Weekly News Briefs - 6 November 2025
Australia Day Award nominations closing soon!
Less than a month remains to nominate that special someone for a 2026 Lockyer Valley Australia Day Award.
Recognise a deserving local who has made a positive contribution to the community before nominations close on 5 December.
Award categories include:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Senior Sportsperson of the Year
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year
- Event of the Year
- Community Organisation of the Year
To submit a nomination, visit https://lockyervalley.smartygrants.com.au/AusDay26
Stay informed and prepare now for storms
Storms can strike anywhere and be different each and every time.
Stay informed by downloading the Bureau of Meteorology app or visiting Council’s Disaster Dashboard https://disaster.lvrc.qld.gov.au/, and while you’re there, sign up to Council’s free opt-in warning service.
Have an Emergency Plan, ensure everyone in your household knows it, and make sure it includes your pets and animals.
Prepare your home by clearing gutters and securing loose items around your home.
And remember, if flash flooding occurs, never attempt to drive through it.
Join us at the 2025 Mayoral Christmas Carols!
Sing along to a mix of traditional and fun favourites performed by the much-loved Nathan Walmsley Band.
The night begins at 5.30pm with the stage program commencing at 6.30pm.
An Auslan interpreter will be present and there will be a dedicated craft area where kids can write their letters to Santa and enter the Christmas Carnival colouring competition.
WHEN: Saturday, 29 November
WHERE: Gatton Shire Hall
Secure your seats by booking your free admission tickets today at www.lockyervalleytickets.com.au
Council adopts Annual Report
Council recently adopted its Annual Report 2024-25, which outlines Council’s achievements and performance from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 against delivery commitments set out in our 2022-27 Corporate Plan.
We continue to make progress towards the strategic priorities that will make the Lockyer Valley an inclusive, vibrant and liveable region for all, and we continue to invest and plan responsibly for our fast-growing region.
As always, our focus was on financial sustainability – and we are proud to have once again operated within our means during tough economic times, working within a tight and responsible Budget.
To view the 2024-25 highlights, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/2024-25-annualreport or read the full report here: www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/annual-reports
Book lovers – our final author talk for 2025
Celebrate release day with Darry Fraser and dive into her latest historical fiction, The Adventuress of Albany. Known for her empowering, feminist-driven narratives, Darry brings Australia's past to life through courageous female characters.
Gatton Library - Tuesday, 25 November at 11am.
Bookings are essential: https://tinyurl.com/yc3pu4r5
To stay up to date with next year’s author talks, check out https://library.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au
Community and sporting groups urged to register for free workshop
Registrations are now open for an upcoming free capacity building Governance Workshop.
Hosted by Council and facilitated by CPR Group, not-for-profit sporting and community groups are invited to come along to Gatton Shire Hall on Tuesday 18 November from 6pm to 8.30pm to learn more about:
- Governance, incorporation and committees
- Cyber security
- Queensland’s new Child Safe Standards
Bookings are essential by emailing engagement@lvrc.qld.gov.au or phoning 1300 005 872 by 14 November.
Laidley Library opening hours to change
Laidley Library operating hours are set to change on 5 January 2026.
Following a review of the low Saturday morning and weekday afternoon patronage over the past year, Councillors approved amendments to the opening hours at the October Council meeting.
The changes will see Laidley Library align with Council’s Customer Service Centre operating hours and close at 4.30pm. In lieu of Saturday mornings, a late-night Wednesday service, opening until 6pm, will be offered on a six-month trial basis.
We appreciate this change may impact a very small number of community members, but it’s what’s needed to ensure Council balances the sustainability and customer accessibility of our public services.
Temporary relocation of the Gatton Customer Service Centre
The Gatton Customer Service Centre has temporarily relocated to The Lockyer Centre, 55 North Street, Gatton (opposite the Gatton Fire Station).
We’ve temporarily relocated while the Gatton Administration Building undergoes a full roof replacement, funded by Council’s insurers.
Opening hours are still the same – 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday - and all the usual front counter services will be available.
Due to staff working in different locations while the hail damage repairs are underway, please ensure you book ahead if you need to meet with a specific Council officer.
Weather permitting, the roof replacement is due to be completed by 12 December 2025.
Learn more at www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/roof-repairs
