About the project sponsor
My name is Norma Higgins and I am the NT Rural Woman of the Year for 2008.
I have over 30 years’ direct experience in rural industry, including 21 years in Katherine where my husband and I have owned and operated both a cattle station and four horticultural blocks. We grow mangoes, timber trees and a range of tropical fruits.
I have been actively involved in the Katherine Horticultural Association since its inauguration and am a board member of the NT’s Primary Industry Training and Advisory Council (PITAC). I have also been the community member on the Katherine River Management Committee and active in other community organizations such as Rotary.
I spent two years teaching at the NT Rural College where I successfully set up their years 11 and 12 programs which was specifically designed for rural students. As Assistant Principal at Katherine High School since 1994 I have been an integral part of the management team.
I have a degree in Economics and have very successfully taught Small Business Enterprise for several years. My students have regularly won the NT Youth Business Award. Consequently I have the training and experience required to set up and run a business. I have successfully completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ course.
I understand the overwhelming obstacles faced by both established and prospective small to medium producers getting their product through compliance and into the retail arena. The high infrastructure cost and economies of scale required to see a product onto the shop shelves discriminate against the traditional farm and market garden enterprise.
I am looking forward to celebrating the success of our community’s market with everybody here in Katherine.
In the media
