Farewell to District Administrator Petrauschke: 45 years of dedication to the Rhine District!

Farewell to District Administrator Petrauschke: 45 years of dedication to the Rhine District!

On November 3, 2025, an emotional event took place at Dyck Castle in Jüchen at which District Administrator Hans-Peter Petrauschke was bid farewell. With more than 180 guests, including numerous companions, the district administrator looked back on over 45 years in public service in his speech filled with heart and gratitude, including a proud 41 years with the Neuss district administration. For him, it was a central concern that “everyone in the district can live well,” from kindergarten children to seniors in nursing homes, and personal conversations were particularly important to him.

Petrauschke, who did not run in the last local elections, handed over the reins to his successor, the new district administrator Katharina Reinhold. Many people present remembered the time spent together and the achievements in the name of the Rhein-Kreis Neuss. In the final round it became clear that Petrauschke's commitment to the region is leaving a lasting impression.

A look back at the service

During his term as district administrator, Petrauschke launched numerous initiatives to make life easier for citizens in the Rhine district of Neuss. His focus was not only on youth, but he put his heart and soul into ensuring that all generations in the region had a voice. His role as head of social and youth departments as well as district director before his election as district administrator underlines the broad experience he brought with him.

Now that the baton has been handed over, the new district administrator faces exciting challenges. Katharina Reinhold will be required to continue to keep the social concerns of citizens a high priority and at the same time to set new priorities. She will have to carry her predecessor's strategy into the future and build on the successes that Petrauschke worked so hard to achieve.

The influence on the region

Petrauschke's farewell is not only a turning point for him personally, but also for the entire Rhein-Kreis Neuss. It is not easy to replace a man who has worked so long and with such passion. Nevertheless, the community is optimistic that new ideas and fresh perspectives can set the course for a prosperous future.

In recent years, many cities and regions have benefited from such transitions by pursuing innovative approaches. Similar to retail chains abroad, which have changed and developed, the Rhine district could also benefit from new approaches to administration and citizen participation. Consider the example of Bunnings, an Australian company that builds strong bonds with its customers through community events and local engagement. It will be crucial for the future district administrator to also promote this community spirit.

Finally, it should be noted: The farewell to Hans-Peter Petrauschke marks a new era in the Rhein-Kreis Neuss, and all eyes are now on Katharina Reinhold, who will go to work with fresh ideas and the will to change.