02/10/2026
A wonderful night celebrating past history of the region and the exciting future ahead for the glorious Derwent Valley & Central Highlands region -the river, landscape, seasons, events, businesses and our people. DVCHTA brings these together and we would love you to be part of what comes next!!
A great night for tourism in the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands 💛
Last night we brought tourism businesses, community organisations, councils and regional partners together at the Derwent Valley Boat House for a Tourism Networking Evening.
It was a chance to look back at where tourism in our region has come from - and look ahead to where we’re going.
From the early days of visitors travelling up the Derwent, to the long history of the New Norfolk Regatta, the development of tourism promotion and the many events that have brought people to our region over the years.
We also heard how that story continued through Rivers Run, Derwent Valley Tasmania and the formation of DVCHTA - and about the work happening now.
Since incorporation, events have been a big part of that story:
🍁 Tasmanian Autumn Festival
🚤 New Norfolk Regatta
🛍️ High Street Alive
Different events, but a common purpose - creating reasons for people to visit, supporting local businesses, bringing people together and encouraging visitors to explore more of our region.
And importantly, these things don’t happen in isolation.
They happen because businesses, volunteers, community organisations, councils, tourism bodies and individuals get involved.
That’s what we’re hoping to build on.
Thank you to everyone who came along and contributed to the evening, and a special thank you to our speakers:
Alex Heroys Destination Southern Tasmania - welcome address
Cally Lyons Rathmore - a history of tourism in our region
Gerald Ellis Meadowbank - Derwent Valley Tasmania 2016-2022
Michael Smith - DVCHTA 2023-26
Wesley Young Derwent Valley Council
Kat Cullen Central Highlands Council
Josie Kelman Derwent Catchment Project
And thank you to the New Norfolk Rowing Club for hosting us.
If you couldn’t make it, the presentations are now available to watch on YouTube (link in comments).
📸 Sharmaine Mansfield