About us

“We are proud of what we have achieved
... a great craft fair”

Deloraine:

Deloraine is perfectly located (view Google map) midway between Launceston and Devonport, the Deloraine area has become a centre for artists and craftspeople, drawn by the lifestyle and inspired by the stunning scenery.



Set against the backdrop of the Great Western Tiers, Deloraine is a pleasant town on the banks of the Meander River in north-eastern Tasmania.
The town reflects its early history in its many colonial buildings while the surrounding area is used for mixed farming and dairying.

World renowned fishing lakes on the Central Plateau and superb bushwalking areas are within easy driving distance.


The surrounding districts are fertile agricultural lands, and this reflects in the supporting business infrastructure of farm equipment manufacturing and servicing. Tourism is well catered for (not only within Deloraine, but the surrounding areas) with first class accommodation, restaurant and visitor information facilities.



To find out more about Deloraine and the surrounding areas, please move onto our support page for a comprehensive listing.


The following images are a small sample of the picturesque Deloraine:

Rotary Club of Deloraine Inc.

The Rotary Club of Deloraine's motto is "Service Above Self".


The Rotary Club of Deloraine Inc. is a community based organisation bettering the lives of the community and the township of Deloraine. The organisation is made up an assortment of well adjusted key role models that have years of experience with the community of Deloraine and surrounding areas.


The Rotary Club of Deloraine Inc. was established and chartered on the 5th March, 1957 and has been a driving force behind the Deloraine township’s progress since then.


One of the biggest and most adventurous project to date that the Rotary Club of Deloraine has been able to establish and maintain is the Tasmanian Craft Fair. Every year the Rotary Club of Deloraine spends countless hours and raises funds to put together a world recognized craft fair.



History

In the late 1970s Deloraine experienced an influx of artists and crafts people seeking an alternative lifestyle. Senior Rotarians at the time explored ways of facilitating the integration of these new creative people into the conservative farming community as it was. The Rotary President of the time, John Sullivan suggested a Craft Fair as a way, not only to bring the two parts of the community together, but also to develop an avenue for the artisans to sell their products. John's idea was taken up by the Rotary Club of Deloraine, which commenced the development of the inaugural event in 1981. This was called the Tasmanian Cottage Industry Exhibition and Craft Fair. The Fair boasted 34 exhibitors and over the two days attracted around 3000 people to the local Community Centre. It was a huge success as it provided a window of opportunity for people to display and sell their work.


Over the ensuing years the Fair continued to develop and expand with increased numbers from both exhibitors and attendees. As the Fair grew it was necessary to find additional accommodation so the Fair spread throughout various venues around the town and gallery owners became involved. Cottage industries blossomed to include cheese, wine, liqueurs, truffles, etc.



The Fair grew to such an extent that it gained recognition as a major Tasmanian event. Publicity for the Fair began to go national and, to help in attracting Government assistance, in 1996 the Rotary Club decided to change the name from the Tasmanian Cottage Industry Exhibition and Craft Fair (a mouthful) to the "Tasmanian Craft Fair". This gave focus to the State, in addition to the event. We now refer to the show as the Tasmanian Craft Fair, at Deloraine, presented by the Rotary Club of Deloraine - locals still use the phrase "The Deloraine Craft Fair" affectionately.


Continual upgrading and innovation has kept the Fair alive. Annual attractions for the public and awards for the exhibitors have played a significant part. Developments have included the following:



Guest Nation:

We often have "Guest Nations". This is when we have attracted a group from another area of the world to bring their crafts to Deloraine, to introduce ideas and dimensions of another culture to our culture. Guests have been from The People's Republic of China (twice), Japan, Alaska, the Philippines, Denmark and, this year, New Zealand.



Emerging Artist:

Each year we invite an artisan who has shown huge potential within their chosen medium to be our guest at the Fair. A premium position is allocated and an introduction to all media is ensured. This is seen as a launching pad for individuals who have achieved and now need the recognition to assist their career path.



Feature Artist:

We select an artisan who excels in a particular medium to promote. The selection varies annually and can reflect the year's theme or product or medium.


Tasmanian Exhibition:

This is a curated section also introduced in 1998. Exhibition is by invitation only and is designed to have the cream of Tasmanian artisans display their works. It is an elite craft display with goods available for purchase.



Website History

For your convenience, we have archived our websites since when the first one went up in 1998. Admittedly some of the websites don't function very well, but all the information is there for you to gain an understanding of how the Tasmanian Craft Fair has matured over the years.
- Tasmanian Craft Fair website - 2007
- Tasmanian Craft Fair website - 2006
- Tasmanian Craft Fair website - 2005
- Tasmanian Craft Fair website - 2004
- Tasmanian Craft Fair website - 2003
- Tasmanian Craft Fair website - 2002
- Tasmanian Craft Fair website - 2001
- Tasmanian Craft Fair website - 2000
- Tasmanian Craft Fair website - 1999
- Tasmanian Craft Fair website - 1998


     Proudly presented by the Rotary Club of Deloraine, Tasmania.