Mr Dobrzynski was encouraged by Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten to stay on as the city’s general manager until his replacement, Michael Stretton, took over in October. 

"We urged Robert to delay his retirement for several months, but we have probably come to the point where we've imposed enough on his good nature," Mayor van Zetten said.

"I'm pleased we've been able to convince him to stay on for these extra months as we recruited a replacement general manager,” he said. 

“However, I'm also well aware that Robert announced his retirement in order to spend more time with his family on the mainland, and so far he hasn't been able to do much of that.”

The general manager is responsible for implementing policy decisions made by aldermen, as well as enforcing the strategic direction and overseeing the daily operations of the council.

"It is a high-pressure, high responsibility, 24/7 job,” Mayor van Zetten said.

Mayor van Zetten said the outgoing general manager has played a vital role in securing a number of major projects for the city, with $800 million worth of projects now on the books for Launceston over the next few years.

“I can think of no greater compliment than that Robert worked tirelessly for the City of Launceston. He consistently acted with the best interests of Launceston and its residents at heart,” Mayor van Zetten said. 

The council’s director of corporate services, Michael Tidey, will step into the role of acting general manager until Mr Stretton starts in October.