Somerset Regional Council Highlights – 23 January 2026
Published on 23 January 2026
Community Assistance Grants opening Australia Day
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
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Gardening coach Kate Wall will join Somerset Libraries to host four Age-Proof Gardening sessions across the region in 2026. |
Learn gardening with grace at Somerset Libraries
Join Somerset Libraries and gardening coach Kate Wall to learn about Age-Proof Gardening sessions across the region in 2026.
Somerset Regional Council Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Sally Jess, said the gardening sessions were designed to make gardening a more accessible pastime for the community.
“Gardening is for everyone, no matter their age or their space,” Cr Jess said.
“With pots, raised beds, and clever watering, you can grow what you love almost anywhere.
“We’re excited to have Kate Wall on board to teach residents simple ways to make gardening easier and more enjoyable, no matter your stage of life.”
The first session will be held at 10.30am Monday, 16 February at Esk Library, Heap Street, Esk.
Future events will be held Kilcoy Library in March, and Lowood and Toogoolawah Library in May.
For more information and to register, download the Somerset On The Go app or contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
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 until 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
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.
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