April e-News

President’s Message

Welcome to our April e‑news.

Businesses across our community are navigating plenty of uncertainty right now, and the best response isn’t to retreat, it’s to stay connected and stay informed. That’s where DCCI leans in, as the independent voice of business and a practical connector between members, opportunities and decision-makers.

It’s fitting, then, that the theme for the 2026 Tasmanian Business Conference, on 27 May, is Connection is Key.

This is not a “nice day out.” It’s a full day of practical learning and real takeaways you can apply directly in your business. The program includes sessions on ethical decision-making, performing under pressure, and design thinking for innovation. It’s priced to be accessible, and the value is genuinely end-to-end – a world-class program, all-day catering, incredible prizes, and a networking event with entertainment to close the day, thanks to Hospitality Tasmania, Eastford Creek, Island State Brewing and 2B2P Furniture & Homewares. If you invest in one piece of professional development this year, make it this one. We’ve just released the full program, I encourage you to take a look.

It’s also been a busy month beyond conference planning. Our Business & Brew with Brendon Gale, CEO of the Tasmania Football Club, delivered exactly what we aim for, strong speakers, grounded conversation and ideas with real community and economic development relevance.

Looking ahead, our Budget Dinner at The Cove Tasmania in May will give members the opportunity to hear directly about the State Government Budget and what it means for local business. If you have been looking for an excuse to check out The Cove, this is it! Thanks to our event partners, tickets include an incredible two-course meal, local wines and specialty produce from across the north west.

On the advocacy front, DCCI, alongside industry and government partners continues to gather member feedback on the impacts of rising costs of doing business. Please reach out and share how your business is tracking. We’re here, and we’re committed to helping businesses thrive so Devonport prospers. I encourage you to reach out anytime or connect with one of our Executive Members.

For up-to-date information on the fuel supply situation, visit the government’s fuel supply webpage, read the Director of Energy Planning’s regular fuel updates, or check Fuel Check TAS for price and availability.

I look forward to connecting with many of you over the coming weeks.

Claire Connelly

President, Devonport Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Living City Business – Supporting Businesses to Thrive, so Devonport Prospers.

Media Releases

Connection is Key as the Tasmanian Business Conference Returns to Devonport in its Second Year

Welcome to our Newest Members

Welcome to our latest members! We are thrilled to have a diverse range of members from various sectors joining our growing network. With over 170 businesses and individuals represented, we aim to ensure our ideas and opinions are well-informed and truly reflective of the business community.

Upcoming Events

State Budget Dinner | 22 May 2026
The Business of Football

DCCI proudly presents the 2026 State Budget Briefing Dinner, thanks to major event partner Stoney Rise Village and Hobart Airport.

Join us for an exclusive business dinner featuring a presentation by the Treasurer of Tasmania, the Hon. Eric Abetz MP, who will outline the key priorities and initiatives of the 2026–27 State Budget.

This event offers a valuable opportunity for business leaders to gain first-hand insight into the Government’s fiscal direction and economic outlook, followed by a dedicated Q&A session with the Treasurer.

Included in your ticket is a two-course dinner along with wine on arrival from Scott’s Mill Estate, and entry to our lucky door prize, accommodation vouchers generously donated by The Cove Tasmania.

Bookings close Friday 15 May, unless sold out earlier.

DCCI would also like to thank The Cove Tasmania, Scott’s Mill Estate, Hellyers Road Distillery and Anvers Tasmania.

Enquiries to mail@dcci.org.au

Register Now!

The Tasmanian Business Conference | 27 May 2026

Momentum matters, and our business community is stronger when we move forward together

Over the past year, we’ve seen the power of connection across our business community, through honest conversations, shared experiences and a growing willingness to learn from one another. The Women in Business Summit reminded us just how much appetite there is for meaningful connection and practical support.

That’s exactly what sits at the heart of The Tasmanian Business Conference, now returning for its second year.

This was never about hosting one‑off events. It’s about building something enduring, strengthening relationships, growing capability and creating spaces where ideas, opportunity and people come together with purpose.

In 2026, our theme Connection is Key reflects what matters most here in Tasmania: connection to ideas, to each other, and to the future we’re shaping together.

These conversations and opportunities matter, and so does the collective momentum we’re building. Wednesday, 27 May 2026 paranaple Convention Centre, Devonport.

We’d love you to be part of it. Don’t miss out, tickets are limited.

Register Now!

Save the Date – Upcoming Events

Add these events to your calendar now to ensure you don’t miss out!

DCCI Business Breakfast with NBN Co & Microsoft | 26 June 2026

Other News

Cost of Doing Business

A six-part online workshop series to support business accross the state.
Looking to strengthen your business and stay ahead in a changing economic environment? This upcoming series of free online workshops is designed to give you practical tools and insights to navigate rising costs and shifting consumer behaviour.

Business Tasmania, in partnership with the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is delivering Cost of Doing Business, a six-part online workshop series to support businesses across the state.

Whether you are already running a business or thinking about starting one, you are invited to join these free online sessions, all held at 12:00 pm:

  • Getting Started in Business, 12 May 2026
  • Practical Ways to Support & Retain Staff, 19 May 2026
  • Taxation & Insurance, 9 June 2026
  • Leasing a Premises, 16 June 2026
  • Managing Emerging (Workers Compensation) Risk, 23 June 2026
  • Setting the Right Price for Your Product or Service, 30 June 2026
Explore full series here!

Marinus Link | Heybridge Works

As preparatory activities for Marinus Link continue in Heybridge, Marinus want to make sure local residents and organisations are aware of upcoming traffic changes on the Bass Highway.

A temporary single lane closure will be in place between Minna Road and the Heybridge Converter Station construction site from Monday 4 May to Thursday 7 May 2026, between 9:30am and 6:00pm (outside morning peak hours).

During this time, road users can expect reduced speed limits and minor delays, with traffic management in place to ensure the safety of crews working near live traffic. Access to properties will be maintained. 

You can find more information about Heybridge preparatory works by visiting Marinus Link works notification page.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch via info@marinuslink.com.au.

Small Business Growth Strategy 2036

The Tasmanian Government is determined to make Tasmania the best place in the nation to live, work, raise a family, invest and do business.

A key pillar of this plan is supporting small business through the development of the Small Business Growth Strategy 2036 – a strong strategy that will establish government and private sector priorities
and action areas for the next 10 years, enabling Tasmania’s small business sector to grow and thrive.

To achieve this, the Department of State Growth, on behalf of the Tasmanian Government, is undertaking targeted consultation to refresh the current Small Business Growth Strategy by reviewing its themes
and objectives and capturing any new challenges and opportunities that have emerged in the last four years.

Consultation will be open until 2pm Friday 15th May 2026.

Learn more or complete survey!

Member Benefits

Resources & Advice

Need support? Reach out or join one of our seminars or workshops. 

Community

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Local Business Tips

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Events

Regular events for business owners like you.

For more information, check our membership details here!