Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 24 May 2023

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 24 May 2023

Agenda Item #5 Matters of Public Interest

Good luck to all of the local competitors taking part in their chosen sport at the local agricultural shows.  Without their participation, the shows would not be as spectacular.

Agenda Item #29 Councillors’ Report

May

10     Ordinary Council Meeting – Kilcoy

10     Workshop Meeting – Kilcoy

10     Kilcoy Rodeo Committee Meeting

11        Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails Meeting – Linville

16-20 Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) National Conference

– Mornington Peninsular, Victoria

21     Somerset Dam & District Progress Association Annual General Meeting

23     Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalization Project Stakeholder Breakfast

23     Council Briefing – Kilcoy

I wish to take this opportunity to thank Council for allowing and supporting my attendance at the 2023 ALGWA National Conference. I was once again reminded how lucky we are to work in the Queensland Local Government environment.  I do however hold some concerns for our local government family, and definitely what may lie ahead with our, at times challenging professional relationship with Queensland State Government.   I also wish to thank Helen Golinski for the miraculous organisation of this trip, between flights, car hire, negotiating the Melbourne freeways, travelling to Mornington Peninsular, to the booking of a hotel room, without the need to leave the venue.  Other Councillors had to make their way outside the venue, and with the cold and showery weather was uncomfortable for them.  You made it all very easy Helen, thank you.

A huge vote of thanks to those interested residents who made the effort to attend the Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalization Project Stakeholder Breakfast.  There was a great number of attendances and the morning proved to be very productive.  I look forward to the next step in this important planning journey.

Councillor Gaedtke – Councillor Report – Wednesday 10th May 2023

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 10 May 2023

Agenda Item #5 Matters of Public Interest

I would like to publicly recognise and congratulate those involved with the organization of the Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival.  Council staff must be acknowledged for the seamless event management, and many thanks also goes to Kilcoy Global Foods for their financial and in-kind support.  I have received only positive feedback, and in fact many have asked if this event will be held again next year.  This event has the opportunity to become a very powerful way to grow cultural well-being for Kilcoy and district.  It is important to understand that Kilcoy Global Foods has approximately 56 ethnic origins in their workplace, including indigenous and Australians.  I am extremely proud to be part of the team that initiated and supported this event.

I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the small band of workers who have volunteered many hours in an effort to present Kilcoy’s 100^th Anniversary Show on Friday and Saturday.  I wish the show society all the very best and I also wish them a well-supported event.

The state government has unveiled a plan to slash wait times at transport customer service centres by introducing new dedicated express lanes for driver’s licence renewals and registration.  Eight Transport and Main Roads (TMR) centres across South East Queensland will trial the new approach.  express lanes will be dedicated to high-volume, quick transactions such as driver’s licence photos and registration renewals as well as collecting heavy vehicle work diaries and disability parking permits.  Nearly 87 per cent of services have been moved online but face-to-face operations remained a more trusted and preferred option for many customers.

Agenda Item #28 Councillors’ Report

April

26    Ordinary Council Meeting – Kilcoy

26    Workshop Meeting – Kilcoy

May

04     LGAQ NRM Forum Kilcoy

05     Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival

06     Heritage Culture Meeting – Kilcoy

06     Kilcoy Tennis Club Meeting

06     “Things I want to Say” Exhibition – Opening – Toogoolawah

08     Friends of Stonehouse Meeting – Moore

08     The Condensery Advisory Committee Meeting – Toogoolawah

08     Kilcoy District Progress Alliance Meeting

An interesting and informative Natural Resource Management Forum was organised by Local Government Association of Queensland, and held adequately in the Kilcoy Theatrette.  Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Healthy Land and Water, Department of Environment & Science, Biosecurity Queensland, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, and LGAQ provided presentations throughout the forum.

The Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival was a resounding success, and it is definitely to be considered as a major event to provide the spirit of building that very important cultural bridge for Kilcoy and district.  I have welcomed the opportunity to initiate and support this event and I wish to acknowledge and thank Kilcoy Global Foods for being so receptive and supportive.

The Kilcoy District Tennis Club wish to thank Council and Premier Sports & Leisure for the finished resurfaced tennis courts project.  The club reported on the very high standard of the work and attention to detail carried out by the company.  The club is also very appreciative of the extra detailing carried out to the net posts, net and fence repairs and advice regarding care and attention of the new works.  The club is proudly holding the official opening on Sunday 11^th June.

“Things I want to Say” Condensery Exhibition once again provided a unique and thought-provoking opportunity for those who enjoyed the exhibition opening.  Many thanks to Curators Imogen Dixon-Smith and Rachel Arndt, and also appreciation to artists Jordan Azcune, Tyza Hart and Luce Nguyen-Hunt for sharing their love of their particular art medium with the audience.  Once again, the food and refreshments were provided to a standard to be envied.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 26 April 2023 – Councillor Report

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 26 April 2023

Agenda Item #5 Matters of Public Interest

Congratulations must be offered to Jarvis Weaver of Kilcoy, who was placed fifth in Australia for Juvenile drafting at the Australian Campdrafting Association National finals 2023 held in Cloncurry.

Congratulations to Kilcoy Global Foods for claiming its most important branded beef competition crown since the company’s Wagyu program was launched four years ago.  The company earned grand championship honours in the 2023 Australian Wagyu Association branded beef competition held in Sydney .

Wonderful news that a review has been conducted of the policing service of the Lowood police, and to meet the current policing requirements of the community, from April 22 2023, Lowood police will be providing a 24-hour response service, seven days a week.  Acknowledgment of the hard work provided by Mayor Lehmann and CEO Andrew Johnson in support of this urgent policing need.

Agenda Item #31 Councillors’ Report

April

12     Ordinary Council Meeting

12     Council Workshop

15     Yowie Football Club – Hopetoun Playing Fields

17     Councillor Budget Tour – Regional inspections

17     Kilcoy District Progress Alliance monthly meeting

20     Kilcoy Cemetery Improvements Discussion

21     ALGWA Management Committee – Eagle Street, Brisbane

23     Kilcoy District Progress Alliance Bunnings BBQ – Fund raiser

24     Toogoolawah High School Anzac Day Commemoration

25     Anzac Day Commemorations – Linville and Kilcoy

The Yowie Football Club played a brilliant home game which resulted in a tie with their opponents, Yandina Raiders Football Club.  It has been four years since Kilcoy has had a rugby league team however our team has returned with determination and might.  Well done to our multi-cultural “Yowies”.

I thank Council staff for the open and positive discussion held with Cr Isidro, myself and three local ladies who are members of the Kilcoy District Progress Alliance and who are passionate about their local cemetery.  The discussion resulted in identifying the need for providing a master plan for improvements with respect to the Kilcoy Cemetery.  This could be an opportunity to provide a concept plan that could be mirrored on a regional basis.

At the ALGWA Management Committee meeting, Mackay Regional Council advised that it is taking part in the Young Mayors (11 – 18 Years) piloted program. With training, mentoring and money to run local projects and campaigns, Youth Councils won’t just have a voice – but a platform to take action.  Kick starting this program across five local councils – backing young people who want to take an active role in their local community.  Elected by their peers, young council members will work together to define priority action areas. Together, the youth council will serve a 12-24 month term working with their council to implement projects and events and influence decisions that impact their community.  The programs have ensured that council policies and programs better reflect the concerns, needs, and desires of local young people.

Once again ANZAC Day was well supported at both Linville and Kilcoy.  It is pleasing to witness the high attendance and involvement of our school students.  This year RSL             Queensland and Shane Williams, President of the Kilcoy RSL Sub Branch organised Postcards for Honour.  The students learnt a lot and achieved a deeper appreciation of what ANZAC Day means by participating.  Students were then invited to hand the postcard to a veteran on ANZAC Day.  A wreath was laid by Papua New Guinea representing the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.  Rod James Magallano of Kilcoy State High School read his winning essay “What ANZAC Day means to me”.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 12 April 2023 

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 22 March 2023

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 22 March 2023

Agenda Item #5 Matters of Public Interest

Congratulations to Jack Jeffrey who won the Pony Club events and the Junior Draft at the Toogoolawah Draft.  Jack’s sporting efforts were recognised earlier in the year when he received the Australia Day Sports Award for the Somerset region.

Agenda Item #30 Councillors’ Report

March

08   Ordinary Council Meeting  –  Kilcoy

08   Council Workshop  –  Kilcoy

09   Brisbane Valley Interagency Meeting – Teams

13   Kilcoy District Progress Alliance Meeting

14   Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary Meeting

14   Kilcoy Show Society Meeting

16   Traffic & Safety Advisory Committee Meeting – Teams

16   Improving transparency & accountability in Local Government – Civica – Teams

16   Kilcoy Art Society Inc. General Meeting

I was unable to attend the Kilcoy State High School P&C Annual General Meeting last Tuesday and I wish to pass on my congratulations to the elected executive committee – President – Tony Martin; Treasurer – Tanya Marmdeen;  and Secretary – Jo Ludgate.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 8 March 2023

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 8 March 2023

Agenda Item #5 Matters of Public Interest

Congratulations to Major-General Jake Ellwood who has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.  Major General Ellwood led the recovery from last year’s SEQ floods as State Recovery Coordinator.  The Queensland Reconstruction Authority is the state’s lead agency responsible for disaster recovery and resilience.  It was the first of its kind in Australia and has responded to over 100 disasters since 2011.

Congratulations also to Emma Gibbons (Granddaughter to past Chairman Kilcoy Shire Council Ken and wife Mary Nunn) for winning the Queensland AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.  Ms Gibbons was selected from a field of four finalists who epitomized the significant impact women have on rural industries, businesses and communities.  Her Coolum Beach-based business Huds and Toke sells  dog food and treats made with Australian-farmed insect protein and vegetable surplus.  The business now boasts a thriving national and international market base.  Ms Gibbons will represent Queensland as a national finalist in September.

Agenda Item # 22 Councillors’ Report

February

22   Council Ordinary Meeting – Kilcoy

22   Council Workshop – Kilcoy

23   Kilcoy State High School Investiture 2023

23   Kilcoy Recreation Grounds Advisory Committee Meeting

27   RADF Advisory Committee Meeting – Esk

28   Kilcoy Interagency Meeting – Teams

March

02   Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails Meeting – Yarraman

04   Kilcoy District Tennis Club AGM

05   Watts Bridge Airfield Breakfast

It gave me great pleasure to present badges to the Year 12 students – 2023 class. I wish every student all the very best for the subsequent educational year.

As Chair of the RADF Advisory Committee, I wish to thank committee members for the very in-depth discussions and consequential points raised at our last meeting.  The arts and cultural presence in our region is definitely progressive and valued.

The Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails Committee is planning to produce a book recording the trails of telephone exchanges, hospitals and schools that were historically based along the Brisbane Valley Heritage Trail.

Cr Gaedtke – Councillor Report – Ordinary Council Meeting – 8th February 2023

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 8 February 2023

Agenda Item #5 Matters of Public Interest
Our region was a buzz over Australia Day, and congratulations must go to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail – Australia Day ride which attracted 450 attendees on the day, making it the largest event ever run on the rail trail; Kilcoy Race Club held the Australia Day Races and the Kilcoy Gift attracting a very large crowd and approximately 60 professional competing sprinters; congratulations to all Australia Day Award nominees, to be nominated is a complete honour, and greetings to our new Australian Citizens. Well done to our pool managers and local businesses who supported this great annual event.

Yowie parkrun celebrated its fourth anniversary on Saturday 4th February. Around 70 energetic supporters arrived to take part in the event, and around 35 of those supporters were from out of the region. The visitors enjoyed the town’s cafes and restaurants, and some of them stayed overnight.

Officers from the @Queensland Reconstruction Authority will be in Somerset from 20 February checking on homes and businesses damaged by the 2022 South East Queensland Rainfall and Flooding event.
Damage assessment and reconstruction monitoring audits are an important part of the recovery process and are conducted at regular intervals following significant disasters.
If residents are not home or available when a QRA officer visits, a calling card will be left containing information about the assessment, community recovery and reconstruction.
For more details visit www.qra.qld.gov.au/darm.

Agenda Item #23 Councillors’ Report
January
18 Ordinary Council Meeting – Kilcoy
18 Council Workshop – Kilcoy
20 Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government & Planning – Brisbane
24 LGAQ Team Training – Somerset Dam
26 Citizenship Ceremony & Australia Day Awards – Somerset Civic Centre
26 Kilcoy Australia Day Races
30 Council Strategy Day – Kilcoy
February
02 Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails Committee Meeting
02 Meeting with Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce
02 Meeting – Kilcoy Multicultural event
06 Lowood State High School – Leadership Induction Ceremony
06 Friends of Stonehouse – Subgroup meeting
06 The Condensery Advisory Committee Meeting – Toogoolawah

The Lowood State High School delivers high quality educational opportunities and outcomes that enable all students to experience success, and this was very evident at the Leadership Induction Ceremony, when Almira Shailer was awarded the Highest ATAR Achievement Award and Dux of 2022. Almira is a humble and intelligent young lady who is looking forward to attending the University of Queensland in a few days to begin her studies in primary teaching.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 18 January 2023

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 18 January 2023

 Agenda Item #5 Matters of Public Interest

 With a very heavy heart I wish to express my sincere condolences to the Boughen family with the recent passing of Elizabeth Boughen, two days prior to her 23^rd birthday.  John and I had the pleasure of judging the Rural Ambassador – West Moreton and Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber on 25^th September 2021, and we were delighted to award Elizabeth with this title.  Lizzie has been a familiar face in the cattle sections where she has been involved in shows across Southern Queensland as a steward since she was nine.  In more recent years Lizzie became a judge at several shows.  Lizzie showed a great sense and understanding of rural life and she was extremely proud of her Droughtmasters, and associated breeding responsibilities.   For Lizzie, many lessons in life could be learnt in the paddock including the fact that in life where there is a will, there is a way.  Rest In Peace Elizabeth Boughen.

 On a brighter note, I would like to encourage everyone’s attendance at the Kilcoy Race Club – Australia Day Races on Thursday 26 January.  This year will offer a fantastic new Kilcoy Gift professional sprint race for female sprinters, along with the men’s Kilcoy Gift. The Kilcoy Race Club has advised that the sprint will be a first for Kilcoy and maybe Queensland.  So please come along to watch the young competitors and make the Kilcoy Gift the  “Stawell Gift of Queensland”, in addition to the normal program of five gallops, three mini trots and fashions of the field.

 Agenda Item #31 Councillors’ Report

December

16     Meals on Wheels – Volunteering at Kilcoy

21     Kilcoy Recreation Meeting – Teams

January

12     Somerset Youth Leaders Camp 2023 – Currimundi

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Councillor Report – Ordinary Council Meeting 15 December 2022

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 15 December 2022

Agenda Item #5 Matters of Public Interest

The ABC Drive radio show visited Kilcoy and interviewed various residents.  Markian and Ulana Drevniak who escaped Ukraine along with their children were interviewed.  Other local identities interviewed included Denise Modistach, Sarah Eaton, John McAulay, Donald Walker and Gerald Youles.  Care to listen to the interviews – www.abc.net.au/brisbane/programs/drive

Congratulations and many thanks to the Somerset Assist Team, comprising of Lyn Buchanan (President); Julie Hayes (Vice-President & Care Co-Ordinator); Brenda Moloney (Secretary); Ruth O’Dowd (Treasurer).  This very vibrant team is a new community not-for-profit which will offer older Esk and Toogoolawah residents the option for in-home care.  The team have partnered with Trilogy Care, a nationally registered home-care package provider, and Mable a platform connecting people who need support to local people who provide support.  The team also welcome interested workers to make contact to understand how they can provide personal care support.  This is not a volunteering situation.  For further information, call Julie Hayes on 0484 822 485 or email info@somersetassist.com.au

I came across a very handy Facebook page called The 2 Hour Circle & Beyond.  This page provides interesting information about local tourists’ spots.  The page features interviews and information about visited  Somerset located businesses.  Some of the reviews include feedback such as finding places that you have never heard of; learning the history behind these towns is really interesting; and also supporting local businesses.

Agenda Item #40 Councillors’ Report

November

23     Ordinary Council Meeting – Kilcoy

23     Council Workshop – Kilcoy

24    Traffic & Safety Advisory Committee – Kilcoy

24     Volunteers High Tea – Kilcoy State School

28     Kilcoy Gymnastic Presentations

29     Kilcoy Interagency Meeting

29     Economic Development & Tourism Advisory Committee Meeting – Kilcoy

30     Kilcoy’s Got Talent – Kilcoy State School – Final Show

December

01      Kilcoy Recreation Grounds Advisory Committee Meeting

• 02     Turning on the Christmas Lights – Community Christmas Tree, Yowie Park
• 03      Kilcoy QWCA Centenary Celebrations Morning Tea

03      Lester Kropp Bridge – Villeneuve – Photo Invitation extended by Shayne Neumann (MP)

03     Kilcoy Christmas Carnival

05     Cyber Security Training – Zoom

05     Christmas Famil/Volunteer thank you Dinner – Glamorgan Vale

06     Kilcoy State School Year 3-6 Annual Awards Ceremony

07     Mt Kilcoy State School Awards Ceremony

08     Kilcoy Golf Club AGM

12     ALGWA Management Committee Meeting – Teams

15     Ordinary Council Meeting – Kilcoy

15     Council Workshop – Kilcoy

15     Council Christmas Party – Kilcoy Showground

A huge shout out to the many months of hard work and pure dedication of the Kilcoy Christmas Carnival committee, who once again provided the highest quality of Christmas entertainment to Kilcoy and District residents. The new carnival site is definitely a winner providing much more room, a flatter and safer area.  The children provided the sweetest Christmas Carols, music and dancing, and we also enjoyed the music provided by the Morayfield State High School Band and a beautiful rendition provided by FIP Fijians singers.  Many thanks to the Mayor for officially opening the carnival.

Congratulations to the Kilcoy QCWA in celebrating its centenary, with the provision of many interesting stalls, Devonshire tea and scones, memorabilia showcase, raffles, music and a very warm welcome to the proceedings.  The President Caryl Cook explained the branch had no plans in slowing down and currently has eighteen members, however will be looking for more members to join in the new year.

I was honoured to proudly present the “George Adsett” Sporting Cup to the winning sports house for 2022 at the Mt Kilcoy State School Awards Ceremony.  The cup is in memory of my Great Grandfather who was the Chair and member of the Mt Kilcoy State School Steering Committee who shared the vision of securing a school for the Mt Kilcoy area.  An area of land was excised from Blunt’s farm to provide the perfect place for the school renowned as the school with an awesome view.  Today the school has around 120 students and provides a very high standard of education to the Mt Kilcoy and surrounding area.

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 23 November 2022 – Councillor Report

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 23 November 2022

Agenda Item #5 Matters of Public Interest

According to data from booking site Stayz, demand for rustic getaways has increased by up to 90% in the past year, with demand for locations close to mountains, lakes and rivers increasing by 50%.  Queensland is ticking all the boxes.  Expedia Australia general manager Daniel Finch agrees that Aussies love the beach, but they are also craving private holiday homes with lots of space – think converted regional barns and rural farmhouses.  Our region, Somerset, definitely has all of the abovementioned attractions.

Many thanks to Somerset & Wivenhoe Fish Stocking Association volunteers who released 67,000 bass fingerlings into Somerset Dam, resulting in a boost to the Somerset Dam ecosystem.

The Lowood APRA Rodeo postponed from October is now happening on Saturday 26 November at 5:00pm at the Lowood showgrounds.

Saturday 19 November was International Men’s Day (IMD), which presented an opportunity to celebrate men and boys and ask what it means to be a positive male role model in modern society.  It’s about showing respect, being kind and empathetic, acting as genuine role models for young boys to aspire to and acknowledge male diversity.  It was also a time to openly discuss positive masculinity and challenge rigid cultural standards, male stereotypes and gender roles.

Agenda Item #28 Councillors’ Report

November

09     Ordinary Council Meeting – Kilcoy

09     Council Workshop – Kilcoy

10    Brisbane Valley Interagency Meeting – Teams

11     Remembrance Day – Kilcoy RSL Sub-Branch

11     Meeting with Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce President

14     Calendar Shoot – Toogoolawah

14      RADF Advisory Committee Meeting – Esk

14     Kilcoy State School P & C Meeting

14     Kilcoy District Progress Assn Meeting

15     Kilcoy State School Instrumental Band and Choir Performance Parade/Chalk Murals

15     Disaster Management Prep Workshop for Businesses – Kilcoy

16     Mt Kilcoy State School P&C Meeting

17     Somerset Regional Council Human Social Recovery Group – Teams

17     Focus on Farmers Dinner – Esk

18     Kilcoy State High School Senior Graduation Ceremony

18     Stanley Rivers Environmental Centre End of Year BBQ

22     Kilcoy State High School P & C Assn Monthly Meeting

It is pleasing to learn how progressive and strong our local P & C Associations have become.  The hard working groups of parents and citizens have raised funds required to purchase very needed school related items, and also have enjoyed the fund raising effort.  I was also very impressed with the Year 4 school students who took part in the Kilcoy RSL Chalk Murals for Remembrance Day.  The students were asked to “Draw to Remember” and each student drew what signified Remembrance Day on a personal level.

Mary O’Brien from Are You Bogged Mate was brilliant and openly encouraged conversation about issues facing rural men and outlined the available support and lifelines.  Mary gave a sensible, down to earth story that summed it all up – don’t burn the bogged vehicle, it can be unbogged.  Give it time, ask for a hand to carry that bucket.  A lovely dinner and country music was provided at the Somerset Civic Centre and Marcus Mission and its volunteer peer mentors gave an overview of their service that will be available soon in the Somerset community.  After speaking at length to the service providers represented at the event, I am confident that our primary producers have the best available resources at their fingertips.

Without a doubt, I attended the most emotional Senior Graduation Ceremony last Friday morning at the Kilcoy High School. The Class of 2022 has experienced many milestones over their entire school years, and the level of comradery, i.e., their spirit of friendship, the feeling of trust and community between this group of students, teachers, parents and care-givers, who have known each other for a long time and gone through the same experiences together became very obvious.  This group is so comfortable around each other, and they truly support each other, and as a past student and Councillor, I was completely honoured to be asked to offer the opening inspirational speech.  Good luck and all the very best  to each and every student.

I wish to offer my sincere apologies for allowing my passion and my heart on one occasion to overrule my head, and inadvertently in doing so, resulted in my complete misjudgment when livestreaming on my Councillor Facebook Page a (<30 second) video of gym members completing a movement to music routine and then seeking feedback of the gym manager at the invitation only Toogoolawah Gym opening.  This oversight was found to be an offence under Section 150K (1) (b) of the Local Government Act 2009 and is considered that I engaged in Inappropriate Conduct in contravening a policy, procedure or resolution of the local government.  This matter has now been finalised and I affirm will not occur again.