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Councillors
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Back row (left to right): Cr Helen Brieschke, Cr Otis Ogg, Cr Bob Whalley, Cr Sean Choat, Cr Cheryl Gaedtke Front row (left to right): Cr Dan Hall, Mayor Graeme Lehmann |
MAYOR |
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Graeme was born and raised in the Somerset region and has always called this his home. He lives with his wife Judy at Prenzlau and together they have three daughters and many grandchildren. Graeme is passionate about representing the interests of the community and first became a Councillor in 1994. A decade after being in local government, Graeme was elected Mayor of the region. He has proudly served in local government for over two decades. Graeme left high school early to pursue his love of cars and successfully completed an apprenticeship as a mechanic soon after. Graeme is a qualified motor mechanic and owned and operated a business specialising in repairing and restoring vehicles at Tarampa for many years. He is an avid Holden supporter and has raced at speedway and won several titles. Graeme has strong connections to the community. Committees: Tourism Advisory Committee |
DEPUTY MAYOR |
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Dan has worked in local government for more than three decades and has strong ties to the region. He calls Kilcoy home with his wife Rhondda and loves working on the land. He has a passion for serving the Somerset region and first became a Councillor in 2008 after working as a foreman and overseer in local government for almost 30 years. Dan has extensive knowledge of transport, rural and sales' industries as well as road construction. He enjoys campdrafting, fishing and playing golf. Dan is a life member of the Campdraft Association and a beef producer in Somerset. Committees: Somerset Regional Community Support Advisory Committee |
COUNCILLORS |
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Helen Brieschke first moved to the Somerset region in 1976 after experiencing Cyclone Tracey when living in Darwin as a child. She has been heavily involved in the community since her teenage years and has held full-time employment at the Esk Co-Op and Esk Hospital. Helen and husband David own and have operated a wholesale milk distribution business for almost three decades. Helen was first elected as a Councillor in 2012 and has a strong commitment to the community with a keen interest in recreation, environment and the arts and believes Somerset is a great place to live, work and visit. Committees: Tourism Advisory Committee |
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Sean Choat was first elected as a Councillor for SRC in 2016. Prior to being elected to Council, his community service included various club committee positions and most notably he served as the state member for Ipswich West representing the interests of the community. Sean lives at Glamorgan Vale with his wife Nicola and their three children. Sean has interests including raising livestock, but he is best known for his love of poultry and racing pigeons. Sean has many years’ experience working in the vocational training sector and has undertaken studies in training and assessment, audit and business administration. Sean is a strong advocate for the rights of the individual, small business and sustainable growth. Committees: Traffic Safety Advisory Committee |
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Cheryl was appointed as a Councillor in 2016 after working as Manager of Finance and Administration and Executive Administrator – Community Services in local government for over 30 years. Cheryl possesses a great understanding of this level of government and is proud to be involved with communities and businesses at this grass root level. Following university studies based around communication, Cheryl welcomes strong communication practices and encourages active listening and open feedback. Cheryl is a fourth generation resident of Somerset, and together with her husband John, calls Kilcoy home. In 2015 she received the Somerset Australia Day Citizen of the Year award for her voluntary involvement in various community groups and organisations across the region since 1987. Cheryl is an avid horse rider and enjoys keeping fit by visiting gyms and recreational areas located in our great region. Committees: Traffic Safety Advisory Committee |
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Michael, or Otis as he is better known, was first elected as a Councillor in 2012. He was raised in Lowood and owned and operated his own business, Oggs Department Store, for more than thirty years. He is passionate about the region and is involved in many aspects of community life. Otis calls Wivenhoe Pocket his home and admits his favourite past time is musical theatre as well as his band, The Blithrin Roos. Otis is a member of the Brisbane Valley Sailing Club and is passionate about enhancing the liveability of Somerset and connecting residents with the region's waterways. Otis is heavily involved with various aspects of community life in Somerset and is also a director of the Lowood and Fernvale Community Bank. Committees: Tourism Advisory Committee |
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Bob Whalley has been heavily involved in the Somerset community for more than a decade and has a proven track record of working hard for the betterment of the community while representing the needs of his constituents. Bob is an owner and operator of a small Somerset business and was instrumental in the establishment of the Somerset Region Business Alliance. He first became a Councillor for Esk Shire Council in 2004 and served a full term before running as a mayoral candidate in 2008. Bob was then appointed to the position of Councillor for Somerset Regional Council in 2015. He has lived in Somerset for more than two decades and is a proud family man. Committees: Traffic Safety Advisory Committee |
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