A state memorial will be held for Luke Bowen at the Darwin Convention Centre next week, the Chief Minister has said.

Lia Finocchiaro said in a statement Mr Bowen, who died in late August, had held several senior executive level roles throughout the agriculture sector, and was appointed as the inaugural Cattle Australia chief executive officer in February 2023; a role he stood down from in last September citing health reasons.

“Mr Bowen will be remembered as one of Australia’s finest leaders in agriculture. On behalf of all Territorians and the Northern Territory Government, I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Luke’s family and his partner, Tracey [Hayes],” Ms Finocchiaro said.

Mr Bowen was also head of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association from 2008 to 2014, a period which included the 2011 ban on live cattle exports to Indonesia.

NT Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Gerard Maley said Mr Bowen was instrumental in establishing the Indigenous Pastoral program and remembered for leading the Northern Territory’s cattle industry through the export ban.

“Luke was well respected right around the nation and internationally for his knowledge around agriculture,” Mr Maley said.

In a statement after his death, the NTCA said Mr Bowen would be remembered as a “calm and inspirational leader of the NT industry”.

“His passion, kindness, and unwavering commitment made him an invaluable asset to our industry and to Northern Australia,” the NTCA statement said.

“Luke Bowen was a remarkable person and his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. We are deeply saddened and devastated by his passing and will remember him with the utmost respect and admiration.”

The memorial for Mr Bowen will be held at the Darwin Convention Centre on Tuesday, September 17, at 10.30am.