Happy Autumn! As the leaves begin to turn and Launceston starts to glow with that unmistakable seasonal magic, we’re stepping into one of the most beautiful times of the year.
Our team is gearing up for a vibrant Autumn and Winter, filled with exciting activations and campaigns designed to bring fresh energy, new customers, and renewed momentum into our CBD. These months are traditionally quieter, but together, we have the opportunity to transform them into a season of growth, creativity, and stronger-than-ever community spirit.
We’re blending innovative new ideas with some much‑loved favourites to make sure our CBD feels alive, inviting, and full of reasons for people to explore. Keep an eye on your inbox for Expressions of Interest; your involvement will help make your business shine throughout these upcoming initiatives.
This week, we’re thrilled to launch Bao‑a‑licious! Please encourage your friends, family, and customers to get involved and visit the 8 participating venues. It’s a fantastic chance to enjoy delicious food, discover a new place to eat, vote for the Best Bao in Launceston, and even go in the draw to win a voucher to spend in the CBD. Truly, everyone wins!
Wishing you a successful month of trading, and a little time to step back and appreciate just how magical Launnie is in March.
Warm regards,
Gab Dicarlantonio
Chief Executive Officer
gab@launcestoncentral.com.au
P.S. - Don’t forget to tag us on socials so that we can share on our social media channels!
Road closures and big crowds in the CBD for Thoroughfare
Saturday 28 March, 5.00am - midnight | St John St, Brisbane St
Produced by the City of Launceston, Launceston’s laneways will come alive on Saturday 28 March from 11.30am to 9.00pm for Thoroughfare, a free, full-day celebration of street culture. The city centre will be filled with art, skateboarding, live music and food.
ROAD CLOSURES
The following streets will be closed to vehicles from 5.00am on 28 March until midnight:
St John Street from Paterson to York
Brisbane Ave from St John St to George
Activations will also take place in the Brisbane and Quadrant Malls.
CAPITLISE ON THE CROWDS
City of Launceston is expecting thousands of attendees for this community event, and local businesses will have the opportunity to benefit from the increased foot traffic. And unlike largescale ticketed events at Royal Park, City Park, and Riverbend, all of the action for Thoroughfare will take place in the heart of the city. Want to attract attendees to spend in between the entertainment? Here are a few ideas:
Consider the customer and promote products, services, or food items that you think will appeal to art lovers.
Show your appreciation for the arts and host an in-store event on the day that highlight culture, such as a live art demo, talk, or musical performance.
Be ready! Promote your hours and specifically mention Thoroughfare, e.g. In town for Thoroughfare today? We are open between x-x.
Ready to be a part of this vibrant activation? Let us know what you plan to do so we can promote it! Email us at info@launcestoncentral.com.au with details.
Offer a helping hand and let customers know 'I'm Local'
FREE badges available during weekdays, 9am - 5pm throughout March | 15 Quadrant Mall
Local business owners know that leaving a good impression, and giving newcomers more to explore in Launnie, keeps them coming back. The Great Regional City Challenge (GRCC), in partnership with Launceston Central, offer an opportunity to share wisdom with new customers: a badge which says: “I’m Local Ask Me”. These free badges can be collected this March from 15 Quadrant Mall for anyone who would like to make our visitors and newcomers welcome.
You don’t need to be an expert, just helpful. And if you don’t know an answer, being local, you can stop another Launnie local and ask them if THEY know! Simple and fun. A limited number of badges are now available 9am-5pm weekdays at 15 Quadrant Mall, opposite Gourlays. Questions? Contact Owen Tilbury, team@greatregionalcity.com.au, 0407 501 287
Still time to join our Launnie Long-standers campaign
Join our series celebrating local businesses that have operated in Launceston for +10 years
You still have time to join our 2026 Launnie Long-standers campaign, but space is limited! This monthly feature will highlight the story of your business on our website, social media, and in print ads. The expression of interest will remain open until all spots are filled. Click the link below to submit.
Tuesday 17 March, two sessions available, 12 - 2pm and 5 - 7pm | Du Cane Brewing
Hosted by The van Diemen Project, the Tasmanian Small Business Expo is designed to give small business owners, entrepreneurs, and supporters what they need most: practical insights, meaningful connections, and access to resources that make running a business easier. Whether you’re looking for strategies to grow, tools to streamline your operations, or inspiration to take the next step, this event is built to deliver value you can use immediately. The conference begins at 10am with guest speakers, followed by two networking sessions at lunch and after work hours.
This event is free and open to walk-ins, but registration is encouraged. Click the link below to learn more.