HISTORY OF THE CHAMBER

Records held by the Chamber show that the Chamber was formed on the 11th June 1940. The foundation meeting was held at the Majestic Theatre on that date.

There are indications in later records that an earlier body existed but this has not been authenticated.

There was an attendance of more than 70 people at the inaugural meeting together with 5 members from the Launceston Chamber.

Some of the names of those in attendance at that meeting are names that have lived on through public life in the town and now the city of Devonport.

The sectional committee's set up included the following:

• Produce Merchants
• General Merchants and Manufactures
• Shipping
• Primary Products
• Public Affairs
• Retail

If one follows through the history of the Chamber from that date you find the story of the deveolpment of the whole area. The Chamber was heavily involved with obtaining the airport for the area and played a large part in obtaining industrial development such as Total Broadhurst Lee Company Limited ( now Australian Weaving Mills Pty Ltd).

Now that we have entered a new century there is no doubt that the Chamber will continue to be a focus for continued development in the area.