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.”
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