President’s Message
Welcome to our March e‑news. Over the past month, we’ve been listening to members, partners and stakeholders, and what’s come through clearly is the value placed on connection, strong advocacy and outcomes which genuinely make a difference for business.
That was particularly evident following the Women in Business Summit.
The feedback has been thoughtful and constructive, and I appreciate how openly participants shared what worked and what they’d like to see more of. There’s a clear appetite for practical, real‑world insights, strong local voices alongside high‑quality speakers, and ways to maintain momentum beyond the event itself. That feedback is already shaping our future plans and advocacy.
Advocacy has also been a key focus this month. Alongside chambers and peak industry groups from across the state, we were part of a coordinated push calling for relief on fuel costs. It was encouraging to see that advocacy deliver a tangible outcome, with the temporary halving of the fuel excise and changes to the heavy vehicle road user charge making a difference for businesses and households across Tasmania. It’s a strong example of what can be achieved when we speak with a united voice.
Behind the scenes, planning is progressing well for the Tasmanian Business Conference. From the outset, this was never a one‑off event, but the foundation for something bigger, a platform and a community focused on championing businesses of all sizes with purpose and impact. In 2026, that continues with a deeper focus on connection. This year’s theme, Connection is Key, reflects what underpins a strong business community: sharing knowledge, building capability and unlocking opportunity.
I’m thrilled to share seasoned journalist and broadcaster, Michael Rowland, will be our Conference emcee. Michael brings deep experience, credibility and a sharp understanding of how to guide meaningful conversation, an important part of delivering a high‑quality experience for speakers and delegates alike. While there’s more to share in due course, the focus remains on relevant content, quality speakers and genuine opportunities to connect.
We’ve also continued our regular engagement with local community leaders. Our recent Business and Brew with Devonport City Council gave the business community the opportunity to hear about major projects creating new opportunities for business and industry.
Looking ahead, I’m looking forward to our upcoming Business and Brew with Brendon Gale, CEO and Managing Director of Tasmania Football Club. It’s a chance to hear insights on leadership, culture and performance, and how those lessons translate into business and community resilience. I encourage members to attend, connect and bring your questions.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support.
The strength of DCCI is in its members, have a lovely Easter break and I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming events.
Claire Connelly
President, Devonport Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Living City Business – Supporting Businesses to Thrive, so Devonport Prospers.
Media Releases
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
Business & Brew | 15 April 2026
The Business of Football
This month’s Business & Brew is one you won’t want to miss.
Brendon Gale is the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of the Tasmania Football Club, a role he has held since February 2025, leading the establishment of the AFL’s 19th licence and the creation of a new club from the ground up.
Brendon will be providing an overview of the club, programs, player lists, high-performance facility, revenue projections, workforce, memberships, commercial partnerships, VFL program, images of facilities, community participation.
Kickstart your day with a cuppa (& a muffin), connection, and conversation at Business & Brew – the Devonport Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s monthly morning meet-up designed to keep you informed, connected, and inspired.
RSVP: Registrations close 12.00pm, Monday, 13 April 2026.
Enquiries to Yvonne, 0409 415 981
Save the Date – Upcoming Events
Add these events to your calendar now to ensure you don’t miss out!
Other News
Business Tasmania New Website
The team at Business Tasmania are thrilled to share with you that our revamped Business Tasmania website is now live!
A few fantastic new features can be found on the website including:
A grant and funding finder; for businesses to see all available grants through the Department, and a filter to find what’s available for them
A tools and support finder; designed to place all resources and support services in a convenient location where they are easier to find
Updated content that is easier to navigate, up to date with modern business practices and support at the forefront.
See the updates for yourself here: www.business.tas.gov.au
Are you on Linkedin?
To better connect with our small business community online, they have launched a Linkedin profile. They will be sharing daily updates on small business news, grant and funding programs, regulatory updates, new events, news from our key stakeholders and more.
If you are on Linkedin, they would love to connect! Follow along here: www.linkedin.com/company/businesstasmania/
Do you use Business Tasmania’s branding or brochures?
As part of the website project, the look and feel of Business Tasmania has been elevated. If you use our wordmark (logo) or any other graphic in your collateral, or you stock any of our printed brochures, please get in touch and we will send you the updated files and brochures.
Business Tasmania look forward to seeing their community engage with their new website and Linkedin profile. Please reach out to the team on 1800 440 026 or ask@business.tas.gov.au if you have any questions.
BRAND TASMANIA
Using your Tasmanian Story: How to weave your identity into your marketing
Brand Tasmania have a follow-up workshop to the Storytelling session we did recently. This one is called ‘Using your Tasmanian Story: How to weave your identity into your marketing’. It is also hosted by Penny Terry and will be online.
You’ve done the work of shaping your story, but are you using it?
Does your website, your emails and social posts reflect what makes your work worth choosing, and why it matters that it’s done here in Tasmania? Or do you find yourself defaulting to features, updates and information?
What would change if your content showed how your process, your place, and your choices shape what you offer — and why that matters to your customer?
This two-hour online workshop focusing on how to use your story in your marketing.
Led by storyteller Penny Terry, the session introduces a simple way to match the right part of your story to the right moment in your customer journey. You’ll learn how to take one story and adapt it across social media, email, website and in-person conversations without overthinking it, and without losing what makes your work distinctly Tasmanian.
This is an online, practical session. You’ll be working throughout, making decisions quickly, and leaving with something you can use straight away.
They are running two sessions:
Wednesday 15 April from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
https://events.humanitix.com/using-your-tasmanian-story-online-12-2
Wednesday 15 April from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
https://events.humanitix.com/using-your-tasmanian-story-online-4-6
From TCCI
WR Lunchtime Lowdown Series
30-min bite-sized lunchtime sessions, Abbey, TCCI Senior Workplace Relations Consultant, will walk you through what your rights and responsibilities.
Right to Disconnect – Tue, 21 Apr, 12pm – 12:30pm
Performance Management Issues and Misconduct – Thu, 30 Apr, 12pm – 12:30pm
Get Involved
Interested in Sponsoring a Breakfast Meeting in 2026?
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.
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
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Member Benefits
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Resources & Advice
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Community
Get to meet your local business colleagues at one of our events.
As a valued member of our chamber, you have access to exclusive benefits and offers that can help boost your business.
Member Discounts:
Enjoy discounts on chamber events, professional development opportunities, services and offers from fellow members.
Dinner Discounts:
Up to 20% discounts at Goodstone food and beverage outlets across the NW Coast.
Advertising Opportunities:
Get featured in our newsletter, website, and social media platforms at special member rates.
Sponsorships:
Take advantage of sponsorship opportunities to promote your brand at our high-profile events. If you’re interested in sponsoring an event contact us at mail@dcci.org.au.
Training & Support:
Access specialised programs designed along with industrial relations support services through the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
