Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten is calling time on his 17-year career in local government and will not contest the upcoming council elections in October.
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.
“Serving as mayor of Launceston had been a tremendous honour, but I am now looking forward to spending more time with my amazing wife Lyndle, as well as our children Carmen, Joshua and Rosita and our beautiful grandchildren,” Mayor van Zetten said.
“Having devoted 17 years to the City of Launceston, I’m ready to move on to new adventures with Lyndle, who has been an incredible support to me during my time in office, and our family.
“It has been a difficult decision, because serving as mayor of Launceston has been a tremendous honour and something I have thoroughly enjoyed.
“Launceston is an incredible city, with an amazing community of passionate, innovative, and caring people.
“I’ve been proud to have served as an ambassador for this phenomenal community, which makes Launceston one of the best cities in the world.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Launceston who have put their faith in me to serve as Mayor — your support has meant a great deal to me and I’m extremely grateful.
“Launceston is a city with enormous potential and a very bright future and I’m excited to see the city’s next steps under the leadership of a new mayor.”
