Emma Dinon
Owner – Star Barber
“I have always felt very well supported professionally here and know that I have all resources easily available thanks to Darwin’s strong community vibe.”
“I find people are really mindful of supporting local businesses in Darwin.”
Emma Dinon, a former South Australian, has been in the Territory for 10 years as a barber and is now the owner of her own business, Star Barber!
“Working in the NT has been unreal, I have had the opportunity to grow as a stylist very quickly and reach my career goal to own my own successful business at a young age”
“Darwin’s transient population means I am fortunate enough to have a very diverse clientele which not only keeps my days interesting but ensures I am able to maintain a well-rounded skillset.”
Emma credits her business’s success to the people and nature of the Territory.
“The tight-knit community in Darwin has enabled me to build networks and relationships and I have gained huge benefit from peer support, mentorship and collaborative opportunities which have enhanced my chances of success.”
“Owning a business in Darwin is more than just financial success; it's about becoming part of a tight-knit community. Word of mouth is a very powerful tool and has been the driving force of our business growth.”
She moved to the Territory to make more money than that that was available in her industry down south and quickly discovered a community here!
“The move was super easy, I had no issues finding a job or somewhere to live, and everyone was incredibly warm and inclusive when I arrived.”
“I think most people here are from elsewhere and know what it’s like to be new to a place, so they are much more inclined to invite you places or go out of their way to help out when you need a hand.”
On top of the career opportunities that living in the NT has given Emma, she also loves the sense of community, landscape and lifestyle.
“I love the fact that nothing is far away and I am able to finish work and be home within 10 minutes. I have much more time for myself and time to do the things that I enjoy!”
“I also love all the colours in Darwin, the lush greenery during the Wet Season and the ability to go for a walk of an evening and enjoy the Darwin sunset and all the colours of the sky- and the excitement of the weather during the Dry Season!”
“Not to mention that its small and laid back, Darwin moves at its own pace which it makes it super easy to catch up with friends and enjoy a full social life.”
“Darwin is also very multicultural so I have had the opportunity to mix with so many different people from Australia, and all over the world.”
Emma’s advice to anyone thinking of moving to the Territory?
“I had absolutely no idea what to expect moving to Darwin, to me it was a total hidden gem! Come here with an open mind, a sense of adventure and ready to embrace the tropics.”
“And also be prepared that you, like many other people, may very well find yourself unable to leave this magical place!”
Work in the Northern Territory
Explore more testimonials
The Territory's warm weather creates a sense of a perpetual working holiday.
Communications Officer, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet
The NTG promotes a flexible working environment and generous leave entitlements.
Senior Finance Manager, Department of Lands, Planning and Environment
We have been made to feel so welcome by everyone.
Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO at the Department Tourism and Hospitality (DTH)
The Northern Territory Government is an environment that fosters continuous growth.
Graduate Finance Officer at the Department of Health
If you have the right skill sets, you will get the job.
Senior Project Officer in the Priority Reform Implementation Team, NT Regional Health
The Territory has given me better education and more job opportunities.
Trainee, Business & Workforce Division
Working in the Big Rivers Region has significantly broadened my capabilities.
Senior Regional Project Officer, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Big Rivers
Work has allowed me to become an active member in the community through the healthy work/life balance.
Social Media Officer, Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
I am a proud Katherine girl- Our family arrived in 1946 and have been here ever since.
Artist
Towns like Darwin and Alice Springs have everything you need, including shopping centres, healthcare, and schools.
Migration Support Programs Officer
“The Territory will work its magic on your heart- and change you for the better.”
Mental Health Occupational Therapist, Business Consultant and Yoga Teacher
“The Territory offers opportunities and is full of many wonderful and diverse people."
Café Owner - Meow Waffee, Darwin City
“The Territory gave me amazing opportunities such as starting a few of my own businesses."
Restaurant Owner - The Last Supper, Darwin City
“I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else but the Territory"
Founder of ARC Fitness, Palmerston
“Living in the NT it's a life changing experience"
Café Owner - Yaye's Cafe, Alice Springs
“The Territory has truly been a game-changing experience for me. "
Managing Director of Triptic, Alice Springs
“The Territory has offered me the perfect work life balance."
Owner - Marketing by Paige
Nick is a Senior Psychologist who is currently working on new programs to change people’s lives.
Tanya is a Psychologist with Department of Corrections. She gets a great lifestyle and a way to make real change.
Jennifer is a psychology graduate who jump-started her career with a role in Department of Corrections.
Inclusion Advisor and Speech Pathologist, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Psychologist, East Arnhem Region, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Living in the Territory has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.
School Counsellor, Barkly Region, based in Tennant Creek. Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Assistant Director Client Services, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
School Counsellor, Darwin Region, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Inclusion Advisor (Senior Teacher), East Arnhem Region. Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training.
Occupational Therapist, Top End Region, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
From university placements to Assistant Principal - explore what opportunities you can achieve in our Northern Territory schools!
Assistant Principal in Ngukurr
I moved with my family from overseas. The culture in Alice Springs reminds me of home.
Special Education Teacher Centralian Senior College Alice Springs
If you've got a sense of adventure and you like being outdoors why not try teaching in Alice Springs.
PE Teacher Gillen Primary School Alice Springs
Remote teaching has been the best experience I have had since starting my career.
Principal at Robinson River School, Big Rivers region at Education NT
Lured in by the fishing and relaxed lifestyle Brad stayed for a multifaceted teaching career.
Design and Technology Teacher
It’s beautiful out here and I have a great group of friends which makes it all the more better!
Classroom Teacher at Tennant Creek Primary School
"Only in the NT do flies flock to the coolness of the fridge."
Year 5/6 teacher at Zuccoli Primary School
From South Africa, to New Zealand, to Jilkminggan - a road less travelled, but a teaching adventure like no other.
Middle Years Teacher at Jilkminggan School
The Graduate Program has allowed endless opportunities.
Graduate Trainee, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Graduates program 2023
Being a Trainee with NTG has given me stability and growth opportunities.
Trainee at the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Business and Workforce division.
I have found many great friends in the public service and across the Territory.
Policy Officer & former NTG Graduate
Working for government allows me to make a direct impact on the community.
Project Officer, Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet
The graduate program helped me find my place in policy and public service.
Policy Support Officer, Office of Aboriginal Affairs
I stay in the Territory because it offers abundant opportunities for those who are passionate.
Project Manager
The NT has a way of opening doors to opportunities you might never have expected.
Digital Marketing Professional
Working in the NT dispelled myths about securing government roles on a visa.
Executive Assistant to the General Manager, Department of People, Sport and Culture
I’ve been able to pursue my passions and make real impacts.
Senior Advisor, Department of Education and Training, Darwin, NT
The NT is the perfect place for me to continue growing and making a difference.
Aspiring scientist, pursuing a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) at CDU.
The sense of community in the Territory is truly special.
Master of Science and Technology student at Charles Darwin University.
The NT is such an exciting and diverse place and the community feel here is amazing.
Primary School Teacher, St Paul's Primary School
The Territory has provided an abundance of opportunities for career growth.
Master of Information Technology student with a focus on cyber security at CDU.
My experience in the NT has been incredibly rewarding.
Pursuing a Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and Development at Charles Darwin University (CDU).
The beauty of the Territory and the warmth of the close-knit community will surprise you.
Bachelor of Information Technology student at Charles Darwin University (CDU).
Moving to Darwin has been a seamless and enriching experience.
CDU Student currently studying Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and Development.
Moving to the Territory has been an incredibly enriching experience.
Charles Darwin University student, pursuing a Bachelor of Information Technology.
Working in the Territory allows me to connect with like-minded people.
Financial Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance
Living in the Top End has been about enjoying everything it has to offer.
Budget Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance
With the work tasks assigned, I felt like I was able to make an actual contribution.
Principal Analyst, Royalties and Assurance, Department of Treasury and Finance
Darwin is like nowhere else, and you can really make it your own.
Budget Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance
The Graduate program equipped me with all the necessary technical and soft skills to succeed in my future role.
A/Senior Financial Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance