Cr Report – Councillor Gaedtke – Council Ordinary Meeting 26 June 2019

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 26 June 2019

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

28 June                Lowood Lions Club Change Over Dinner

28 June                Two Galahs Gallery & Stepping Back in Time Grand Opening – Toogoolawah

30 June                Lions Club of Fernvale 2019 Change Over Breakfast

05 July                  St Agnes’ Grand Photo Competition, Wine & Cheese Night Anglican Hall Esk

13 July                  Esk Race Day

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services’ (QFES) Budget of $740 million will deliver new facilities, vehicles and support to frontline firefighters and emergency service personnel.  It is pleasing to learn that $1.7 million has been earmarked to finish a new auxiliary Fire and Rescue station at Esk.

Agenda Item #33   Councillors’ Report      (I attended)

12 June                Kilcoy State High School P & C Assn Meeting

12 June                Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Group Meeting

13 June                Diploma of Local Government – Elected Members – Effective Decision Making

13 June                Sheep Station Creek School public meeting – Formation of Sheep Station Creek Progress Assn.

15 June                Esk Garden & Lifestyle Fair

15 June                Lowood Show

17 June                Somerset Condensery Gallery Advisory Committee Meeting

18 June                Lowood Residents Assn Monthly Meeting

20 June                B2B Presentation “Let’s Talk” – Hosted by Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce

22 June                Minden State School Fete

23 June                DA Meeting

23 June                Stanley Rivers Polocrosse Club – Kilcoy Showgrounds

Do you believe that Landcare Groups are beneficial to our area?  Our Landcare Group is very willing to work with community and wish to identify important needs.  Contact me if you would like to work towards a bright future for our group. 

Along with Councillors Michael Hagan (Lockyer Valley Regional Council) and Tracey Huges (Redland City Council) the last training unit of the Diploma of Local Government – Elected Members was completed.  The unit titled Effective Decision Making was facilitated by peak Trainer & Senior Advisor Ms Donna Neilson, and a total of 14 units have been completed over the past 16 months.

Once again, sincere congratulations to the Valley of the Lakes Garden Club in its spectacular Esk Garden & Lifestyle Fair and the superb organization and presentation of this well supported and loved local event.  This event grows in number each year and truly meet the expectations of the happy fair visitors.

I met the new Lowood Show President and admired the number of entries in most sections of the Lowood 2019 Show.  The weather was absolutely perfect with the culmination of fireworks Saturday night.

The Lowood Residents Assn held its monthly meeting, and this month the guest speaker was local funeral business Somerset Funerals.  There was a large amount of discussion around the services that this local business offers.

B2B Presentation “Let’s Talk” was hosted by the Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce and Community Inc. There were two presentations, one around social media and the use of facebook to promote businesses, the other around the benefits of securing a connection to local community radio station 101.5. 

Congratulations to the Minden State School and the excellent presentation of the Minden Fete.  Once again, the weather was just glorious for holding such an event.  The entertainment consisted of a magic show (Qld Magic Show), Taekwondo (Bai Rui – Lowood), Dancers (Lockyer Valley Dance Centre), Mixed Martial Arts (Black Dragon Wu Shu – Fernvale), and special performances from prep and each year class.  Well done!

Councillor Report 12 June

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 12 June 2019

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

15 June                Lowood Show                                                                 

15 June                Esk Garden & Lifestyle Fair

15 June                 Kilcoy Races

15 June                Mt Kilcoy P & C Trivia Night

16 June                Farewell Storries of Kilcoy

18 June                Grandparents Day State Schools

20 June                B2B Presentation “Let’s Talk” – Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce

22 June                Minden State School Fete

22 June                Polocrosse Carnival – Stanley Rivers Polocrosse Club – Kilcoy Showground

Congratulations and recognition must go to Natalia Hutchison, who has chosen to represent her home region of Kilcoy as this year’s Youth Member for Nanango.  Natalia works full-time as a Paralegal for the Brisbane City Council, and is undertaking a double degree in Arts/Law.  Natalia has been recognised as being a driven person and an amazing role model for other young regional women who want to step up and get involved in creating positive change for our community.  Needless to say, her family are very proud of Natalia and her accomplishments.

Agenda Item # 40  Councillors’ Report      (I attended)

29 May                 Kilcoy District Progress Alliance Inc. monthly meeting

30 May                 Kilcoy Showground Reserve Overall Management Committee Meeting

30 May                 Kilcoy District Historical Society Inc/Nick Fredriksen Meeting

03 June                Sheep Station Creek School Meeting – Kilcoy

05 June                Somerset Dam & District Progress Assn General Meeting

05 June                Webb & residents – Rasmussen Road Mt Archer

06 June                Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails committee meeting – Nanango

06 June                Cultural activities meeting – Kilcoy

08 June                Toogoolawah Show

08 June                 Ramblers 40^th Anniversary – Toogoolawah

11 June                Property Inspection

At the Kilcoy District Progress Alliance Inc. May meeting, a discussion took place around the upgrading of the cricket training nets located at Hopetoun Playing Fields.  The local players who use the nets for training will work through their parent club Wamuran Stanley River Cricket Club to achieve a successful outcome.  The group is awaiting the outcome of a recent grant application and cricket families are asked to provide evidence of support in readiness for grant outcomes.  The group may then reapply for funding through council.   I wish to thank our Mayor, our CEO, Nick Fredriksen and Ian Badman (Kilcoy District Historical Society) for sharing an open, honest and respectful meeting presence whilst discussing community expectation of the Sheep Station Creek School project.   SEQWater was represented at the General Meeting of the Somerset Dam & District Progress Assn., and a discussion was held around proposed legacy projects provided by SEQWater to the Somerset Dam Village during the proposed works at the Somerset Dam wall. In spite of the cool and damp weather, the Toogoolawah Show and Ramblers 40th Anniversary was successfully held.  I look forward to future successful events of both these popular groups.  Whilst visiting Ramblers, I met many long-term members of this club, and I noticed the overall improvements made during its life of 40 years.  Congratulations to all involved and especially Dave McEvoy for bringing his dreams to fruition.

“Ride for Red” – Cancer Council Qld event a complete success – 7,021 reasons to celebrate.

“Ride for Red”  –  Cancer Council Qld event a complete success – 7,021 reasons to celebrate

A very wet Saturday has not deterred the Gronks Social Riders club from running their Third Annual Ride for Red raising much needed funds to support Cancer Council Queensland in their quest to cure cancer.

The gathering at Wamuran saw 43 bikes and numerous cars departing for Blackbutt’s Bunya Nut Café for a vanilla slice and coffee.

Raffles were held and from Blackbutt riders arrived at Maidenwell for a buffet lunch, again in support of the Queensland Cancer Council.

Whilst the rain tumbled down at lunchtime the ride to Toogoolawah was mostly dry for an overnight stay and fundraising auction and raffles.

Funds raised combining raffles, auctions and donations along with donations made online through the Do-It-For-Cancer fundraising page totalled $7021.00, a mammoth achievement with having set the goal of $6000.00.

Mr Gary Blake of the Gronks Social Riders Club said “today was very gratifying to see the support from the community.” “We decided to hold an annual ride after a very good mate (Red) passed away from brain cancer to assist in some way towards the cure of cancer. Each year we have surpassed the previous year and the Ride for Red will continue for many years to come. The support from businesses and the community continues to grow and without their help a successful event would not be possible, and for that, we thank each and every-one helping to find a cure for this insidious disease.”

One of the participants in the ride was Councillor Cheryl Gaedtke from the Somerset Regional Council. Cheryl thanked the organisers, Gary Blake and Helen Weir, “It was such a warm and personal ride to commemorate a dear departed friend. The ride provides Red’s family and friends with even more treasured memories and also funds to help combat brain cancer.”

The Ride for Red is an annual event and is held on the same long weekend in May every year and the Gronks Social Riders Club extends the invitation to anyone who would like to get involved in supporting the Cancer Council n finding a cure for Cancer.

Cr Gaedtke looks forward to supporting Relay for Life being hosted by the Fernvale Lions Club.  The event will be held at the Fernvale Sports Park on Saturday 28 September 2019.  Cr Gaedtke would like to encourage businesses, community groups, fire brigades, schools and individuals to form a team to help raise valuable funds to assist the Cancer Council with their many obligations.

Councillor Report 29 May 2019

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

30 May                 Prenzlau 125^th Gala Dinner

01 June                Somerset Art Beat Festival – The Condensery

01 June                Toogoolawah Show Ball

7/8 June              Toogoolawah Show

08 June                Ramblers – 40^th Anniversary

09 June                Prenzlau Pride’s Car & Music Show – Lowood

Mrs Renee Retschlag proudly announced that she has received a letter from the Australian Axemans’ Association which advised she has been selected to represent our country in the Australian Women’s Woodchopping team.  Congratulations to one proud Kilcoy resident.

Agenda Item #36  Councillors’ Report      (I attended)

08 May                 Kilcoy State High School P&C Assn monthly meeting

09 May                 Kilcoy District Historical Society monthly meeting

10 May                 Kilcoy Art Society Inc. – Courthouse Gallery Opening

11 May                 Sheep Station Creek School – Centenary Celebrations & Town Meeting

11 May                 Esk Show Society – “Night of Nights”

13 May                 Past Councillor Noel Kammholz Funeral

14 May                 Tourism Advisory Committee meeting – Esk

15 May                 Traffic Safety Advisory Committee meeting – Esk

15 May                 Kerrie Oakes – Somerset Community Herb Clinic – Esk

15 May                 Pauline Watson – raffle prize Cancer Council event  – Venor

17 May                 Diploma of Local Government – Land use planning – Newstead, Brisbane

19 May                 Jammin – Esk

20 May                 Queensland Urban Utilities – Lunch – Esk

20 May                 RADF Committee Meeting – Esk

21 May                 Lowood District Residents Network Inc. monthly meeting

23 May                 Domestic Violence Day – Kilcoy event

23 May                 Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce & Community Inc monthly meeting

25 May                 Esk Show

26 May                 Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield Breakfast

27 May                 Toowoomba – Town Planning matter

27 May                 Special Meeting – Sculptural Garden Master Plan – The Condensery

28 May                 Toogoolawah Wacky Ladies The Biggest Morning Tea – Cancer Council event

Congratulations to the Esk Show Society Miss Showgirl Quest and Rural Ambassador entrants.  I was honoured to be asked to be one of the Judges of the evening “Night of Nights”, and I commend the girls on the way they conducted themselves during the interviews.  I wish every girl the very best and especially wish them a bright future achieving their dreams.  I also wish to extend my congratulations to the Esk Show Society for their innovative changes/additions made to this year’s show schedule.

I attended the Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield Inc and the Red Thunder Formation Team for a classic airfield breakfast.  There was a great turn out who enjoyed breakfast and I was offered a tour around the grounds, buildings and the planes.  It was a very interesting morning talking to the many pilots and understanding the passion they hold around flying.  Future plans of the organization was also expressed.

Councillor Report 8 May 2019

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 8 May 2019

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

09 May                 SEQWater Community Consultation – Kilcoy Memorial Hall

10 May                 New Quarterly Exhibition Opening – Courthouse Art Gallery, Kilcoy

11 May                 Sheep Station Creek reserve – 100 years anniversary Sheep Station Creek School

11 May                 Night of Nights – Esk Show Society

12 May                 Chaplaincy Mothers’ Day Luncheon – Toogoolawah

19 May                 Biggest Morning Tea  – Pauline Watson – Cancer Fundraising event

Sunshine Coast based food technology company Naturo Pty Ltd is behind the groundbreaking worldfirst set to revolutionise the dairy industry by developing milk that stays fresh for more than 60 days.   The stunning breakthrough which will create massive export opportunities in Asia, is being touted as the biggest dairy industry innovation since pasteurization.  Naturo founder and chief executive Jeff Hastings is the son-in-law of Kilcoy identities, Dick and Judy Hill.  I am told that Jeff never gives up, even through all the ups and downs he experiences in his chosen profession.

Agenda Item #27  Councillors’ Report      (I attended)

25 April                 Anzac Day Commemorations – Esk, Linville & Kilcoy

27 April                 Lowood Art – Cultural Festival

29 April                 Lowood Library – Mural

29 April                 Army Cadets – Public Meeting – Kilcoy

30 April                 Citizenship Ceremony – Esk

01 May                 Somerset Dam & District Progress Assn meeting

01 May                 Kilcoy District Progress Alliance Inc meeting

02 May                 SEQWater Somerset Dam Village meeting

03 May                 Council of Mayor – Economic Development Committee meeting – Brisbane

04 May                 “Ride for Red” – Toogoolawah – Cancer Council event

Anzac Day Commemorations were well supported again all over our region.  The day provided our communities with a time to come together to reflect, to connect and laugh.  The playing of two-up is always a fun activity with many taking part in the renowned Anzac Day activity.

Over 110 youth and parents took the time to attend the Kilcoy Army Cadet public meeting held at the Kilcoy Information Centre on 29^th April.  Army representatives gave a talk about the plans to start an Army Cadet branch in Kilcoy, with over 50 youth (aged between 13 – 17 years) expressing interest for future contact.  I look forward to witnessing the positive outcomes that will be derived from this important initiative.

SEQWater provided a very informative evening, which provided the platform for many locals to share their stories, memories and where SEQWater should be challenging their efforts with the safety upgrades of Somerset Dam.  The meeting was to persuade residents to get involved, and I congratulate SEQWater on the open community communication approach and attitude to this enormous and costly long-term safety upgrade project.

“Ride for Red” was very well supported with around 43 motorbikes, 13 cars and 85 people attending the event, which commenced at Wamuran, travelled to Blackbutt for morning tea and then on to Maidenwell for lunch before returning to Toogoolawah for dinner and evening activities.  The ride organisers, Helen Weir and Gary Blake set a fund-raising goal of $6,000 and they are proud to announce that the event raised a total of $6,732-90.  The fourth annual “Ride for Red” will be held same time next year, but with a different route being planned.

Councillor Reports 27 March, 10 & 24 April 2019

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 27 March 2019

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

29/31 March      Inaugural Reel Somerset Classic

30 March             BVRT 30 Charity Run – fund raiser Esk Hospital

30 March             Kilcoy Rodeo & Kilcoy Konvoy

31 March             Prenzlau Pride – Lowood Showgrounds 

04 April                 Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails book launch

“Racing in the Brisbane River Valley 1850 to 1940”

05 April                 Rural Minds Community Workshop – Esk

05/06 April          Kilcoy Show

06 April                 Dinner after Dark – St Andrew’s Anglican Church

06 April                 Easter Carnival – Glamorgan Vale

06 April                 Annual Lowood Spudds & Dudds B&S Ball

13 April                 Toogoolawah Charity Rodeo

Congratulations to Somerset SES Unit Rescue Team for taking first place in the SEQ SES Rescue Competition.  The unit will compete at the State Competition in Rockhampton in April 2019.  Great team work everyone!

Agenda Item #46  Councillors’ Report      (I attended)

13 March             Kilcoy State High School AGM & monthly meeting

14 March             Kilcoy State School AGM & monthly meeting

15 March             National Board of Apex Informal Afternoon Tea

16 March             Yowie parkrun – Kilcoy

16 March             Brisbane Valley Apex 1000^th Dinner Meeting

20 March             Council Election briefing – Esk

20 March             Kilcoy Christmas Carnival monthly meeting

21 March             Diploma Unit – Rates & Charges – LGAQ, Local Government House Newstead

21 March             Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce Inc monthly meeting

24 March             Ride for Red – Planning

26 March             Cancer Council – Relay for Life

I was honoured to witness three generations of Apexians in the Jaenke family at the Brisbane 1000^th Dinner Meeting held at the Somerset Civic Centre.  It was a very proud moment for the family, congratulations to you all.  Many stories were shared with us from the commencement of the club in 1970.  I was impressed by the achievements of this club and the stories of comradery.  There were even some funny stories involving the Kilcoy Apex Club.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 10 April 2019

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

13 April                 Toogoolawah Charity Rodeo

13 April                 Community Sing for your Super – Esk

18 April                 Coffee with a Cop –  Old Fernvale Bakery

20 April                 Somerset Dam & District Progress Assn. Annual General Meeting

21 April                 Esk Community Choir – Sings Easter Sunday Service – Esk

I would like to acknowledge the achievement of veteran shooter Daryl Stevens (Toogoolawah club) as top shot scorer (Veterans) for the Australian Clay Target shoot held in Roma on Sunday 7^th April.    

Well done to the Amazon Netball Team and the hundreds of girls and their supporters who packed the Fernvale netball courts on Saturday 6^th  April, at the first netball carnival held by the club.

Congratulations to Kilcoy Axeman, Gerald Youles for winning the Wood Chopping World Championship held at the 2019 Toowoomba Royal Show.

Agenda Item #40  Councillors’ Report      (I attended)

28 March             Councillor Infrastructure Bus Tour

30 March             Kilcoy Konvoy

30 March             Kilcoy Rodeo

01 April                 Councillor Infrastructure Bus Tour

03 April                 LGAQ Elected Member Training – Esk

04 April                 Brisbane Valley Heritage Trail Committee Meeting – Moore

04 April                 Book Launch BVHT “Racing in the Brisbane River Valley”

05 April                 Kilcoy Primary School – Colour Run

06 April                 Kilcoy Show

The Kilcoy Yowie Markets, Yowie parkrun, Kilcoy Konvoy, Kilcoy Rodeo, Inaugural Reel Somerset Classic and the Kilcoy Motorcross Club (Club Day #2) were all held with great success over the last weekend in March.  All events reported a great turn out and in spite of the showers that were generously shared with us all on Saturday.   Over at Toogoolawah, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail 30 Charity run organised by the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association in aid of the Esk Hospital Auxiliary was well supported by runners from all over south-east Queensland.   Unfortunately, the Prenzlau Pride Car and Music Show 2019 had to be cancelled due to the wet conditions of the Lowood Showgrounds.   Coominya and Fernvale Markets enjoyed a beautiful Sunday autumn day.  The Kilcoy Show Society was blessed with beautiful weather for the Kilcoy Show held on Friday and Saturday, 5^th and 6^th April.  Congratulations to all who have put in the hard miles to bring their event to fruition. 

I look forward to reading a copy of the book “Racing in the Brisbane River Valley”, which has been tirelessly researched and compiled by Elizabeth DeLacy and launched by the Brisbane Valley Heritage Trail Committee in the beautiful Moore Hall.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 24 April 2019

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

25 April                 Anzac Day Commemorations

27 April                 Lowood Art Cultural Festival

28 April                 Toogoolawah Clay Target Club – Toogoolawah Shoot

29 April                 Lowood Customer Service Centre and Library  – Presentation of Street Art Mural

29 April                Kilcoy Army Cadets Public Meeting – Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre

01 May                 Kilcoy & District Progress Assn monthly meeting

02 May                 Somerset Dam Village – Public Meeting SEQ Water

04/05 May          Ride for Red – Cancer Council event

It is gratifying to learn of the recent announcement that the Palaszczuk Government is providing a $1.56 million upgrade for Fernvale’s main street.  A welcome project for both locals and visitors that will improve pedestrian safety and see the reduction of the speed limit from 60km/h to 50km/h.

Agenda Item #32  Councillors’ Report      (I attended)

10 April                 Lowood Library – Bronte Naylor Street Artist meet and greet

16 April                 Lockyer Valley Water Users forum – Gatton

23 April                 Relay for Life – Fernvale Lions Meeting

The Fernvale Lions Club will be hosting Relay for Life on 28^th September this year in an effort to raise valuable funds for the Cancer Council Queensland and connect the Fernvale and wider community.  I ask that as Councillors we support the event by encouraging local groups to form a team to fund raise and to participate on the day of the event.  I am sure that Council will once again form a team to display its support of the event.  Unlike the two Kilcoy Relay for Life events, which were of 18 hours duration, this event will run over a 9-hour period.  The event will be proudly held at the Fernvale Sports Park.

Councillor Report – 13 March 2019

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest
13 March Kilcoy State High School P & C Assn AGM
13 March Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Forum – Esk
15 March Kids Disco – Somerset Civic Centre
16 March Cent Auction – Anglican Church Hall Kilcoy
16 March Colours of Somerset – Fernvale
16/17 March Camp & Jam – Esk Show Society – Esk Showgrounds
16 March Brisbane Valley Apex 1000th Dinner
17 March Community Choir Farewell Concert for Touring Choir, Ireland/Italy – Alexandra Hall Toogoolawah
17 March Living with Wellness – Old Church Gallery Moore
21 March Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce & Community Inc monthly meeting
22 March Glamorgan Vale Bottletree Hotel – Bull Ride
23 March Clothing & Food Day – CWA Hall Lowood

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association has future rides coming up that will benefit a local community group, commemorate a local identity Les Cecil and bring a great number of riders to our region over the next three months.

After being made aware by a local resident of the silent dangers with some solar panels and the inferior fitting that can cause a fire, residents need to ensure that their solar panels are fitted correctly, and that there is no risk of the incidence of a fire. The resident was lucky to be home and due to quick thinking prevented the timber house from catching alight. This is a very dangerous situation and unfortunately homes have been lost due to such fires.

Agenda Item # 34 Councillors’ Report (I attended)
27 February Economic Development Plan Committee meeting – Esk
27 February Kilcoy & District Progress Alliance Inc. monthly meeting
28 February Kilcoy Showground Reserve Overall Management Committee meeting
02 March Fernvale Lions Club – Official opening Fernvale Lions Centre
06 March Somerset Dam & District Progress Assn monthly meeting
08 March International Women’s Day – Kilcoy Sports Centre
12 March Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary monthly meeting

After attending the official opening of the Fernvale Lions Centre, it is obvious the amount of work and dedication that has contributed to the overall success of this enormous project. As one Lions member said to me the club had a short period of time to offer answers about the proposed project, however although there has been a great deal of work, need for funds and scratching of heads, the project has resulted in a facility that will bear important community use. Well done to a local voluntary group, this achievement will only boost the spirit of the Fernvale community.

Assistance to our Farmers

Media Release – Week ending 22 February 2019
Assistance to our Farmers – Cr Gaedtke welcomes funding opportunities
Cr Gaedtke understands the importance of providing ongoing support to our farmers. Cr Gaedtke advised “That Council has been successful with various Drought funding applications, and that staff have been very proactive with this identified need”.
The Queensland Government grant is to assist in strengthening communities in drought declared regions. In total Council has organised two community barbecues, one regional dinner and information evening, support for two rural minds workshops and the most recent event, Farming Ladies’ Day Out. A total of 250 rural residents attended the events over the four-month period.
Feedback from these events assist staff to understand what our Farmers consider important and helpful. Future funding applications will reflect the outcomes of the feedback and at the Council Ordinary Meeting held 13th February, it was agreed that Council support small scale social and information sessions at a sustainable cost where grant funding is available to support these initiatives for communities across the region.
Cr Gaedtke reflects on the most recent event Farming Ladies’ Day Out. Fifty-four lady farmers took a tour of Coominya’s Brisbane Valley Protein Precinct, many had no idea of this development occurring in their back yard. The ladies then enjoyed lunch at Cormorant Bay, whereby the LGAQ Ambassador Ms Heather Foord and local Mt Kilcoy dairy farmer Ms Kym Harrison offered rousing advice as the two inspirational speakers.
Ms Harrison spoke of the challenges that she and her family faced during the various stages of developing the Mt Kilcoy dairy and other achievements through the need of diversification. Three service providers including the farm household case offer from Centrelink, a rural financial counsellor and a worker from TherapyPro which offer psychological support throughout the region attended and mingled with the ladies.
Cr Gaedtke reported that an outstanding number of 5317 people viewed Ms Harrison’s speech that was posted on her facebook page.

Editorial Thursday 31 January 2019

Cr Gaedtke – Editorial – Thursday 31 January 2019

Cr Gaedtke enjoys Country Racing at its finest

Seven gallop races, three mini trots, $1,000 cash prize Pick the card Kilcoy, Fashions of the Field, Australiana Fashions, sprint foot races and family fun provided the large crowd with a very sociable afternoon at the Kilcoy Races on Sunday 27 January.

Cr Gaedtke enjoyed the afternoon and said “John and I were very comfortable and well looked after in the new marquee area.  The area was well facilitated and we were right in the action being seated at the finishing post”.  “There were lots of families and the children were enjoying the afternoon’s activities, which was very pleasing to see”.

As part of the fun, Cr Gaedtke took part in the Australiana Fashions.  “The children were just loving this part of the afternoon’s activities and happily paraded on the judging stage” Cr Gaedtke said.  An Ipswich couple who were camping at Lake Somerset entered the fun category also.  The vegemite costume was affectionately made by the wearer and her partner Warwick Capper raised a few eyebrows.

Country racing at its finest and Somerset is fortunate to have two well administered race/jockey clubs that provide an enjoyable and first-class racing experience.  Racing has been in our area for over 100 years and the Brisbane Valley Heritage Trail committee has researched this part of our local history and plan to produce a well sought book.  The book will be officially launched over the next few months and is guaranteed to be a good read.

Acknowledging the importance of country racing in the Somerset region, Cr Gaedtke is looking forward to supporting this industry well into the future and is excited by the potential local growth.

Councillor Report 23 January 2019

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 23 January 2019

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

24 January          Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce Monthly Meeting

26 January          Australia Day Celebrations – Regional venues

27 January          Australia Day Races – Kilcoy Race Club

04 February        Kilcoy State High School 2019 Investiture

08 February        Experience Somerset Official Opening – The Condensery

10 February        High Tea Fundraiser – Esk Show Society – Glamorgan Vale

12 February        Esk Community Choir AGM – Esk State School

ThinkUKnow is a free, evidence-based cyber safety program.  The Australian Federal Police program gives children, teachers, parents and carers the tools to manage challenges posed by new technologies, from sharing personal content and online grooming to cyberbullying and illegal content. The program commences at Kindergarten age and concludes with students at 18 years of age.

Agenda Item #  39 Councillors’ Report      (I attended)

14 January          Esk Community Engagement Forum       

21 January          Fernvale Community Assn Inc. Monthly Meeting

22 January          SRC Youth Leadership Camp – Currumundi

I spent most of Tuesday (22^nd January) with 22 high school students representing the Somerset region, and two very dedicated and informative staff members.  I acknowledge and wish to thank Lockyer Regional Council for assisting our council’s need by secondment of their Sports and Recreation Officer.  The students were very well behaved and enjoyed taking part in the individual and team building exercises.  I look forward to reading their feedback and answers to the assigned written task.