Voting instructions and candidate statements for Launceston City Council.
Voting is compulsory. Your vote must be received by 2pm on Tuesday 27 October 2026
Don’t delay – late votes won’t be counted!
There are 3 elections being held for Launceston City Council:
As well as this booklet, your postal ballot pack contains:
Your ballot paper envelope is designed to keep your identity separate from your vote.
Successful candidates for mayor and deputy mayor must also be elected as councillors to be able to accept these offices. The elected councillors, mayor and deputy mayor will serve until October 2030.
Questions? Call 1800 801 701.
Postal services take a number of days, so it is important to complete and return your vote now.
Your vote must be received by 2pm on Tuesday 27 October 2026.
Don’t delay, late votes can’t be counted. Failure to vote may incur a fine.
Follow these five easy steps:
Candidates were invited to provide a statement and photo for your consideration. Statements are reproduced here as provided by the candidate.
Statements appear in alphabetical order but the order of names on ballot papers is rotated.
Number the boxes on each ballot paper from 1 onwards in the order of your choice.
For the election of 9 councillors, number the boxes from 1 to 27 in order of your choice. Number at least 5 boxes to make your vote count.
For the election of mayor, number the boxes from 1 to 8 in order of your choice. Number at least one box to make your vote count.
For the election of deputy mayor, number the boxes from 1 to 8 in the order of your choice. Number at least one box to make your vote count.
Put your completed ballot papers in the ballot paper envelope, which is the smaller envelope with the wider flap, and seal it securely.
Sign your ballot paper envelope in the box on the flap to declare that you are the voter named on this envelope and you have voted on the ballot papers in this envelope. You must sign the envelope and leave the flap attached — or your vote won’t be counted. The returning officer will remove the flap with your details on it before opening the envelope.
Then put your ballot paper envelope in the reply-paid envelope — the larger envelope — and seal it.
Post your reply paid envelope straight away (no stamp needed), or take your vote to the Launceston City Council office.
Anyone can become disabled at any time. That’s why I’ve been fighting for accessibility in Launceston. I grew up here, and as someone living with mobility issues, I know how hard it can be to get around if you or someone you love lives with a disability. I’m a student, an activist and have spent my working life in the public service. My goal is to ensure that everyone feels safe and comfortable to live in our city. Whether that be shopping in the CBD or simply moving around their own neighbourhood. There is no downside to considerate and intentional city planning and maintenance.
I’m excited about what Launceston can achieve with a fresh start, bold ideas and a positive vision for the future. As Mayor and Councillor, let us all bring energy, teamwork, bipartisan solutions and common sense to strengthen our economy, support local jobs and deliver for the next generation. I’ll champion responsible financial management, return to budget surplus, improve major project delivery, keep rates lower for longer, cut waste, oppose 38 hours paid for 30.4 worked, back jobs and development, protect our Gorge, and strengthen ethics and integrity.
A lifelong Launceston resident and local business owner, I was elected in 2022 to bring a fresh perspective to Council. Four years on, I bring that perspective together with experience and a clearer understanding of where Council can make a practical difference. My priorities are a stronger local economy, planning well for growth and housing, and creating more opportunities for young people and young families to build their future here. www.alexbritton.com.au
I am proud to have served Launceston as a Councillor over the past four years and would be honoured to continue. As a small business owner, mother and long-term Launceston resident, I understand the pressures facing families and businesses. I will remain an independent, approachable voice focused on responsible spending, supporting local business, sensible planning, well-maintained public spaces, inclusion and safer communities. I believe good leadership means listening, treating everyone fairly and working together for Launceston’s future.
I'm a proud Launcestonian, small business owner, volunteer, board director. I want to live in a city where there is no ‘us and them’. A place we all love and thrive in. I'm running for Councillor and Deputy Mayor as the opportunities and challenges ahead need strong, collaborative leaders with fresh ideas and solid business sense. Energetic and personable, I lead with courage, kindness and competence. I respectfully ask the hard questions, listen closely, and get things done. This is our town and I want it to work for all of us – now and in the future. Please Vote 1 Daniela Cavalletti.
As a former State political adviser and lawyer, I will bring extensive legislation and policy experience, along with strong collaboration and communication skills to Council. As Mayor, my priorities will be leadership, strengthening governance and transparent, accountable decision-making, scrutinising projects including AI data centres, advocating for fairer planning and affordable housing, supporting a cleaner, greener city and opposing unreasonable rate rises. I will push for a second Tamar River Bridge to be built and represent residents, small businesses and ratepayers across our community
My name is Fenella Edwards and I spent my first 20 years in Newnham, then had a bedsit in Invermay and a share house on Howick St, before venturing beyond and returning ten years ago; to my still current rental in Trevallyn. I am passionate about optimising council work for effectiveness and efficiency as well as accessibility to the public. An environmentalist at heart, I love animals except feral cats and cane toads! I believe we need more women in parliament and council so I have run as an independent for the Senate in Tasmania last 2 federal elections and now vote for all women first!
Hello, I am 33 years old, a proud Launceston local, and a proud Australian. I have experience, working in security & personal protection, bookkeeping & finance, and executive board roles. I am passionate about wanting to keep our community safe because I believe our safety should always come first. I know a thing or two about budget allocations, and I will ensure, we use your money for the projects that matter. Our rate increases will be at minimum and I will also fight for our farmers and local businesses. Vote one for someone who is proudly Australian and a fair mayor who will care.
It's been an incredible opportunity leading our city as Mayor. Every day I’ve backed our community, supported great people and helped shape Launceston’s future. We’ve attracted major events, invested in parks and public spaces, started significant projects and built real momentum like never before. Let's keep doing that! Leadership is about listening, connecting and bringing people together. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved, but I know that under my continued leadership as Mayor, Launceston's best days are still ahead. We’re only just getting started.
I’m Jacob Gelston, a local business owner, husband and father who believes Launceston has enormous potential. I’m running for Council to bring a practical, solutions-focused approach and a strong voice for our community. I’ll advocate for responsible spending, better value for ratepayers, less red tape for local businesses and investment that creates opportunities for our city. I want a stronger Launceston that supports families, creates opportunities for young people, values older generations and remains a great place to call home.
After more than 36 years as a journalist at The Examiner, including four as Editor, I served as a Senior Adviser with the Department of Premier and Cabinet from 2014-2024. My portfolio responsibilities included Housing, Police, Renewables and Primary Industries. My focus is on giving back to the city and community where my wife Christine and I have lived and worked all our lives. We need a can-do approach to housing, tourism and business investment while ensuring council decision provide value for money for all ratepayers. Local knowledge. Sensible decisions.
Too often, current councillors have admitted they did not fully understand what they voted for and later change their position in response to public opinion. If elected, I will review the facts carefully before voting and stand by well-informed decisions and provide strong leadership. I will strive to make Launceston safer for all residents and visitors. Launceston residents and ratepayers deserve councillors who remain actively involved in the community, not just during election campaigns. In recent years I have served as an Event Director at Hoblers Bridge parkrun and founded Run Launnie.
Launceston has been my home throughout my life. After 40 years in senior leadership, 23 years in Rotary and eight years serving on Council, I am standing for Deputy Mayor and re-election as Councillor. I bring broad experience, steady judgement and a commitment to constructive teamwork, whilst supporting good leadership. I will continue to listen to my community, scrutinise projects closely whilst always exercising my independent judgement. Please Vote 1 Alan Harris for Deputy Mayor and Vote 1 to return me as a Councillor. Working together for Launceston, ...because all of Launceston matters
I’m Jess Hoyle, a proud Launceston local and everyday ratepayer. For transparency, I am an independent member of One Nation, but I am standing independently for Mayor and Councillor. I have worked in hospitality and aged care and understand the pressures facing ordinary households. My priorities are responsible spending, fairer rates, affordable parking, a safer CBD, supporting local businesses and tackling homelessness. I believe Council must get back to basics, listen to residents and deliver value for money. I’ll speak up, ask the tough questions and put Launceston ratepayers first.
I love Launceston: its people, this place and its potential. Born and raised here, I bring 30 years of community leadership across homelessness, children and families, disability, aged care and the care economy. I want to nurture what works, be honest about what does not, and help build a fairer, healthier, more vibrant city. I will work with councillors and community to get the street-level basics right, bring people together to get the big things done, and build a city that works, cares, moves, lifts its kids, celebrates creativity and grows as a city in a garden. vibrantnation.au 0450242424
It has been an honour to serve as a City of Launceston Councillor. A former ABC journalist, State MP adviser, current President of the Theatre Council of Tasmania and marriage celebrant, I’ve spent much of my life listening to, working with and bringing people together. As your Councillor, I’ve worked hard to be visible, approachable, accessible and accountable. I believe in a vibrant, safe and welcoming city, a strong local economy, responsible spending and a Council that genuinely listens to its community. I’m seeking your support to continue as Councillor and to serve as your Deputy Mayor.
My family and I chose Launceston as our home almost 15 years ago and we love living here. I run a small property development company operating in the north of Tasmania, so I understand first-hand how our city grows and changes. I appreciate what already makes this city great, and I want to protect that character as it evolves. Together, we can shape growth in ways that genuinely improves liveability for our community and surrounds. As a Councillor, I will bring a practical understanding of planning and development, and I'll engage with the community to work together toward positive change.
Local Government is about Local Leadership. Being prepared to knock on every door and actually listen to our community. For the past 4 years I have worked hard every day to lead with commonsense and compassion. As a team player I fight for genuine outcomes that move our region forward and see our families thrive. With 20 years in small business and major events I have never wavered in my passion and optimism for what we can be and do. With your support I will continue working for you as Deputy Mayor and Councillor. I love this place. It’s my home and where I am raising my family. Vote 1 PALMER
I'm seeking a second term to keep pushing for greater Town Hall transparency and fiscal responsibility. Our community needs this. Like many of you, I believe Council has drifted too far from the community it is intended to serve. I will be working for a Council more open to the community, to our shared concerns and priorities. We have problems: expensive project over-runs, deteriorating facilities. More borrowing isn't a fix. Constant restructuring isn't a fix. This city needs Councillors prepared to set a direction and then hold to it. We need an independent Council. There's a lot to be done.
Launceston is home, and serving its people has shaped my life. As a local hairdresser, I listened to the stories, hopes and concerns of people from all walks of life. My years in the LGH Emergency Department taught me compassion, resilience and calm, practical decision-making. Rotary gave me the privilege of serving as president, Assistant Governor and member, volunteering and raising funds for local causes. My previous experience in this role has strengthened my understanding of council and our community. I am seeking re-election to keep listening, working hard and making a difference.
I have lived in Launceston my whole life and have a strong connection to our city and community. I am standing for Launceston City Council with a focus on supporting local businesses, improving accessibility across our city and events, and greater transparency around how ratepayer money is spent. I also want to see practical support for people in our community who are doing it tough. I believe I can be a strong local representative who works to make Launceston a better place for everyone in our community.
My following statement isn't a promise; I hate the smell and colour of the Tamar water.
My name is Frank Rosol and I’m standing as your Greens candidate for Launceston City Council. I’m an arborist and small business owner. I came here in 2001 and never left. Launceston is unique and I’m ready to give something back and help protect what makes this city special, while building the future it deserves. That means greening our streets with more trees and being prepared for floods, fires and droughts. I also want to help residents with the cost of living. And on every development proposal, as a Greens councilor, I’ll push for transparency and outcomes that work for everyone.
SALT, Bob Candidate for Councillor I have lived and worked in Launceston most of my life. I am passionate about OUR community and believe Launceston is a fantastic place to live, work and raise a family. I am a proud father and Poppy to Frankie and Louie. I run a local business. Listening to YOU is the key if we want to ensure the suburbs and outlying communities as well as the city are vibrant and welcoming. I am a good problem solver and can bring people together , I won’t give up until the job is done. I am a member of numerous community organisations. “I will LISTEN to YOU”
Better known as Dr Paul, a local Veterinarian, I cared for people and their pets. I am a Rotarian, I am helping coordinate, the rejuvenation of Carrvilla Flora Reserve, I am also a former State president of the RSPCA and remain passionate about Animal Welfare. I also have an interest in a number of sporting groups and enjoy bushwalking. A vote for me is a vote for common sense and helping each other in the community We should never forget where we came from. Launceston needs to move forward to remain vibrant, but not at the expense of our heritage, natural surrounds and diversity.
Launceston needs a new Mayor. Council is not a stage for self-promotion and drama. We need someone who respects the position, understands the detail, and can steady the ship. I bring eight years of council experience, fighting to improve governance, reduce waste and demand accountability. As a former political adviser and ABC journalist, I have spent my career holding power to account. Give the job to someone who treats every dollar as your money, avoids debt and cost blowouts, and includes the community in decisions. Someone who wants the work, not the attention. www.timwalker.com.au
I am standing for Council to keep rates as low as possible, ensure responsible spending, support small business, improve CBD safety and tackle traffic issues. Launceston is home. My wife and I raised our family here, and I spent more than 20 years working in our family small business. I have served four years on Launceston City Council and as a State Member of Parliament for Bass. I bring experience, local knowledge and a record of getting things done. I am asking for your support to return to Council, focus on the services our community needs and deliver for Launceston ratepayers.
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission (TEC) publishes candidate statements and photographs under section 284 of the Local Government Act 1993. It does so in line with published requirements determined by the Commission, which apply equally to all candidates.
Statements and photographs are optional and must meet the published requirements for inclusion. Each candidate is allocated the same amount of space, whether or not a statement or photograph appears.
Statements are the candidates’ own words, and they are responsible for their content and accuracy. The TEC does not verify factual claims or endorse what a candidate says.
The TEC makes only limited, standard changes needed for consistent publication of candidate statements and photographs. It does not otherwise correct, rewrite or alter a candidate statement, or change a candidate’s appearance.
If a statement or photograph does not meet the approved requirements for publication, the TEC contacts the candidate and, where publication timelines allow, gives them one opportunity to provide a replacement.