Somerset Regional Council Highlights – 6 February 2026
Published on 06 February 2026
Not sure if you’re meant to put an item in the recycling? When in doubt, throw it out and avoid contaminating resource recovery stations.
The dangers of ‘wishcycling’ your waste
Somerset Regional Council urges all residents to follow best practice when disposing waste in their red and yellow bins.
Mayor Wendt said many people fall victim to ‘wishcycling’ – well-intentioned but misguided recycling practices.
“Wishcycling is when you toss things in the recycling bin hoping they belong there,” Cr Wendt said.
“While we appreciate good intentions, misplaced waste is a big contributor to contamination at our resource recovery stations.
“When we have too much contamination, our recycling waste can end up going to landfill.
“Some of the most common contaminants include soft plastic bags, food, greasy pizza boxes, Styrofoam, bagged recyclables and batteries and electronics.”
Cr Wendt urged residents to err on the side of caution when disposing household waste and to throw things in the general waste bin.
“Better yet, check Council’s website, download the Somerset Bin App for the most accurate information on recycling,” Cr Wendt said.
Visit somerset.qld.gov.au/recycling
Cr Wendt said responsible waste management was everyone’s responsibility.
“Our Council is committed to continually improving its waste management practices,” Cr Wendt said.
“Last year we applied for funding assistance under the Queensland Government’s Resource Recovery Boost Fund to improve our region’s waste facilities, with a clear focus on increasing reuse and recycling.
“More recently we installed new Containers for Change bins in Council parks across the region to encourage better recycling practices among residents.
“You can play your part by making sure containers are empty of food and liquid, and by keeping recyclables loose, not in plastic bags.
“When in doubt, throw it out – if you’re unsure if an item is recyclable, put it in the general waste bin to avoid contamination.”
Community Assistance Grants closing soon
Funding round two of Somerset Regional Council’s Community Assistance Grants for 2025-2026 is closing mid-February.
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 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
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 at Kilcoy Library in March, and Lowood and Toogoolawah Libraries 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
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