President’s Message
Dear Members and Friends,
Momentum, Milestones and What’s Next for Devonport
It’s been another exciting and impactful month for DCCI as we continue to champion and celebrate the people and projects shaping our region.
Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at the recent TasNetworks Meet the Lead Contractor Forum in Burnie. It was great to sit on the panel alongside Burnie Mayor Teeny Brumby and Annie Gatenby, two passionate regional advocates, to discuss how the North West Transmission Developments can deliver long-term benefits for our communities. It was fantastic connecting with GenusPlus Group, the newly appointed lead contractor, and other local stakeholders exploring opportunities to get involved. If you’re a local goods or service provider, I encourage you to register your interest via the ICN Gateway.
Our first Business & Beverages (B&B) event was a hit – a fantastic turnout with plenty of new faces in the room! Members have asked for a greater variety of opportunities to engage, and we’ve delivered. Find out more about our recent events below, and keep an eye out for the next B&B event.
This week, we launched our State Election Priorities, calling for a stable and regionally focused agenda which supports small business. Read more here: DCCI Outlines Key Priorities Ahead of 2025 State Election.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to launch our new Know Your Local pilot program – shining a light on the businesses and people who make Devonport thrive. Building on the success of Ask Your Local, this initiative connects members with the broader community through storytelling and visibility. A huge thanks to Sylvia Sayers from the Australian Radio Network for her support – tune in to 7AD and SeaFM in the coming weeks, and stay tuned for podcast episodes dropping soon! If you’re keen to get featured, reach out via mail@dcci.org.au to find out how you can be involved.
And there’s more to come. With funding secured, we’re thrilled to announce a refresh of our Annual Business Awards which will incorporate this year’s Annual Dinner with anan extra special celebration of our vibrant business community. Save the date – 14 November – it’s going to be a fantastic night with a new focus and format.
Thank you once again for your support. I’m proud of what we achieve together, and look forward to seeing you soon.
Warm Regards,
Claire Connelly
President, Devonport Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Recent Events
Breakfast with Kristy Dryburgh, Social Bothy
This month’s breakfast featured Digital Ready with a fabulous presentation from Kirsty from Social Bothy, diving into the importance of building an intentional, focused marketing and social media strategy.
She walked us through key principles like thinking niche to truly understand our ideal customer, harnessing the power of storytelling to inspire transformation, and how consistency is the cornerstone of building trust.
Thank you to all our attendees for braving a chilly start to the day and to Kirsty, for such a valuable session! We’ve already started putting her practical tips into action.
Business & Beverages Event
What a night!
Our first Business & Beverages (B&B) event was a hit – a fantastic turnout and plenty of new faces in the room!
Members have been asking for more opportunities to get involved and we’ve delivered. Business & Beverages offers a relaxed, after-hours setting to connect, share ideas, and grow your network.
We’re especially excited to welcome non-members – these events are a great way to experience what we’re all about, meet our vibrant business community, and learn how we support and advocate for local businesses.
As our network grows, so does our ability to connect, collaborate, and advocate for our business community. More members = a stronger voice and greater impact.
Thanks to everyone who joined us – let’s keep the momentum going. Keep an eye out for the next event, and bring someone new along!
Upcoming Events
Breakfast Meetings
Join us for an engaging session with Stuart Clues, Tasmania’s Small Business Advocate, as he shares insights into his work tackling red tape, those unnecessary or overly burdensome government processes that can slow down or hinder business growth.
Stuart defines red tape as “where a business requires government permission to do something and the issue of a permit or approval is too slow, too cumbersome or should not be required in the first place.”
This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from Stuart about the steps being taken to reduce regulatory barriers for small businesses across Tasmania.Attendees will also have the chance to raise any challenges they’ve faced and contribute to the ongoing conversation about cutting red tape and unlocking opportunity.
Location: paranaple Convention Centre, 137 Rooke Street, Devonport
Date: Wednesday 9 July 2025 Time: 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Cost: $35 (Members) $40 (Non-Members)
Other Events
How to strengthen your business in times of uncertainty
The nature of business relationships between small and big businesses in northwest Tasmania, together with the likely impact of climate change and growing political instability overseas, means a challenging future for our northwest business community, small businesses in particular.
A major challenge is knowing how to manage the increasing level of unknowns, heightened commercial risk, and uncertainty arising from climate change, and geopolitical instability particularly amongst our key trading partners. Our traditionally high exposure to global markets has direct implications for northwest Tasmanian businesses.
Business Tasmania, in conjunction with the Braddon Business Centre, Moore Consulting and the Devonport Chamber of Commerce and Industry invites you to this workshop. Experienced business advisor Warren Moore, who delivers the Tasmanian Government’s Tasmanian Business Advice Service and New Business Support Pilot Program, will describe the nature of the major disruptions and, what you can do to minimise the impact.
Location: paranaple Convention Centre, 137 Rooke Street, Devonport
Date: Tuesday, 24 June 2025 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Cost: FREE
BioMar Open Day + Local Business Membership
KaLIBA is pleased to share an upcoming opportunity for local businesses to do a VIP tour of the Biomar facility plus free upgrades of local businesses to KaLIBA paid membership. This is made possible by BioMar Australia—one of the region’s valued manufacturers and a strong advocate for community-driven economic growth.
Since commencing operations in 2020, BioMar has proudly called Wesley Vale home, remaining committed to being a good neighbour and supporting local businesses throughout northwest Tasmania. BioMar’s focus on connection and collaboration closely aligns with KaLIBA’s mission of strengthening the regional business network.
Where: 329 Mill Road, Wesley Vale, TAS 7307
Date: Saturday, 28 June 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Attendees will gain behind-the-scenes access to the site, explore BioMar’s sustainable operations, and meet the team driving innovation in the aquafeed industry.
Places are limited. Registration is essential.
Get Involved
Interested in Sponsoring a Breakfast Meeting?
Your Opportunity to Connect, Engage, and Gain Visibility.
We are thrilled to offer a new sponsorship opportunity that allows businesses to make a small investment to align themselves with a monthly breakfast meeting. Designed to advance your business interests and priorities, this sponsorship provides valuable exposure through newsletters, social media, complimentary tickets, and recognition at the event.
It’s a fantastic way to showcase your brand, connect with industry professionals, and enhance your presence within our business community.
Interested? Contact mail@dcci.org.au for further details.
Other News
Devonport Jazz Festival
From 24–27 July, Devonport will come alive with the sounds of jazz as more than 25 performances take over 22+ venues across the city for the 23rd annual Devonport Jazz Festival.
This year’s headline acts include Aussie stage and screen star Hugh Sheridan, the infectious 1920s jazz party vibes of Norway’s Swing’It, genre-twisters GrooVe Congress, and saxophone legend Paul Williamson.
From sultry torch songs to fearless contemporary compositions, the festival promises family-friendly fun, late-night jams, and surprise pop-ups – there’s something for everyone.
Mark your calendars and get ready to swing into July, find our more here: Devonport Jazz.
Click here to read the latest update from Business Tasmania.
The latest edition includes:
Click here to read the latest update from Business Tasmania.
The latest edition includes:
- Upcoming online workshop – How to get started in business
- Expressions of Interest open for Japan and Korea Trade and Investment Mission 2025
- Closing soon – 2025 Tasmanian Export Awards applications
- The Farm Advisory and Support Service – helping farmers navigate support
- Support for women in business – free foundational masterclasses available this June
- Weekly tender opportunities
TMEC GEMS (Growth, Empowerment, Management, Selfcare) provides industry connections for the development and retention of women who have stepped into non-traditional roles and is designed to inspire and empower women in the industry, build leadership skills, and break down barriers.
Enquiries welcomed for both GEMS participants and GEMS Mentors.
Program Details & Commitments
3 full days workshops
- You’ll be matched with your mentor, who will be given training in how to ensure you have a great experience.
- You’ll receive personality profiling (DISC) along with a report and training in how to communicate most effectively based on your profile.
- Workshop 3 will provide training, strategies and role play on Conflict Management and Resolution.
Mentorship
You will meet with your mentor one hour per month for six months, focusing on achieving the goals you set together. The mentorship sessions are flexible and will be scheduled at your convenience. Together, you will create a personalised 6-month mentoring plan aligned with your goals.
Networking & Celebration Cocktail Party
- Network with your cohort and industry leaders at workshop events (lunches and Nibble Nights are planned)
- Celebrate your achievements and network with industry professionals at a special cocktail party.
Launceston Program Dates
The commitment is structured to be flexible and manageable.
Here’s what’s involved:
- 18 August, 2025 Virtual onboarding session to set expectations of the program (10am – 11am)
- 25 August, 2025 Workshop 1 – DISC, and Effective Communication
- 20 October, 2025 Webinar with Q&A on board governance, writing and presenting to boards (10am-12pm)
- 24 November, 2025 Workshop 2 – Mock Board meeting, gain valuable board exposure in a non-threatening setting, and Critical Reflection in Practice
- 23 February, 2026 Workshop 3 – Conflict Management and Resolution
- Regular intervals Six 1 hour, 1:1 mentoring sessions with your mentor
- 27 March, 2026 GEMS Cocktail party celebration
Applications close July 24, so there’s still time for the next wave of women to step up, speak out, and grow through GEMS.
Cost of the program: $3,000 plus GST
If you have any questions or want extra materials to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
To register for the program, we ask that you please complete the below MS link to enable all details to be captured to align you with your mentor. GEMS Program 2025.
Online
23 June – Employment Contract Essentials
23 June – Maximising Profitability
7 July – Mastering Budgeting, Forecasting and Cash Flow Management
14 July – How to Analyse and Evaluate Business Performance
Customised training to meet your business needs
TCCI provides customised training solutions to address the specific needs of businesses.
Training, workshops and mentoring can be delivered in the workplace or offsite and can be facilitated to cover a range of skills and issues based on an individual, group or organisational need.
Any of our established Short Courses can be customised to your business.
The TCCI will work with you to
- identify your training, mentoring or coaching requirements
- design a solution to meet your budget, time frame and skills requirements
Some examples of customised training
- Dealing with difficult customers
- Bullying and harassment
- Performance management techniques for managers
Talk to us about your training needs on 1300 559 122 or email training@tcci.com.au
Spread the Word!
Do you have an event or announcement you’d like us to share?
Contact us for more information, mail@dcci.org.au
For information on more upcoming events visit
DCCI Events, What’s On Devonport and paranaple Arts Centre
Not a Member?
Expand Your Circle.
Join Ours.
From exclusive event discounts, Goodstone Group VIP Card offering discounts of up to 20% plus access to Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (TCCI) training and industrial relations support, member benefits offset the small annual fee.
Join Now to Receive Membership Through to 30 June 2026!
