Somerset Regional Council Highlights – 29 May 2026
Published on 29 May 2026
Businesses have an exciting opportunity in partnering with the 2026 Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival.
Partners called for 2026 Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival
Businesses are called to partner with Somerset Regional Council to support the 2026 Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival.
The event, held annually in Kilcoy, is a growing celebration of culture, connection and community in the Somerset region.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the carnival was created in 2023 to reduce barriers to participation for the wider community.
“The Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival supports people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to engage fully in community life,” Cr Wendt said.
“Each year, the carnival brings together residents, visitors, community groups and businesses to celebrate the cultures which shape Somerset through food, music, storytelling and performance.”
Cr Wendt encouraged local and corporate businesses to sponsor the carnival.
“This is an opportunity to build visibility for your brand and demonstrate commitment to the community,” Cr Wendt said.
“In 2026, we are including ‘Experience Sponsorships’, where businesses can support the event by providing food, children’s activities or cultural workshops.”
View the sponsorship prospectus online: somerset.qld.gov.au/KMC-Prospectus
Submit an Expression of Interest: bit.ly/KMCEOI
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt speaking at the Bush Councils Convention in Longreach.
Somerset hits the road for Bush Councils Convention
Somerset Councillors visited Longreach over 26-28 May for the bi-annual Bush Councils Convention, held by Local Government Association of Queensland.
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt joined Councillors Sally Jess and Brett Freese at the conference.
“It was great to hear from rural and remote councils across the state,” Cr Wendt said.
“I find this conference to be one of the most valuable conferences, because you’re meeting councils that have to be resourceful by definition because they’re bigger Councils by land mass.
“They’re like us in respect that they don’t have that huge city population or that huge rate income.”
The convention covered critical issues affecting rural and remote Councils, including insurance, water, fuel, tourism, disaster management and more.
Celebrating National Reconciliation Week through art
Gamilaroi artist Stephen Hogarth and Cabrogal, Dharug artist Mandy Draper joined Somerset Regional Council for National Reconciliation Week with art workshops held Lowood and Kilcoy.
Mr Hogarth also joined Team Somerset for an Aboriginal Arts Workshop in Esk, giving staff the opportunity to learn about First Nations cultures as part of its Reconciliation Plan and to give insight into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories.
Somerset Rail Trail Classic Early Bird sales closing soon
The Somerset Rail Trail Classic is back again for its 23rd year, with four exciting challenges on offer on Sunday, 12 July.
Early bird sales are open until Sunday, 10 June with huge discounts on offer, so register now to save.
Council’s annual fun run and ride takes place on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Australia’s longest recreational rail trail.
Somerset Councillor Brett Freese encouraged residents to get involved and support the community.
“Funds raised from the 23rd annual Somerset Rail Trail Classic will support Fernvale Sports Park stakeholders – the Brisbane Valley Rattlers AFL Club, the Somerset Storm Netball Club and Thunder Cricket Club,” Cr Freese said.
The 23rd annual Somerset Rail Trail Classic would not be possible without the support of its sponsors and valued partners.
Council would like to thank platinum sponsor A&M Civil Contracting for their continued support of the event.
Register online: somersetrailtrailclassic.com.au
Subscribe to Somerset Spotlight
Somerset Regional Council is launching a new bi-monthly newsletter at the start of June, creating more informed communities and strengthening connections between residents and Council.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the newsletter, Somerset Spotlight, was a key initiative in improving communication with residents, businesses and community groups.
“We want to share all the important news coming out of Council with the community,” Cr Wendt said.
“The newsletter will include updates on major projects, arts and culture stories, meeting highlights, upcoming events and much more.”
Cr Wendt encouraged residents to subscribe to receive the newsletter directly to their email inbox.
“We have a special offer running where anyone who subscribes before 30 June will go in the running to win a family pass to the 2026 Somerset Rail Trail Classic,” Cr Wendt said.
To subscribe, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/subscribe