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DCOH Women in Business Luncheon inspires action and impact

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DCOH Women in Business Luncheon inspires action and impact

Posted on by Marketing DCOH

The 2026 DCOH Women in Business Luncheon brought together business and community members for an inspiring afternoon of leadership and meaningful conversations as part of October Business Month.

As naming rights sponsor of the event and a Platinum Sponsor of October Business Month, DCOH was proud to welcome Share the Dignity founder Rochelle Courtenay as keynote speaker.

Rochelle shared the story behind one of Australia’s most influential charities, founded on the belief that period products should never be a luxury. Guests heard about the growing impact, with more than 1,400 Dignity Vending Machines installed across Australia providing free period products in schools, libraries and community facilities and the success of the It’s In The Bag campaign, which has collected more than 1.1 million donations for women and girls experiencing hardship.

Opening the luncheon, DCOH Chief People Officer Emily Nyamdorj reflected on the importance of supporting women to thrive in the workplace and community. “One of Rochelle’s key beliefs is that when women support women, it feels like nothing can hold us back.” Emily said this strongly resonated with DCOH’s commitment to creating opportunities for women across the business.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to support women so they can thrive in the workplace.”

The luncheon also featured insights from respected Territory business leaders Nicki Marakas, Kylie Straube, Jessie Risk and Amanda Jarrett, whose experiences contributed to a valuable discussion on leadership, business and community impact.

DCOH thanks the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations for delivering another successful Women in Business Luncheon and for continuing to create opportunities that celebrate and support women in business throughout the Territory.

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DCOH wins tender for $90-million special education project in Palmerston

Posted on by Marketing DCOH


DCOH is delighted to be awarded the tender to design and construct the new Palmerston Secondary Special Education School for students with high and complex needs.

DCOH’s design and project team is now engaged to deliver the  $90-million project, delivering 26 classrooms across five teaching blocks, a pool, a horticulture building with a farm learning area, a multi-purpose hall, covered drop off and pick up areas, and administration and specialist learning buildings.

CEO and Managing Director, Shane Dignan, said the appointment reflected DCOH’s experience and capability in delivering complex education, leisure and accommodation projects, particularly the award-winning Danala Education and Community Precinct at Charles Darwin University and the state-of-the-art Henbury Special Education School in Tiwi.

‘We’re extremely proud to have been awarded this tender and welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the NT Government again after six years primarily focussing on the private and Defence sectors.’

He also commended the establishment of a Specialist Education Advisory Team to help inform the project’s design and delivery.

‘For DCOH, the success of this project will be measured by the quality and functionality of how these spaces feel and function: safe arrivals, calm and sensory-responsive environments, accessible movement, clear supervision, durable and maintainable spaces, inclusive outdoor areas and facilities that support dignity, independence and learning.’

This specialist capability will sit alongside DCOH’s experienced Northern Territory project team, established design consultants, predominantly Territory-based workforce and strong local supply chain. The long-term identity of the school will also be underpinned by project-specific engagement, connection to Country, Aboriginal business participation, and local employment opportunities.

‘Thanks must go to our general manager, Chris Giannikouris, our commercial manager Matthew Lee, and the construction team for their work on this project,’ Mr Dignan said.

Mr Giannikouris was equally delighted with today’s announcement by the NT Government, and said the co-location with Rosebery Secondary School would create an important opportunity for up to 200 students to access specialist support while also participating in shared educational, cultural and recreational experiences alongside their peers.

‘It’s a project that brings together our Northern Territory construction experience, our direct history delivering specialist and mainstream education facilities, and our genuine understanding of what a school of this nature must achieve for its students, families, educators and community,’ said Mr Giannikouris. ‘We look forward to bringing the NT Government’s vision for the Palmerston Secondary Special Education School to the community.’

CAPTIONS: Concept drawings for the newly-awarded Palmerston Secondary Special Education School, created by Darwin-based Rossi Architects.

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We’re officially a Great Place To Work®!

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DCOH has been recognised as a Great Place To Work® for the second consecutive year, reaffirming the strength of its workplace culture through independent employee feedback.

DCOH is officially a Great Place to Work

“Achieving Great Place To Work® Certification for a second consecutive year is something we’re incredibly proud of because it comes directly from the feedback of our people” said Managing Director and CEO Shane Dignan.

Chief People Officer, Emily Nyamdorj, said the recognition was particularly meaningful because it reflected the experiences and perspectives of our employees. “The results show strong pride in the work we do and the relationships we have across our teams. Just as importantly, the feedback also helps shape where we focus next as we continue Building Better for our people and our business.”

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Its Trust Index™ survey measures employees’ experience across five key areas: credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie, providing insight into the relationships between employees and their leaders, their work and their teams.

This year, 87% of respondents said that, taking everything into account, DCOH is a great place to work, supporting the company’s recertification.

For almost 40 years, DCOH has invested in Northern Australia through development, construction, operations, hospitality and long-term asset ownership. With headquarters in Darwin, DCOH has gone from strength to strength with the recent expansion into Melbourne’s construction industry. As well as delivering award-winning infrastructure projects across Defence, civic and health sectors, the family-owned business proudly invests in large-scale residential communities, commercial buildings and prime hospitality assets.

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Minister tours uni accommodation construction site

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Construction is well underway on 352 new purpose-built student accommodation beds in the heart of Darwin’s CBD, with DCOH’s project management team recently touring Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King MP and Federal member for Solomon, Luke Gosling OAM MP through the construction site.

DCOH was appointed to build the 14-storey, 352-bed facility for Campus Living Villages (CLV) to accommodate Charles Darwin University (CDU) students, providing more housing options for students close to where they study.

The development will include a mix of studio and six-bedroom apartments, along with study areas, communal facilities and shared spaces designed to foster connection and support student life.

Mr Gosling said education was a big part of Darwin’s future.

‘We want more students choosing to study and build their lives here. Students from across the Territory, Australia and around the world bring so much to our city, our community and our economy,’ said Mr Gosling. ‘The project is part of an around $70 million Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) loan to CLV to deliver more than 400 additional purpose-built student accommodation beds across CDU’s Darwin campuses.’

From left, DCOH Development Manager Jay Stone; Federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling OAM MP; Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King MP; and DCOH Senior Project Manager Frank Bagala at the site of the new student accommodation.

Senior Project Manager Frank Bagala said DCOH was proud to bring the much-needed student accommodation project to life in collaboration with the stakeholders.

“DCOH has been building and investing in the Territory for almost 40 years, and it’s great to see NAIF’s support in continuing to play a key role in funding and developing Northern Australia.”


Construction of the new CBD student accommodation is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

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Textum features in APAC Outlook Magazine

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International publication, APAC Outlook Magazine, recently shone a spotlight on Textum, featuring an interview with Textum General Manager, Darren Mullan in their August 2026 edition.

Read the article online here or browse the article below.

For more information on quality roofing and cladding solutions, visit the Textum website at www.textum.au or email info@textum.au

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Gold Plates galore at Hospitality NT’s night of nights

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There were celebrations all round at the Hospitality NT Gold Plate Awards Night on August 24, with Five Spice at Courtyard by Marriott Darwin taking home two awards – Best New Establishment and Best Dessert, The Cinema Collective chef Jake Horyna scoring top honours as the Chef of the Year, and the Novotel Darwin chef Quang Ngo making finals in Chef of the Year.

Thyme Hospitality manager Alex Murray and DCOH Managing Director and CEO Shane Dignan were both delighted to see Five Spice recognised with not one, but two Gold Plate Awards at the hospitality night of nights. Mr Dignan thanked everyone who had dined at and supported Five Spice since its opening, and congratulated the talented kitchen and restaurant teams. ‘Since opening their doors, Five Spice has been about creating a fresh dining experience in the heart of Darwin, bringing together thoughtful flavours, local inspiration and a passionate team.’

He also congratulated Quang and Jake, saying the accolades reflected their creativity, high standards and passion for the industry.

Twenty chefs showcased their skills through a series of challenges in the quest for the coveted Gold Plate Chef of the Year. Starting with a written exam and blind tasting contest, the contestants were then tasked with making a main course and dessert from a mystery box of ingredients in a live cook-off. The winners were announced at Hospitality NT’s Gold Plate Awards gala dinner on August 24 in Darwin.

CONTACT – Courtyard by Marriott and Five Spice Restaurant

81 Smith Street, Darwin

(08) 8942 5555

Reserve your table here

CONTACT – The Cinema Collective

74 Mitchell Street, Darwin

(08) 8982 8200

Reserve your table here

CONTACT – Novotel Darwin CBD

100 The Esplanade, Darwin

(08)7942 8899

Reserve your table here

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Northcrest to be incorporated into City of Darwin local government area

Posted on by Marketing DCOH

DCOH managing director and CEO, Shane Dignan, has welcomed Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development Steve Edgington’s update about his intention to incorporate Northcrest into the City of Darwin’s local government area, saying residents deserved to have a council and all the services that entailed.

‘Being able to vote in local government elections and having clearer access to zoned facilities like the tip and libraries is an important part of helping our residents feel settled in their community.’

Mr Dignan said collaboration was an essential part of building better amenities for the community and this step reflected extensive advocacy from not only DCOH and the Northcrest community, but passionate stakeholders including local member for Fong Lim, Dr Tanzil Rahman.

Mr Dignan thanked residents for their patience and said DCOH looked forward to negotiating with DLPE and City of Darwin to facilitate the incorporation.

‘This will provide a solid foundation for Northcrest’s continued growth,’ said Mr Dignan.

And growing it is, with over 500 lots already developed at Northcrest, with another 120 lots under development and over 60 houses currently under construction. Northcrest Sales Manager, Kristy Millar, echoed Mr Dignan’s sentiments, and said the CLP’s master-planned community with major project status had gone from strength to strength. 

Mr Dignan said working together was the key for a bright future. ‘We have over 80 keen land buyers on the waiting list. We also have commercial interest from McDonalds, Hungry Jacks, On The Run and the Northern Land Council. Coming soon, there’ll be a supermarket, childcare centre and tavern.’ 

For more information on the fastest growing subdivision in Darwin, conveniently located halfway between Darwin and Palmerston, visit northcrest.au or call into the sales office on Reuben Avenue, Berrimah. 

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Another pitch-perfect Pitch Black

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Pitch Black 2026. Like most of Darwin, the team at DCOH had their eyes on sky the last month, watching the world’s fastest and stealthiest aircraft zip past at impressive speeds. It’s not just* the planes and fighter jets that get us excited in this biennial military exercise; it’s the partnerships, strategies and teamwork that occur behind the scenes as 21 countries, over 100 aircraft and 2500 personnel practice tactical manoeuvres like mid-air refuelling, formation flying and combat training.

Precision. Planning. Teamwork. Safety. These four tenets are as important in defence as they are in development and construction. DCOH takes great pride in being a trusted partner for defence, consistently delivering infrastructure upgrades on live military bases across the Northern Territory.

*There’s no denying it, we also get excited about the unique Territory twist that crocs add to a corporate function

📸 DCOH’s Shane Dignan and Melissa Collins attended the Pitch Black dinner at Parliament House, where the Territory’s unique hospitality (and wildlife) was on show for the many partner nations involved in this biennial military exercise.

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Five Spice Restaurant’s brand new look matches fresh direction

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A fresh new direction awaits diners at Courtyard by Marriott, with the new-look Five Spice Restaurant and a sophisticated all-day menu launched as part of the hotel’s $10-million-dollar renovation.

Conveniently nestled in the heart of Darwin’s CBD, and now with a new bar, banquet and breakfast buffet area, the award-winning Five Spice is the latest jewel in the crown of the hotel’s extensive multi-stage renovations.

Thyme Hospitality manager, Alex Murray, said restaurant team members had been blown away by the positive feedback from Darwin locals and hotel guests alike. ‘As well as providing seamless entertainment and accommodation experiences for our valued guests, we wanted to create a destination restaurant that appeals to Top End residents seeking an upmarket dining experience at an affordable price tag. And based on the fantastic response so far, and last month’s highly successful launch, our tropical redesign, all-day menu and broad dining options are ticking all the right boxes,’ Alex said. ‘Diners are loving this authentic new direction, and we can’t wait to share the flavours and feel of Five Spice with a broader audience.’

It’s a sentiment that’s shared by executive chef, Kevin Chen. Kevin helped develop the modern Australian and Asian-inspired menu, and was delighted to unveil the ultra-local twist with Davidson Plum Soy Sauce, Rosella syrup and Quandong Petit Fours.  ‘We’ve harnessed the Territory’s unique flavours to produce a menu that will delight and surprise diners, combining high-quality food with immaculate service in a stunning new restaurant.’

With first-phase renovations completed last dry season, Courtyard by Marriott is the first and only Marriott branded hotel in the Northern Territory, reaching out to 271-million Marriott-Bonvoy members across the world.

Courtyard by Marriott is owned by Darwin-based company DCOH, with CEO and managing director, Shane Dignan, confirming that the Marriott-Bonvoy loyalty rewards program was putting the Territory firmly on the map. ‘It’s also complementing the Top End’s #14 ranking on the New York Times ‘52 Places to Go in 2026’ Travel Destinations List. Marriott hotels are renowned for their pursuit of excellence and here in Darwin, we’re proud to extend that experience to all of our customers, regardless of whether they’re local, domestic or international.’

CONTACT

Courtyard by Marriott and Five Spice Restaurant

81 Smith Street, Darwin

(08) 8942 5555

Reserve your table here

*Article originally published in Territory Q Magazine, July 2026

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DCOH Guineas Day kicks off another fabulous Darwin Cup Carnival

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🏇🏾 2026 DCOH Guineas Day – July 4 🏆 2026 marked DCOH’s third year as proud race day sponsors, with a sea of DCOH red, white and blue both on and off the track as the event that launched the iconic Darwin Cup Carnival. It’s not just the horses, the fashion, or the thrill of standing trackside in perfect Dry Season conditions; the team at DCOH loves the way racing brings people together in the Territory, and the amazing opportunities it creates for tourism, jobs and the local economy.

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