Somerset Regional Council Highlights - 1 August 2025
Published on 01 August 2025
Acoustic Guitar Spectacular is just one of three incredible shows coming to the Somerset Civic Centre in August. Pictured: Majelen, Michael Fix and Tom Combes. Photo credit: David Kelly.
Community Assistance Grants now open
Funding round one of Somerset Regional Council’s Community Assistance Grants for 2025-2026 is now open.
Community organisations can apply for a grant to assist with the costs associated with projects, events, services or the remission of some Council rates.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt encouraged community groups to apply for the funding.
“Our Council will provide between $500 and $5,500 to successful applicants, which can make a huge difference for those hard-working volunteer organisations wanting to contribute to the community,” Cr Wendt said.
“To make the application process as smooth as possible, our Council has prepared a helpful tutorial video, available on our website.
“If you need further assistance, our team is ready to support you every step of the way.”
In addition to ordinary grant applications, round one applicants can apply for rates remissions and Christmas projects and events.
The round closes 5pm Wednesday, 27 August 2025, and projects must not have a start date before Friday, 26 September 2025.
To download the form and watch the tutorial video, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/community-assistance-grants
For more information, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Lantana Chemical Subsidy Program opens 4 August
Somerset Regional Council’s 2025-2026 Lantana Chemical Subsidy Program opens on Monday, 4 August.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the program’s objective was to support communities in managing the negative impacts of lantana on agriculture and the environment.
“Our Council has funded a 50% chemical subsidy for the control of lantana throughout Somerset,” Cr Wendt said.
“This helps our landholders meet their general biosecurity obligation under the Biosecurity Act 2014, and also generally increases farm profitability.”
The subsidy is available until allocated funds are expended in the 2025-2026 financial year, with payments to any landholder or entity limited to $5,000.
The expression of interest form can be found on Council website from Monday, 4 August, visit somerset.qld.gov.au
For more information, contact Council’s pest management team on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Acoustic Guitar Spectacular and more this August
Three incredible shows are coming to the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk this August 2025.
On Sunday, 10 August, renowned Brisbane guitarist Michael Fix will bring the Acoustic Guitar Spectacular to Somerset for an intimate afternoon concert alongside Majelen and Tom Combes.
Somerset Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee member, Councillor Sally Jess, said the concert promised to be a unique journey into the heart of acoustic music.
“With solo and ensemble pieces covering a range of genres like country, rock, classical and contemporary, this concert is sure to tick everyone’s box,” Cr Jess said.
Then, on Friday night, 15 August, Vixens of Fall will bring their playful but heartfelt songs to life for country rock lovers.
“Vixens were originally scheduled to perform in March, but the show was postponed due to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred,” Cr Sally Jess said.
“We’re excited to welcome the sisters back to Esk for what promises to be a fantastic evening of live music.”
On Sunday, 24 August 1960s pop idol Normie Rowe will draw from the breadth of his extraordinary performing career to tell his story.
‘Normie – The Storie So Far…’ features Normie’s greatest hits – the soundtrack of the Baby Boomers.
For more information on these events and to purchase tickets, contact the box office on 5424 2713 or visit somersetciviccentre.com.au
The Somerset Civic Centre is located at 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk.
Support at home information session
Somerset Regional Council will host a free information session for senior residents and carers on Wednesday, 20 August at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk.
The Support at Home for People 65 Years and Over information session will be led by Council’s Community Development Coordinator (CDC).
Somerset Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Michael Bishop, said the information session would help seniors understand changes occurring in aged care.
“There are many seniors seeking clarifications about the changes to aged care services which will come into effect in November,” Cr Bishop said.
“Our CDC will discuss the current system and the proposed changes.”
The session will be held in the Lyceum Room in the Somerset Civic Centre from 10am to 11.30am and includes a free morning tea – bookings are not essential.
Cr Bishop encouraged residents who need support accessing services, building social connections, or addressing community issues to contact Council’s CDC.
“Her role – funded by the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety – is to provide information and referral services, enhance social connection amongst residents and provide community development.”
To speak with the CDC, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Get ready for natural disasters, In Good Company
Somerset Regional Council will host disaster preparedness sessions in August as part of its seniors connection program, In Good Company.
The ‘Are you ready? Preparing for Natural Disasters’ sessions will discuss the precautions and steps seniors can take to better prepare their home, contents and family for an emergency.
Somerset Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair Councillor Michael Bishop said the region was prone to natural disasters.
“Whether it’s floods, storms or bushfires, it’s important everyone in our community understands their risks and how to be prepared,” Cr Bishop said.
“We’ll have information sessions across the region in August and I encourage as many seniors to come along as possible.”
Council will host sessions from 10.30am to 12pm on the following dates:
- Thursday, 7 August at the Somerset Civic Centre
- Thursday, 14 August at the Fernvale Visitor Information Centre
- Wednesday, 27 August at the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre
- Thursday, 28 August at the Alexandra Hall, Toogoolawah
The In Good Company program is funded by the Queensland Government.
For more information contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au