Somerset election update

The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) has declared Jason Wendt as the successful mayoral candidate for Somerset Regional Council.

ECQ has also declared the six successful councillor candidates to be Tiara Hurley,  Helen Brieschke, Sally Jess, Brett Freese, Kylee Isidro and Michael Bishop.

All seven councillors were sworn into office with the official “Declaration of Office” occurring on Thursday, 28 March at Esk.

The occasion was recognised with family and friends of the new elected officials present. 

These elected officials will now represent the interests of the Somerset community in their official roles as councillor for the next four years.

The first council meeting for the new team will be held on Wednesday, 10 April at Esk.

Somerset Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Johnson, congratulated the elected officials on being selected by residents of Somerset and recognised the efforts of all candidates in the lead up to the election.

“Together we look forward to working for the betterment of Somerset now and into the future,” Mr Johnson said. 

For more information about the election including comprehensive results visit: www.ecq.qld.gov.au.

Photo Captions:

Councillors The new Somerset Regional Council elected member team following their Declaration of Office. Pictured from L to R is Cr Kylee Isidro, Cr Michael Bishop, Cr Tiara Hurley, Mayor Jason Wendt, Cr Sally Jess, Cr Brett Freese and Cr Helen Brieschke.

Mayor: Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt (right) making his Declaration of Office. He is pictured with Somerset Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Johnson (left).

 

Tickets on sale for annual fun run

Tickets are now on sale for the annual Somerset Rail Trail Classic, the region’s premier fun run.

The event, brought to the community by Somerset Regional Council, will be held on Sunday, 21 July.

Course options include a 3km run/walk from Vernor to Fernvale, an 8km run/walk from Lowood to Fernvale and a 44km bike ride from Esk to Fernvale.

Early bird registrations for the event, sponsored by A&M Civil Contracting, are open now and can be completed by visiting www.somersetrailtrailclassic.com.au

Sports and movie magic in Kilcoy

Children of all ages can enjoy a free movie and join in a range of sporting activities at Kilcoy on 9 April.

Starting at 3.30pm, the activity which forms part of Somerset Regional Council’s popular School Holiday Program, will have something for everyone.

From gymnastics to netball, basketball, sack races and running races there will plenty of fun.

There will be a free sausage sizzle and then relax into the night with a free screening of Paw Patrol – The Might Movie.

Bring a chair or picnic blanket and enjoy an afternoon of family fun.

For more information phone Council on 5424 4000 or visit www.somerset.qld.gov.au/school-holiday-program.

Housing Needs Assessment for Somerset 

Somerset Regional Council, as an action from its Somerset Social Plan (July 2023), is undertaking a Housing Needs Assessment.

The aim of the assessment is to better understand the housing needs of Somerset with respect to crisis and emergency accommodation, housing for older persons and housing for people living with a disability.

Council has appointed consultants to undertake the assessment and is now seeking residents’ input through a community survey.

The results of this survey will assist in identifying housing needs for the region and provide a basis for Council to advocate to government agencies, community housing organisations and other development organisations.

The survey is now available on the Council website and hard copies are available at the libraries and customer service centres upon request.

The survey closes on Monday, 15 April 2024.

To complete the survey, visit www.somerset.qld.gov.au.            

School Holiday fun in Somerset

Somerset Regional Council’s Autumn School Holiday Program is underway with plenty of activities for children of all ages.

As part of the school holiday program, there will be a youth festival in Lowood, Rolla Bae Disco at the Somerset Civic Centre grounds, movie nights at Kilcoy and a range of fun activities at Somerset Library branches and The Condensery – Council’s art gallery in Toogoolawah.

To view the full program visit www.somerset.qld.gov.au or phone Council on 5424 4000.

Free DogFest coming to Somerset

Somerset Regional Council, in conjunction with Griffith University, will be hosting a paw-some line up of dog training workshops, demonstrations, dog-friendly stalls, food trucks and live entertainment when DogFest comes to Fernvale next month.

DogFest is a free community event being held at Fernvale’s Memorial Park on Saturday, 13 April from 8am to 1pm.

The event is open to all dog owners and dog lovers across the region.

Registration is essential and can be done by visiting https://bit.ly/3Vrx2MH