President’s Message
Dear Members and Friends,
Celebrating a Milestone for Business in Devonport – What a Month!
On 15 and 16 May 2025, the Devonport Chamber of Commerce & Industry proudly hosted the inaugural Tasmanian Business Conference and Women in Business Summit – a bold new venture designed to deliver world-class business events in our region.
From the build-up of anticipation and adrenaline to the post-event exhaustion – the emotional ride has been as unforgettable as the events themselves.
I’ve been absolutely blown away by the support, feedback and momentum sparked by these events. Over 220 delegates from across Tasmania joined us for two days of inspiring keynotes, thought-provoking panels, and meaningful connections. When we set out to create these events our vision was simple – but bold:
- Create a program which empowers business owners and professionals across all sectors.
- Deliver events that rival the quality, insight and experience you’d expect from a capital city.
- Prove we could do it in Devonport – affordably without compromise.
Thanks to our incredible community, mission accomplished.
A heartfelt thanks to everyone involved – especially our sponsors, partners, speakers, and many volunteers behinds the scenes. And a special shoutout to Steve Gunther from Ascend Events Group for his expert event coordination and attention to detail. You can check out the event highlights and photos below.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned – we’ll be sharing more conference content, insights, and resources via email and our social channels soon.
Next month, we’re also launching our new Connect event series – Business & Beverages – an informal gathering designed to broaden our reach and bring members, and non-members, together to build relationships, share ideas, and strengthen our business community in a relaxed setting.
Thank you for your continued support of business in Devonport and beyond. I look forward to seeing you at an event soon.
Warm Regards,
Claire Connelly
President, Devonport Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Welcome to our Newest Members
Welcome to our new members! We are thrilled to have a diverse range of members from various sectors joining our growing network. With over 150 businesses and individuals now represented, we aim to ensure our ideas and opinions are well-informed and truly reflective of the business community.
Recent Events
The Tasmanian Business Conference & Women in Business Summit
Day One: TBC – Future-Focused, Big Picture and Insightful
The conference opened with global futurist Michael McQueen, whose keynote Preparing Now for What’s Next offered strategies to thrive amid disruption. His message: adaptability is your greatest asset.
Economist Stephen Koukoulas followed with a sharp independent economic outlook, tailored for Tasmanian businesses.
Expert Communications Strategist, Kirryn Zerna, reminded us of the importance of human connection in a digital age.
We closed the day with a powerhouse keynote from Dr. Catriona Wallace: AI and the Future of Humanity – insightful, slightly terrifying and deeply thought-provoking.
MC Scott Ko held the day together bringing energy and curiosity, helping the audience lean in, reflect and laugh.
Day Two: WBS – Brave, Bold and Brilliant
The tone shifted for the Women in Business Summit – a day of strength, honesty and inspiration. We explored personal and powerful themes including:
- Economic Security for All Women Stephen Koukoulas
- The Imposter Phenomenon with the Dr. Terri Simpkin
- Amplifying Your Success with Rachel Downie
- The 3 Cs of Success with our phenomenal host, Petris Lapis
Petris, was a standout. Her warmth, humour, and unforgettable welcome chant of “We Will Rock You” set the tone for a day full of connection.
A highlight was the Diversity and Inclusion Panel, presented by Sedo Group, where four remarkable women – Diem, Kate, Rosie, and Patricia – shared powerful stories with courage and conviction. It was vulnerable, bold, and moving.
Upcoming Events
Breakfast Meetings
Are you confidently presenting your brand, or could your marketing and communications strategy use a refresh?
Whether you’re shaping a new approach or refining an existing one, this session will dive into essential strategies for effective messaging, engagement, and brand presence.
We’ll explore:
- What does a social media strategy look like and why it’s important
- How to plan and action your strategy
- Actionable tips to refine your approach and improve audience connection
Join us for an insightful discussion, packed with practical guidance and real-world examples, to ensure your strategy stands out and delivers results.
Location: Paranaple Convention Centre, 137 Rooke Street, Devonport
Date: Wednesday 11 June 2025 Time: 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Cost: $35 (Members) $40 (Non-Members)
Save the Date – New Upcoming Events
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
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
Clifford Craig Foundation
The Clifford Craig Foundation is a leading health promotion charity dedicated to improving hospital and healthcare access for communities in North and North West Tasmania.
Their mission is to invest in:
- Translational medical research
- Health staff education and training
- Medical equipment acquisition
- Community-driven health promotion
Through these initiatives, they strive to enhance health and wellbeing for individuals accessing hospital and health services across our region.
In March 2025, we welcomed the Clifford Craig Foundation as a DCCI Corporate Member.
Representing the Foundation is Laura Wiggers, Laura joined the Foundation to support the expansion of our health equity initiatives across the North West Coast. Laura grew up in Spreyton and now lives in Ulverstone with her husband and young family. Laura is extremely passionate about improving high quality clinical care, access to medical equipment and tailored localised health initiatives.
If you would like to learn more or be part of future events and research activities, feel free to reach out to Laura via email on lwiggers@cliffordcraig.org.au
Rotary Club of Devonport North – 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner Invitation
President Leigh and the members of the Rotary Club of Devonport North warmly invite DCCI members to join us for a prestigious Gala Dinner as we celebrate an incredible milestone—our 50th anniversary.
Step into a golden evening of friendship, service, and community impact, marking five decades of remarkable contributions. This special night promises to be filled with cherished memories, inspiring stories, and joyful celebration.
Location: paranaple Convention Centre, 137 Rooke Street, Devonport
Date: Saturday, 14 June 2025 Time: 6:00 PM
Cost: $85.00 per person
Register online before 2nd June, 2025 or alternatively, visit www.rotarydevnorth.org.au for more details.
Many DCCI members share a long-standing association with the club, and we would be delighted to welcome them and their partners to this milestone occasion.
We look forward to commemorating 50 years of impact together!
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 services our member benefits offset the small annual fee.
Join Now to Receive Membership Through to 30 June 2026!
