Karise Eden’s bringing the blues to the Brisbane Valley

The Somerset Civic Centre is welcoming award-winning singer-songwriter Karise Eden for a special show on Saturday, 3 May 2025.

Karise Eden shot to fame at the age of 19 with a viral audition video, now with more than 50 million views on YouTube.

With one of Australia’s most distinct voices, Eden has earned two ARIA Awards, gold and platinum records and multiple Top Five positions in the ARIA and AIR charts.

The singer-songwriter’s first indie release in 2022, ‘Into The Black’, also featured an AIR No. 1 single.

In her upcoming show, ‘Brisbane Valley Blues’, Eden is armed with her guitar and a songbook of originals plus her own twist on classics which influenced her musical journey.

If you like blues, soul, rock, power pop, country or Americana, you’re not going to want to miss Brisbane Valley Blues featuring Karise Eden.

The show will be held 2pm Saturday, 3 May at the Somerset Civic Centre at 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk.

Tickets are $45 per person - to book, visit somersetciviccentre.com.au/brisbane-valley-blues-featuring-karise-eden

Try your hand at the Toogoolawah Tourneys

Somerset Seniors are invited to try their hand in the Toogoolawah Tourneys, a new social competition organised by Somerset Regional Council’s seniors connection program, In Good Company.

Over seven rounds starting Friday, 9 May, seniors will take on games like checkers, Ludo, Finska, Yahtzee and Uno.

Somerset Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair Councillor Michael Bishop said Toogoolawah Tourneys was an opportunity for competitive seniors to come together and challenge themselves.

“Connecting with each other and playing board games are great ways for our seniors to keep their minds active and healthy,” Cr Bishop said.

“Register today if you think you have what it takes to win the Toogoolawah Tourneys.

“Competition rounds will be held from 2pm to 4pm on Fridays and includes afternoon tea, which is a great way to cap off the week.”

Toogoolawah Tourneys will be held on the second and fourth Friday each month, between 9 May and 8 August, at Toogoolawah Connection Point on Gunyah Street, across McConnel Park from Toogoolawah Library.

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

The In Good Company program is funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by Somerset Regional Council.

Toogoolawah Swimming Pool upgrades starting

Somerset Regional Council’s upgrades to the Toogoolawah Swimming Pool are starting in late April.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the facility’s transformation would better service the central Somerset community with more disabled access and a larger pool.
“The Toogoolawah Swimming Pool will feature a new ramp and stairway and will be upgraded from a six-lane to an eight-lane, 25 metre pool to improve functionality and accommodate more users.

“We can’t wait to bring you this new facility, and we’ll keep you updated as construction progresses.”

Construction is starting in line with the pool season’s closure on Sunday, 20 April, and is expected to complete in early December 2025.

The Kilcoy Aquatic Centre will also close for the season on 20 April while Lowood Swimming Pool will close on Sunday, 4 May.

Muckerts Lane and McCulkins Lane road widening

Somerset Regional Council is providing a sealed, two-lane road on Muckerts Lane and McCulkins Lane in Fernvale.

Council will start tree removal, earthworks and pavement works on Muckerts Lane and McCulkins Lane between Old Fernvale Road and Fairneyview Fernvale Road in May 2025, with completion scheduled for mid-2026.

Trees removed through the project will be offset by Council’s tree planting project, which includes about 350 trees around the Fernvale Sports park and 500 trees in Lowood.

The works along Muckerts Lane and McCulkins Lane will be delivered under a Road Closure Plan with local access to remain.

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

Yellow lids only take five types of waste

Somerset Regional Council’s waste recycling program accepts five types of waste in yellow lid recycling bins.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said it was important residents followed the recycling guides to reduce contamination.

“Our yellow top bins should only be filled with glass, metal (empty steel and aluminium items), plastic, cardboard and paper,” Cr Wendt said.

“Exceptions include broken glassware, bubble and shrink wrap, mirrors or plate glass, plastic bags, Pyrex ovenware, scrap metal and car parts, waxed cardboard or paper, and wire coat hangers.

“It’s important not to bag anything in recycling bins, items should be loose.

“Unfortunately, we still see some food, garden and other waste in our yellow top bins.”

Cr Wendt encouraged residents to download the Somerset Bin App.

“The app has a search function which helps identify which bin to throw different items in,” Cr Wendt said.

“It also notifies users about waste updates and changes to collection times.”

For more information on recycling and to download the Somerset Bin App, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/recycling

Apply now for the CleanCo Community Futures Fund

Somerset community groups, not-for-profit organisations and small businesses are encouraged to apply for the latest round of the CleanCo Community Futures Fund.

CleanCo is a Queensland Government owned company which operates the Wivenhoe Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Station between Splityard Creek Dam and Lake Wivenhoe.

The funding program supports community initiatives and events based in regions with CleanCo infrastructure with a maximum request of $5,000 per grant round.

Applications close Wednesday, 7 May.

For more information and to apply, visit cleancoqueensland.com.au/community/futuresfund

Movement to Music returns to Toogoolawah

Somerset Regional Council’s Movement to Music program is back for another eight weeks of sessions starting Tuesday, 29 April.

The program was originally scheduled to start on 22 April but has been delayed one week to accommodate the holiday period.

Every Tuesday for eight weeks until Tuesday, 17 June, seniors can join Council at the Alexandra Hall in Toogoolawah for a light workout to classics from the 60s and 70s.

Registration for the eight-week program is $40, to be paid on the first day in cash.

For more information and to register, phone Council on 5424 4000.

Sponsor the 2025 Mayoral Gala Charity Ball

Applications to sponsor Somerset Regional Council’s 2025 Mayoral Gala Charity Ball are now open.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the biannual Mayoral Gala Charity Ball raised money to assist Somerset residents.

“The funds we have raised over the years have supported community groups which in turn support people facing homelessness, abuse, mental illness, food insecurity and disability,” Cr Wendt said.

“Through this event people can make a huge difference in our community, while enjoying a great night out.”

The new sponsorship model includes platinum, gold and silver sponsor options, with the opportunity for platinum sponsors to attend a cocktail party prior to the official ball alongside the Mayor, Councillors and special guests.

The ball will be held at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk on Saturday, 13 September 2025.

For more information, view Council’s Sponsorship Brochure: bit.ly/MGCBSponsorshipbrochure

To apply, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/sponsorthemgcb