Proposed new Tasmanian Food Incubator
A team of food and business consultants in Tasmania (Australia) led by MacTavish West and incorporating The VanDiemen Project and the University of Tasmania, have submitted an application to the Australian Federal government to assist Tasmanian food, beverage, agri-food and agri-tourism startups develop the capabilities required to capture a niche in local and overseas markets.
If successful, proposed Seedlab Tasmania, will be the first of its type in Tasmania, growing Tasmania’s food exports, and contributing to our food, agri-food, research and innovation culture.
The aim of the programme is to guide each participant through a rigorous, codified process to evaluate their idea(s), to identify if they represent an opportunity worth pursuing, and whether the resources needed can be harnessed. Moreover, the likely benefits and costs, in terms of financial, personal and family will be canvassed to offer an important welfare dimension. Data, analysis and pragmatic, careful reasoning will be emphasised, so that astute decisions and planning occurs. The ultimate aim is to de-risk growth and to future-proof growth for potential export. And to increase the likelihood of success in a challenging market.
NTDC is a strong supporter of the proposed Seedlab Tasmania as NTDC believe this incubator is essential for Tasmania and we look forward to including the incubator as an important part of our strategy into the future.
If you know of or you are a Startup business in Tasmania and interested in getting involved – here’s a handy link for you to register – Click here!
Northern Tasmanian Food Network Food & Beverage Innovation Workshop
Participants were inspired by real-life examples of product and brand diversification done well (or not), empowered with tools to use in their own businesses to obtain meaningful consumer feedback, received tips and tricks to improve product safety and consistency and inspired to develop marketing and promotional activities, whilst making meaningful local connections.
To be informed about more events like this head over to The Van Diemen Project, Northern Tasmania Food Network and Food Innovation Hub Facebook pages and give them a like and follow.


The key outcomes were as follows:
- Brand Tasmania have committed to coordinate workshops that help farmers develop their personal stories and provenance that will be of interest to premium customers (including restaurant chefs around the world)
- Potential for processors to contract to kill lambs at a reasonable price and quantity to service new markets
* This work is ongoing as we all navigate through the complexities of potentially dealing with premium direct interstate and international customers. If you would like to know more please contact: Maree Tetlow at maree@ntdc.org.au.
NTDC has been promoting Bell Bay’s as a perfect location for a Renewable Energy Hub including a Hydrogen Energy Plant as a complementary strategy to the State Government’s priority of Project Marinus and the Batter of the Nation.
NTDC is working closely with the Office of the Coordinator General, Hydro Tasmania, George Town Council and the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone to ensure we assist a number of proponents considering demonstration Hydrogen Energy projects at Bell Bay. Bell Bay has a lot of obvious advantages: it is a designated heavy industrial area; access to a deep-water port; land for developing a new plant; and access to a well-skilled workforce and sub-contractors at the precinct.
Discussions and site inspections are ongoing and we look forward to the potential of positive announcements in the weeks to come.
For more information from the Federal Government Working Group click here.
It is NTDC’s pleasure to announce the new “Make it Launceston and The North East” website.
It is a subset of the Make it Tasmania website which aims to showcase the beauty and potential of Tasmania. The creation of a Launceston and North East section underpins the need for the region to be well represented to investors and new entrants alike.
NTDC has been working with State Growth and other key stakeholders to create this section and we are grateful for the successful launch, which allows businesses, schools and the lifestyle of Northern Tasmania to be showcased to the world. Thereby attracting the desired skillsets, businesses, families and investors to the region.

Launceston is a city of diverse and varying employment opportunity and boasts a strong health industry. This became immediately evident to Roberto when he arrived in Northern Tasmania 15 years ago in 2004.
“The community welcomed me and my family with open hands”.
These were the words of Roberto De Souza as he sat down with Edward to discuss his experience so far in the region. Roberto had first heard of Australia from a friend during his university days in the United States who told about the wonderful climate, the food, lifestyle and family-friendly communities in Northern Tasmania. Originally from Brazil, Roberto sought to live in a place that was open to diverse cultures and had the necessary business environment for him to pursue his career and Tasmania seemed to fit that description.

After his arrival in Launceston through a skilled immigration visa, he promptly found a job in his profession, as a Chiropractor and before long Roberto had set up his own practice and has since expanded in branches and offerings.
“Northern Tasmania has endless possibilities.”
Robert and his partner have built careers in two of the many career paths offered by the Northern Tasmanian healthcare industry.
His suggestion to the NTDC is to “get the word out” as Northern Tasmania will surely be attractive for anyone who knows about it.
In John’s absence;
Greg Bott will be Acting Chair from 10th June until 22nd July; and
Sue Kilpatrick will be Acting Chair from 23rd July until 3rd September.
If there are any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the office via details below.
2019 AWARDS AT A GLANCE
- An important initiative as part of the Tasmanian Trade Strategy 2019-2025
- 13 national categories / 3 Tasmania-specific categories including Women in Export and Young Exporter (new for 2019)
- Applications close 9 August
- Applications judged by an independent panel
- Awards event on 19 September in Launceston, Including a networking function for finalists and sponsors, Awards Ceremony and evening cocktail event
- Winners progress to the National Awards, Canberra in December
- An opportunity for businesses to build their profile, stand out as an industry leader, be recognised for their exporting success
A summary of the categories is attached. Detailed information about the eligibility criteria, benefits of and tips for applying, and the online application form can be found at 2019 Tasmanian Export Awards.
Special Response and Counter-Terrorism
Public Communication Strategies.
National release: Escape | Hide | Tell
Pre, during & post incident public communications considerations
60 second security plan
Click here to register.
No RSVP required. Enquiries to Christine Beswick
Head along and hear from University of Tasmania PhD Candidates about their latest research findings in this free lecture.
– Microbiome: The new clinical frontier
– The Socio-Ecology of Wildlife Conservation on Private Land
– Changes in the Surface Waters of the Southeast Pacific and Beyond
– Living Long or Living Well: Dilemmas older people face when considering dialysis
You are invited to participate in the Launceston heat for the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition.
What is 3MT?
3MT is an annual competition that challenges Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates to effectively explain their research in three minutes in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. It is an excellent opportunity for candidates to develop their academic, presentation and research communication skills. It can also generate media interest in the research, it’s fun and candidates can win amazing prizes!
Join the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rufus Black and alumnus Dr Simon Longstaff AO in-conversation.
At this forum, four youth leaders will represent a diversity of approaches to a range of issues. It will explore the importance of integrity in leadership and the capacity of youth leadership to influence wider social debates and outcomes.
The 15 hectare Estate, first laid out in the 1850s to reflect the formal landscaping of an English Country residence, has undergone many subtle changes while retaining the basics of the original design. The lecture will trace these changes in the garden’s structure and uses.