Almost $80,000 in grants have been split between the Pop Rocket Cafe, Gecko Canoeing, Nitmiluk Tours and Katherine Outback Experience. 

However, Katherine’s embattled Springvale has missed out on this round of grants, an NT Government spokeswoman said, as the tourist park did not put in an application.  

Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss said the grants – awarded through the NT Government’s Visitor Experience Enhancement Program (VEEP) – will create much needed employment. 

“The VEEP program is part of the NT Government’s record $103 million Turbocharging Tourism stimulus package to attract more holiday visitors, create local jobs and put money in the pockets of Territorians.

“This is creating real jobs for local tradies and boosting businesses by providing better experiences for visitors.”

Marksie’s Stockman’s Camp Tucker Night received $7,500 to upgrade lighting and improve their kitchen.

“Tourists from around the world come for a great meal featuring Indigenous ingredients, and I tell yarns between courses,” Marksie said. 

“We’ve been operating successfully for 20 years here in Katherine and we thought a grant would help us send [visitors] away with some great memories.

“We are using the grant to install solar lighting for the campsite at night, buy more seating and tables, and renovate the camp kitchen equipment, which will improve the experience for tourists.

The owner of one of the most unique camp tucker night in Australia said the grant has not only made for a better experience but also increased the number of visitors this year. 

Katherine MLA Sandra Nelson said the grants are expected to entice more people to stop in Katherine as well as provide work for local tradies.

“The improvements carried out thanks to VEEP grants will see visitors leave Katherine raving about what an amazing time they had at places such as Marksie’s Stockman’s Camp Tucker Night, which is an iconic Katherine experience,” she said.