Dalfsen honours long-serving councillors with royal awards as new council takes office
Dalfsen bids farewell to four dedicated councillors, awarding two with royal honours for their years of service. As the municipality grows, a new 23-seat council begins its term, shaping the future of local democracy for residents.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Departing Councillors | Miriam Veldkamp, Jelle Hekman, Dick van Gelder, Jolande Upper |
| Royal Honours | Rietje Lassche-Visscher (66) and Ton de Vries (77) |
| Order of Orange-Nassau | Awarded for 16 and 13 years of service, respectively |
| New Council Members | 23 seats; new faces include Joop Bekedam, Thomas Hoekstra, Rob Mud |
| First Meeting | 21 April 2026 |
| Municipality | Dalfsen, Overijssel |
The municipality of Dalfsen is responsible for local governance, including council appointments and civic honours. It oversees democratic processes, such as council transitions, and recognises contributions to local society through awards like the Order of Orange-Nassau.
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Dalfsen bids farewell to councillors with appreciation and royal honours and welcomes new municipal council
Four departing councillors – Miriam Veldkamp, Jelle Hekman, Dick van Gelder and Jolande Upper – received a council medal in recognition of their dedication during the past council term.
Royal honours for Rietje Lassche-Visscher and Ton de Vries
An extra festive moment was in store for departing councillors Ton de Vries and Rietje Lassche-Visscher. They were awarded a royal honour and appointed as Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau. Both residents of Nieuwleusen received this royal distinction for their many years of service to the municipal council of Dalfsen. Thanks to their experience, perseverance and commitment to society, they have made a significant contribution to the municipality of Dalfsen.
Mrs Rietje Lassche-Visscher (66) - Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
NieuwleusenRietje Lassche-Visscher has been a member of the municipal council of Dalfsen for the Christian Union since 2010. Over the following 16 years, she became a highly familiar and respected figure in local politics. Approachable with a strong social conscience. Since 2022, she has served as the faction leader. She was also chair of the presidium (daily board of the municipal council) and, among other things, led the trust committee that put forward the nomination for the new mayor. She took her leave of the municipal council on Tuesday, 31 March.
Mr Ton de Vries (77) - Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
NieuwleusenTon de Vries served as a councillor for the Labour Party for a total of 13 years (three council terms). He began his term in the former municipality of Nieuwleusen in 1996–2000 and subsequently served as a councillor in 2001–2006 and from 2022 to the present. He was also an alderman in the municipality of Dalfsen from 2006 to 2010. Ton understood what was happening in society, put important issues on the agenda and was instrumental in shaping many defining projects in the municipality of Dalfsen. He also concluded his council term on 31 March.
A well-deserved appreciation
Mayor Michael Sijbom expressed his appreciation for all departing councillors. He said, among other things: “The secret of Dalfsen lies in its involvement. Your commitment to our villages and residents makes our municipality special. Being a councillor is not something you do just in this hall. You are everywhere: on the street, in the supermarket, at the sports club. Democracy depends on people who take responsibility. That is why there is only one word that fits: thank you.”
New municipal council installed on 1 April
The municipal council also decided during the same meeting on the appointment and admission of councillors for the 2026–2030 term. The new council consists of 23 seats, as the municipality of Dalfsen has gained more residents. The 23 new councillors were officially installed on 1 April. The new council includes a number of new faces: Joop Bekedam, Thomas Hoekstra, Rob Mud, Bert Rozendaal, Nora Slob, Ton Smeenk, Luuk Strijk and Marnix Valk.
The first council meeting in the new composition will be held on Tuesday, 21 April 2026.
On behalf of the municipality, we thank all departing councillors for their dedication, involvement and the time they have given to Dalfsen. You have meant a great deal to our municipality.
We wish the new council every success, wisdom and enjoyment in working towards a bright future for our municipality.