Update from the EO

Hello to all of our wonderful businesses,

As winter settles in, Launceston is coming to life in new and cosy ways. With seasonal campaigns rolling out, activations taking shape, and exciting plans on the horizon, there’s a real warmth growing across the city – and it's a great time to be a part of it.

The Lounge 2025 – We've secured a space!

We’re so excited to share that The Lounge will return this winter and we’ve just secured our new home at 111–113 St John Street (the old Gamesworld Plus building). The space is a perfect blank canvas for us, and we’re already starting to plan the setup, programming and roster of activities.

Like last year, The Lounge will be a warm, welcoming drop-in space open during the day for anyone who needs a place to pause, connect, or just take a break. We’ll be bringing back live music, sensory-friendly hours, creative moments and of course – the cosy couches.

If you’d like to be part of it this year – whether as a volunteer host, event contributor or sponsor – I’d love to hear from you. This project is a huge team effort, and we’re already feeling the community support rolling in again.

George Street Dining Deck Trial – Outcome announced

City of Launceston has completed its evaluation of the George Street Dining Deck Trial, which ran from December 2024 to March 2025 as part of the City Heart Place Plan. The trial successfully contributed to the city’s vibrancy by creating an ‘eat street’ feel, decreasing average traffic speeds by 2 km/h, and generating high levels of community engagement.

Key findings included strong local usage, positive sentiment from 68% of survey respondents, and a clear appetite for improving atmosphere through greenery and activation. Concerns were noted around reduced parking and accessibility. Based on the results, Council has supported a continuation of the dining decks under 12-month licence agreements. There’s an opportunity for businesses to work together on cross-promotion, and further improvements are being explored for lighting, accessibility, and urban design.

NORTH Festival EOIs now open

Expressions of Interest are now open for NORTH Festival 2025! If you’re in hospitality, arts, food, or just have a creative idea you’d love to see on the program, this is your chance to get involved.

Looking for inspo..?

• Long Table Dining – Think laneway or courtyard dinners, intimate wine cellars, or communal tables with shared feasts.
• Meet the Maker – Invite a local grower, distiller, brewer, or producer to co-host and speak about their craft.
• Themed Tastings – Gin flights, wine pairings, chocolate and cheese combos, or curated tasting paddles.
• Workshops & Masterclasses – Host a pasta-making session, a fermentation class, cocktail crafting, or baking basics.
• Pop-Ups & Collabs – Partner with another venue, chef, or food truck for a one-off experience.
• Live Music Nights – Combine music and food in a relaxed setting to draw a diverse audience.
• High Tea or Brunch Events – Elegant, daytime offerings are always popular and accessible.
• Producer-led Dinners – Build a menu around one local supplier’s seasonal ingredients.

The festival is running from 8 - 22 October this year, and we’re building the biggest and most dynamic program yet. Whether you want to host a special dinner, create a tasting experience, showcase local talent or try something a little off-beat – we’d love to chat.

Madi Biggelaar

Interim Executive Officer

Launceston Central