CEO UPDATE
As we forge ahead toward the end of the year, it’s important to pause and reflect on the progress we’re making not just as an industry, but as a community. Hospitality is built on people, and I’m proud that Hospitality Tasmania continues to lead the nation in prioritising the wellbeing of our workforce and supporting the communities around us. One of our cornerstone achievements this year has been the expansion of our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program with Lifeline Tasmania. More than 200 hospitality workers have now completed MHFA training, equipping them with the skills to better support colleagues, friends, and family experiencing mental ill-health. This work has already saved lives and strengthened workplaces across the state. Building on this, we’re now piloting Talks on Tap – a new initiative that will take conversations on mental health directly into venues, blending food, drinks, and open discussion to create supportive environments that reduce stigma and build resilience. I’m also excited to share that this month marks the official launch of our brand-new HOSPO Health Leaders Program. We’ve onboarded our first ten properties and they’re already underway on their journey. A huge thank you to all the properties that applied – while we could only take ten this year, the strong interest from across the state was fantastic to see. This first group includes participants from right across the state, with a mix of regional accommodation providers, visitor experiences, smaller venues and larger properties. What makes this program so important is that the biggest driver of workplace health and wellbeing is leadership – it needs to start at the top. That’s why this initiative is truly groundbreaking for hospitality.
empower and inspire women across the industry. The upcoming Leading With Impact workshops will explore the unique strengths women bring to leadership, providing practical tools and a collaborative space for growth. This is a program I am particularly proud of – seeing the ripple effect of confidence and capability it creates within our venues has been remarkable. Our partnerships also continue to extend beyond our immediate industry. We’re proud to again be collaborating with November’s Mind Games event, which remains a fun and interactive day all in support of mental health. Likewise, we will soon be announcing a partnership with Home Base and their Dollars for Change initiative, which helps create opportunities and pathways for young people in our community – ensuring hospitality is seen not just as a workplace, but as a force for good. All of these programs reflect what hospitality does best: we bring people together. Whether it’s through a shared meal, a supportive workplace, or a collaborative initiative, our industry is making a genuine difference to the lives of Tasmanians every day. That is something worth celebrating. I would also like to congratulate all the businesses and individuals recognised at our 2025 Awards for Excellence. It was another hugely successful evening, surpassing all our expectations with a massive turnout to celebrate and recognise everything about our wonderful industry. Thank you to all our valued corporate partners who help make the event what it is – Tasmanian hospitality’s night of nights showcasing our world class produce and beverages – and special thanks to our events manager Amy for the power of work she does behind the scenes months in advance to bring the event to life.
Our Women in Leadership Program continues to
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Tasmanian Hospitality Review October/November Edition
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