Author Archives: Cheryl

Councillor Candidate Interview on Valley FM 95.9

Category : General News

Valley FMCheck out my community radio Councillor Candidate interview conducted by Reg at 95.9 on Monday afternoon.

There are four separate recordings below that cover the interview process.
(click play button to start audio)

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:


The Role of a Mayor and a Councillor and YOU

Category : General News

Cheryl GaedtkeI have been approached by some residents unsure about the role and responsibilities of a Mayor and a Councillor. I also would like to discuss the power of You during the election process. You, as the elector have a very important role to play on Saturday 19th March. You have the opportunity to vote for a total of seven candidates that You believe will carry out the office of Mayor or Councillor in a way that represents You, and how You wish the Somerset region to develop over the next four years, and in to the future. I gladly offer the following information:

In the elected role of Mayor or Councillor, the opportunity is available to build a better future for our community. This can be achieved by:-

  • Providing strategic direction for one of the biggest businesses in our community
  • Advocating the community’s aspirations and needs to other levels of Government
  • Delivering major infrastructure for the benefit of our community
  • Working to promote the safety and wellbeing of our community
  • Providing efficient and effective local services and facilities.

These opportunities will be achieved by the Mayor and Councillors by:-

  • Taking part in Council Meetings to make decisions for ‘the common good’, now and for the future, for the whole Council area
  • Providing leadership to the Council and our community
  • Shaping the future of our community by adopting and implementing the planning scheme which sets out how land in the Council area can be used and the standards the Council will require developers to comply with
  • Being responsible to our community for the performance of the Council.

The Mayor has the added responsibilities of:

  • Leading and managing Council Meetings
  • Representing the Council and our community at ceremonial functions
  • Preparing and presenting the Council’s annual budget
  • Leading and managing the Chief Executive Officer to ensure Council decisions are carried out.

And You as the elector should expect the following principles from the Mayor and Councillors:-

  • Transparent and effective processes and decision making in the public interest
  • Sustainable development and management of assets and infrastructure and delivery of services
  • Democratic representation, social inclusion and meaningful community engagement
  • Good governance of, and by, the Council
  • Ethical and legal behaviours of the Mayor, Councillors and Council employees.

In a little over three week’s time, You will need to have given consideration to the information contained above. I encourage you to consider attending one of the Meet the Candidates Nights that the two regional Chambers have organised. Questions will be taken from the floor, so give some thought to likely questions you may wish to ask before the event. The region’s major towns, Lowood, Fernvale, Esk, Toogoolawah and Kilcoy will be holding these informative “meet and greet” nights early March. Please refer to advertisements regarding the town, venue and time of each event.

I look forward to meeting you and discussing your particular issues, comments, or just to say hello, at the Meet the Candidates Nights, or at one of the region’s markets on the following dates:

Market Venue Date and Time
Lowood Bunyip Twilight Markets Friday 26 February 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Kilcoy Yowie Markets Saturday 27 February 7:00am – 11:00am
Esk Country Markets Saturday 5 March 6:30am – 11:00am
Toogoolawah Railway Markets Saturday 12 March 6:30am – 11:00am
Fernvale Country Markets Sunday 13 March 6:00 am – 11:00am

 


Understanding Local Government – some very relevant information

Category : General News

untitled-9After working in Local Government for over thirty years, I would like to share a few facts with you as residents of our region to assist your understanding of our Council.

Somerset Regional Council covers an area of 5,379 sq kilometers and includes main townships of Esk, Fernvale, Kilcoy, Lowood and Toogoolawah. The region has a population of some 22,500 people with a projected annual growth rate of 3.2% and is part of Australia’s fastest growing region. It has the largest land area of all south east Queensland Councils and currently has the smallest rate base. There are 12,000 rateable properties and has the lowest residential rates in Queensland. So given these facts, our Council is performing extremely well to be debt free.

Large corporations and businesses, and in this case Local Government share a goal or a vision and our Council’s Mission Statement is:

We, in partnership with the community, will realise our vision by:

  • Focusing on our customer’s needs
  • Planning for the future
  • Utilising resources efficiently and effectively
  • Using sound business practices
  • Utilising the practice of continuous improvement

The above mission statement has been developed to assist Somerset Regional Council to service its community in a responsive, innovative and efficient manner – exercising leadership and builds community strength. Through a variety of council services, Council feels it can deliver on these promises.

So now you are aware of the very basics about Somerset Regional Council, there are so many more layers to the day to day operation of councils. Twenty odd years ago councils were most concerned with operational items such as “Roads, Rates & Rubbish”. Today councils are also concerned with business development, community engagement, compliance, infrastructure planning, governance, economic development, project management, risk management, enterprise bargaining, asset management, energy audits and the big one of late – disaster management. Long gone are the simple days of just roads, rates and rubbish, these items are still very important and essential, but priorities have grown immensely.

Councillors today must have a clear understanding of strategic planning, infrastructure prioritisation and fiscal sustainability. They must also understand their local communities and be the collaborative influence. I look forward to achieving this and so more as your Councillor.


Cheryl’s stronger Kilcoy Vision Is Infectious

Category : General News

Article from the Gatton newspaper

CHERYL Gaedtke has been involved in community groups in the Somerset for well over 20 years and on Monday was recognised as the regions Citizen of the Year.

Since 1987, the fourth generation Kilcoy resident has been involved in various community groups including the Mt Kilcoy P&C Association, Kilcoy- Woodford Junior Rugby League Club, Kilcoy
Hammers Softball Club, Kilcoy Police Liaison Committee, Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce and Community, Kilcoy Toastmasters, Somerset Community Support Association and the Kilcoy and Community Bank.

Her length of involvement in each group has varied from 12 months to six years except for her involvement as a member of the Endurance Riders Association which has spanned a decade. Mrs Gaedtke said the award was a great honour and one she did not expect to receive.

“It is hard work, but is worth it through the people you meet and this award is the pinnacle,” she said. She added that volunteering also had its own awards.

Mrs Gaedtke was nominated for her “significant contribution and passion for the Kilcoy and surrounding communities”.

Her nominee said her vision for a stronger Kilcoy is infectious. Somerset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann congratulated Mrs Gaedtke on being awarded Citizen of the Year.

Festivies at the Somerset Civic Centre on Monday also included the induction of 15 new Australian citizens.
They joined the Somerset community from New Zealand, Philippines, India, South Africa, Vietnam, United Kingdom, Papua New Guinea and Sri Lanka. 200 residents attended the
free buffet breakfast followed by the combined Australia Day Awards presentation and citizenship ceremony.

Cheryl in the News


2015 Citizen of the Year – Cheryl Gaedtke

Category : General News

Citizen of the YearCheryl’s hard work and dedication to the region was recognised at the 2015 Australia Day Awards ceremony where she was awarded the Citizen of the Year Award!

Cheryl’s significant contribution  and passion for the Kilcoy and surrounding communities are very evident in her commitment and support of a wide range of activities.  One recent example of this was the successful running of the Kilcoy Christmas Carnival.  As President of the Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce and this Sub-Committee, her strong leadership, encouraging and empowering approach she engaged both committee members and businesses in the area to achieve this wonderful Community activity which bought together wide variety of residents including hundreds of children.  Also, Cheryl’s active involvement on the Kilcoy & Community Bank committee has seen interest and commitment by local people and business grow considerably. Cheryl is an avid promoter of Kilcoy and the wider Somerset Region.

Click to view Cheryl’s Citizen of the Year Nomination Form Details.

Click to view a history of Cheryl’s volunteer work.


Facebook News

Cover for Councillor Cheryl Gaedtke for a strong Somerset Region
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Councillor Cheryl Gaedtke for a strong Somerset Region

Councillor Cheryl Gaedtke for a strong Somerset Region

I believe in open communication, active listening and a common sense approach, always.

This may very well be my last post on this site.I wish to congratulate all incoming Councillors, and I wish every single one of them all the best over the next four years, and I hope that I can be considered as part of the team, but from a very different perspective. I have the utmost confidence that our region will flourish under the leadership of Mayor Jason Wendt and the new "Team Somerset"!I share with my @followers the lovely Acknowledgement of Service of 39 years made to Queensland Local Government presented at my last Ordinary Council Meeting held on Wednesday 13 March 2024.Somerset Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes - 13 March 2024Acknowledgement of Service– Cr Gaedtke File Ref: Mayor and Councillor Reports Action Officer: EA Background/Summary Cr Gaedtke's career within Somerset Regional Council stands as a testament to her dedication to our community's welfare and advancement. Over nearly four decades of service, she has left a mark on the region, shaping its future for the better. With 39 years of committed service, including 31 years as a staff member and eight years as a councillor, Cr Gaedtke has illustrated the essence of public service. Her tenure has been characterised by a commitment to enhancing the lives of residents and driving meaningful progress within Somerset Regional Council and the former Kilcoy Shire Council. As a motivated figure within council, she has played a vital role in fostering collaboration and advancing effective strategies to address community needs. Cr Gaedtke's involvement with the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) committee has been a source of pleasure and fulfilment, allowing her to support and promote the arts within the region. Additionally, her engagement with various community committees has given her fond memories and invaluable experiences representing and engaging with a diverse array of people. These interactions have enriched her understanding of the community's needs and aspirations, further fuelling her dedication to serving its interests. Cr Gaedtke's legacy is ingrained in the fabric of Somerset Regional Council. Her dedication has set a high standard for public officials, inspiring others to work hard and honestly for local government. As Cr Gaedtke prepares to embark on the next chapter of her journey, we extend our gratitude for her service and contributions to Somerset Regional Council. We wish her a retirement filled with joy, longevity, and the opportunity to pursue her passions and dreams. Recommendation THAT Council receive the report ‘Acknowledgment of Service - Cr Gaedtke’ and it be placed on the public record as an expression of sincere gratitude for her thirty-nine years of committed service to Somerset Regional Council and former Kilcoy Shire Council, serving as both an employee and Councillor. Resolution Subject: Moved – Cr Whalley Seconded – Cr Brieschke “THAT Council receive the report ‘Acknowledgment of Service - Cr Gaedtke’ and it be placed on the public record as an expression of sincere gratitude for her thirty-nine years of committed service to Somerset Regional Council and former Kilcoy Shire Council, serving as both an employee and Councillor.” Vote - Unanimous Carried ... See MoreSee Less
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Councillor Gaedtke - Councillor Report - Ordinary Council Meeting13 March 2024Queensland will be the biggest loser from the latest GST carve-up among the states and territories, the Commonwealth Grants Commission has revealed. In its latest report on Tuesday, the commission revealed Queensland’s share of GST in 2024-25 would be cut by nearly $500m on last year’s figure, to $17.46bn, while other states will also lose, and other states will benefit from the proposed changes. How will this impact Queensland Local Government?I have had a very sick husband for the past four weeks and shingles has caused him to suffer with severe nerve pain in the left side of his head, with very little successful pain control. This has made me realise what is important in life, and what is not. Yesterday, I was made aware of a third news article by close friends, that once again attempts to discredit me as a councillor for a live 20 second video. As human beings we all make mistakes, but we must own our mistakes and learn by them, enough said. It is totally un-Australian not to be able to voice your opinion openly, responsibility and professionally. The perpetrator this time may have shown the true character. As I said after the second news article, some 13 months ago, I pray for the soul of this tormented individual. I believe almost 40 years loyal service to Local Government outweighs one minor error of judgement.Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes RECORDMatters of public interest – Cr Gaedtke I read this morning that Queensland will be the biggest losers in the GST carve up amongst the States. The Commonwealth Grants Commission has revealed this unfortunately. So, in its latest report on Tuesday, the Commission revealed Queensland share of GST in 2024 - 25 will be cut by nearly five hundred million dollars so that's a cut on last year's things of 17.46 billion dollars. So, all I'm thinking, other states are losing obviously, other states are gaining. Queensland's not gaining, it's losing and I wonder how this impact will affect Queensland local government. And secondly, and this pain's me having to raise this but I think I'm entitled to do this. I've had a very sick husband for the past four weeks and shingles has caused him to suffer with severe pain on the left side of his head with very little successful pain control. It's a horrendous health condition. And if I can just implore everyone who's had chicken pox or even if you're not sure about chickenpox please give them their vaccination. Shingles is a horrible thing to go through I'm sitting and watching it as we speak now. So, this has made me realise what is important in life and what’s not. Yesterday I was made aware of a third news article by a close friend. My friend tells me that it's about a live 20 second video that I did back in May 2022 at the opening of the Toogoolawah Gym and Pool. It was the official opening. Yes, I did a 20 second live video tape which was against policy and the funding agreement from the state government as it funded most of that structure. So, once again this individual attempt to discredit me as a councillor through printed articles. This is the third one, the third one since May 2022. I've made mistakes but we own our mistakes and learn by them. That's enough said because we're human beings. So it's to me it is totally un-Australian not to be able to voice my opinion openly and responsibly and professionally as I did in the newspaper back on the sixth of March 2024 about how I found local government over 40 years and who my preferred candidates are to lead this council in the right direction over the next four years and beyond. So, the perpetrator this time they've shown their true character by the article that appears in a local newspaper. As I said after the second news article some 13 months ago, I prayed for the soul of this tormented individual. I believe my 40 years of loyal service to local government outbreaks one minor error of judgement. Thank you ... See MoreSee Less
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Eight years ago🙂❣️ ... See MoreSee Less
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