NORTHERN TERRITORY MAJOR EVENTS COMPANY – ANNUAL REPORT 2020/21 PROGRESS REPORT Delivered Turn up for the Territory to celebrate what makes the Territory unique as traditional fireworks cancelled due to COVID-19. Delivered Red CentreNATS in Alice Springs, bringing thousands of visitors to the Red Centre and supporting the Alice Springs economy with an injection of $3.32 million. A bumper Season 6 attracted almost 29,000 registrations, compared to 21,312 in Season 5. Season 6 saw the introduction of the Double Tag Barra and March Madness. The six-month competition generated a total expenditure stimulus in the Territory of $41.3 million, $12.9 million of which was new money. In a first for Australia, Darwin hosted a Supercars doubleheader over two weekends in August 2020. The program for 2021 was bigger than ever with Australian Superbikes, Stadium Super Trucks and Nitro Up North. More than 38,000 attendances were recorded, and injected $23 million into the economy. Wider activations across motorsports activities for the 2021 Merlin Darwin Triple Crown, including an additional driver and rider signing at a new location, at Darwin Waterfront. Successfully delivered two Parrtjima festivals within seven months of each other. Firsts for 2021 included sold-out ticketed events Merne and Preview Night,plus new activations including the Postcards from Parrtjima mailbox on site and community kick around with NRL legend Josh Addo-Carr. The 2021 festival expanded to the Araluen Arts Centre, hosting free art tours and the film program. One of the first major music festivals to take place in Australia since COVID-19 arrived, the success of this event was significant. With 14,000 music lovers in attendance, BASSINTHEGRASS generated a total expenditure stimulus of $14.5 million for the Territory. The event featured increased activations in the Village area, with basketball, games, sunset on the beach and the silent disco. The VIP experience was also improved. Secured the AFL’s annual Dreamtime clash and the NRL’sprestigious Anzac Round for Darwin. The Northern Territory Government’s partnership with the Parramatta Eels was extended to 2022. Strategy review completed to identify areas of growth for the event, which was rescheduled from 2020 to 2022 due to COVID-19. Implemented reviewed funding guidelines, application processes, assessment criteria and internal management processes to help event organisers develop their event and grow the value of the NT’s festival and events calendar. Funded events supported by NTMEC’s media team to amplify their media activity. Several events recorded sold-out crowds, including Noonamah Tavern Rodeo, Wide Open Space Festival, and the West Macs Monster. 49