Somerset Regional Council Highlights – 17 October 2025
Published on 17 October 2025
Now’s the perfect time to start planning your display for the 2025 Somerset Christmas Lights Competition, with nominations opening Monday, 27 October. Picture: Best Rural Display Winner 2024.
Get ready for the Somerset Christmas Lights Competition
Preparations are underway for Somerset Regional Council’s 2025 Christmas Lights Competition, and residents are encouraged to begin planning their displays for the fierce but festive contest.
Somerset Councillor Brett Freese will join Councillor Michael Bishop and Glamorgan Vale Christmas lights afficionado Jason Beattie in judging the 2025 competition.
“We’re excited to see Somerset light up for Christmas, with a range of categories for big and small displays and new and experienced decorators,” Cr Freese said.
“Whether you live on a rural or urban property, or you’re decorating your business or community group – all are welcome to enter.
“We also have awards for the best street, best solar powered display, first time entrant, and small, medium and large displays.”
Somerset Regional Council thanks the following sponsors for making the 2025 Christmas Lights Competition possible: A&M Civil Contracting, Allstate Linemarking, Brisbane Valley Hire & Sales, Freedom Fuels, Fulton Hogan Industries, Kilcoy Global Foods, King & Company Solicitors, River City Asphalt and Somerset Health & Fitness.
Nominations open Monday, 27 October and will be available on Council’s website and at Customer Service Centres in Esk, Kilcoy and Lowood.
See the world right here in Kilcoy
One of Somerset Regional Council’s most anticipated annual events is coming to Kilcoy on Friday, 24 October.
The 2025 Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival brings together Somerset’s melting pot of cultural groups to explore and celebrate the nation’s rich diversity of people.
From 4pm to 7pm at Yowie Park on Hope Street, Kilcoy, Council will have food trucks, activities for the kids, information providers and an array of cultural performances.
Cr Wendt invited the community to feast on the flavours of the world.
“We’ll have all sorts of cuisines represented in food trucks, and some incredible performances from cultural groups,” Cr Wendt said.
“As one of the region’s biggest employers, Kilcoy Global Foods will support the event with presentations from Fiji, Vanuatu, Philippines, East Timor and Papua New Guinea cultural groups.
“We’re very grateful to Kilcoy Global Foods for sponsoring the Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival and for their employees’ contributions to the entertainment.”
The 2025 Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival is funded by the Queensland Government, sponsored by Kilcoy Global Foods and organised by Somerset Regional Council.
Spooky scary event for Somerset families
Join Somerset Regional Council for Spooky Somerset this Halloween in Clock Park, Lowood.
From 3pm on Friday, 31 October, little monsters, wicked witches and scary skeletons will come together and show off their spooky costumes at Council’s free Halloween event.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Spooky Somerset was a great evening for the community.
“We’ll have free activities including a photo booth, music, llamas, face painting and information stalls with craft activities and give-aways,” Cr Wendt said.
“The barbecue kicks off at 5pm along with the ‘Bat Walk’, with prizes for the best and spookiest costumes.
“At 6.30pm we’ll put ‘Frankenweenie’ (PG) up on the big screen, so make sure to bring your own chair and picnic blanket for movies in the park.”
For more information, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Book now for 2025 Community Development Conference
Registrations are now open for Somerset Regional Council’s inaugural Community Development Conference, to be held at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk on Saturday, 29 November.
Somerset Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Michael Bishop, said the conference was both a networking opportunity and a celebration of community groups.
“This conference will bring together community leaders, volunteers and stakeholders to share insights and build relationships,” Cr Bishop said.
“We look forward to seeing Somerset come together to celebrate community groups.
“A key element of the Community Development Conference will be the award presentation, with certificates recognising impact, engagement and leadership in Somerset community groups.”
To nominate a community group for an award or to reserve your spot, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/CDC
The free event is organised by Somerset Regional Council and proudly funded through Queensland Government’s Neighbourhood Centre Initiative.
Somerset photographer to open free exhibition in Kilcoy
Somerset visual artist and photographer Jim Filmer will share the powerful stories of the lives of eight Indigenous Elders at his exhibition, ‘Shared Words – Lives Lived’, held at the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre from Friday, 7 November 2025.
Somerset Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee member, Councillor Sally Jess, said Somerset Regional Council was proud to sponsor the event.
“Mr Filmer’s work invites viewers to see beyond the stereotypes, fostering a deeper understanding of Aboriginal individuals and their unique stories,” Cr Jess said.
“The exhibition will be on display from Friday, 7 to Sunday, 30 November as part of the Head On Photo Festival, and includes a Meet the Artist event from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, 8 November at the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre.”
All are welcome to attend the session or to drop by and enjoy the exhibition.
The exhibition will be open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 2pm Saturday and Sunday.
Support at home information session coming to Lowood
Somerset Regional Council will host a free information session for senior residents and carers on Friday, 28 November at Lowood Library.
The Support at Home for People 65 Years and Over information session will be led by Council’s Community Development Coordinator and an Aged and Disability Advocates Australia representative.
The information session will help seniors understand changes occurring in aged care services coming into effect in November 2025.
The session will be held from 10am to 11.30am and includes a free morning tea – bookings are not essential.
To speak with the Community Development Coordinator, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au