Somerset Regional Council Highlights 6 June 2025

Published on 06 June 2025

One month until 2025 Somerset Rail Trail Classic

In just one month, a swarm of runners and riders will hit the pavement on Australia’s longest rail trail for the 22nd annual Somerset Rail Trail Classic (SRTC).

Held on Sunday morning, 13 July, the SRTC has four challenge options with a 3km or 8km walk or run, and 20km and 44km bike rides.

Somerset Regional Council’s event showcases the best of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail with all courses crossing the finish line at the Fernvale Sports Park, where the SRTC festivities continue with stallholders, jumping castles, food and other entertainment.

In 2025, funds raised by the SRTC will support Lowood Recreational Complex sporting groups the Lowood Stags Junior Rugby League Football Club and the Brisbane Valley Soccer Club.

Lowood Recreational Complex Association Council representative, Councillor Brett Freese, said the Somerset Rail Trail Classic was all about promoting healthy lifestyles in the region.

“The Lowood Stags and the Brisbane Valley Soccer Club embody this same passion and we’re proud to support the work they do in providing fitness opportunities for our community,” Cr Freese said.

“A special thanks goes to the SRTC’s Major Sponsor, A&M Civil Contracting Pty Ltd.

“Their ongoing support for this event has allowed us to deliver bigger and better events every year.”

Council thanks its Gold Sponsors for supporting the 2025 event: Emaho Trees, Bellwether, ONF Surveyors, Urban Utilities, Karreman Quarries, River 94.9, and Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association.

Council also thanks its Silver Sponsors: Holding Redlich, Georgia Greet - Ray White Ipswich / Rosewood, Silverstrand, Daniel Banditt, Pacific Fuel Solutions, and Kilcoy Global Foods.

Tickets for the Somerset Rail Trail Classic can be purchased online, visit: somersetrailtrailclassic.com.au

For more information, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au

Runners and riders will hit the pavement on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail for the 22nd annual Somerset Rail Trail Classic next month.

 

Stamp of excellence for 21 Somerset tourism operators

Somerset is making its mark as a tourism hotspot with 21 regional operators receiving the prestigious Best of Queensland Experiences (BOQE) stamp.

Somerset Regional Council Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee Chair, Mayor Jason Wendt, said the operators rated amongst the best in Queensland.

“We’re lucky to have so many great tourism providers here in Somerset, offering well-rounded experiences which complement our region’s natural beauty,” Cr Wendt said.

“If you’re looking for a good feed, a nice place to stay the night or an outdoor adventure, we’ve got it all here in Somerset.

“Earning the BOQE stamp lets these businesses stand out in a competitive market and attract more visitors seeking high quality experiences.

“We congratulate each and every one of them on this achievement.”

The following Somerset tourism operators received the stamp: Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycles, Brisbane Valley Roasters, Clarendon Cottage, CJ’s Pastries – Kilcoy, Esk Caravan Park and Motel Group, Esk Grand Hotel, Esk Wivenhoe Motor Inn, Exchange Hotel Kilcoy, Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights, Jimna Base Camp, Kilcoy Motel, Montrose on Moore, Neurum Creek Bush Retreat, NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park, Ottaba Llamas, Out There Cycling, Picnic Society, Rail Trail Refuge, Ramblers Parachute Centre – Toogoolawah, Rustic Brew Café, and The Linville Hotel.

The Best of Queensland Experiences Program (BOQEP) is an initiative of Tourism and Events Queensland in partnership with the Queensland Government’s Regional Tourism Organisations, Queensland Tourism Industry Council and the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

Let’s talk telehealth In Good Company

Telehealth is the talk of the town in June 2025, thanks to Somerset Regional Council’s senior connections program, In Good Company.

Three information sessions, presented by Metro North and West Moreton Hospital and Health Service, will provide seniors with the tools they need to feel comfortable using telehealth services.

Somerset Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Michael Bishop, said the Telehealth Talks sessions would clear up common misunderstandings and provide confidence to senior residents when making appointments.

“Our region is vast with limited public transport and access to specialist medical services, making it difficult for many residents to attend appointments, especially our senior cohort,” Cr Bishop said.

“These Telehealth Talks will give our seniors the skills and resources they need to see their doctor without travelling to our neighbouring cities.

“Plus, we’ll have a free morning tea on site.”

Sessions will be held from 10.30am on the following dates:

• Thursday, 12 June in Esk: Somerset Civic Centre, 35 Esk Hampton Road
• Thursday, 19 June in Toogoolawah: Alexandra Hall, 111 Cressbrook Street
• Wednesday, 25 June in Kilcoy: Kilcoy Library, 15 Kennedy Street

Bookings essential, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au

The In Good Company program is funded by the Queensland Government.

Join Somerset’s Mayor for a masquerade ball

Tickets are now on sale for Somerset Regional Council’s 2025 Mayoral Gala Charity Ball, held Saturday, 13 September at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said attendees were in for a night to remember.

“Tickets, raffles and auction purchases will all go towards Council’s Mayoral Gala Charity Ball Fund, which supports Somerset residents doing it tough and charities providing vital services to our community,” Cr Wendt said.

Tickets are $180 per person, or $1,400 for a table of eight.

To purchase tickets, contact Council or visit bit.ly/MGCB2025tickets

Cr Wendt said there were still Silver sponsorship packages available, and the option to make in-kind donations.

“Your support for this cause is invaluable – every dollar counts and every in-kind donation will make a difference,” Cr Wendt said.

To become a Silver sponsor or make an in-kind donation, visit bit.ly/MGCBSponsorshipform

For more information, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au