Our Vision

Northern Tasmania, where people, ideas, businesses, and industries thrive and grow

Our Values

Be Connected, Clear, Creative and Curious.

What We Do

NTDC is the Regional Development Body for Northern Tasmania. We are funded by seven northern councils: City of Launceston, Dorset, Northern Midlands, Meander Valley, West Tamar, George Town and Break O’Day. We are tasked with growing Northern Tasmanian prosperity through: Economic development, Regional Collaboration, Advocacy and Communications.

Our team

Chris Griffin,

CEO

Kamal Pokhrel,

Administration & Communications Officer

Fiona Turney,

Project Coordinator

  • Chris, originally from New Zealand, came to Tasmania to take up a Senior Executive role with Tourism Tasmania in 2008, before heading north in late 2012 to found and lead Visit Northern Tasmania.

    When appointed in October 2023 to lead the NTDC team, Chris said “I was delighted to accept the invitation from NTDC’s Board to work with the NTDC team. Over the last 11 years our family has made Northern Tasmania our home, and to continue to champion the development of the region as my day job is an absolute joy.

    To learn more, you can contact Chris on 0402 628 768 or email ceo@ntdc.org.au

  • Fiona and her partner have recently moved to our region from Orange NSW, where she worked as Engagement Manager for Orange 360. In her previous role, she worked closely with a range of stakeholders, local and state government.

    As Project Coordinator, Fiona will bring to NTDC valuable experience and insights in program development, project management and stakeholder engagement.

    To learn more, you can contact Fiona on 0409 988 783 or email fiona@ntdc.org.au

  • Kamal, originally from Nepal, came to Melbourne for a bachelor’s degree in 2017 before heading to Northern Tasmania in 2021 for further education and has recently joined NTDC. Kamal thrives on meeting the unique challenges within NTDC and believes that effective administration and communication are vital for continued success.

    To learn more contact Kamal on 0400 338 410 or email kamal@ntdc.org.au

Our board

Dr Alli Anderson

Chair

Mark Hogarth

Director

David Midson

Director

Linda Kelly

Interim Company Secretary

Freya Griffin

Director

Des Jennings

Director

Greg Kieser

Director

  • Alli has been on the NTDC board since 2020, and was directly appointed to the position of chair in 2021.

    A tourism strategy and research specialist consultant working across Australia, New Zealand and further afield, Alli has a PhD in Urban Design and Tourism, a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning and a Science Degree (honours), and is an associate of the University of Tasmania.

    When asked why NTDC, Alli said “Developing regions has always been my passion. NTDC beings us all the opportunity to live our values through our work with stakeholders to build a powerful, connected and aligned region, with outcomes for the entire community.”

    To learn more contact Dr Alli directly via 0409 334 223 or email allison@ntdc.org.au

  • Linda is the State Manager with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and has worked in various sectors in policy combined with a career with a practical operational working knowledge of agriculture and food production, water utilities and waste recovery recycling operations. She has a Masters of Business Administration and the Company Directors Course Update 2024.

    Linda was fortunate enough to grow up in Taroona, Hobart but has enjoyed furthering her education living and working on the mainland and has returned with a new appreciation of our bountiful and unique northern Tasmania.

    Linda joined the NTDC Board in April 2024.

  • Des has been the General Manager of the Northern Midlands Council since 2014 and a board member with NTDC since 2020. Des is committed to driving the local economy, delivering our vision, and maintaining our regions connectivity, innovation, and liveability.

  • Greg Kieser is the Mayor of George Town, having been first elected to the role in July 2019. Greg has an extensive professional background in information technology, project management, and client engagement with over 25 years’ experience leading major projects for companies such as Cisco Systems, Novell Inc, IBM, and Drop Box. He is now the Principal of his own carpentry and art company, Blacksheep Works. Greg holds qualifications and training in commerce and business administration from the University of Witwatersrand and Charles Sturt University. Greg is heavily engaged with community groups across the North of Tasmania.

    Greg joined the NTDC Board in July 2022.

  • Freya is local to the Northern Tasmanian region, raised on a thriving family-owned dairy farm in the Meander Valley and working in a range of industries from Launceston for much of her marketing communications career.

    Freya's focus is agricultural innovation, with a firm interest in enhancing health and wellbeing outcomes in regional and rural areas. Freya brings insights from leadership management, community engagement, stakeholder management and advocacy campaigns from her experience in entertainment and tourism sectors, media, finance, education, agrifood and healthcare.

  • Mark is a dedicated father of four and a devoted husband to Launceston real estate professional Jessica. He brings over two decades of expertise as a professional accountant, currently in his 11th year at Shaw Contracting, a leading Civil Construction firm.

    Mark’s heart beats for Tasmania's future, with a keen interest in initiatives aimed at retaining and drawing in young talent to our State. With a fervour for sustainable industries and technologies, he believes strongly in environmental stewardship. Outside of work, you'll find him on his mountain bike, on camping adventures, on a run or at the Launceston Aquatic Centre swimming—he is passionate and committed to making a contribution towards building a resilient, vibrant and progressive Tasmania.

    Mark joined the NTDC Board in April 2024.

  • David is a Northern Tasmanian local, growing up in Bridport and Scottsdale. Joining the Royal Australian Navy, David's work took him around Australia and the world. He returned home in 2019 and has since worked in local government and regional development including as General Manager of the West Coast Council. David wants to support communities to use their strengths to grow into better places to live and work. He believes that the North of Tasmania is one of the best places in the world to live and is excited to support the work of NTDC in continuing to improve the region.

    David joined the NTDC Board in April 2024.

Report

What our partners say

  • “NTDC listens to the priorities of its member councils as well as the business sector across the north, and encourages all stakeholders to nominate the projects that will move Northern Tasmania forward.”

    Mary Knowles

    Mayor, Northern Midlands Council

  • "NTDC is a crucial and valued partner for RDA Tasmania in Northern Tasmania who have their finger on the pulse of their stakeholders and bring clear insights and priorities for the region."

    James McKee

    CEO, RDA Tasmania