Ross Marsden - Committed to the City Of Launceston

09/06/2026

Share the warmth this winter ❄️

As temperatures drop, many members of our community are doing it tough.

The City of Launceston is collecting donations of new or as-new blankets and sleeping bags to support people experiencing homelessness this winter. Donations will be distributed to local organisations helping those most in need.

📍 Drop-off location:
Customer Service Centre, Town Hall
18–28 St John Street, Launceston

Donations will be accepted until Friday, 26 June 2026.

If you have a spare blanket or sleeping bag in excellent condition, please consider donating and helping someone stay warm this winter.

05/06/2026

Join me in standing with Boags, the beer born in Launceston, and the hardworking men and women who have proudly brewed it for generations.

Update your profile picture, share it far and wide, and show your support for an icon that has been part of our city’s story for 145 years.

05/06/2026

A photo from some years ago…
I am proud to be a Councillor for the City of Launceston, but for so many in this city, it’s been a really rough week.

145 years.

James Boag’s Brewery has been part of Launceston’s story since 1881.

It survived two world wars. It survived the Great Depression. It survived recessions, economic downturns and enormous social change. Generations of Tasmanians walked through its gates, built careers there and proudly produced a product recognised around the world.

Yet after 145 years, it may not survive a decision made around a boardroom table thousands of kilometres away.

This is bigger than beer. It’s about our history, our identity and a brand that helped put Launceston on the map.

As we come to terms with this news, we must ask an important question:

What now for the Boag’s legacy?

How do we preserve and celebrate this remarkable chapter of our city’s history for future generations? And who knows… perhaps one day there may even be an opportunity for a future comeback.

For now, my thoughts are with the workers, their families and everyone who has been part of the Boag’s story.

Launceston must never allow the legacy of Boag’s to be forgotten. 🍺💚

📷 It This image was taken in 2022 while I was campaigning for the local government election. I never thought I’d be sharing it again under these circumstances.

Authorised by Ross Marsden, French Street Launceston.

02/06/2026

This a a sad day for Launceston.

For generations, the James Boag’s Brewery has been more than just a workplace. It has been part of our city’s identity, our history and our story. The announcement to close the brewery in 2026 will be deeply concerning for the 42 employees, their families and many in our community.

This news will understandably come as a shock to many people who have dedicated years, and in some cases decades, to the brewery.

My thoughts are with the workers and their families as they navigate an uncertain future.

The contribution that James Boag’s Brewery and its people have made to Launceston should never be forgotten. Their hard work helped build one of Tasmania’s most recognised brands and played an important role in our city’s economic and social history.

I sincerely hope every possible opportunity is explored to support affected employees and retain jobs in Northern Tasmania.

30/05/2026

This afternoon I had the pleasure of attending the official opening of Beautiful Tensions at QVMAG, Royal Park.

This remarkable exhibition brings together contemporary art and thought-provoking ideas, encouraging visitors to explore the connections and contrasts that shape our world.

It was wonderful to see so many people supporting arts and culture in our community. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this outstanding exhibition to life.

25/05/2026

Today Australia has lost a remarkable man.

While I never had the privilege of meeting Neale Daniher, his courage, determination and unwavering commitment to raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease inspired millions of Australians.

His legacy extends far beyond football. Through his advocacy, he brought national attention to MND and gave hope to countless individuals and families facing the disease.

My thoughts are with Neale’s family, friends and all those whose lives he touched.

Rest in peace, Neale Daniher.

19/05/2026

Today’s news is incredibly disappointing for Launceston and Northern Tasmania.

This was never about Hawthorn versus the Devils. We can absolutely support the Tasmania Devils while also recognising the enormous economic and community value Hawthorn has brought to our region for the past 25 years.

The impact goes far beyond football. Winter visitation, hotel occupancy, CBD activity, local business confidence and community connection have all benefited enormously from AFL games in Launceston.

At a time when we are working so hard to grow our city, attract investment and build vibrancy year-round, losing one of our strongest winter economic drivers feels incredibly difficult to accept.

Northern Tasmania has invested heavily into this partnership over decades and I genuinely believe our region deserved a better outcome than this.

17/05/2026

A wonderful evening at Launceston’s beautifully renovated Albert Hall for the 2026 Tidy Towns Sustainability Awards. 🌿🏆

As the 2025 overall winner, Launceston was proud to host this prestigious national event, welcoming communities from across Australia to celebrate sustainability, community pride and environmental leadership.

It was a privilege to attend alongside Her Excellency the Governor of Tasmania, the Hon Barbara Baker AC, during what might be her final official visit to Launceston before retirement.

Congratulations to Williams, Western Australia, on being named the 2026 overall winner, and to all communities recognised for their extraordinary commitment to creating cleaner, greener and more connected places.

A fantastic night showcasing not only the importance of sustainability, but also Launceston’s capacity to host major events in style. 👏