel. Driving large 4WDs along unsealed roads, watching dust clouds rise behind the vehicle and moving through vast landscapes has become part of the job.

What surprised him most was the landscape itself.

“There is a common perception of Central Australia being a red desert only, but I was surprised by how green and scenic it is, with beautiful mountain ranges and vast open spaces.”

While the projects are challenging and dynamic, Gagan says the most rewarding part has been building relationships with communities. Working closely with families and community groups, being welcomed warmly, sharing stories and talking about family and community events has given him a deeper appreciation of Aboriginal people and culture in the region.

DLI has also supported Gagan’s career growth. Since joining, he has gained new skills through training such as First Aid and 4WD, developed hands-on experience with procurement approaches, and stepped into an acting Program Manager role that has broadened his leadership experience.

“The projects are dynamic and rewarding, and I enjoy being actively involved in delivering outcomes that make a real difference for remote communities.”

Moving to Alice Springs was a big change, but Gagan says the welcoming and supportive culture at DLI helped make the transition easier.

Outside work, life in Alice Springs has brought unexpected balance. With work, home and play usually within a 10-minute cycle, Gagan has been able to build an active routine that would be hard to achieve in a larger city. Most evenings include a different sport, from pickleball and tennis to basketball and volleyball.

“This kind of routine, with so much variety and convenience, is something I could not achieve in a larger city like Melbourne.”

From scenic site visits and waterholes in summer to meaningful projects and a close-knit team, Gagan says the Territory offers a lifestyle where career and life can sit much closer together.

His message to anyone considering a role at DLI is simple.

“Welcome to the supportive community. Welcome to the dirt clouds behind your 4WD. Welcome to the scenic site visits.”