On Wednesday, the new council were sworn in and all said they would strive to make the region a better place.  

Incumbent aldermen thanked those were not reelected. 

“I wish to recognise Robin McKendrick for over 35 years of dedicated service to our council and I will miss the contribution of Ted Sands who worked so diligently behind the scenes often tackling the city’s issues. I learned much from Ted,” deputy mayor Danny Gibson said. 

“In 2014, Emma Williams and Simon Wood were both elected, and in my view, were both outstanding members of the council.”

Nearly all aldermen recognised the tight race between the 32 different nominees who vied for a spot at the table. 

“Congratulations to all 32 who put their hand up and particularly to the 12 of us who got elected and to the voters of Launceston who worked their way through a voting paper with 32 names on it in a random order,” Alderman Alan Harris said. 

Some other elected aldermen turned to the future. 

“I’d like to be part of a constructive and cohesive council. One that’s not only focused on the future, but also has an eye on the finer details for every part of the community,” Alderman Nick Daking said.

Reelected alderman Hugh McKenzie was unable to attend the ceremony. 

The council is made up of Janie Finlay, Andrea Dawkins, Tim Walker, Jim Cox, Paul Spencer, Rob Soward, Karina Stojansek, and mayor Albert van Zetten.