Luke Derrick
Policy Officer & former NTG Graduate
"I have been able to learn from experts in many exciting fields. I have had exposure to, and have been able to contribute to, projects I never thought I would."
I have found many great friends in the public service and across the Territory.
Luke Derrick, Policy Officer and former Department Chief Minister and Cabinet (CMC) graduate has called the Territory her home for the past 13 months. Originally from Perth he took a leap of faith on the Territory because he saw an opportunity for career growth.
“I wanted to start my career in a new place, with good opportunities. I wanted to explore a part of Australia that I hadn’t spent much time in, and I was looking for an opportunity to learn from and contribute to the public service in a unique place.”
“I found that it can be hard being away from family and friends, and having to adapt to the culture of a new city can be challenging. Getting used to the weather up here was also tough.”
Luke moved to the Territory after being accepted into the Department Chief Minister and Cabinet (CMC) in 2023. He worked alongside four different teams/areas during the one year placement before winning the role of Policy Officer within the Investment Territory team. He has outlined that the experience was hard but worth the move thanks to what he had learnt while working for the Northern Territory Public Sector.
“I have developed strong transferable skills, been exposed to new and unexpected environments, and I have been able to learn from experts in many exciting fields. I have had exposure to, and have been able to contribute to, projects I never thought I would. And I have found many great friends in the public service and across the Territory.”
Luke advises those thinking about applying to the graduates program to “Look for opportunities – and take the leap.”
“Getting to explore a new part of Australia, and to being able connect to new communities and cultures is something that I have really enjoyed because I have been in the Territory. There’s so much to explore up here.”
“I really enjoy my job, and I have found great friends across Darwin and the Territory. The opportunities to continue developing my career have been amazing, and the community side of Darwin has been great.”
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
I’ve been able to pursue my passions and make real impacts.
Senior Advisor, Department of Education and Training, Darwin, NT
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
“I find people are really mindful of supporting local businesses in Darwin.”
Owner – Star Barber
Nick is a Senior Psychologist who is currently working on new programs to change people’s lives.
Tanya is a Psychologist with NT Correctional Services. She gets a great lifestyle and a way to make real change.
Jenifer is a psychology graduate who jump-started her career with a role in NT Correctional Services.
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
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 transitioned with my family from overseas. The culture in Alice Springs and the connection 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 doing something different 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.
Working for government allows me to make a direct impact on the community.
Project Officer, Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet
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