Invitations have been sent. We look forward to seeing you there.

This is a significant outcome for Bell Bay, Northern Tasmania and the wider Tasmanian economy. The agreement provides certainty for around 550 direct jobs at the smelter, alongside the many local businesses, contractors and suppliers that depend on its operations.

BBAMZ has advocated strongly for this outcome, recognising Bell Bay Aluminium as a cornerstone of Tasmania’s manufacturing capability and regional economy.

Following the loss of Liberty Bell Bay, securing the future of Bell Bay Aluminium was critical. This agreement provides renewed confidence for workers and their families, local industry and the broader Bell Bay precinct.

We acknowledge the Federal and State Governments, Hydro Tasmania, and the tremendous work undertaken by the Bell Bay Aluminium team and Rio Tinto to reach this agreement.

With our skilled workforce, renewable energy strengths, deep-water port and established industrial capability, Bell Bay has a strong foundation for future growth.

BBAMZ will continue advocating for the investment, infrastructure and opportunities needed to build a strong, competitive and sustainable advanced manufacturing future for Bell Bay and Tasmania

George Town Futures Expo a Great Success

BBAMZ’s NEBHub was proud to deliver the 2026 George Town Futures Expo, bringing together employers, industry, training providers, education providers and community organisations to showcase the opportunities available across the region.

The event attracted 60 exhibitors and more than 400 attendees, including students from local schools, Job Seekers and members of the wider community.

For students in particular, the Expo provided a valuable opportunity to explore different industries, meet employers and training providers, and start thinking about future career pathways. Job Seekers and those considering a career change were also able to connect directly with organisations and learn more about local employment and training opportunities.

It was fantastic to see so many businesses from across the George Town region and Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone represented and supporting local workforce development.

A huge thank you to all exhibitors, schools, students, community partners and everyone who contributed to making the day such a success.

60 exhibitors. 400+ attendees. One great community focused on future opportunities.

Liberty Bell Bay Open Day

BBAMZ was pleased to sponsor the recent Liberty Bell Bay Open Day, bringing together workers and community members connected with Liberty Bell Bay / TEMCO over more than six decades.

The day provided an opportunity to reflect on the site’s history, recognise the contribution of generations of workers and look ahead to what the future may hold for Bell Bay.

Pictured, GM Paul Venter and BBAMZ COO Luke Moore discuss the site’s history and the potential for new industries.

BBAMZ’s NEBHub continues to provide practical support for affected workers.

As at 19 October, a caseload of 40 had achieved 30 recorded employment placements.

Through the BBAMZ and NEBHub networks we identified 197 potential positions of which only ~ 25% were advertised elsewhere.

We’re proud to support the people who have helped build Bell Bay and to work alongside them as they look to the future.

Today, BBAMZ welcomed the media to Bell Bay as we called on both the Tasmanian and Australian Governments to support the long-term future of Bell Bay Aluminium.

BBAMZ CEO Susie Bower was joined by a strong coalition of industry, local government, regional development and worker representatives in backing two open letters — one to Premier Jeremy Rockliff and one to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The message is clear: Bell Bay Aluminium matters to Tasmania, and it matters to Australia. The smelter directly employs more than 550 people, supports more than 1,200 indirect jobs, and in 2025 spent approximately $262 million with around 180 Tasmanian suppliers.

The letter to the Premier calls for a fair and globally competitive 10-year power agreement to provide the certainty Bell Bay Aluminium needs to continue investing, supporting jobs and strengthening Tasmania’s industrial economy.

At a Federal level, the message is equally strong: Bell Bay is a critical part of Australia’s aluminium supply chain and sovereign manufacturing capability, and should receive the same strategic consideration being given to other major aluminium operations across the country.

As the letter to the Prime Minister states, “A Future Made in Australia should include Bell Bay.”

We thank the organisations and leaders who have added their voices to this call, including Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council, Northern Tasmania Development Corporation, the Australian Workers Union – Tasmanian Branch, Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and Unions Tasmania, City of Launceston, Dorset Council, George Town Council, George Town Chamber of Commerce, Launceston Chamber of Commerce and West Tamar Council.

This is about more than one business. It is about jobs, skills, investment, local suppliers, young Tasmanians and the future of manufacturing in our state.

Prime Minister of Australia - The Hon Anthony Albanese MP 

Premier of Tasmania - The Hon Jeremy Rockliff MP

Invitations have been sent. We look forward to seeing you there.

Gastronomy Gateway Program

Throughout Term 2, students from Riverside High School participated in the Gastronomy Gateway Program, gaining hands-on experience in Tasmania's hospitality, food production and tourism industries.

From nationally recognised hospitality training and barista skills to industry visits, masterclasses and career coaching, students developed practical skills, confidence and valuable connections with local employers.

The program was proudly coordinated by BBAMZ’s Northern Employment & Business Hub (NEBHub) and made possible through funding from Building Tasmania.

By bringing together schools, industry and community partners, the program created meaningful pathways for young people to explore careers and build workplace-ready skills.

The program concluded with a Graduation Afternoon Tea, where students showcased their culinary creations and celebrate their achievements alongside family, industry partners and the wider community.

Watch the story here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EeUMdLmML/

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the Gastronomy Gateway Program and for supporting the future workforce of Northern Tasmania.

After the success of last year’s event, the George Town Futures Expo is returning in 2026 — bigger, more hands-on, and more connected to our region than ever before.

Hosted by the Northern Employment & Business Hub (NEBHub), the expo brings together:

• local industry

• community organisations

• training providers

• employers

• students

• jobseekers

• and the wider community

All in one space to help people explore future pathways, discover opportunities, and connect with what’s happening across Northern Tasmania.

Event Details

Date: 30 September 2026
Time: 10:00am – 2:30pm
Location: George Town Memorial Hall

Whether you’re looking to showcase your industry, support your community, or discover your future — there’s something for everyone.

Want to Get Involved?

We’re currently inviting businesses, industry groups, training providers, and community organisations to register their interest as exhibitors.

For more information:  admin@bbamz.com.au

Work on Tasmania’s first Immersive Skills Lab is underway and will provide augmented reality training in industry safety programs.

The lab is a partnership between Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone (BBAMZ) and TasTAFE, with $250,000 funding provided by Skills Tasmania and additional financial support from Abel Energy, Timberlink, Bell Bay Aluminium, APA Group and Liberty Bell Bay.

We are expecting the fit-out for the Immersive Skills Lab to be completed in February, which will be great timing for jobseekers looking to extend their skills in the New Year.

We already have agreements within our industry and with Welcome Cultural Services to provide basic safety and skills training in the lab, such as working at heights, first aid, working in confined spaces and forklift skills, tailored specifically for Tasmanian industry needs.

The benefit of the Immersive Skills Lab is that it is a risk-free environment. People can engage with the training and hone their skills virtually before they enter an active site.

It is the first lab of its kind here, and we’re very excited to see how Tasmanians can use it to develop valuable skills that will help them succeed in their chosen career.