The Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road overpass has been officially renamed the Luke Bowen Bridge, honouring the late agricultural leader on Monday, who professionals and loved ones remembered as a man who built bridges across business and the wider Territory.

Mr Bowen served as the chief executive of the NT Cattlemen’s Association and Cattle Australia before his passing in August 2024. Memorial plaques and signs were placed on the overpass to honour Mr Bowen’s enduring commitment to the cattle industry, regional communities, and the economic development of Aboriginal peoples.

The NTCA said it is pleased to see the overpass named and a memorial plaque unveiled, honouring a man whose leadership had a profound impact on the Territory and its cattle industry.

The naming ceremony was held Monday morning, with Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro notably absent, while Lands and Planning Minister Josh Burgoyne and Agriculture Minister Gerard Maley attended with Mr Bowen’s family and other leaders.

NTCA CEO Romy Carey said the tributes appropriately honoured Mr Bowen’s relentless commitment to advocating for producers, their families, and rural communities.

“During the 2011 live export suspension, producers lost their livelihoods overnight, and families and communities faced devastating uncertainty. Luke stood beside them, giving northern cattle producers a powerful voice when they needed it most,” Ms Carey said.

In 2015, the NTCA honoured Mr Bowen for his outstanding contributions by awarding him the inaugural Life Members’ Medal. The recognition, presented by founding NTCA President Grant Heaslip, celebrated his commitment to the members, his leadership during the live export crisis, and his enduring impact on the industry.

“A bridge is a particularly fitting tribute to someone who brought people together and worked tirelessly to connect the Territory with opportunity…Our industry is stronger for his leadership, and we will always be grateful for the courage and loyalty he showed our people,” Ms Carey said.

Mr Bowen’s partner, Tracey Hayes, said the recognition is meaningful to their family, honouring Mr Bowen’s deep love for the Territory and the qualities of kindness, humility, and dedication he showed in his work.

“Luke loved the Northern Territory, its people and the opportunities it offered,” Ms Hayes said.

“He believed deeply in the potential of Northern Australia and dedicated much of his life to making it a better place for those who live and work there.”

She added that Mr Bowen never sought recognition for what he did and was driven by a genuine desire to make a difference.

“I know he would be enormously humbled by this honour,” Ms Hayes said.

Mr Burgoyne said it is a significant tribute to a Territorian whose leadership and dedication will have a lasting influence.

“Luke worked tirelessly to create a stronger future for our region. His leadership, vision and commitment to regional communities helped shape the Territory we know today,” Mr Burgoyne said.

“Naming this bridge in Luke’s honour provides a lasting tribute to his commitment, integrity and belief in the future of Northern Australia – from supporting the cattle industry, to the people of the bush.”

Mr Maley said Mr Bowen will always be remembered as one of the country’s most significant advocates for agriculture.

“Luke’s influence continues to be felt across the Northern Territory,” he said. “He has left a lasting mark on the nation’s agricultural industry, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest.”