can provide, and subsequently generated enquiries for business investment. Followup negotiations have since resulted in new partnerships and initiatives, including potential plans for eco-tourism and agribusiness ventures.
Policy Support Government representatives who attended the event gained a deeper understanding of the region’ s potential, leading to discussions about future funding and policy support. The Tasman Council has already seen increased interest to provide support for infrastructure projects as a result.
Community Pride The campaign fostered a sense of pride among Tasman residents, who saw their region’ s strengths celebrated on a larger stage. The Think Tasman and Here We Are videos will be enduring legacy items from the campaign that residents have embraced. This pride has translated into increased local engagement and initiatives to further enhance the region’ s offerings.
LESSONS LEARNED The Think Tasman campaign offers valuable lessons for other remote and regional areas seeking to promote themselves:
Think Big Even small municipalities can achieve significant results with the right strategy, vision and partnerships.
Focus on Strengths Highlighting unique local assets creates a compelling and authentic narrative.
Engage Creatively Innovative approaches, such as film and music, can enhance storytelling and create emotional connections.
Collaborate Locally Strong partnerships within the community amplify resources and impact. Working together in collaboration with the council, and amongst producers, is a key success factor for the region.
Follow Through Post-event engagement and follow-up are critical to sustaining momentum and turning interest into tangible quantitative and qualitative outcomes.
CONCLUSION The THINK TASMAN campaign is a testament to the potential of small municipalities to achieve big results in economic development. By leveraging its unique assets and employing creative storytelling, the Tasman Council has demonstrated that even the most remote regions can attract attention and investment. As economic developers continue to face the challenge of promoting unseen but valuable areas, the lessons from the THINK TASMAN campaign provide a blueprint for success. With its emphasis on authenticity, collaboration and innovation, the campaign has not only elevated the Tasman region but also set a new standard for regional economic development.
REFERENCES
( NIEIR), N. I.( 2025, January 28). State Growth Tasmania economic profile. Retrieved from. idcommunity: https:// economy. id. com. au / tasmania / gross-product? WebID = 350
Australian Bureau of Statistics.( 2021). Tasman. Retrieved from abs. gov. au: https:// www. abs. gov. au / census / find-census-data / quickstats / 2021 / LGA65210
Barnett, G.( 2024, November 20). The Tasmanian economy has now grown to a record $ 40.6 billion. Retrieved from permier. tas. gov. au: https:// www. premier. tas. gov. au / latest-news / 2024 / november / the-tasmanian-economy-has-now-grown-to-arecord- $ 40.6-billion #:~: text =% E2 % 80 % 9COur % 20 economy % 20has % 20grown % 20 to, doing % 20what % 20matters % 20to % 20Tasmanians.% E2 % 80 % 9D
Dicks, M.( 2018). Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling. Audiobook edition: Brilliance Publishing.
Here We Are( 2024) [ Recorded by D. Rusty, Filmed Tunnel Bay Productions ]. Koonya, Tasmania, Australia. https:// www. youtube. com / watch? v = KZGILpC0e9I
Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority.( 2024). Annual Report 2023-2024. Port Arthur: Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority. Retrieved from chrome-extension:// efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj / https:// portarthur. org. au / wp-content / uploads / 2024 / 11 / 2023-24-PAHSMA-Annual- Report. pdf
Tourism Tasmania.( 2024). Tasmanian Tourism Snapshot: Year ending March 2024. Hobart: Tourism Tasmania. Retrieved from chrome-extension:// efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj / https:// www. tourismtasmania. com. au / siteassets / documents / visitor-snapshots / 2024-06---tasmanian-tourismsnapshot---ye-march-2024. pdf
Think Tasman( 2024), filmed by Tunnel Bay Productions, Tasmania, Australia https:// www. youtube. com / watch? v = 64LxYtzW7bo.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
TANYA DALTON Tanya Dalton holds a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and is an Australian Certified Economic Developer through EDA Australia. With a diverse career path spanning commercial property management, shopping centre marketing, airline and tourism operations, viticulture and massage, thriving to implement positive change has always been a focus. As an advocate for positive community connections Tanya has actively contributed to her local community through a variety of volunteer roles and board memberships. Currently, Tanya is enjoying the ability to innovate and invoke positive change in her role as Economic & Business Development Officer with the Tasman Council.
BLAKE REPINE Blake Repine is a seasoned senior executive and non-executive director with extensive experience in healthcare, infrastructure, finance, human resources, and corporate transformation. Blake holds a
Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies and a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from Liberty University, an MBA from Norwich University, a Certificate in ESG and Sustainable Financial Strategy from Oxford University ' s Said Business School, and a Certificate in Disruptive Strategy from Harvard Business School Online. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders Australia and New Zealand( FIML), a Certified Professional with the Australian Human Resources Institute( CAHRI), a Member of the Institute of Public Accountants( MIPA), and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors( MAICD). As a published author, Blake has written books and articles on authentic leadership and leadership development, with his works available in 66 countries. He also hosts the " Strategy, Leadership and Impact " podcast, sharing insights on these topics.
VOL 18 NO 1 2025 36 www. edaustralia. com. au