Airport Development Group Indigenous Training Academy Announces 2025 Cohort of Trainees

Our participants are not only gaining skills and qualifications, but they are also being inspired to realise their full potential.

Airport Development Group (ADG) is proud to announce the 2025 cohort of trainees participating in the Indigenous Training Academy (ITA) program. Seven participants from the Northern Territory will embark on a transformative journey through the ITA, with traineeships in hospitality, and business.


The ITA program aims to inspire and empower the next generation of Territorians by providing hands-on training and career pathways in key sectors. With a focus on skill development, cultural exchange, and real-world experience, the program is designed to set participants up for long-term success in the workforce.


Samantha Watkins, Indigenous Training Academy Manager, said: “The ITA is about more than just training – it’s about igniting a sense of possibility and pride in the future of young Territorians. Our participants are not only gaining skills and qualifications, but they are also being inspired to realise their full potential. We are so excited to support this new cohort of trainees, and we can’t wait to see them succeed in their fields and contribute to the growth of their communities.


Eddie Fry, Chair of the Indigenous Advisory Council, also expressed his enthusiasm for the program: “The Indigenous Training Academy plays a crucial role in bridging opportunities for our future leaders. By offering hands-on experience across industries like hospitality, and business, the ITA empowers individuals to carve out a path of success for themselves, their families, and their communities”.


The ITA not only trains the workforce of tomorrow but builds confidence and fosters a sense of pride in what is possible when we support our youth."


The 2025 cohort of trainees will gain valuable work experience with ADG at the Darwin International Airport and Darwin Airport Resorts. ADG is one of the Territory’s leading employers committed to community development and cultural inclusivity. The program is a key initiative to ensure that the skills of tomorrow are being cultivated today, and to inspire the next generation of Territorians to push boundaries and thrive.


Jetstar aircraft
By Rajeev Pantha February 6, 2025
Airport Development Group is thrilled to support Jetstar’s new Darwin to Gold Coast route which has been made possible with the support of the Northern Territory Government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme (TAAS). Jetstar will operate four direct flights per week on its Airbus A320 aircraft, with the inaugural flight being 26 June 2025.
Airnorth staff welcoming to Airnorth flight
By Rajeev Pantha February 3, 2025
Central Australia is set to enjoy improved air access with Airnorth announcing a new direct service between Alice Springs and Cairns, providing a significant boost for businesses, residents, and tourism operators. Hundreds of thousands of international travellers visit Cairns each year. This new strategic link means travellers from key international markets can experience the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and Australia’s Red Centre all within a single seamless and efficient travel itinerary.
ADG's EGM PCC with Air Asia's team
By Rajeev Pantha January 9, 2025
Direct services between Darwin and Bali will commence 22 March 2025 with three direct flights per week, offering a world of great value travel across Asia and beyond. Indonesia AirAsia is set to reconnect the Northern Territory with Asia, resuming three direct flights per week between Darwin and Bali from 22 March 2025. Tickets are on sale now, with fares starting from just AUD $189.
People boarding during the cyclone Tracy's evacuation.
By Rajeev Pantha December 19, 2024
In partnership with local film studio Global Headquarters, ADG is proud to share our short documentary commemorating the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy. More Than Just Being There shares personal stories from residents and highlights Darwin International Airport’s critical role in supporting the city’s recovery and reconnecting families. This anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of Darwin’s resilience and the enduring strength of its people.
ADG Staff Receiving the Award
By Rajeev Pantha December 5, 2024
Airport Development Group is proud to announce its recognition as the Overall Winner in the Excellence in Business (Medium and Large Business) category at the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce’s NT Business Excellence Awards. This prestigious accolade highlights Airport Development Group’s commitment to driving economic growth, delivering world-class services, fostering community engagement, and supporting Indigenous participation in the Northern Territory.
Artist at the Desert Festival
By Rajeev Pantha December 4, 2024
Airport Development Group (ADG) proudly supported the Stick Mob Portals Exhibition at this year’s Desert Festival, contributing $2,000 through its Community Grants Program. This initiative showcased the creative brilliance of young Indigenous artists and enriched the Northern Territory’s cultural landscape.
ADG handing over the cheque to Kate Everett - Dolly's Dream
By Rajeev Pantha December 3, 2024
Airport Development Group (ADG) is proud to announce that our workplace giving program raised an impressive $12,000 in 2024 to support Dolly’s Dream. This initiative honours the memory, of Dolly Everett, a young girl from Katherine in the Northern Territory; dedicated to creating a kinder, safer world by addressing bullying and providing resources to young people, families, and schools—particularly in rural and remote communities like those in the Northern Territory.
ADG Staff Members at the Conference
By Rajeev Pantha November 28, 2024
The recent Australian Airports Association (AAA) Women in Airports Forum, held as part of the 2024 AAA National Conference held in Brisbane, was a highlight of the week. With over 300 attendees, the event covered a wide range of topics, sparking insightful conversations and fostering meaningful connections within the aviation industry.
Sandra at the reception
By Rajeev Pantha November 28, 2024
Last week, it was a pleasure to attend Charles Darwin University's Donor Thank You Reception, held in the beautiful Danala, Education and Community Precinct, the showcase of CDU in the city. The event hosted by Professor Scott Bowman AO, Vice-Chancellor, and President of CDU, and joined by the Hon. Robyn Cahill in her capacity as Minister for International Education, celebrating the incredible contributions of CDU’s donors.
Eddie Fry and Sandra De Kock
By Rajeev Pantha November 28, 2024
Airport Development Group (ADG) is proud to announce the launch of our Indigenous Engagement Report 2023-24, showcasing our ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with First Nations communities across the Northern Territory. At this week’s ADG Indigenous Advisory Committee meeting, Chair Eddie Fry celebrated the achievements highlighted in the report and welcomed new members Nicole Brown (Larrakia) and Michael Liddle (Alyawarre) to the Committee.
More Posts
Share by: