Barendrecht bids farewell to outgoing council with Royal honours and appreciation medals
Barendrecht’s municipal council concluded its 2022–2026 term with a special session, honouring long-serving members with Royal distinctions and municipal awards. Residents can witness the transition as the new council takes office on April 1, marking a fresh chapter for local governance.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Farewell session of Barendrecht municipal council (2022–2026 term) |
| Date | March 31, 2026 |
| Royal Honours Awarded | 2 (Dick Heijboer, Leendert Mijnders – Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau) |
| Municipal Appreciation Medals | 3 (Marcel Hazebroek, Dick Heijboer, Leendert Mijnders) |
| Outgoing Councillors | 10 (Nando Jansen, Karin Örs, Cees Schaap, Martijn Troost, Esther van Vilsteren, Erik de Visser, Kevin van Bommel, Willem Booij, Miranda Mes, Cicilia Rijsdijk) |
| New Council Installation | April 1, 2026, at 8:00 PM |
| Live Broadcast | Barendrecht Council Website |
The Barendrecht municipal council oversees local governance, including policy-making, civic appointments, and community engagement. This farewell session highlights the council’s role in recognising public service and ensuring a smooth transition of power to the incoming council.
Read the full translated article below
Royal honours and municipal awards during farewell session of Barendrecht municipal council
The Barendrecht municipal council convened today for the final time in its current composition. The special council meeting marked the end of the 2022–2026 council term and focused on farewells, reflection, and appreciation. Two Royal honours and three municipal appreciation medals were awarded.
Today’s meeting reflected on a council term that began under unusual political circumstances, with one party holding an absolute majority and internal relations under strain. Despite this, the council succeeded in restoring trust and strengthening collaboration. The council also played a key role in appointing a new mayor, with a widely supported profile and nomination in April 2023. During this final meeting, Mayor Schneider expressed appreciation not only for the councillors but also for the extraordinary contributions of the committee members, who played a vital role in the council’s functioning.
Two Royal honours
Mayor Schneider presented two Royal honours on behalf of His Majesty the King. Dick Heijboer was appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau. The mayor highlighted his years of dedicated service to the Barendrecht community. Year after year, Dick Heijboer contributed to municipal governance, enduring long meetings, complex files, and difficult decisions—always prioritising the public interest. Leendert Mijnders, the council’s longest-serving member, was also appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau in recognition of his long-standing commitment and impact on Barendrecht. These honours, awarded on behalf of His Majesty the King, acknowledge their exceptional contributions. The decorations symbolise appreciation, respect, and gratitude for years of dedication and involvement.
Three municipal appreciation medals
Marcel Hazebroek, Dick Heijboer, and Leendert Mijnders also received a Barendrecht appreciation medal from Mayor Ronald Schneider. The three councillors were presented with the medal in recognition of their long-standing service to the municipality of Barendrecht.
Farewells
Today’s meeting also marked the departure of councillors: Nando Jansen, Karin Örs, Cees Schaap, Martijn Troost, Esther van Vilsteren, Erik de Visser, Kevin van Bommel, Willem Booij, Miranda Mes, and Cicilia Rijsdijk. They will not return in the new municipal council.
Installation of new municipal council on April 1
The special council meeting served as both a conclusion and a transition to a new phase. On Wednesday, April 1 at 8:00 PM, the new municipal council will be installed. Interested parties are welcome to follow the meeting via a screen in the central hall. The meetings will also be broadcast live on the website Vergadering Installatie nieuwe raadsleden 01-04-2026 Gemeente Barendrecht.