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LGAT News December 201142

tourism and events

As an event or conference and meeting organiser for your Council, have you ever been frustrated with a lack of a venue that can meet your needs? Have you found a venue that’s just a space that requires you to separately source and negotiate the bringing in of a whole lot more equipment? Have you ever felt restricted in not being able to market and promote to best highlight your location and natural assets? Have you ever looked at assets that for most of the year have not been utilised to best advantage and return on investment? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the $15 million investment by the State Government to revamp the old Princes Wharf No 1 Shed may provide some answers.

Here’s why. The Shed, as we knew it, is no more. The City of Hobart and Tasmania now has a national

class venue that can be actively marketed to national conferences, commercial exhibitions and large scale theatre productions, through to dinners and a wide range of community events. The refurbished Princes Wharf No 1 is now up to national standards and adds a competitive dynamic to the local venue scene.

It also has a management structure and systems to enable maximum effectiveness in using the venue. Following an open, national tender process, the State Government awarded the management contract for Princes Wharf No 1 to Melbourne firm, Venue Management Services (VMS), in conjunction with Hobart-based National Strategic Services. The Minister for Tourism, Scott Bacon, declared VMS an ideal choice to manage and market the facility. Its successful experience in managing similar high-profile locations was vital to the appointment.

New Venue, Flexible SolutionsALAN RIDER, EVENT DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTEvents Tasmania


tourism and events

43December 2011 LGAT News

tourism and events

Gala dinner setting after the renovationPhotography courtesy of Venue Management Services

Mr Bacon said the Princes Wharf No 1 venue is an iconic part of Hobart’s waterfront.

“Popular Tasmanian events like MONA FOMA, the Taste and the Wooden Boat Festival will have a wonderful showcasing venue as well as it being the basis for attracting entirely new creative experiences,” the Minister said.

The Minister expressed a strong desire for cooperation between stakeholders to ensure a smooth process for hirers. VMS will work closely with TasPorts, who control the wharf apron and paddock areas adjacent to and between the wharfs. The Hobart City Council has taken over the management of licences required to run an event at Princes Wharf No 1.

The State Government, through Events Tasmania, is currently overseeing a review of pricing structures to reflect the full range of potential users from fully commercial, through to grass-roots, non-commercial community organisations. The overriding principle will be one of a dialogue and negotiation process as a result of a self-assessment by the particular

organisation of how and where it sees itself and the elements that go to make up the potential event.

Managing Director of VMS, Saxon Mitchell, said they are very excited about bringing in expertise and systems developed in Victoria and Queensland to Tasmania. VMS has had a successful track record in providing comprehensive venue management in venues such as town halls, civic centres, art galleries and performing arts centres.

“For the first time organisations hiring Princes Wharf No 1 don’t need to hire toilets, heating, lights, power and seating. It is clean and has a smooth, washable, level floor,” he said. “So now that everything is in place, setting up an event is much simpler for hirers, and there is less need to bring in extra equipment.” he said.

VMS is keen to help Tasmanian businesses and local organisations use Princes Wharf No 1 to the maximum extent possible. For enquiries, phone 1300 304 200.


tourism and events


tourism and events

Years of collaborative planning and work between three councils in Tasmania’s North-East to develop the Trail of the Tin Dragon has passed another important milestone with the unveiling of ‘The Chinese Experience’ at the St Helens Visitor Information Centre by Tourism Minister Scott Bacon.

The Trail of the Tin Dragon steering committee, chaired by Dorset Councillor Peter Partridge, has worked since 2004 to bring this $5 million project to life. According to Clr Partridge, its work has reflected the commitment on the part of Dorset, Break O’Day and Launceston City Councils to developing new tourism experiences and product in the North-East of Tasmania.

The Trail of the Tin Dragon identifies and acknowledges the contribution that the Chinese miners made to the late nineteenth century ‘Tin Rush’ in the North-East. It follows the history of Chinese tin miners who worked in the region and invites visitors to follow in their footsteps and discover their stories.

“This is a unique part of our heritage that has been overlooked for too long,” Clr Partridge said. “The Chinese Experience will complement the reestablishment of the original Welborough Chinese Temple or Joss House in the new Royal Park Queen Victoria Gallery in Launceston.”

Other key attractions include the Tin Dragon Interpretation Centre and Café, local history museum and old gaol at Derby. Here, visitors can feel the power of the 1929 floods that devastated the town, and more developments are on the way at Welborough and Moorina. With the number of Chinese visiting Australia set to grow dramatically over the next decade, the Tin Dragon Trail is set to breathe fire into local tourism development.

Trail attractions can be accessed via www.trailofthetindragon.com.


tourism and events

Regional Trail of the Tin Dragon Comes to Life

At the 2011 Tasmanian Travel and Leisure Expo, held at Hobart’s newly refurbished Princes Wharf No 1 Shed in September, Glamorgan Spring Bay Mayor Bertrand Cadart received an inaugural award acknowledging his municipality’s friendliness to touring motorcyclists.

The award was presented by Shaun Lennard, Chairman of the Australian Motorcycle Council, on behalf of the Road Rider magazine, Australia’s most popular publication with touring motor cyclists. Editor in Chief, Peter Thoeming, intends to make it an annual award, hoping to encourage other municipalities to follow Glamorgan Spring Bay’s lead.

When the Australian Motorcycle Council holds its AGM in Hobart in August 2012, Shaun Lennard will meet delegates from the Spirit of Tasmania, then lead them on a tour of the State. The Freycinet Coast, with its motorcycle friendly roads, will be a highlight of the tour.

(L-R) Mayor Bertrand Cadart being presented the Road Rider Award by Shaun Lennard,

Chairman of the Australian Motorcycle Council, in recognition of Glamorgan Spring Bay’s

motorcycle friendly roads

Glamorgan Spring Bay Awarded for Motorcycle Friendly Initiative


tourism and events

Around 350 purebreds and bitzers strutted their stuff on the dog walk at Clarence City Council’s Dog’s Day Out, held on 2 October. Around 1,000 participants enjoyed a day of fun and frivolity with their furry family members including helpful activities, and stalls for dogs and dog lovers.

Event Coordinator, Wendy Moles, said there were people in the community who prepared their pups every year for the event, taking significant time and effort to create some truly amazing outfits.

Popular features of the day included agility course and obedience demonstrations run by the Hobart and Clarence Obedience Clubs, and competitions including best costume, smallest and biggest dogs, and most-like-owner. Vets were on-site providing free advice, as well as a range of stalls from canine advocacy groups and specialty stores. Live music was provided by The Hobart Smiths and children were entertained by craft activities and face painting.

Clarence Canines not too Sexy for the Dog Walk


C M Y K

C M Y K

Celebrating 100 Years of Service

to Local Government

2011 Local Government Awards

for Excellence Winners

Lord Mayor Hangs his Hat

Communicate your way to

Constitutional Recognition

Statewide Community Satisfaction

Survey Results

100th Anniversary Edition

SEPTEMBER 2011P.P. No. 732578/00016

Mike Roberts on (03) 6394 7383

Email: [email protected]

To advertise in this magazine contact

tourism and events

Photography by David Bellamy

BURNIEOcean View Motel

253 Bass Highway, Cooee, Tas 7320Phone: (03) 6431 1925 Fax: (03) 6431 1753Email: [email protected]: www.burniebeachaccommodation.com.au

Recently renovated and refurbished King and Queen units with balconies or patios offering amazing views of Bass Strait, the beach and the coast. Self-contained kitchens, bathrooms, wide screen TVs and DVDs.

new venue, flexible solutions - lgat.tas.gov.au · to follow in their footsteps and discover their...

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