Former long-serving City of Launceston Mayor, Albert van Zetten, has been recognised among 18 Tasmanians in today’s King’s Birthday Honours list, appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to local government and the community.
Mr van Zetten departed the Council in August 2022, calling time on his 17-year career in local government.
Mr van Zetten was first elected to the City of Launceston in 2005, before being elected Mayor in 2007. He was Launceston’s longest serving Mayor, having served five successive terms.
“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 at the time of his retirement.
“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.”
The former Mayor was among a list of Tasmanian humanitarians, educators and wildlife carers recognised in the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List.
Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, congratulated each of the Tasmanians honoured in this year’s awards.
“Tasmanians are so often quiet achievers, going about their days doing extraordinary work to support our community,” Premier Rockliff said.
“The King’s Birthday Honours is a special opportunity to recognise the work and commitments Tasmanians are making across our State in a range of fields.
“The 18 fantastic Tasmanians honoured have made significant contributions to our State, and I am incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements.”
Four Tasmanians were appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of their distinguished achievements, including:
- Roslyn Cornish for her significant service to early childhood education administration;
- Adrian Kelly, for his significant service to the real estate sector in leadership and board roles;
- David Law, for his significant service to public health as a practitioner and in leadership roles; and
- Albert van Zetten for his significant service to local government and to the community.
The following 13 Tasmanians have been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in appreciation of their contributions to their local communities:
- The late Robert Allen, for his service to the international community through humanitarian roles;
- Michael Barrenger, for his service to the community of George Town;
- Tonia Cochran, for her service to conservation and the environment;
- Joseph Cook, for his service to community music;
- The late Peter Cox, for his service to the community of George Town;
- Mary Koolhof, for her service to education;
- Anthony Kube, for his service to rugby union;
- Lesley Kurek, for her service to conservation and the environment;
- Steven Martin, for his service to the community of Northern Tasmania;
- John (Leigh) McAdam, for his service to lawn bowls;
- The late Reginald Watson, for his service to history;
- Craig Webb, for his service to wildlife conservation; and
- Donald Wells, for his service to the aviation industry in Tasmania.
A Meritorious Award has been awarded to one Tasmanian in recognition of his outstanding service in an Australian police force (Tasmania Police):
- Commander Stephen Burk APM.
