Government grant drives Print Domain digital growth

Shy Tasmanian publisher aims for national digital print venture.

Smithton-based Jamala Press, which is owned by Print Domain, was one of 36 businesses in Tasmania’s north and west to receive funding under the newly launched $17 million North West and Northern Tasmania Innovation and Investment Fund.

The joint $17 million initiative of the Australia and Tasmanian Governments was launched in response to factory closures in the region, including PaperlinX’s recent announcement that it would close its Burnie paper mill.

Funding for the local businesses ranged from $50,000 to over $2 million. Jamala Press, which, in addition to Print Domain, publishes the local community newspaper, The Circular Head Chronicle, received approval for $87,845 which, according to a government release, will be used to “purchase latest digital technology digital printing equipment to establish a digital printing branch in north west Tasmania that will service digital print clients around Australia.”

It is expected that the funding will also allow for increased employment at the company.

Management from Jamala Press declined to comment on the funding and plans for digital development. Print Domain also has a Gold Coast office in addition to two Tasmania offices, and produces a variety of jobs from business cards through to books. Jamala Press’s weekly newspaper, The Circular Head Chronicle, has a circulation of 2,154 and boasts to be “a proudly parochial voice for the local area and its people.”