Monica Bugno
Restaurant Owner - The Last Supper, Darwin City
“The local food scene in the Territory is so unique due to the combination of cultural groups that have made Darwin home. It’s so unlike anywhere I have been in Australia, and I think the food and beverage scene is something that needs to be promoted more.”
“The Territory gave me amazing opportunities such as starting a few of my own businesses. "
“I grew up on a farm outside of Griffith NSW. When I turned 18 I moved to Sydney to study and lived there for 8 years, I then moved to Brisbane for 3 years and then Darwin.”
Monica found her move to the Territory did need an adjustment period, having come from fast paced work environments Darwin presented her with a different pace.
“My experience working in the NT has been laid back. I also found that the Territory is full of opportunities that I truly believe I wouldn’t have access to if I lived in other cities.”
A Territorian for now over 10 years it was never her plan to stay here. The Territory was meant to be a stepping stone - but life had other plans.
“I accidentally moved to the Territory in July 2014. I was on a trip around Australia for 12 months and stopped here as I had run out of money. I intended to work here for 12 months and keep going. However, I fell in love with Darwin and the amazing opportunities I was exposed to.”
Now a full time entrepreneur running multiple business ventures Monica knows the Darwin market and her businesses thrive. Monica also works as an International Marketing and Acquisitions Team Leader at Charles Darwin University and is co-owner of the Last Supper with her husband.
“In our venue we try to support local as much as possible. Most of our tap beers are from local brewers, we stock sprits from local distillers and we are trying to incorporate more ingredients from local suppliers. Supporting local is a key requirement for us owning a local business.”
To integrate herself into her local community Monica joined local groups and committees to meet people.
“Upon moving here I joined the Women's Network NT and Young Professionals Network committees. I didn't know anyone in Darwin, so I figured getting on the committees would help me meet people. And it did, I met so many amazing humans through these channels. As Darwin is quite small, networking is very important. It's not what you know, it's who you know. I then joined the board of the Australia Day Council, it was an amazing opportunity that if I lived down south, I would never have been given due to it being such a coveted position.”
Her business and job was not the only reason Monica chose to stay in the Territory.
“Why do I choose to stay? So many reasons. First, I was given amazing job opportunities, as well as starting a few of my own businesses. Second, the people are amazing, I have made such a strong network of friends and those I now consider family. My sister ended up moving here as well, and my brother is also looking at moving here once he completes his degree (we just need to get him a job with NT Health in Dietetics - if anyone can help?). Lastly, the weather. I hate being cold and now I never am.
Monica’s love of food and the Territories unique food scene has been a driving force in her business ventures and her hobbies.
“The local food scene is so unique due to the combination of cultural groups that have made Darwin home. It’s so unlike anywhere I have been in Australia, and I think the food and beverage scene is something that needs to be promoted more.”
“A lot of my hobbies revolve around food and drinks. From eating out, to create my own. Now I own a venue with a commercial kitchen, I like to play around with different foods and flavours. At the moment I am working on a collaboration with Darwin Pride and Kakadu Kitchen to come up with a ”Territory” inspired pizza for a Darwin Pride Festival.
“I also manage a Facebook Group call Darwin Foodies NT, with over 4000 members. “
“Lastly, I’m working on a podcast called Local Territory Flavour, behind the scenes of the Northern Territory's food and beverage scene, showcasing local businesses, exploring unique ingredients, and sharing recipes and cooking tips inspired by the Territory's rich culinary heritage.”
To anyone considering making the move and living in the Territory, Monica says, “It was easy, I came with nothing other than my vehicle and started from scratch.”
If you’re worried about the weather don’t be.
“We are all sweating, you are not the only one. You will adjust over time to ignore it. Get rid of most of your cold weather gear and be prepared for issues with frizzy hair and maybe not wearing as much make up.”
Work in the Northern Territory
Explore more testimonials
The NTG promotes a flexible working environment and generous leave entitlements.
Senior Finance Manager, Department of Lands, Planning and Environment
The Territory's warm weather creates a sense of a perpetual working holiday.
Communications Officer, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet
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
The Graduate Program has allowed endless opportunities.
Graduate Trainee, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Graduates program 2023
Working for government allows me to make a direct impact on the community.
Project Officer, Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet
I have found many great friends in the public service and across the Territory.
Policy Officer & former NTG Graduate
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.
The NT has a way of opening doors to opportunities you might never have expected.
Digital Marketing Professional
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 stay in the Territory because it offers abundant opportunities for those who are passionate.
Project Manager
Towns like Darwin and Alice Springs have everything you need, including shopping centres, healthcare, and schools.
Migration Support Programs Officer
I am a proud Katherine girl- Our family arrived in 1946 and have been here ever since.
Artist
“The Territory offers opportunities and is full of many wonderful and diverse people."
Café Owner - Meow Waffee, 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
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
“The Territory will work its magic on your heart- and change you for the better.”
Mental Health Occupational Therapist, Business Consultant and Yoga Teacher
“I find people are really mindful of supporting local businesses in Darwin.”
Owner – Star Barber
Inclusion Advisor and Speech Pathologist, 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
School Counsellor, Darwin Region, 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
From university placements to Assistant Principal - explore what opportunities you can achieve in our Northern Territory schools!
Assistant Principal in Ngukurr
Lured in by the fishing and relaxed lifestyle Brad stayed for a multifaceted teaching career.
Design and Technology Teacher
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
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
Psychologist, East Arnhem Region, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
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.
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
School Counsellor, Barkly Region, based in Tennant Creek. Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
I’ve been able to pursue my passions and make real impacts.
Senior Advisor, Department of Education and Training, Darwin, NT
Inclusion Advisor (Senior Teacher), East Arnhem Region. Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training.