Peter Johannes Gerardus Mies, born in 1936 in Neerbeek in the province of Limburg, the Netherlands, was a remarkable figure in Tasmanian football and in the Dutch-Australian community. At the age of 14, Pete joined his father and brother working in the mines of Limburg, contributing to the family’s livelihood in difficult post-war years. At 19, he joined the Dutch Marines, where he served with distinction. In 1956, during his service, he visited Australia as part of a naval deployment, an experience that left a lasting impression. Four years later, in 1960, Pete and his wife Christina emigrated to Tasmania, seeking a new life.
In Launceston, Pete soon joined Launceston Juventus, an Italian-backed club that had become a true multicultural football home. The Dutch club that had been set up by the Dutch Australian Association in Launceston had folded a few years earlier, but Juventus offered a new opportunity. At one time the team included players from nine different nationalities, among them several Dutchmen including Harry Spys and Billy van de Poel. Pete quickly became known for his skill and strength as a centre-half, playing for the club until the age of 44.
Beyond playing, Pete took on many roles within Launceston Juventus, later Launceston City, serving as coach, president, patron, and being honoured with life membership. He was instrumental in securing the club’s permanent ground at Prospect, putting up his own family home as collateral for the purchase. He also helped attract high-calibre players to the club, including imports like former Leeds United player Peter Savill.
Pete represented Tasmania at senior level on several occasions, often as the only player from northern Tasmania. His matches included memorable fixtures against Victoria, South Australia, and New Zealand, helping to raise the profile of football in the north of the state.
In Launceston, Pete established his own painting and decorating business, becoming a well-respected tradesman as well as a community leader. His family continued his footballing legacy. His son Roger, born in 1968, joined Juventus and entered the senior team at the age of 15, following in his father’s footsteps by representing Tasmania at state level. Roger’s sons, Ryan and Noah, also played for Juventus, with Noah going on to represent Tasmania as well. This created an extraordinary family achievement: three generations of the Mies family playing for both club and state.
Pete Mies passed away in May 2024 at the age of 88 after a short illness. His loss was deeply felt across the Tasmanian football community, where he was remembered not only for his contributions to the game, but also for his warmth, generosity, and lifelong dedication to club and family.
