It’s lovely to be back feeling refreshed and excited for the year ahead after spending some special time with family in Italy. We hadn’t seen them since COVID, and the trip really got me reflecting on that post-COVID period when shopping local and supporting one another was so important. It feels like, little by little, many of us have moved away from that mindset and yet it matters so much to our business community. Over the next eight weeks, we’re hoping our current campaign will help shift buying habits and bring back that warm, fuzzy "supporting local" feeling.
Last Saturday, in the Brisbane Street Mall, we launched our Love Launnie campaign to celebrate our wonderful CBD businesses and encourage more shoppers into the city. Shoppers can add their purchases to their digital passports until the end of June 2026 for the chance to win great prizes including the major prize of $2,500 to spend in the CBD at the end of the campaign.
A big shout-out and heartfelt thank you to the amazing 100 retailers who have jumped on board this habit changing campaign. It’s been wonderful for me and the team to pop in over the past few weeks, chat about the campaign, and hear how your businesses are going. We’re really hopeful that Love Launnie will bring plenty of rewards welcoming both new and returning customers through your doors.
A couple of business owners reached out after the campaign EOI had closed, disappointed they’d missed out. It’s a timely reminder that if you’d like to be involved in future campaigns, please make sure you apply as soon as EOIs are announced.
Looking ahead to winter, we’ll be launching our next campaign, Unwind a wellness-focused initiative spotlighting the fantastic local businesses that help keep us all feeling our best. The EOI for Unwind is now open (see this newsletter), so please apply and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.
The Great Regional City Challenge has opened voting for some exciting new initiatives for our beautiful Launnie, and we’d really appreciate your support. If you can spare a minute, please click here to vote for Launceston Central’s Unwind campaign.
Have a wonderful month ahead, and please reach out if you’d like to catch up.
Warm regards,
Gab Dicarlantonio
Chief Executive Officer
gab@launcestoncentral.com.au
Expressions of interest now open for Unwind, a new winter wellness festival
Coming 13-23 August, submit your interest today to join the upcoming festival
It’s wintertime in Launnie: people are hibernating at home; the city is quieter. From 13-23 August, Unwind will transform the CBD into a vibrant wellness precinct inviting people into the city to explore new experiences that relax, enhance wellbeing, and connect.
Showcasing city businesses in the wellness space, Unwind will encourage businesses and community groups to run in-store activations, introductory offers, events, and collaborations that entice people into the CBD over winter.
For businesses, the festival will serve as an incubator to market test new wellness offerings, including evening experiences, with the benefits of professional marketing support, a captive audience, and reduced risk of low attendance.
We invite anyone with a service, experience, or idea that helps people unwind, relax, or connect to consider being a part of the festival. Businesses in the wellness sector include (but are not limited to) spa experiences, beauty, nutrition (including seasonal foods, and dopamine dining), fitness, meditation, art and music, and activities that encourage creativity or mindfulness (e.g pottery, crafting, reading, and painting). Hospitality also plays a key role in helping people to relax and unwind, so events and experiences that holistically combine the two are enthusiastically welcomed.
We hope Unwind will help amplify the voice of businesses in this space and place Launnie firmly on the map for visitors travelling to Tasmania for wellness.
Ready to get on board and be a part of the festival program? Submit your interest at the link below or email us questions at info@launcestoncentral.com.au.
Nominate your business now for the Chamber of Commerce 2026 Business Excellence Awards
Applications must be received by 9am Monday 25 May 2026
The Launceston Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards proudly celebrate the ambition, resilience and innovation driving Northern Tasmania’s business community. In 2026, we mark our 20th anniversary two decades of recognising the businesses and individuals shaping our region’s future. From emerging enterprises to established leaders, the Awards shine a spotlight on those creating impact, backing their people and strengthening our local economy.
Entering the Awards is more than seeking recognition. It is an opportunity to reflect on your achievements, elevate your profile and acknowledge the team behind your success. Proud of the impact your business and team are making? Apply and be part of this milestone year. Open to members and non-members alike, learn more and submit your nominations at the link below.
Free online session for Tasmanian hospitality businesses on managing rising fuel costs impacts with practical advice and Q&A.
Business Tasmania in partnership with Hospitality Tasmania invite you to an online event for practical guidance on how to manage the impact of increased fuel costs. Ongoing global disruptions continue to place pressure on fuel prices and freight costs, creating a challenging environment for Tasmania’s hospitality industry. Join experienced business advisor, Warren Moore from Braddon Business Centre, who also delivers the Tasmanian Government’s New Business Support Service and the Tasmanian Business Advice Service. Warren has analysed many of the direct and anticipated indirect impacts of the current situation that have the potential to effect revenues and costs for hospitality businesses in Tasmania.
For more details and to reserve your spot, head to the link below.
State Growth seeks comments on Small Business Growth Strategy 2036
Submit your response by 2pm Friday 15 May
Department of State Growth, on behalf of the Tasmanian Government, is undertaking targeted consultation to refresh the current Small Business Growth Strategy by reviewing its themes and objectives and capturing any new challenges and opportunities that have emerged in the last four years.
If you are a small business owner, share your views by completing the Small Business Growth Strategy 2036 Consultation Survey or by submitting a written response online, by email or by post.
Consultation will be open until 2pm Friday 15th May 2026. To learn more and complete the survey or make an online submission, visit the website at the link below.
