Somerset Regional Council Highlights – 16 January 2026
Published on 16 January 2026
Council is offering free access to Lowood Swimming Pool (pictured), Kilcoy Aquatic Centre and Toogoolawah Swimming Pool for its Australia Day Pool Parties.
Celebrate the Aussie way with Somerset’s Pool Parties
Join Somerset Regional Council in celebrating the Aussie way with free family friendly entertainment at the Australia Day Pool Parties, held Monday, 26 January 2026.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the pool parties were the perfect way to beat the heat this summer.
“We’re always excited to host the Australia Day Pool Parties because it’s a great opportunity for young families to come together, celebrate and create new memories,” Cr Wendt said.
“This Council event is completely free, including the pool entry, entertainment and the community-run barbecue.”
The pool parties will be held from 10am to 4pm, with family-fun entertainment from 10am to 2pm.
Magic Glen will bring his balloons, bubbles and magic to Kilcoy Aquatic Centre, DJ Bex will keep the party pumping at Lowood Swimming Pool and there will be Australia Day Games and Races at Toogoolawah Swimming Pool.
“This is a great way to beat the heat and we hope you can celebrate Australia Day with us,” Cr Wendt said.
“Remember to stay sun safe and bring your sunscreen, as well as towels, picnic blankets and your best mates.”
Extended hours at Toogoolawah Swimming Pool this January
Somerset residents are invited to take a swim at the new and improved Toogoolawah Swimming Pool, following the completion of major upgrades in December 2025.
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt thanked the community for their patience as Council delivered the major facility upgrades.
“We know Somerset residents are looking for opportunities to cool off this summer,” Cr Wendt said.
“To thank the community for their patience, Council will be offering a one-off extension to opening hours during January 2026.”
The pool will be open from 6am to 6pm, Monday to Friday until the end of January 2026, an additional 100 hours of operation for the month.
The swimming pool has been upgraded from six lanes to become an eight-lane, 25 metre pool with a ramp, along with ramp and stairway access to the gym and shade infrastructure.
The Toogoolawah Swimming Pool is located on Factory Road, Toogoolawah.
For more information, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Community Assistance Grants opening soon
Funding round two of Somerset Regional Council’s Community Assistance Grants for 2025-2026 is opening on Australia Day.
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.”
The round opens Monday, 26 January and closes 5pm Thursday, 19 February.
Projects must not have a start date before Friday, 27 March 2026.
To download the form and watch the tutorial video, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/Grants
For more information, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
First Ordinary Meeting of 2026 coming up
Somerset Regional Council will hold its first Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, starting 9am at the Simeon Lord Room in Esk Library.
Generally, Ordinary Meetings are held at 9am on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month in the Simeon Lord Room, Esk Library Building, Heap Street, Esk.
Members of the public are welcome to attend Council Ordinary Meetings.
Council requests the public register their interest to attend meetings by contacting Council at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
For those who cannot attend, audio from Council meetings is streamed live, recorded and can be accessed on Council's website alongside meeting agendas and minutes.
For more information, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Somerset Regional Council has a wide variety of venues available for hire across the region, including the historic Coronation Hall at Somerset Dam.
Hire a venue in Somerset
Somerset Regional Council has a wide variety of venues available for hire across the region, including halls, meeting rooms and showgrounds.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council’s facilities catered for a variety of uses, including training rooms, function spaces and even wedding venues.
“We have beautiful, historic venues like Coronation Hall at Somerset Dam and modern, multi-purpose spaces like the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk,” Cr Wendt said.
“Council’s showgrounds in Esk, Fernvale and Kilcoy have a variety of features including showrings, undercover areas, food service areas and more.
“Our Visitor Information Centres in Fernvale and Kilcoy offer training rooms, chairs, tables, projectors and other services.”
Hire application forms, maps and schedule of charges documents for venues can be found on Council’s website, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/venuehire
To enquire about booking a venue for your next function or event, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
First Aid for Seniors information sessions coming to Somerset
Somerset Regional Council will host First Aid for Seniors sessions across the region in 2026, delivered by St John Ambulance Queensland.
The information sessions are supported by Council’s seniors connection program, In Good Company.
The first session will be held on Wednesday, 18 February from 9am to 1pm at Alexandra Hall on Cressbrook Street, Toogoolawah.
The sessions will discuss specific health conditions and vulnerabilities experienced by seniors, equipping seniors and carers with practical skills and knowledge to manage common age-related emergencies.
From handling falls and managing chronic conditions to recognising signs of heart attack, stroke, or sudden illness, the training focuses on the scenarios seniors are most likely to encounter.
Bookings essential, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
The In Good Company program is funded by the Queensland Government.
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Experienced grant writer and arts consultant Olivia Everitt will host two free Grant Writing For The Arts Workshops in February.
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Connect with fellow artists at The Condensery
Join creatives from across the region for Somerset Regional Council’s Artist Networking Event on 25 February at The Condensery – Somerset Regional Art Gallery.
The event is a unique opportunity for visual, performance and literary artists and arts workers to meet Council’s Arts and Culture team, build meaningful connections with fellow artists and learn about funding opportunities.
The event will include a Q and A panel with Olivia Everitt, a grant writer and arts consultant who is also delivering grant writing workshops at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk.
The Artist networking Event will be held from 5.30pm on Wednesday, 25 February at The Condensery, 29 Factory Road, Toogoolawah.
For more information, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Arts grant writing workshop coming to Somerset Civic Centre
The Somerset Civic Centre will host experienced grant writer and arts consultant Olivia Everitt for two free Grant Writing For The Arts Workshops in February.
The practical, beginner-to-immediate workshop is designed to help artists, arts workers and creative organisations build confidence and capability in writing successful grant applications.
The three-hour sessions will cover key grant terminology, project planning essentials, budget development, auspicing, useful templates and an overview of government, corporate and philanthropic funding for the arts.
The workshops will be held from 10am to 1pm on Wednesday, 25 February and Thursday, 26 February at the Somerset Civic Centre on 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk.
Bookings essential, visit somersetciviccentre.com.au/grant-writing-for-the-arts-workshop
Help shape the future of Somerset Libraries
Somerset Regional Council is planning the next chapter for its library services and is seeking community input.
Council has launched its Somerset Libraries Community Satisfaction Survey, open from Tuesday, 6 January to Sunday, 15 February 2026.
This project has received financial assistance from the Queensland Government through State Library of Queensland.
To complete the survey, head to your nearest Somerset Regional Council library or visit somerset.qld.gov.au/librarysurvey2026