As winter settles in, bringing much-needed rain, crisp mornings and some truly beautiful sunny days, it’s a timely reminder of how fortunate we are to experience the distinct seasons that make Launceston such a special place to live, work and visit.
With the change in season comes a fresh marketing focus, and we’re excited to be preparing for Unwind, our upcoming winter wellness festival from 13–23 August. This new initiative will bring a range of activations and events to the CBD designed to encourage connection, increase visitation and support local business. With more than half of our CBD businesses operating in the service sector, it has been incredibly encouraging to see the overwhelming response to our Expressions of Interest from businesses across all industries. Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and support.
Our Love Launnie campaign has recently wrapped up after an exciting eight-week run. The campaign saw 2,947 digital entries, and $365,617 in purchases logged through the digital Shopping Passport, showcasing the incredible diversity and strength of our CBD business community. A huge thank you to the 100 retailers who participated. One of the standout successes was hearing local businesses featured on LAFM with BJ and then seeing community members visit those stores to show their support. The visitation results and positive feedback we received throughout the campaign have been truly rewarding.
RSVP now for CBD networking
We’re delighted to launch our first Biz & Bubbles networking event in partnership with the City of Launceston and the Launceston Chamber of Commerce. Taking place on Thursday 23 July, from 5–6.30pm at Nomy Bar & Kitchen, this new event replaces our previous City Champs gatherings. It’s an opportunity to connect with fellow business owners and stakeholders, share insights about your business and the CBD, and hear about exciting initiatives and opportunities happening across our city. You’ll find more details and the registration link in the newsletter below.
Congratulations to all businesses nominated for the Launceston Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards and the Visit Northern Tasmania Tourism Champions Awards! We wish all finalists the very best and encourage everyone to support these important celebrations of business excellence. Ticketing information is included below.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge and thank our incredible team. Their passion, creativity and hard work continue to drive outstanding outcomes for our CBD and business community. We were recently honoured to be named a finalist in the Launceston Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards in the Excellence in Marketing category. We genuinely love what we do, and being recognised in this way is a wonderful achievement and a testament to the dedication of the entire team.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you in the city soon.
Warm regards,
Gab Dicarlantonio
Chief Executive Officer
gab@launcestoncentral.com.au
This July, join us for Biz & Bubbles, CBD business networking
Book now before registration closes 20 July
Join us for a casual evening with fellow business owners, leaders from City of Launceston, Launceston Central, and Launceston Chamber of Commerce. Come to connect over a relaxed drink and some nibbles, and to talk about what’s happening in your business, in the CBD, and hear about great things that are happening in town that you will want to know about.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Eloise Telford | City Heart Engagement and Communications Officer City of Launceston
Dean Cracknell | Co Founder – Executive Director - Doing & Co (formally Town Team Movement)
They will be sharing the city heart story – what it is, why we need it, who can be involved and how you can participate. Spot prizes to be won!
This event is free, but registration is required by EOD 20 July. Click the link below to reserve your spot today.
When Launceston Central welcomes a new businesses into the CBD, we provide them with a welcome packet that includes our stakeholder guide. This gives an overview of who we are, what we do, testimonials from established businesses, further resources available, and how to join our campaigns. To explore the updated guide, please click the link below to view a digital version, available on our website.
Get ready for the return of NORTH Festival! From 8–18 October, NORTH will again celebrate every aspect of Launceston's culinary culture, from the producers to the restaurants, and every course in between. A few updates for this year's festival:
10-day long program across two weekends
Events for both day and night
Exciting cross promotions with other local culinary events (to be announced)
Let your ideas for programming simmer, and look for an expression of interest from Launceston Central in the next month. Questions? Want to talk ideas? Send us an email at info@launcestoncentral.com.au.
Forecasting for busy times can be tricky, but we are here to help. Mark your calendar for these events which may bring extra visitors into our city:
Festival of Voices - various venues (3–9 Jul)
Hawthorn v North Melbourne, first bounce 1.35pm - UTAS Stadium (1 Aug)
Loneliness Awareness Week (3–7 Aug)
Unwind Winter Wellness Festival - various venues (13–23 Aug)
Junction Arts Festival - Princes Square (17–20 Sep)
The Australian Transplant Games (26 Sep–3 Oct)
NORTH Festival - various venues (8–18 Oct)
Start planning for more busy dates in 2026 at the link below:
2026 CareSuper Business Excellence Awards gala dinner tickets now on sale
Member and non-member tickets available now for black tie celebration
Book tickets now for the 2026 CareSuper Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner, Northern Tasmania's premier celebration of business excellence, taking place on Saturday, 8 August.
Join the Launceston Chamber of Commerce for an unforgettable evening at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston to recognise the businesses, organisations and individuals making a lasting impact across our region. Guided by this year's theme, Business for All, the Gala celebrates success in all its forms – from small businesses and start-ups to large organisations, social enterprises and community champions.
For this black tie event, enjoy a three-course dinner, complemented by selected Tasmanian wines and Boag's beer, live entertainment, and the opportunity to connect with business leaders from across Northern Tasmania.
To help celebrate the occasion, the Hotel Grand Chancellor is giving away one night's accommodation for two. Simply purchase your Gala Dinner tickets at the link below by Friday 31 July 2026 to go into the draw.
Nominees announced for 2026 Champions of Tourism Awards
Celebrate the people and businesses from Launceston shaping our visitor economy
On Saturday, 27 August, Visit Northern Tasmania is bringing together tourism operators, industry leaders, partners and stakeholders from across Northern Tasmania for the 2026 Champions of Tourism Awards, to recognises excellence, innovation and contribution across the visitor economy.
Congratulations to the individuals from Launceston CBD businesses, organisations, and events that are among those nominated this year:
agriCULTURED | Sarah Blacklock
Casalinga Gourmet Meats | Rob Perry
City of Launceston | Angie Hart, Dani Barnett, and Abbie Griffiths
Dill Pickle Club | David Micallef and Robyn Schorn
Festivale | Hayley Chugg
Grain of the Silos | Thomas Pirker
Harvest Market | Amanda Woolams
Highclare Estate | Matt and Sarah Hurst
Hotel Verge | Natalie Larsen
Kawan Dining | Efendi and Prebrinawaty
Launceston By Foot | Madi Biggelaar
Rupert and Hound | Karen Burbury
Tamar River Cruises | Laurence Gude
World Street Eats | Allen Crooks and Priscilla McBride
This year’s event will be held at the brand new cellar door and restaurant at Small Wonder. Whether you are a tourism operator, industry partner or supporter of the visitor economy, join VNT for a memorable evening celebrating the passion, resilience and creativity that make Northern Tasmania such a special place to visit. Tickets are limited; book now through 17 August, unless sold out prior.
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