Somerset Blue Light your Community Group of the Year
Published on 26 January 2026
Somerset Blue Light Disco Association won Somerset Community Group of the Year 2026. Pictured: Senior Constable Naomi Nash and Judyann Roberts
THE SOMERSET Blue Light Disco Association’s commitment to delivering early intervention and crime reduction programs has earned them the 2026 Somerset Community Group of the Year Award.
The not-for-profit organisation was formed late 2024 after Esk resident Judyann Roberts approached Esk Police Senior Constable Naomi Nash to discuss the idea of a Somerset Blue Light Branch.
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt presented the award at the Australia Day Awards Ceremony on Monday, 26 January at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk.
Cr Wendt said the Blue Light Discos was a popular event in the district in the 1990s.
“After noticing a lack of no-cost and low-cost activities for teenagers in Somerset, a group of passionate people came together with a plan to deliver easily accessible events for the whole region,” Cr Wendt said.
“Last year, the team organised four incredibly successful, well-attended events in major townships, one for each school term.
“Young people danced alongside Police officers, enjoyed a free sausage sizzle and burned off energy in a safe, alcohol-free and drug-free environment.”
The inaugural Blue Light Disco was held at the Alexandra hall in Toogoolawah on 28 March 2025 and, despite torrential rain, welcomed 172 young people from across the region.
Somerset Blue Light saw hundreds more students kick up their heels at later events at Lowood State High School in June, Kilcoy State High School in September and the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk in December 2025.
Cr Wendt said the organisation and its mission had garnered support from Somerset Regional Council and businesses across the region.
“It’s wonderful to see young people interacting with Police and building connections in a positive, fun, safe and supportive environment,” Cr Wendt said.
“The Somerset Blue Light Disco Association shows no signs of slowing down, with plans to continue building on their achievements into 2026.
“Their work is a perfect example of what can be achieved when like-minded people come together to make a difference.
“Congratulations to the Somerset Blue Light Disco Association, they are more than deserving of the title of Somerset Community Group of the Year 2026.”
Other 2026 Community Group of the Year nominees included Somerset Storm Netball Club, Esk Community Choir, Kilcoy PA&I Society, Friends of Kilcoy Cemetery, Play2Learn Kilcoy, Care4esK, and Lowood Lions’ Open Door Gallery.