Sponsor the 2025 Mayoral Gala Charity Ball

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

Businesses are invited to enquire about sponsorship opportunities

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 with the theme ‘Masquerade’.

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

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

QRIDA grants and loans available for Ex-TC Alfred recovery

Somerset primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations impacted by severe weather during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred may be eligible for disaster recovery grants and low-interest loans from the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA)

Grant opportunities include Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants up to $25,000, Disaster Assistance Loans of up to $250,000 for primary producers and small businesses and $100,000 for not-for-profit organisations, and Disaster Assistance (Essential Working Capital) Loans of up to $100,000.

For more information, including application guidelines and support, contact QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or visit qrida.qld.gov.au

Autumn school holiday fun continues

Looking for something to do in Somerset these school holidays?

Somerset Regional Council’s school holiday program has got you covered.

On Saturday, 12 April the Esk Roller Disco is coming to the Somerset Civic Centre car park.

Strap on your skates or blades and join Council for a free night of roller fun from 5pm to 8pm.

The event, hosted by Roller Dance Australia and funded by Council, provides free roller skate and roller blade hire with a variety of sizes available.

Participants are reminded to wear their own safety gear and long socks and are welcome to bring their own skates and blades.

The second week of holidays includes sport activities in Fernvale, Toogoolawah and Kilcoy on the following dates:

• Monday, 14 April at the Fernvale Indoor Sports Centre (netball, basketball, touch footy, futsal and gymnastics)
• Tuesday, 15 April at Toogoolawah State High School (netball, basketball, volleyball, futsal and touch)
• Wednesday, 16 April at the Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre (netball, volleyball, touch, league and gymnastics)

Activities will be held from 9am to 12pm for ages 5 to 11, and 2pm to 5pm for ages 12 to 17 (excluding gymnastics).

There’s even more in stall with activities at Somerset Libraries including glass jar painting, Easter crafts, pipe cleaner monsters, model volcanoes, and sock puppets.

For more information, download the Somerset On The Go library app or visit somerset.qld.gov.au/school-holiday-program

Call for public art on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Somerset Regional Council is calling for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) by Somerset and South East Queensland (SEQ) artists to deliver public artworks for the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

The artwork opportunity will form part of council’s application in The SEQ City Deal Public Art Initiative.

Under the initiative, council will receive $400,000 for public art commissions to be delivered by 31 March 2027.

Artworks commissioned will respond to the project’s curatorial rationale, and reflect the history and character of the region, its unique First Nations heritage, rural nature and landscapes, and the townships and people that define its contemporary character.

Apply by 12pm Friday, 11 April 2025 by sending your EOI to mail@somerset.qld.gov.au

For more information contact Council’s Arts and Culture Manager on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au

The SEQ City Deal Public Art Initiative project is funded by the Australian Government with the support of the Queensland Government and the Council of Mayors SEQ.

Say hello to your Somerset Councillors

Somerset Councillors are hosting two ‘Come and Chat’ sessions in April..

This is an opportunity for residents to speak directly with elected representatives and learn about Council’s projects and plans.

Come and Chat sessions will be held on the following dates:

• Wednesday, 16 April, 10.30am-12.30pm at Bottletree Hotel, Glamorgan Vale
• Wednesday, 30 April, 10am-12pm at Somerset Dam General Store, Somerset Dam

Movement to Music returns to Toogoolawah

Somerset Regional Council’s Movement to Music program is back for another eight weeks of sessions starting Tuesday, 22 April.

Every Tuesday until 10 June, seniors are invited to 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.