Deputy Mayor, CEO pay tribute to outgoing Mayor

Published on 08 August 2022

The City of Launceston's Deputy Mayor has paid tribute to outgoing Mayor Albert van Zetten, who has announced his intention to not stand for re-election in October.

Councillor Danny Gibson said Mayor van Zetten had served the Launceston community with distinction over the past 17 years - 15 of those as Mayor.

"I have worked alongside Albert for 11 of those 17 years and have always found him to be someone who deeply cares about our community, particularly those living in the Northern Suburbs," Cr Gibson said.

"He has worked diligently over the past several years to realise his vision for the Northern Suburbs Recreation Hub at Mowbray and for that he should be commended.

"Albert has also forged a number of wonderful relationships with Launceston's business sector and local community groups and he has worked tirelessly - often seven days a week - to make himself available to help and assist them wherever and whenever possible."

Mayor van Zetten announced today that he will not contest the upcoming Council elections in October, calling time on his career in local government.

Mayor van Zetten is Launceston's longest serving Mayor, having served five successive terms in the city's highest public office. He was first elected to the City of Launceston in 2005, before being elected Mayor in 2007.

Councillor Gibson also praised Mayor van Zetten for his leadership during the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

"It was Albert and our chief executive officer Michael Stretton who developed the Council's $10 million Community Care and Recovery Package," Cr Gibson said.

"Without that leadership, I have no doubt many people and small businesses in our community would have really struggled a lot more than they did during what was an extremely stressful and difficult time for a lot of people."

Councillor Gibson took the opportunity to praise Mayoress Lyndle van Zetten for her outstanding service to our community.

"Lyndle has been a wonderful advocate for Launceston as well as a wonderful supporter to Albert over the term.  It truly has been a team effort.  We thank her most sincerely, Cr Gibson said.

Mr Stretton also acknowledged Mayor van Zetten's contribution to the Council and the broader community.

"Albert has been an outstanding leader of the City of Launceston over the past 15 years who is respected by Councillors, community members and staff alike," Mr Stretton said.

"While he is not one to readily accept public praise, on behalf of the entire organisation I would like to sincerely thank Albert for his dedication and leadership, particularly during the COVID pandemic, and wish him and his wife Lyndle all the best for the future."