Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 22 September 2021

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 22 September 2021

 Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

The Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce & Community Inc. will hold its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 28 September.  Unfortunately, as the Councillor Representative on this committee I am unable to attend the AGM due to the conflict of date and time.  Council is holding its arts and cultural event – Growing the Arts at the Somerset Civic Centre on this evening.  I wish the incoming executive all the very best for the forthcoming twelve months.  I hope that Council and the Chamber can collaborate and work towards achieving common vision and goals over the next twelve months.

Following a meeting held on 7^th September with Anglicare, the impacted clients and interested service providers, I was contacted by the impacted clients’ spokesperson who advised that the group will work together to find new service provider.  The spokesperson advised that there is a large amount of disharmony, and it was also mentioned that a new venue will be required to allow the new service provider a space to carry out the service.  Needless to say, the impacted disabled clients feel cheated, and especially given the fact that the community  assisted to raise the required funds to provide the public space that Anglicare occupies at the Kilcoy Hospital, as well as other community sponsored assets.

Agenda Item #36 Councillors’ Report

September

08           Ordinary Council Meeting – Esk

08           Council Workshop – Esk

13           Australian Citizenship Ceremony –  Esk – 37 new Citizens

13           Peer Circle Forum – WLILG

14           Kilcoy District Progress Alliance monthly meeting – Kilcoy

14           Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary AGM – Kilcoy

16           Small Schools BVRT ride – Benarkin

21           Second Pfizer Vaccination – Esk

It was another great morning where excited residents about to become Australian Citizens enjoyed the ceremony and the formalities that followed.  Congratulations to the 37 new Citizens.

The Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary executive were thanked for their hard work and the vacant positions were once again filled by the outgoing members, i.e., President Lesley Warren, Vice-President Jean Greensill, Secretary Lesley Lafferty and Treasurer Caril Davis.  The ladies have a combined service of over a century to the auxiliary.

I was invited to attend the small schools Brisbane Valley Rail Trail ride which commenced at Benarkin and finished at Linville.  Linville, Harlin, Yarraman and Benarkin primary schools took part in the school event.  Apparently, this ride has been held yearly for the past fifteen plus years.  I was absolutely impressed by the organization of the event and by the support offered by parents and volunteers who made the children understand how they could all successfully complete the eighteen kilometre trail, by providing encouragement, riding buddies, morning tea, lunch and support vehicles.  The resilience and determination shown by the students was heartwarming, and especially by the little ones.  I witnessed the many benefits that this school event provided all students.  Well, done to all involved with the endearing school project.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 8 September 2021

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 8 September 2021

 Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

 With the announcement that Anglicare will not support disabled clients in the coming months, the Kilcoy community has voiced its displeasure, and Anglicare has appeared to have listened.  I have been contacted by service providers who are in a position to provide a service to Kilcoy and district.  We move forward with a co-operative approach from all key stakeholders.

I have received positive comments from local businesses around the valuable service offered by Council’s Business Recovery Officer Mr Paul Misipeka.  This is a new venture for our region, and one that is being valued by our local businesses.  I look forward to very rewarding outcomes, and I encourage all businesses to take the time to have an in-depth discussion with Mr Misipeka.

Agenda Item #37 Councillors’ Report

August

25           Ordinary Council Meeting – Esk

25           Council Workshop – Esk

26           Kilcoy Recreation Grounds Committee Quarterly Meeting

27           Kilcoy Race Club – Meeting – Mayor Lehmann, CEO Johnson, Director McGoldrick, Kevin Dixon & Con Searle

27           Long Drive for Drought (in association with Drought Angels – Yowie Park, Kilcoy

27           Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre Re-Development Committee – Facility tour of Morayfield Spots & Events Centre

30           Lowood State High School – Sponsor Morning Tea – Kokoda Trail project

31           COVID 19 Immunisation – Esk

31           Kilcoy P A & I Society AGM

September

01           Somerset Dam & District Progress Association monthly meeting

01           Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre Re-Development Committee meeting

02           Somerset Bendigo Bank Art Awards meeting – Esk

02           Business Networking Evening – Linville

An interesting meeting was held with the Kilcoy Race Club, where we were made aware of the compliance issues raised by Racing Queensland and applicable to Country racing.

Peak Services’ Long Drive for Drought kicked off in Brisbane on Friday 27 August with a convoy of 30, 40-Series Land Cruisers to make the 3000 km trip in a loop throughout the state’s central west.  Last year the inaugural event raised $50,000 for drought relief, this year it is hoped that $80,000 is reached.  So pleased SRC was able to make a donation of $1,000.

I wish to thank the Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre Steering Committee members for taking the time to make the facility tour of the Morayfield Sports & Events Centre on 27^th August.  These inspections definitely assist the overall identification of needs and will result in a successful planning project.

Sponsors shared a lovely morning tea with the students who took on the arduous local Kokoda Track, either the 30 km or the 96 km trek.  Well done to all the students, teachers and support crew, what a fantastic effort, and I hope to be at the finishing lines next year.  My sponsor pack included a colourful polo shirt, which I will wear with pride.

I look forward to receiving my second vaccination Pfizer when West Moreton Health returns to Esk from 21^st to 25^th September.  Mention must be made of the 2057 locals who rolled up their sleeves to become vaccination over the five day period at the Esk clinic.  As of 5 September, stats printed reveal that LGA Somerset region is positioned 18^th  with 51.1% of population (15 years plus) vaccinated and 27.8% fully vaccinated.

Congratulations to the outgoing management committee for a job well done, and welcome to the incoming management committee of the Kilcoy P A & I Society.

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 25 August 2021

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 25 August 2021

 Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest.

I am relieved to learn that the plight of young homeowners building their dream home in Kilcoy has resulted in a very sensible and fair outcome.  With the assistance of the Water Ombudsman, Deb Frecklington MP and Somerset Regional Council,  exorbitant water infrastructure connection fees have been waived.

I encourage residents to be aware of forthcoming council events and attend where possible:

• The Long Drive for Drought Landcruiser Convoy – Yowie Park – 27 August
• Linville/Moore Flood Study Community Consultation – 30 August
• Business Networking Evening – Linville – 2 September
• Farmers Big Night Out – Esk – 8 September
• Somerset Arts Network “Growing the Arts” – Esk – 28 September

Gerald Youles, the very modest World Champion Axeman, Kilcoy PA & I Rural Ambassador, Somerset Region Australia Day Sports Award 2020 and Master Axe Grinder and a young 26 year old, was voted out from the television show “Australian Survivor” this week.

Great news, from 1 September 2021 Queensland businesses can no longer supply single use plastic straws and stirrers, single use plastic cutlery, single use plastic bowls and plates, and expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers and cups.

Agenda Item # 37 Councillors’ Report

August

11           Ordinary Council Meeting – Esk

11           Mount Glen Rock Steering Committee Meeting – Esk

12           Brisbane Valley Interagency Meeting – Zoom

12           Women Leading in Local Government Coaching Session – Zoom

12           Inspection of local residential issue

16           RADF Assessment Meeting – Esk

18           Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting – Teams

18           Kilcoy RSL Sub-Branch Vietnam Veterans’ Day

18           Meeting with Kilcoy resident

18           Brisbane-Valley Kilcoy Landcare Assn Inc Monthly Meeting – Kilcoy

19           Australian Local Government Women’s Association – Qld Branch AGM – Teams

21           Somerset Art Society Inc. – AGM – Esk

23           Elected Members Update – Local Government Association of Qld – Esk

23           Somerset Civic Centre Committee Meeting – Esk  (Observer)

24           Economic Development Tourism Committee Meeting – Esk

I am astonished at the standard of the two RADF Applications assessed by the committee.  The arts and creative alliance in our region continue to grow and is shaping into a proud presence.

The Brisbane-Valley Kilcoy Landcare Assn Inc has been successful in accomplishing a Landcare Led  Bushfire Recovery Grant of $40,000.  The grant will cover the costs to hold two Landcare Festivals in areas that were badly affected by the Black Summer Bushfires in 2019.  Sincere thanks to Roger Kitson  (Community Development Officer – Bushfire Recovery and Resilience) for his leadership and support with the application process.

Somerset Art Society Inc. (SASI) held its Annual General Meeting, where the outgoing committee members were offered a vote of thanks, before the incoming nominations for President and Secretary was accepted.  Unfortunately, SASI is still searching for a Treasurer, this position is supported by the availability of all finances being held on a computer which is made available to the position.  If you or someone you know is interested in taking this important position on, please contact the group.

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 11 August 2021

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 11 August 2021

 Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

 Australia’s Tokyo tally of 17 gold medals matches the previous high mark achieved in Athens 2004.  Congratulations to all Aussies who competed at the Olympic Games Tokyo, and well done to the athletes who contributed to Australia achieving sixth in the countries medal count.  We honour everyone’s efforts, regardless of a medal outcome.

As the RADF Chair, I am pleased with the State Government’s announcement that Somerset Regional Council has been successful in its bid for a total amount of $26,000.  Although our bid was for a little more, the funds will accomplish a great deal in the region’s arts and creative industries.

Our two local race clubs, will hopefully benefit from the State Government’s Racing Queensland’s Investment Growth Plan which outlines the investment of $28.9 million in funding over the next two years to grow Queensland racing.  It will deliver increased prize money from 1 September 2021, along with infrastructure grants and improved club funding.

Congratulations to Haydon Beattie who has taken top honours in the Queensland Royal Show’s modified Led Steer competition, securing the Woolworths Grand Champion Carcase award.  Haydon, aged 16 from Glamorgan Vale, exhibited a Limousin-cross to also have his name engraved on the coveted Ken Crotty OAM Perpetual Trophy.

Agenda Item #24 Councillors’ Report

July

29           Mount Glen Rock Steering Committee

29           BVKL Assn Inc. meeting

30           Meeting with Simon Cleary, Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Director Corporate & Community Services – Esk

31           Yowie Markets –  BBQ – Kilcoy District Progress Alliance Inc.

August

03           COVID lockdown matters – Team’s meeting with Councillors & CEO

05           Teams meeting with Councillors & CEO

10           The Condensery – Somerset Regional Art Gallery Advisory Committee – Team’s meeting

The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, the Director of Corporate and Community Services and myself shared an interesting meeting with Mr Simon Cleary.  This avid author shared his next project, which is to follow the Brisbane River from Mt Stanley through to Brisbane and compile stories and experiences into a book.  Interested community members are invited to share their stories with Simon, I am sure he would love to hear from you.  I look forward to reading his book about his experiences in time to come.  I would also encourage a local book launch to recognise this wonderful achievement.

Given the extremely difficult economic times, the BBQ volunteers of the Kilcoy District Progress Alliance Inc. were completely overwhelmed by the very generous offer by a local business identity, Ms Michelle Young from Sunset Tax and Accounting.  Michelle called into the BBQ stall and presented the volunteers with a cheque for $500 to go towards the Christmas Lights fund raising effort.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 28July 2021

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 28 July 2021

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

In the early 1970s, a young veterinarian was working on a property called Bethany, when he discovered a large sandstone rock with a beautiful star carved deep into its face. Jim Danalis loaded the stone into a ute and took it to Brisbane where it took pride and place in Jim’s backyard. In 2019 Jim was diagnosed with cancer which took his life within six months. To honour Jim’s last wish, Jim’s son Johnny returned the grooved stone to where it was found. The “Star of Taroom” was returned to Country 500 km away in a specially built hand cart. The walkers left Brisbane on 3rd July and for 22 days pulled or pushed the rock across rail trails and backroads to arrive a Taroom on 24th July. Many walkers joined in during the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail leg of the journey. It is now safe again on Iman Country. Follow the story Star of Taroom (star-of-taroom.com.au)

RSL Queensland Branch Council of Auxiliaries has been dissolved by Queensland State RSL. The Auxiliaries have provided advice, support and camaraderie to all current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families. Proposed constitutional changes may provide RSL Sub-Branches with alternative processes to continue auxiliary membership. This decision will be finalised at the end of the year.

Dexter Kruger, Australia’s oldest man passed away on Tuesday 20th July at the age of 111 years and 188 days. We pass on our condolences to his family and friends.

Agenda Item # Councillors’ Report

July
14 Ordinary Council Meeting – Esk
14 Council Workshop
14 Kilcoy State High School P & C Assn monthly meeting
14 Kilcoy Indoor Sports Committee Steering Committee Meeting (#2)
15 Kilcoy Art Society Inc. monthly meeting
20 Community Member Meeting – Toogoolawah
20 Kilcoy District Progress Assn Inc monthly meeting
21 Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Assn Inc Management Committee meeting
22 Jinibara Meeting – Kilcoy
22 Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce & Community Inc meeting
24 Stonehouse Open Day
27 Kilcoy Interagency Meeting
27 Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Assn Inc Management Committee meeting

About six businesses were represented at the Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce & Community Inc. public meeting, following approximately 18 months of a meeting void. The participants, along with two CCIQ representatives brainstormed the likely future options of the association. Many points were raised during the two hours duration, and it was finally decided that interested business owners will work with CCIQ to reform the association to gain a path forward.

Stonehouse Open Weekend was well attended, unfortunately the very windy weather on Sunday kept some spectators away. This was the second “Open Day” Weekend, with the first event being held some 18 months ago and prior to the refurbishment work being carried out. The owners, John and Loretta Eastwood are slowly returning the site to its former glory. Once again, events like this do not happen without the assistance of many volunteers, ongoing community support and financial support. The Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails has proudly offered much support to this initiative.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 14 July 2021

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 14 July 2021

 Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

Wivenhoe, Queensland’s largest hydro power station will undergo a $14 million overhaul from mid-July through to late October 2021, to ensure it continues to pump cleaner, cheaper energy for years to come.  When Callide C Power Station went offline in May, Wivenhoe was ramped up to the point it was generating 530 megawatts over a four-hour period, helping to meet demand and stabilise the network.

There was a lovely article in the Sunday Mail about “Icing Queen rises again”- Champion baker Marilyn Barber’s back in her Fernvale kitchen preparing for another assault on the famous Brisbane Ekka Cake Competition.  Mrs Barber has taken out the purple rosette for most successful exhibitor in the cakes, biscuits and scones section since 2008 (apart from 2013 and last year). Good luck for this year Marilyn with a total of 16 different entries.

 Agenda Item #28 Councillors’ Report

June

28           Jinibara (JPAC) Board Meeting – Hazeldean

July

06           Kilcoy District Tennis Club monthly meeting

07           Somerset Dam & District Progress Assn monthly meeting

07           Community member meeting – Esk

07           Community member meeting – Moore

08           Brisbane Valley Interagency Meeting – Zoom

08           WLILG Coaching Session – SEIP unpack – Zoom

10           Community committee meeting – Kilcoy

12           Community committee meeting – Kilcoy

13           Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary monthly meeting

The Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary was made aware at the July monthly meeting that much needed equipment and refurbishment of the nurses’ quarters has been completed.  The committee members welcomed the news and were given a tour through the revamped nurses’ quarters.  Many thanks to Metro North Health.

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 30 June 2021

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 30 June 2021

 Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

 With a heavy heart, I share the grief that has eventuated with the recent house fires and loss of lives that took place at Kilcoy and Lowood over the second weekend in June.

Ms Di Taylor has expressed that she is absolutely thrilled with achieving the shortlisting to the upcoming CYA All Stars Conference for writers and illustrators of Children’s, Young Adult and Adult stories.  Di explained that she has written the Young Adult book (her first) based on her parents-in-law’s childhood experience of German occupied southern Holland during WW11.  Good luck to you.

The Linville Hotel was recognised as one of the best five country pubs near Brisbane, well done.

Congratulations once again to the 2021 Esk Garden & Lifestyle Fair for an amazing turn out of approximately 5000 visitors.  I attended the first Fair which was a great success and unbelievably the event seems to grow each year, it has always been a fun morning volunteering on the roster at an entrance gate.

Agenda Item # 36 Councillors’ Report

June

09           Ordinary Council Meeting

09           Council Workshop

09           Kilcoy State High School P&C Meeting

12           Esk Races

14           Meeting – Community Initiative

14           Meeting – Kilcoy RSL Club

14           ABC Sunshine Coast – Interview – Kilcoy House Fire

15           Meeting – Kilcoy Tennis Club

15           Meeting – Moore Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee

16           Mount Glen Rock Steering Committee Meeting

16           Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Group monthly meeting

20           Toogoolawah Lioness Club Closure Lunch

22           Kilcoy District Progress Alliance monthly meeting

24           Special Meeting – The Condensery Somerset Regional Art Gallery Advisory Committee – Esk

28           Poultry Round Table Forum – Esk

29           Kilcoy Interagency monthly meeting

A lovely winter’s afternoon of thoroughbred racing was enjoyed by many local and visiting guests at the Esk Showgrounds.  Along with Ms Jayne McKenzie, I had the pleasure of judging Fashions of the Field at the kind invitation of the Esk Jockey Club and Cr Isidro.

The President and Secretary of the Kilcoy District Tennis Club Assn met with Daniel Row (Council’s Sports & Rec Officer) and myself to learn about the great news for future plans of the Kilcoy Tennis Courts.  It was confirmed at the meeting that Council has provided a budget of $120,000 in the forthcoming financial year to upgrade the Kilcoy Tennis Courts.

A fantastic way to commence the day, climbing Mount Glen Rock to gain a personal perspective of this magical spot, followed by a very informative Steering Committee Meeting.

A sad, but lovely get together over an amazing lunch provided at the Toogoolawah Hotel to farewell the Toogoolawah Lioness Club.  Something good will come from something sad.  The ladies of this group possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be shared at a community level, in an ongoing effort to build the local community.

Congratulations to our staff for initiating the Poultry Round Table Forum, which was held at the Somerset Civic Centre and included knowledgeable and experienced industry speakers and guests.  The forum provided a great understanding of the Poultry Industry which is undoubtedly an extremely important trade to our region.  Knowledge is power, and I most definitely gained a much greater insight into this industry.

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 9 June 2021

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 9 June 2021

 Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

 I attended the Somerset Art Beat Festival held at The Condensery, Toogoolawah, and what an absolutely fantastic event.  The lovely autumn weather provided approximately 500 guests with a brilliant venue to showcase local art, local entertainment, great food, brilliant tasting coffee and the opportunity to join in with creative workshops.  This festival has a real potential to become a regional event that showcases local talent of all kinds.  The Connecting Stories Art Exhibition completed the ambience of the festival.  The expertise provided by Creative Arts Alliance shone through, and I wish to thank all involved with organising this wonderful festival.

Congratulations to:

• Toogoolawah State School for organising mural installations on various poles of their buildings. The murals were completed by Street Art Studios and add a lovely atmosphere to the school environment.
• Exchange Hotel Kilcoy for winning the Awards for Excellence – Best Hotel Bar General Division Regional – Queensland Hotels Association.
• To the imagination displayed by the middle pub (The Club Hotel) in Toogoolawah – a complete play on words, as newly erected signage recognises renaming the hotel, Peddlars Rest and an internal bar as Handle Bar.

 Agenda Item # 28 Councillors’ Report

May

26           Ordinary Council Meeting

26           Council Workshop

26           Domestic & Family Violence – Red Bench – Councillor message

27           Kilcoy Recreation Grounds Committee Quarterly Meeting

28           Disc Training – Councillors & Executives

28           Brisbane Valley Rail Trial meeting with UQ

29           Yowie Park Markets

29           Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary Fete & Auction

29           Soft Opening – Kilcoy Community Wellness Hub

29           Somerset Art Beat Festival – Toogoolawah

29           Toogoolawah Show Ball

30          Meeting with Kilcoy Resident – Kilcoy Aquatic Swimming Seasons

30           SEIP Unpack – WLILG Program

June

01           Meeting with Kilcoy Resident  –  Community Champions

01           Kilcoy Tennis Club monthly meeting

01           Meeting with property owners – Yielo Road, Jimna

02           Somerset Dam & District Progress Association monthly meeting

03           Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails monthly meeting – Yarraman

04           Toogoolawah Show – Stud Young Judges – under 15 years & over 15 years

05           Kilcoy Lions Change Over Dinner

07           Landcare Grant meeting – Esk

Congratulations to the organisers and all associated volunteers of the Toogoolawah Show Ball and the Toogoolawah Show.  You all have excelled at providing an absolutely fantastic show ball and local show.  Well done!

I wish to thank Cr Wendt for taking the time to attend the on-site meeting of the Yielo Road property owners.  I also wish to thank all property owners for their goodwill and common-sense approach to the gravel roads maintenance issues.

I was honoured to be invited to attend the Kilcoy Lions Change Over Dinner, I wish to congratulate the outgoing and incoming Board of Directors.  I also wish to sincerely thank the club for the bouquet of flowers and the kind words of support for my assistance in my role as Councillor.  It is these moments that refill my Councillor fuel tank and restores my passion and energy for the role of Councillor.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 26 May 2021

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 26 May 2021

 Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

Somerset residents are invited to the opening of a new Community Wellbeing Hub at Kilcoy. Council has been working with Metro North Health to establish the hub in the former GP Clinic in the hospital grounds at Kilcoy.  Coinciding with the Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary Fete, our Mayor Graeme Lehmann will open the facility at 10.15am on Saturday, 29 May.   The Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary Fete commences at 10:00am with a huge auction scheduled for 12 midday.

Somerset Art Beat is on this Saturday at The Condensery and promises to be a totally awesome event.  Enjoy this magical venue, the many stall holders and the entertainment from 12 midday to 4:00pm.

Esk Grand Hotel awarded 2021 Traveller’s Choice Award for top 10% of Hotels Internationally.  The award celebrates hotels that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to travellers around the globe.  Congratulations to Joe and his team.

Congratulations again to Jorja Pointon (Toogoolawah Clay Target Club) who has continued in her outstanding shooting performance at the Brisbane Clay Target Club, receiving the George Sckaf Memorial with a score of 110/110.  Jorja also received the junior high gun in the Meadows Memorial Shield and also won the Ladies overall for the two-day shoot.

 Agenda Item # 30 Councillors’ Report

May

12           Ordinary Council Meeting – Esk

12           Workshop Meeting – Esk

13           Infrastructure Budget Tour – Northern Aspect

14           Infrastructure Budget Tour – Southern Aspect

15/16    Horseback riding BVRT – Esk to Lowood/Lowood to Esk

17           Yowie Park – on-site meeting with local community group

17           RADF Committee Meeting – Esk

18           Economic Development & Tourism Committee Meeting – Esk

18           Esk Recreation Grounds Advisory Committee Meeting – Esk

19           Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting – Esk

19           Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Group Monthly Meeting – Kilcoy

20           Meeting with Deb Frecklington – Esk

20           Citizenship Ceremony – Esk

20           Kilcoy Art Society Monthly Meeting

20           Kilcoy District Progress Alliance Meeting

21           Tarampa Assist – Official opening of the Lowood Office

21           Esk Show

22           Country Connects Us – Caboolture – Toogoolawah tour

24           Somerset Civic Centre Advisory Committee Meeting – Esk

25           Kilcoy Interagency Meeting – Kilcoy

I wish to thank our Chief Executive Officer for organising a well-planned and informative Infrastructure Budget Tour of our region.  I especially appreciated the opportunity to meet with local businesses and community groups.

The BVRT was completely thriving with cyclists, walkers and horse riders over the weekend of 15/16 May (Esk-Lowood section).  The superb autumn weather provided the backdrop for conversation and an abundance of pleasant experiences with fellow users.

Somerset Civic Centre was a fantastic venue to host the Citizenship Ceremony.  Many of the new Australian Citizens welcomed the friendly and warm ceremony.   I received the following words of thanks “We are truly grateful for the wonderful ceremony.  We feel the spirit of acceptance and love.  Great job Somerset Region.  God bless”.

The Jinibara artists and community members proudly showed off their artworks that tell the story of the deep and continuous connections to country. Uncle Noel spoke about his memories of Toogoolawah, Gregors Creek and Kilcoy, to which I found fascinating.  The day was enjoyed by all who travelled from Caboolture to Toogoolawah and back.  A lovely native lunch was also provided at The Condensery.

I received lovely feedback from local residents who wished to thank council (and the appropriate staff member) for the excellent slashing job carried out on a regional road.  “It was the best job we have ever seen – That needs noting.  Trimmed around all the guideposts and did a great job”.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 12 May 2021

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 12 May 2021

 Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

Absolutely fantastic achievement made by our very own amazing Mrs Renee Retschlag.  Renee from Kilcoy has taken the national title at the 2021 Stihl Timbersports Australian Women’s Championship held at St Kilda over the weekend of 8/9 May.  In an incredibly close competition, two ladies tied on 13 points at the end of three Timbersports axe and sawing disciplines. The Champion was awarded on a countback of combined times, which had Renee just under 6 seconds faster than eventual runner-up Jodie Beutel.  Renee narrowly missed out on the title in 2017 and 2018.  Our humble Renee accepted her award with tears streaming down her face.  Well done, Champ!

Huge congratulations are also in order for two Toogoolawah Clay Target Club members, Daryl Stevens for shooting a Grand Slam, and Jorja Pointon for winning the Junior Sportsmanship Award, and to Esk Caravan Park – Winner of the 2020 Gordon Harris Turnaround Award for Caravanning Queensland.

During the prevention month of May, the Queensland Government is calling on the corporate sector and community organisations to pledge their commitment to act against domestic and family violence.  It requires the commitment of government as well as corporate and community leaders to further embed cultural change within our homes, workplaces and communities. The pledge is a way for corporate and community organisations to show their commitment and demonstrate how they will act to end domestic and family violence in Queensland.  Take the pledge | Department of Justice and Attorney-General  Not now, not ever, together.  I’m so pleased that our Council has got right behind this important matter with Mayor Lehmann signing a pledge organised by the Local Government Association Queensland “Not in our backyard” campaign.  By taking the pledge, Somerset Regional Council will support activities to end domestic and family violence in our workplace and our community.

As part of the $2 million state’s Economic Recovery Plan and to attract visitors to farms and help farmers diversify their income, the State Government’s “Taste farm life” agritourism campaign will encourage tourists to get off the beaten track or take a day out of their usual beach holiday destination to discover new experiences in rural and regional Queensland.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics last week showed that in 2020, more than 30,000 people from elsewhere in Australia moved to Queensland – that’s more than 80 people choosing to become Queenslanders every single day.

 Agenda Item #21 Councillors’ Report

April

28           Council Ordinary Meeting – Esk

28           Council Workshop – Esk

28           Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre Redevelopment Steering Committee

May

02           R&R Rail Trail Experience (duathlon & fun run) – BVRT Ambassadors – Blackbutt to Linville

04           Kilcoy Tennis Club monthly meeting

04           The Condensery Advisory Committee Meeting – Esk

05           Business Networking Breakfast Event – Esk

05           Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Group Field Day – Jacaranda Hill Esk

06           Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails monthly meeting – Blackbutt

07           Kilcoy Show Official Opening

08           Kilcoy Show

08          Esk Show Ball

11           Town Planning Matter – Meeting with local resident

Congratulations to the Kilcoy PA & I Society for a very well planned and executed Kilcoy Show, 2021.  We will mark the calendar for the 2022 Kilcoy Show which will represent its 100^th show.

Council’s Business Networking Breakfast was well supported and very favourable feedback has been received.  We look forward to the next planned event.

The R&R Rail Trail Experience with 4 event choices was introduced by the BVRT Ambassadors and was well attended with many athletic competitors enjoying the challenge.

The BVKLG Field Day was a complete success with valuable information being shared throughout the presentations with the valued assistance of Healthy Land and Water.