ONE of the finalists for the 2013 Telstra Northern Territory Business Women's Awards is a very familiar face to the Register's Top End readers.
Julie Newton Managing Director of The Top Saddlery and Bush Boutique in Katherine and a recent appointee to the NT Government's Business Advisory Council has been nominated for the Business Owner Award category.
Geoff and Julie Newton opened their Saddlery business, Geoff Newton Saddlery, in 1991, moving to a retail shop on the Katherine main street in 1993. When first opened, the business primarily repaired and made saddles, and horse gear.
Since then the business has expanded, changed its name to The Top Saddlery and moved to its prime location in the middle of Katherine Terrace.
In 2009 the business was further expanded to incorporate the Bush Boutique. Geoff and Julie currently have four other staff members and all are kept busy working between the workshop and retail shop.
The business prides itself on the strength and longevity of its relationship with the pastoral industry, but also has strong connections with remote Aboriginal communities as well.
Julie came to the NT as a child and has worked in the Katherine Region most of her working life, first as a Bush Nurse and since 1991 with Geoff in their business.
Julie tackles the day to day running of the retail shop as well as looking after IT and marketing. Julie’s other interests include assisting and promoting other small businesses in the region and serving as a board member of the local YMCA.
Recently Top Saddlery was contracted to create several saddles to be given away as prizes at the 2013 Nixon’s Xing Campdraft. The possibility of winning one of their custom saddles made for some very intense competition during the various draft events.
The Saddlery stocks a wide range of Saddles and Tack. And Saddler - Geoff Newton also makes Custom Made Western Saddles and Stock Saddles including the very popular Fender Saddles.
The Bush Boutique has a range of Bisley Workwear for trades and the Cattle Industry, and also stocks a variety of brands as found in most good western stores, including Wrangler, Akubra Hats, Brigalow and Bullzye. Boots from the popular Ariat brand feature strongly, with a variety of styles to suit the cowboy and cowgirl.
Work boots from iconic Australian brands Blundstone and Baxter are also available.
“I launched our online store in 2011 and we are now probably the biggest online seller of "cowboy" boots in Australia,” Julie said.
A highlight in the shop is the beautiful RM Williams corner featuring seasonal styles as well as regular favourites from RM Williams Authentics and Stockyard ranges.
Winners of the 2013 Telstra Northern Territory Business Women's Awards will be announced on Friday, September 20 in Darwin.
The Northern Territory winners proceed to the national finals of the Telstra Business Women's Awards that will be announced in Melbourne on November 14. For winners across Australia the awards offer a share in $200,000 in cash and prizes.
More information on the Telstra Business Women's Awards can be found at www.telstrabusinesswomensawards.com
