The North West is a land of extremes.

Extreme dry is broken by epic monsoonal downpours.

The sparse, harsh landscape gives way to gorges, waterfalls, mangroves and mesas that nourish the soul.

Towns home to hard-working families during the week transform into hives of community activity each weekend; everything from kids’ sport carnivals to weekend camping adventures.

In business, this juxtaposition manifests in big risks and big rewards.

The big risks – global resources demand, water shortages, investment attractiveness, housing shortages and defence posturing – can disrupt the nation’s economy.

Risk is real here. There are no safety nets.

The big rewards – exposure to world-leading companies, unparalleled opportunity for innovation, and the chance to scale rapidly – can, and already have, helped build many of the country’s most successful businesses and leaders.