Our people their stories: Albert van Zetten

Albert van Zetten is well known through his work at the Launceston City Mission and as the longest serving Mayor of Launceston.

His talk will reveal the influence that his deep religious faith has played in the directions his life has taken and insights into the range of experiences that have motivated him to continue to apply his skills to issues of social justice and the development of our city for the benefit of all.

Albert migrated to Australia in 1955 when 18 months old. He completed his education in Launceston and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1980. He worked as an Auditor and Tax Agent for Price Waterhouse and also in his own accounting business.

He has a strong faith in God and follows the example of Jesus in his life. When he was 29 years old he asked God “If there is anything you want me to do for Launceston I’ll do it.” He was then asked to be involved as Treasurer of the Launceston City Mission. Albert went on to become the CEO of the Launceston City Mission in 1995 and grew its turnover of $750,000 to $2.5 million and initiated a range of services to help people in need through Mission Shops, Missionbeat, Missiondale Recovery Program etc.

Some of the special roles he has been involved in are Official Visitor to the Launceston Jail, visiting prisons and reception centres to check on the way in which prisoners and detainees are being treated, and Torch Bearer in 2000 Olympic Torch Relay.

He has been awarded Paul Harris Fellow medals for his contribution to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, was nominated for Tasmanian of the Year Award for Community Service, and was awarded a Centenary Medal for his service to the community.

Albert has been a keen promoter of Launceston, “the best city in Tasmania and Australia”, as Councillor from 2005 and as Mayor of Launceston from 2007 – 2022.

Albert is married to Lyndle and has three adult children and two grandchildren.

 

Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk

10.30am, Wednesday 22 March 2023

Admission FREE for QVMAG Friends, $5 for the general public. RSVP is essential to admin@qvmagfriends.asn.au or 0459 658 457

When

Location

Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road, Launceston, 7250, View Map