Long-serving Veendam councillor Nick van Woerkom awarded royal honour for 15 years of dedication
Veendam bids farewell to six outgoing councillors, with Nick van Woerkom receiving a royal honour for his 15 years of service. His commitment to local democracy and community issues, from youth care to spatial planning, has left a lasting impact on residents.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Honoured Councillor | Nick van Woerkom (GemeenteBelangen) |
| Award | Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau |
| Years of Service | Over 15 years (since 2010) |
| Outgoing Councillors | Grieto Visser (GB), Rob Haije (PvdA), Tashin Mete (PvdA), Harry Schoonewille (SP), Ben Kenters (Voorons Veendam) |
| New Council Installation | 1 April 2026, 19:30, Veendam council chamber |
| Live Broadcast | Gemeente Veendam.nl or SKV channel 996 |
| Photographer Credit | Huisman Media |
The municipal council of Veendam is responsible for local governance, including decision-making on community issues, spatial planning, and youth care. Royal honours, such as the Order of Orange-Nassau, are awarded by the Dutch monarchy to recognize exceptional service to society.
Openrijk has no cookies or ads
But could use some support
external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Royal honour for outgoing councillor
During the council meeting on Monday 30 March 2026, the municipal council of Veendam said farewell to the councillors who will not return to the new council after the 2022–2026 council term.
At the meeting, farewell was said to councillors Grieto Visser (GB), Nick van Woerkom (GB), Rob Haije (PvdA), Tashin Mete (PvdA), Harry Schoonewille (SP) and Ben Kenters (Voorons Veendam).
Mayor Annelies Pleyte reflected on the past council term: “Everyone has contributed to the council work in their own way. Some voices are heard more prominently, while others contribute more behind the scenes. But for all of you, the same applies: you have taken responsibility. For decisions, for the direction of Veendam and for the society we shape together. And that deserves appreciation.”
Royal honour
Mayor Pleyte presented a royal honour to Nick van Woerkom. He served as a councillor for GemeenteBelangen (GB) for over 15 years, starting in 2010. Van Woerkom has been appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau. The royal honour was awarded in recognition of his many years of dedicated service as a councillor and his contribution to local democracy and the community. Mayor Annelies Pleyte: “Nick van Woerkom has served as a representative with conviction on major and sometimes complex issues, from youth care to spatial planning. Throughout, he maintained a level-headed and persistent approach, always considering what it means for the residents of the municipality of Veendam.”
Installation of the new municipal council
On Wednesday 1 April 2026, the new municipal council of Veendam will be installed. The council meeting begins at 19:30 in the council chamber. This meeting will focus entirely on the installation of the new council. During this meeting, all councillors will take an oath or pledge.
Live broadcast
The council meeting can be followed live via Gemeente Veendam.nl or via the cable channel of SKV channel 996. You can also watch the meeting afterwards.
The accompanying photo may be used free of copyright restrictions, provided the photographer Huisman Media is credited