Celebrating International Women’s Day in Somerset

Even Tropical Cyclone Alfred couldn't ruin International Women's Day for Somerset.

Council celebrated IWD 2025 with a high tea at the Somerset Civic Centre on Wednesday, 5 March.

Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said the theme was Connecting Conversations
“Discussions focused on the importance of connections for women,” Cr Brieschke said.

“At a time when the Somerset and the wider South East Queensland region needed to band together in preparation for the impacts of TC Alfred, community connection has never been more vital.

“We thank guest speaker Karen Wilson from Queensland Seniors Social Isolation Peak Services Program for contributing to the event.”

This event was funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by council.

Check your pets’ chips

Somerset Regional Council is urging residents to check their pets microchip registration, following popular microchipping company Home Safe ID going into receivership.

Pet owners registered with the company will need to transfer their pets’ microchip information to another registry.

This is also a reminder to all pet owners to verify and update microchip details, ensuring a higher chance of being reunited with your furry friends if they ever go missing.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt stressed the importance of keeping your pets’ registration up to date.

“It is important to verify your microchipping provider,” Cr Wendt said.

“These services allow for Somerset residents to ensure their pets are safe and accounted for.”

It is a legal requirement under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 for owners to microchip their pets before they reach 12 weeks of age.

Pet owners who are unsure of their microchip provider can visit petaddress.com.au

Getting the most out of Grant Guru

Somerset Regional Council is encouraging businesses community groups, not-for-profits and individuals looking for grant funding to utilise council’s Grant Finder.

GrantGuru is a platform designed to help organisations seeking funding to discover grant assistance opportunities.

On the site you can search and filter grants by industry, sector or project type, with the benefit of advice and tips to strengthen grant applications.

This site provides a comprehensive list of grant and funding opportunities.

Visit the website and register to receive emailed alerts for new grants, save your favourites and access tips to help with grant applications: grantguru.com/au/somerset

NEWK showing at Somerset Civic Centre in April

Written by award-winning Australian playwright Kieran Carroll and performed by acclaimed Melbourne classical actor, Paul Armstrong, NEWK (The John Newcombe Story) traces the life of the great Australian tennis champion of the 1960s and 70s.

Set in 2024 at Newk’s 80th birthday in Sydney, Newcombe’s journey covers his life as a naïve 1960s schoolboy, being the No 1 player in the world in the 1970s, and his time as the Davis Cup Captain.

Both a drama and comedy, the play portrays a highly determined and ambitious man burning through a quickly changing world.

For more information and to purchase a ticket, visit the Somerset Civic Centre at 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk or visit somersetciviccentre.com.au

Easter School Holiday Program announced

Somerset kids are spoiled for choice with plenty of activities on these Easter School Holidays.

Somerset Regional Council’s School Holiday Program kicks off on Tuesday, 8 April with the Mad Hatters Tea Party held at Clock Park, Lowood from 9am.

This free, family-friendly event promises a fun-filled morning with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained.

Don’t forget – prizes will be awarded to children for the best hat and most creative costume.

Then at 10am on Wednesday, 9 April, the Smashing Bumpkins are bringing a family-friendly bush dance like no other to the Somerset Civic Centre, 35 Esk Hampton Road.

The Smashing Bumpkins will cover Australian bush dance classics and your favourite hits from Tina Turner, AC/DC, Michael Jackson and more.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for 5-to-12-year-olds, and free entry for four years and under.

The Esk Roller Disco is back at the Somerset Civic Centre carpark from 5pm to 8pm on Saturday, 12 April.

Get ready to lace up your skates or blades and join council for a free night of roller fun hosted by Roller Dance Australia.

There’s even more in stall with events at Somerset Libraries to be announced in coming weeks.

For bookings and more information, visit: somerset.qld.gov.au/school-holiday-program

Dementia Awareness and Carer Support in Somerset

Somerset Regional Council has three Dementia Awareness and Carer Support Information Sessions in March.

The free information sessions are part of council’s senior connections program, In Good Company.

Dementia Australia Community Engagement Officer Kara Crompton will present the series of information sessions and provide an overview of dementia, information for carers and the services available for support.

Sessions will include a morning tea and Q&A, held 10am-12pm at the following locations:

• Fernvale – Friday, 14 March at the Fernvale Visitor Information Centre, 1483 Brisbane Valley Highway
• Toogoolawah – Friday, 21 March at Alexandra hall, 111 Cressbrook Street
• Kilcoy – Friday, 28 March at the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre, 41 Hope Street

The information sessions are funded by the Queensland Government.

To book, contact council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au