Newly elected Councillors welcomed

Published on 20 August 2025

The City of Launceston has welcomed the election of two new Councillors following recounts conducted by the Tasmanian Electoral Commission to fill recent vacancies.

• Councillor Krista Preece has been elected to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Councillor George Razay.

• Councillor Ross Marsden has been elected to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Councillor Andrea Dawkins.

Both Councillors will serve until the next ordinary local government elections in 2026.

Councillor Preece first joined the City of Launceston Council in 2021, filling the vacancy created by outgoing Councillor Janie Finlay.

A dedicated community advocate, she currently works at the Launceston General Hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine and has served in community service roles including Rotary President and Assistant Governor.

Councillor Preece said she was excited to return to the Council table.

"I’m looking forward to picking up where I left off, and advocating for issues I’m passionate about including homelessness, public safety, accessible transport, and making Launceston a more pet-friendly city," she said.

Councillor Marsden brings with him more than 30 years of experience in media-related roles and has been involved in Tasmania’s performing arts sector over the past two decades.

He is the current President of the Theatre Council of Tasmania.

Councillor Marsden said he was eager to contribute to the work of Council.

"I believe real change can be achieved at the local government level, and I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with my fellow Councillors and the Launceston community," he said.

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood warmly welcomed the new Councillors.

"On behalf of the City of Launceston, I congratulate Councillors Preece and Marsden on their election," Mayor Garwood said.

"Krista has already shown her deep commitment to our city through her previous service, and we are delighted to see her return to the Council table. Ross brings a wealth of experience in media, the arts, and public engagement, and we look forward to the fresh perspective he will bring.

"Both Councillors share a strong passion for community service, and I have no doubt they will make valuable contributions to our city and its future."

The new Councillors are expected to be sworn in at a date to be confirmed in approximately two weeks.