Councillor Report – Wednesday 14 June 2017

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 14 June 2017

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

10 June – 6 August           Kathy Ellem Exhibition – Somerset Regional Art Gallery – The Condensery Toogoolawah

16/17 June                         Lowood Show

16 June                                Somerset Art Society Inc. – Official Opening

17 June                                Esk Garden & Lifestyle Fair/Somerset Art Society Inc. Exhibition

17 June                                Kilcoy Race Club – Kilcoy Cup

18 June                                Australia’s Biggest Morning Cuppa – Venor

22 June                                Biggest Morning Tea – Esk State School

22 June                                KCCCI Meeting

23 June                                Winter Primary School Somerset Cup – Toogoolawah

25 June                                Lifecycle cycling classic – Lowood

MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Congratulations to Mr John Robinson for being awarded the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia.

Mr John Ernest ROBINSON, Kilcoy QLD 4515 For service to veterans and their families.

Service includes:   The Returned and Services League of Australia: Vice-President, South Eastern District, Queensland Branch, since 2016.

Kilcoy Sub-Branch, Queensland Branch: President, 2008-2010 and 2014-2016. Treasurer, 2013-2014. Welfare Officer, 2007-2010 and since 2014. South Eastern District Delegate, since 2014 and 2008-2010. Representative, Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce, 2008-2010 and 2012-2016. Grants Officer, since 2007. Member, since 2006.

Community: Volunteer, Men’s Health Peer Educator, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, since 2007; Coordinator, Veterans’ Health Week, since 2012. Member, Vietnam Veterans Association, 1993-2000. Board Member, Steering Committee, Bendigo Bank, Kilcoy, current. Co-ordinator, ‘Men’s Pit Stop’, since 2007.

Awards and recognition includes: Recipient, Australia Day Somerset Citizen of the Year, Somerset Regional Council, 2016. Recipient, Veterans Volunteer Award, Electorate of Blair, 2015.

 Agenda Item # 45   Councillors’ Reports

Meetings/Functions attended

25 May                 Eagle Rise Mobile Hub

25 May                 Kilcoy Showground Reserve Overall Management Committee Meeting

25 May                 Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce & Community Inc. Meeting

27 May                 Kilcoy Hospital Fete

27 May                 Esk Show

27 May                 Lowood Show Ball

29 May                 Somerset Regional Council Condensery Gallery Advisory Committee Meeting

29 May                 SRBA Economic Meeting – Eagle Forklifts

30 May                 Kilcoy Interagency Meeting

31 May                 Kilcoy State School – Launch of Reading at Home P-Yr2

1 June                   Farewell to Mandy & Bruce McGarry – Cleaners Kilcoy Office

2 June                   2017 Somerset Schools Sports Cup – Toogoolawah High School

3 June                   “Holt Bolt” Kilcoy

3 June                   Linville Hall Committee Inc. Meeting

10 June                Kath Ellem Workshop – Kilcoy High School

10 June                Toogoolawah Show

12 June                Neurum Creek Green Army Graduation – Kilcoy

13 June                Transportation – Western Ring Road Brisbane – Kilcoy

Eagle Rise Mobile Hub

There were around fifteen service providers present at the Lowood Hub, and the weather was absolutely perfect for clients to take the time to visit the many information sharing stalls.  Many thanks to the SES for providing the sausage sizzle, the smells drifted around the community for quite some time.

Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce & Community Inc. Meeting

Discussion took place around transportation issues and long-term planning required to reduce even more problems in the future.  KCCCI members spoke about planning processes and the administration of such by local government.

Kilcoy Hospital Fete

The fog lifted to reveal a very beautiful day, with many people enjoying the official opening and visiting the many stalls that formed part of the event.  The Hospital Board of Directors and invited guests toured the hospital to view the recent refurbishments of this magnificent local asset.  We were shown the improvements made to the emergency room, the kitchen, special treatment rooms and general wards.   Staff were delighted to explain the improvements made to very simple medical needs and services.

Esk Show

Once again congratulations to the Esk Show Society Committee and the very many volunteers who made the Esk show happen, and happen it did, to a very high standard. The weather was perfect for holding the show and the many patrons enjoyed the activities, show pavilion displays and various stalls.  The show ring was also a hive of activity.

Lowood Show Ball

John and I were very impressed with the Lowood Show Ball, and enjoyed the dance band along with another two hundred odd patrons.  The meal was absolutely scrumptious, the company enjoyable and there were many beautiful gowns and dinner suits proudly worn.  Congratulations to the winners – Katie Wren, Tanessha Beattie, Claudia Campbell, Naomi Freese, Lahtasha Lewis, Kerri Jendra, Imelda Fanning and John Cox.

SRBA Economic Meeting – Eagle Forklifts

Congratulations to Cr Bob Whalley on presenting a very well run local business to those who could attend the get together. There was much discussion about economic benefits and demands in our region over dinner.  I appreciated learning others’ points of view and learning how some businesses started off small in our region and have grown over time, and are proud to be a local employer.  It is paramount that groups like SRBA continue to take an active role in the region and provide ongoing networking to offer feedback and associated important expectations.  With ongoing collaboration, potential development and economic opportunities can be identified by Somerset Regional Council, economic like-minded community groups, and local businesses.

Kilcoy State School – Launch of Reading at Home P-Yr2

I was invited as a guest to take part in the launch, where children from Prep to Year 2 enjoyed stories, learning activities, dressed in character –  i.e. Teachers and fellow students, a sausage sizzle and a chocolate celebratory cake.  The launch was well organised and we were all very appreciative of the event.

Farewell to Mandy McGarry – Cleaner Kilcoy Office

Present and past Kilcoy office staff, Cr Hall, Mrs Hall and myself enjoyed a dinner and a heartfelt farewell to Mandy and Bruce McGarry.  Mandy has over ten years’ service with Council, and I can attest that she is definitely more than just a cleaner.  Mandy (and Bruce) go far beyond the role, expectation and responsibilities of cleaners.  Enjoy your retirement from cleaning the Kilcoy office building Mandy and Bruce.

2017 Somerset Schools Sports Cup – Toogoolawah High School

Once again it was perfect weather to host the 2017 Somerset Schools Sports Cup.  Students appeared to enjoy the event and it was stated how students should be congratulated on the sportsmanship and fair play displayed during all competitions.  A minute’s silent was held in memory of Sgt. Brett Forte prior to the friendly game of touch footie held between the Police and the School Teachers. The overall winning school again this year was the Kilcoy High School.  Congratulations to all competing schools, Toogoolawah, Lowood and Kilcoy.  Well done, I look forward to attending next year’s event.

“Holt Bolt” Kilcoy

After attending the Holt Bolt and taking part in the second wave which commenced at 10:30am, following the first wave which commenced at 9:00am, I was wrapped in this fun filled family orientated event.  Children from the age of 5 years and adults took part in the activities and tackled each part of the course with huge smiles.   Congratulations to the Kilcoy Local Chaplaincy Committee and in particular, Mrs Kate Gold for organising such a wonderful local event.

Linville Hall Committee Inc. Meeting

I was totally amazed by the number of campers using the free camping area in Linville on Saturday 3 June.  It was reassuring to see this type of activity in one of our unique little towns.  The outcomes from the brainstorming meeting held earlier in the year and Council’s replies were discussed at the meeting.  The final outcomes from the committee meeting have been brought back to Council for further consideration.  Ongoing feedback and future decisions will be communicated with the 24 meeting attendants on an ongoing basis.

Kath Ellem Workshop – Kilcoy High School

I was invited to attend the Kath Ellem Workshop which was held at the Kilcoy High School and in the art room.  It is wonderful to see this collaboration between local community and State School for this workshop to be held in their space.  Twelve pupils were busily painting on canvas when I attended the art class.  I was honoured to welcome Kath Ellem to Kilcoy and it was agreed that art can change a dull and boring environment.  Some students offered fascinating ideas on how to brighten a tired CBD area.  I look forward to viewing the students’ finished artworks.

Toogoolawah Show

Congratulations to the Toogoolawah Show Society Committee and the numerous volunteers that work together to bring the annual show together.  The weather was kind and there was much to see and enjoy, from the woodchopping, through sideshow alley, fat cattle, stud cattle, horses, various entertainment and great food supplied on the grounds.  The Mayor and all Councillors were available to chat to locals enjoying the day out.

Neurum Creek Green Army Graduation – Kilcoy

I was pleased to be invited and able to attend the above ceremony.  The Green Army workers were congratulated on the commitment shown during the Neurum Creek Project.  A comment was made that with 12,000 plantings, 15 hectares of weed reduction and the associated timeline, the workers excelled all other project achievements made by other Green Army workers.

Natural Resource Management (NRM) at Local Government level

The Local Government Assoc. of Qld has asked for $10 million form the upcoming state budget to ensure local governments can deliver Natural Resource Management (NRM) programs.  Local governments spend $20 million a year on natural resource management initiatives – yet have only been allocated $1.5 million by the state between 2017 – 2020.