The Lockyer & Somerset Independent

15/10/2025

🚧 Upgrades Underway on John Street South, Laidley 🚧

The first stage of major roadworks is done — and the next kicks off 15 December, set to bring safer crossings, stronger pavements, and better drainage near St Mary’s Primary.

Cr Michael Hagan says Council is timing works around school holidays to limit disruption.

Sorely needed upgrades for a street in Laidley have just seen the first stage complete. Upgrades on John Street South [...]

13/10/2025

BREAKING

Paramedics were called to a truck fire in Hatton Vale overnight
The truck was attended on the eastbound side of the Warrego Highway at 11.10pm.
No patients were reported at the scene, and paramedics were cleared shortly after midnight.

12/10/2025

18:16 Sunday, 12 October
QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Giant Hail, Damaging Winds. west of Kilcoy, Somerset Dam and Lake Somerset

Details:

Southeast QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Giant Hail, Damaging Winds

For people in parts of Somerset, Moreton Bay, South Burnett, Toowoomba and Sunshine Coast Council Areas.

Issued at 6:12 pm Sunday, 12 October 2025.

GIANT HAIL IS POSSIBLE IN A SEVERE STORM MOVING TO THE EAST TOWARDS WOODFORD

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 6:05 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM likely to produce large, possibly giant hailstones and damaging winds was detected. The thunderstorm is moving towards the east. The severe thunderstorm is forecast to affect Woodford by 6:35 pm and Wamuran by 7:05 pm.

Another severe thunderstorm likely to produce large hailstones and damaging winds was detected near the area west of Toogoolawah. This thunderstorm is moving towards the east. It is forecast to affect the area west of Kilcoy, Somerset Dam and Lake Somerset by 7:05 pm.

6 CM HAILSTONES WERE OBSERVED AT BELLTHORPE AROUND 5:00 PM.

4 cm hailstones were observed at Stanmore around 5:15 pm.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Stay away from windows if there is giant hail.
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.

Alert Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Early Warning Network: https://www.earlywarningnetwork.com.au
Council Resident Options & EWN Support: https://www.earlywarningnetwork.com.au/support

09/10/2025

Paramedics assisted an Esk man in his 20s who had reportedly fled the scene of an alleged domestic violence incident before crashing and sustaining significant head injuries on the morning of 9 October.

Paramedics assisted an Esk man in his 20s who had reportedly fled the scene of an alleged domestic violence incident [...]

09/10/2025

Don't for get to get on down to Bazza's Country Music this Saturday, 11 October held at the Lowood Darts Club at 11am.
$5 entry, tea and coffee available.
All walk ups Welcome.

08/10/2025

🌾 Celebrating Rural Leadership and Community Spirit! 👑

The West Moreton Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber held its annual Showgirl and Rural Ambassador Awards Finals last weekend, bringing together entrants from across the region for a celebration of confidence, connection and country pride. 💬🐮

President Lynell Jendra said the winners will represent the sub-chamber at the Brisbane Ekka in 2026. 🎡
“These awards aren’t just about individuals — they showcase the strength and diversity of our rural communities,” she said.

Entrants toured local farms and agribusinesses before taking the stage for interviews and speeches, supported by family, friends and local sponsors including Lowood Fernvale Community Bank and the Rayner family. ❤️👏

The West Moreton Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber hosted its annual Showgirl and Rural Ambassador Awards finals last weekend, bringing together [...]

07/10/2025

Kindergarteners will pedal their way down the main streets of Gatton this Saturday, 11 October, as Gatton Kindergarten celebrates its annual Bike-A-Thon.

07/10/2025

Laidley footballer Justeen Kruger’s Deaflympics dream is just around the corner as she gears up to join Team Australia in November for the Tokyo 2025 Games.

Laidley footballer Justeen Kruger’s Deaflympics dream is just around the corner as she gears up to join Team Australia in November [...]

04/10/2025

🌟 Remembering Merton Chambers 🌟

Internationally renowned artist Merton Chambers 🎨 may have passed in July, but his legacy lives on in the Brisbane Valley. His powerful series Almost the Last Supper is now on display at Toogoolawah’s Picnic Society Café ☕.

“Merton’s art was always about more than colour and canvas – it was about ideas,” said his wife, former MP Beryce Nelson 💬.

From Toronto to Noosa to Mount Beppo 🏡, Merton’s works touched audiences worldwide 🌍 and will continue to inspire through donations to charities like Foodbank 🥫, the Lady Musgrave Trust 💜, and the Climate Council 🌱.

Locals remember him not just for his art, but for his kindness, humour, and generosity 💕.

✨ Stop by the café, enjoy a coffee, and take in the legacy of a man who gave so much to art and community.

The legacy of internationally recognised artist Merton Chambers lives on in the Brisbane Valley, with works from his series Almost [...]

30/09/2025

History buffs gathered at the Laidley Showgrounds on 25–27 September as the Military Jeep Club of Queensland displayed over 100 WWII and modern armoured vehicles, offering a glimpse into decades of military heritage.

History buffs gathered at the Laidley Showgrounds on 25–27 September as the Military Jeep Club of Queensland displayed over 100 [...]

30/09/2025

Historic motorcycle riders from across the state gathered for a memorable centurion rally at the Bottletree Hotel in Glamorgan Vale on 28 September.

Historic motorcycle riders from across the state gathered for a memorable centurion rally at the Bottletree Hotel in Glamorgan Vale [...]

29/09/2025

🎨✨ The legacy of internationally recognised artist Merton Chambers lives on in the Brisbane Valley.

🖼️ His series Almost the Last Supper is now on display at Toogoolawah’s Picnic Society Café.

🌍 Known worldwide for his large-scale public artworks – from Canada and Europe to Australia – Merton is remembered locally for his generosity, humour, and love of community.

💬 His wife, former state MP Beryce Nelson, said:

“Merton’s art was always about more than colour and canvas, it was about ideas. Almost the Last Supper was about hunger, food security and what climate change would mean for the world. To see people here in Toogoolawah pausing over their coffee to take it in is just wonderful.”

👑 From works collected by the British royal family to community fundraisers at his Mount Beppo studio, Merton’s impact stretched far and wide. Many of his works will soon support charities including the Lady Musgrave Trust, Foodbank and the Climate Council.

☕ Drop by the Picnic Society Café, enjoy a coffee, and take in the art of a man remembered as much for his kindness as for his creativity. 💜

The legacy of internationally recognised artist Merton Chambers lives on in the Brisbane Valley, with works from his series Almost [...]