Mayoral Gala Charity Ball Fund now open

Applications for Somerset Regional Council’ Mayoral Gala Charity Ball Fund are now open.

Charitable organisations are invited to apply for grants to assist in delivering programs or services to people suffering from disability, homelessness, trauma, abuse or neglect within Somerset.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt encouraged the community to enquire about the funding opportunity.

“The Mayoral Gala Charity Ball Fund is designed to support those in the community who need the most support,” Cr Wendt said.

“Recent recipients include food pantries in Kilcoy and Lowood which are improving their services for people doing it tough.

“If you have a community project which could use a hand-up, the Mayoral Gala Charity Ball Fund may be able to help.”

Applications for the latest round will close 5pm Monday, 14 April 2025.

The application form and guidelines are available on council’s website: somerset.qld.gov.au/community/community-assistance-grants

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

Enhance your business with Somerset’s Tourism Development Workshop

Somerset Regional Council will host a free hands-on workshop on Wednesday, 2 April to enhance Somerset’s tourism businesses.

The Tourism Development Workshop, presented by Tilma Group, will guide businesses through the key components of developing a successful tourism business.

Somerset Councillor Sally Jess said the workshop was designed for all tourism businesses in the region.

“From cafes and retail outlets to accommodation providers and outdoor experiences, this workshop will help your business improve the customer journey, foster collaborations and ensure accessibility for visiting tourists,” Cr Jess said.

“Key topics include creating memorable experiences for all visitors, using resources like newsletters, grants and marketing, and how to think like your guests.

“There will also be a tour of two Esk-based tourism businesses, the Esk Caravan Park and Brisbane Valley Roasters.

“This is the perfect opportunity to meet and collaborate with like-minded people, and to help grow your business and tourism within Somerset.”

The Tourism Development Workshop will be held on Wednesday, 2 April starting 8.30am at Esk Library, 19 Heap Street, Esk.

The workshop was jointly funded by the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

RSVP by 9am, Monday 31 March by contacting council: 5424 4000 or tourism@somerset.qld.gov.au

For more information, visit the Experience Somerset Tourism Operator Portal: experiencesomerset.com.au/tourism-operator-portal

Agriculture Forum coming to Esk

Somerset Regional Council will host an Agriculture Forum on Tuesday, 8 April to address key challenges faced in the sector.

Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said the forum would provide the region’s primary producers with information industry updates.

“The Agriculture Forum is going to be a great opportunity for our farmers,” Cr Brieschke said.

“It will provide essential insights and practical strategies to enhance their resilience, productivity, and sustainability in the face of industry challenges.”

Dr Pamela Greet from Future Ag Queensland will lead a lineup of speakers for a forum tailored to Somerset’s primary producers.

“Dr Greet has worked extensively in natural resource management with producers, local governments and peak bodies since 2018,” Cr Brieschke said.

“Other forum topics include climate variability, biosecurity challenges, agri-tourism opportunities and sustainability.”

The forum will be held from 9.30am to 1.30pm at Esk Library, 19 Heap Street, Esk.

Assistance for the Agriculture Forum was provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Bookings essential, visit: bit.ly/4iBVOlW

Disaster impact surveys for Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred

Somerset business owners and primary producers are encouraged to complete the Queensland Government’s disaster impact surveys.

Two surveys are now live for primary producers and small businesses.

Somerset Regional Council Economic Recovery Sub Group Chair, Councillor Tiara Hurley, said completing the confidential surveys would help the Department of Primary Industries and Business Queensland understand where assistance was needed in the region.

“These surveys will help build a case for funding and support for businesses and producers impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred,” Cr Hurley said.

“The data will be used to gauge the need for grants, loans and other assistance.

“We need to capture as much data as possible to ensure Somerset business owners and primary producers aren’t missing out on available assistance from the State and Federal Governments.”

To complete the surveys, visit: business.qld.gov.au/running-business/natural-disaster/impact-surveys

Financial security and scam awareness next focus for In Good Company

Somerset Regional Council’s seniors connection program, In Good Company, will host four Financial Security and Scam Awareness information sessions starting in April.

Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Michael Bishop, said the sessions would provide Somerset seniors with important advice on money management.

“Unfortunately, seniors are the most vulnerable people in the community when it comes to financial security and scams,” Cr Bishop said.

“These sessions will cover strategies to keep money safe with online banking and shopping.

“You will also learn how to identify what a scam looks like and how to avoid being scammed.”

Sessions will be held from 10am-12pm with morning tea at the following locations:

• Lowood – Thursday, 3 April, Lowood Library
• Esk – Friday, 11 April, Esk Library
• Fernvale – Wednesday, 30 April, Fernvale Visitor Information Centre
• Toogoolawah – Thursday, 8 May, Alexandra Hall

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

Apply now for Queensland Hydro grants

The second round of Queensland Hydro’s Community Grants Program is now open.

Community organisations in Somerset can apply for up to $10,000 to support an eligible initiative which is meaningful to the communities close to the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project.

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt asked the community to put forward their applications.

“Funding opportunities like this don’t come around often,” Cr Wendt said.

“This is a great opportunity to get a community project off the ground or to continue supporting a meaningful initiative in Somerset.”

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 18 May 2025.

For eligibility criteria and to apply, visit qldhydro.com.au/community/community-benefits-program/community-grants-program

For more information, contact 1800 433 939 or community@qldhydro.com.au