Somerset Regional Council Highlights - 25 June 2025
Published on 25 June 2025
RDA Chair Nicole Jonic with new committee member Somerset Councillor Sally Jess.
Somerset Councillor steps up as RDA committee member
Somerset Regional Council has a new advocate for Somerset within the Regional Development Australia Ipswich & West Moreton (RDAIWM) committee.
Councillor Sally Jess received confirmation from RDA Chair Nicole Jonic of her appointment as a committee member last week, effective from June 2025 to December 2026.
Cr Jess said she was honoured to represent the Somerset region through the committee.
“I look forward to advocating for the Somerset Region and bringing a strong local voice to the table,” Cr Jess said.
“As part of the RDA Committee, I’ll be working alongside industry groups and councillors from neighbouring local governments to support regional growth, attract investment, and strengthen local infrastructure, agribusiness, and jobs.
“By collaborating across the region, I aim to ensure Somerset’s priorities are well-represented in broader planning and development initiatives.”
RDAIWM is part of a broader network of committees through the country, promoting and supporting economic development within the Ipswich and West Moreton region.
For more information on RDAIWM follow their Facebook page or visit rdaiwm.org.au
Celebrate NAIDOC Week in Kilcoy
Somerset Regional Council will host a special NAIDOC Week activity on Sunday, 6 July at the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre.
The ceremony will start at 9.30am with a flag raising for the facility’s newly installed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, followed by a smoking ceremony and traditional dance with the Jinibara Dance Troupe, and a morning tea.
The regular Midday Movies session will follow at 11.30am with a free screening of the 1976 film Storm Boy, an Australian drama about a boy living on the Coorong coast in South Australia.
While Midday Movies is traditionally reserved for seniors as part of the In Good Company program, this event is open to the wider community.
For more information and to book your seat for Midday Movies, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
This National NAIDOC Week Activity is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
The In Good Company program is funded by the Queensland Government.
The Jinibara Dance Troupe will hold a smoking ceremony and traditional dance outside the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre on Sunday, 6 July.
Patrick Holland shares stories of Somerset
Somerset Libraries will hold a special author talk with Patrick Holland at the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre on Wednesday, 16 July.
The Queensland author will read excerpts and discuss his novels, The Mary Smokes Boys (2010) and Oblivion (2024), which both feature the Somerset region.
The Mary Smokes Boys, set in the Brisbane Valley, was longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award and is being made into a feature film.
Patrick Holland’s author talk and morning tea will be held from 10.30am to 12pm on Wednesday, 16 July at the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre.
For more information, contact Somerset Libraries on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Queensland author Patrick Holland will read excerpts and discuss his books, The Mary Smokes Boys and Oblivion, at the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre on Wednesday, 16 July.
First community Council meeting coming to Kilcoy
Somerset Regional Council will trial Council Community Meetings in 2025-2026 with the first to occur on 23 July at the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the Council Community Meetings would foster community engagement, improve transparency and provide residents with greater access to Councillors and senior staff.
“We are going to trial three Council Community Meetings in 2025-2026, with the first to be held on Wednesday, 23 July 2025 in Kilcoy,” Cr Wendt said.
“All other council meetings will continue to be held in the Simeon Lord Room in Esk Library, which the community is also welcome to attend.
“We ask the community to contact council and provide 24 hours’ notice if they plan to attend council meetings.”
The 23 July ordinary meeting will start at 11am.
For more information, visit somerset.qld.gov.au
Spend your July In Good Company
Somerset Regional Council has a range of activities for seniors happening this July as part of the In Good Company program.
New information sessions are on offer for senior drivers with the RACQ Years Ahead program.
Council will host sessions from 10am-12pm on the following dates:
- Thursday, 3 July at the Fernvale Visitor Information Centre
- Friday, 4 July at Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre
- Thursday, 10 July at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk
On the first Monday of each month starting 7 July, Council will hold social activities at Moore Soldiers Memorial Hall with ‘Mornings in Moore’.
This monthly seniors activity will be in Moore and includes a free morning tea, cards and board games from 10am to 12pm.
Later in July, Council will host a two-course sit down lunch for Christmas in July.
Join the In Good Company program for the free event on Thursday, 24 July starting 12pm at Lowood Bowls Club, 157 Main Street, Lowood.
Bookings essential, contact Council.
The In Good Company program is funded by the Queensland Government.
For more information on In Good Company events, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au