Dear Palmerston Business Representative,

As 2025 draws to a close, Palmerston is buzzing with momentum and opportunity. In this December edition, we bring you the latest from the Palmerston Business Futures Forum 2025, where local leaders and businesses came together to shape the next chapter of our city’s economic growth.

We spotlight a new commercial opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs, and share how the Cyber Invest Business Program is helping local businesses stay secure and competitive in the digital age. In addition, the Skills for Education and Employment Program continues to build a stronger, job-ready workforce.

You’ll also find updates on new retail arrivals, support available for small and family-run businesses, and of course, a festive highlight - Palmerston’s Christmas Wonderland is back, bringing seasonal cheer to the heart of the community.

Let’s finish the year strong and step into 2026 with confidence  and support Palmerston continue to being 'A Place for People.'

Palmerston Business Futures Forum 2025

On 23 October, more than 60 participants joined the Palmerston Business Futures Forum for a morning of insights, networking, and collaboration. The event began with breakfast and keynote addresses from Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell and Courtney Sim-Gully of Florance Group, setting the stage for discussions on growth and opportunity.

Workshops focused on three priority areas: partnering with City of Palmerston, accessing innovation support, and strengthening skills and business capability. Councillors, local businesses, government agencies, industry bodies, and not-for-profits contributed ideas to guide the city’s evolving business landscape.

Attendees left the forum feeling engaged and optimistic, valuing the chance to collaborate with City of Palmerston. Their input will help shape strategies that drive sustainable growth for local businesses.

Current Tender Opportunity

TS2025-11 Enterprise Resource Planning

City of Palmerston seeks the most appropriate solution/s to meet its requirements to enable business systems transformation.  To view this current tender opportunity and further information, click here. 

For further details, email Procurement at procurement@palmerston.nt.gov.au  

Tender closes on 8 December 2025. Details of the successful quotation/tender will be published on City of Palmerston's website. 

New opportunities for NT businesses through LGANT–Local Buy partnership.

A renewed five‑year partnership between the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) and Local Buy is opening doors for Territory businesses to supply goods and services to local councils.

With NT councils spending more than $580 million annually, the partnership has already delivered over $25 million in procurement with local suppliers since 2021.

Local Buy’s nationally recognised procurement service makes it easier for businesses to connect with councils and win work. Find out how your business can benefit at https://lgant.asn.au/

Palmerston's New Commercial Hub Taking Shape

Palmerston Central is now leasing! Located along the prominent Roystonea Avenue, with easy access from Chung Wah Terrace and Georgina Crescent, this development sits at the heart of a rapidly expanding area, with new residential subdivisions underway.

Key features of this new commercial space include: 

• high visibility location in Palmerston CBD
• large ground-level, high-clearance showrooms
• nine tenancies with ample parking
• flexible tenancy configurations, ranging from 230-1707 square metres
• convenient rear-loading access for trucks and deliveries. 

☕ Are you a cafe operator? Territory Property Group are looking for a cafe operator to join the mix and help create a welcoming meeting place for locals, gym-goers, and nearby workers.  

More information or leasing details is available at https://www.territoryproperty.com.au/palmerston-central   

BCF and Rebel Sport Are Open

You may have spotted the buzz during construction and now it’s official: BCF and Rebel Sport have launched at Gateway Extra, bringing even more energy to Palmerston’s retail scene!

🌧️ Rain or shine, Territory adventures await. BCF Palmerston is your go-to for outdoor gear that thrives in the build-up and wet season. Whether you're fishing, on a 4WD adventure, or chasing waterfalls, they’ve got the accessories to keep your adventure rolling.

🏀 Rebel Sport is a game-changer. From fan merch and school essentials to full home gym setups, their massive range has something for every athlete and enthusiast.

🚗 Don’t worry about the tropical heat, Gateway Extra offers shaded, easy-access parking to make your visit smooth and comfortable.

Cyber Invest Business Program

The NT Government's Cyber Invest Business Program supports small to medium Territory businesses to uplift their cybersecurity and resilience. 

A cyberattack can be devastating for a  business. Cyber Invest provides grants up to $10,000 for small to medium Territory businesses to access professional services from an approved service provider to  implement a Cyber Invest Plan (CIP). The plan will help boost protection against cyber threats, reduce system and data risks, and avoid costly disruptions. Cybersecurity can prevent incidents like business email compromise and ransomware. More information on this program is available at https://cyber.nt.gov.au/cyber-invest-business-program

You can find more support on cyber security in the resources section below, including free resources available to aid business owners and managers to understand their cyber risk and help to inform the development of their CIP. 

Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program

The SEE Program offers free, tailored training to help employees improve language, literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. Benefits include clearer communication, greater confidence, stronger digital skills, and improved staff morale and retention. Whether you're growing, adapting, or aiming to lift productivity, SEE helps build a capable, confident team.

• For employers, this flexible training is tailored to meet the specific needs of your business and can be delivered directly to your employees in the workplace at a time convenient to you.
• For industry associations, you can partner with a SEE Provider on behalf of one or more of your members to design a training project for their employees.
• For unions, you can bring together a group of your members to train together. A SEE Provider can partner with you to develop a tailored training project to meet their specific skills needs.

For more information and to view the flyer on workplace-based training through SEE Program, go to https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-education-and-employment 

Support for Small and Family Businesses Needing Help

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) was established 11 March 2016 to contribute to Australia being the best place to start, grow and transform a business. We do this by assisting and advocating for small businesses and family enterprises.

ASBFEO recognises the challenges faced by small and family businesses, and provides advice, research, and practical support to strengthen resilience. ASBFEO’s work helps to ensure businesses have the tools and support they need to thrive.

ASBFEO services include:

• guidance on dispute resolution
• mental health and wellbeing support
• financial wellbeing assistance
• disaster preparation and recovery resources
• a tax concierge service to help navigate the Administrative Tax Review Tribunal process.

For more information on ASBFEO and the supports available, go to https://www.asbfeo.gov.au/

Christmas Wonderland

Palmerston's favourite festive event is back! 

Get ready for the most magical time of the year as Christmas Wonderland returns to Goyder Square. From 16 to 23 December, 5:00pm to 9:00pm, the heart of Palmerston will be filled with festive fun for the whole family. 

What’s in store

• A magical Christmas Wonderland experience in Goyder Square.
• Christmas crafts in the Palmerston Library.
• Live performances, food vendors and a range of entertainment every night.
• Plenty of festive cheer, sparkling lights and joyful surprises throughout the event.

A special low sensory evening of Christmas Wonderland will be held on Monday, 15 December for those who prefer a quieter, calmer environment. Bookings will be required.

Stay tuned here for more details announced soon.

Cyclone and Storms

Cyclone preparedness: lessons from Tropical Cyclone Fina. The recent passing of Tropical Cyclone Fina serves as a timely reminder that the wet season brings real risks to our community. Preparation is essential - take the time to ensure your household and business are ready, and consider checking in with neighbours who may be new to the Territory and unfamiliar with cyclone planning.

Severe weather can develop quickly, and essentials such as food, batteries, and torches often sell out fast. Stock up early and visit the Secure NT website for guidance on wet season and cyclone kit essentials. 

You can stay updated on Council services via our Facebook page and our Emergency Management Dashboard at disaster.palmerston.nt.gov.au

For more information on how to prepare, stay informed, and recover after a cyclone, click here. 

Do you have a great story or exciting update about your Palmerston business? We’d love to hear from you! 

Council's Economic Development team is also here to support you. We want to share and celebrate the positive stories within our business community, so please reach out and let us help showcase your success in future editions of this newsletter.

📩 Email us at ecodev@palmerston.nt.gov.au or call 08 8935 9922.

Cyber Security

• Cyber security checklist: https://business.gov.au/online-and-digital/cyber-security/cyber-security-checklist
• Guidance and resources for small business: https://www.cyber.gov.au/business-government/small-business-cyber-security/small-business-hub
• Questions to ask managed service providers: https://www.cyber.gov.au/business-government/supplier-cyber-risk-management/managed-service-providers
• Free cyber health check: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/our-portfolios/cyber-security/cyberhealthcheck
• Online cyber awareness training and resources: https://cyberwardens.com.au/
• Other cyber security information: https://business.gov.au/online-and-digital/cyber-security
• IDCARE's free support: https://www.idcare.org/smallbusiness