Luke Derrick

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.”