Weekly News Briefs - 15 January 2026
Australia Day celebrations
Council’s 2026 Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony will take place on Monday 26 January at the Gatton Shire Hall, with an 8.45am arrival for 9am start.
Following the conclusion of the formalities, there will be morning tea catered by Native Oz Bushfoods, face painting, and a performance by local artist Peta Pomerenke.
Reserve your tickets at: www.lockyervalleytickets.com.au
Gatton Admin Building roof repairs
The hail damage roof repair project at the Gatton Administration Building has been extended until the end of January, weather permitting.
Customers can still find us at our temporary Gatton Customer Service Centre at 55 North Street, Gatton (opposite the Gatton Fire Station), and at the Laidley Office in Spicer Street, where all the usual front counter services are available.
Learn more: www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/roof-repairs
Drop-in and Play at Withcott Sports Centre
Council is hosting a series of FREE drop-in and play events at the Withcott Sports Centre! Sports on offer include basketball, futsal, pickleball, netball and badminton. Head down to the facility on the dates below and join in on the fun!
Multi-Sport Daytime Drop-Ins: 12pm to 4pm
- Tuesday, 20 January
- Thursday, 15 and 22 January
Basketball Nights: 5.30pm to 8pm
- Monday, 19 January
Entry is FREE, no bookings required. Children under 12 years must be supervised by an adult.
Have your say
Have your say on proposed changes to Council’s local law that regulates the number of animals allowed on certain properties.
To view the proposed changes – which include a mix of tightening and relaxing of existing rules - or to lodge a submission, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/local-laws
Submissions close 6 February 2026.
New opening hours for Laidley Library in 2026
The Laidley Library is currently trialling a new Wednesday evening service in lieu of its Saturday morning service. The late-night Wednesday service, opening until 6pm, will be trialled for six months.
Changes will also see the Laidley Library align with Customer Service Centre operating hours and close at 4.30pm weekdays (except Wednesdays).
Holiday fun at Lockyer Valley Libraries
There is still a ton of fun events planned for children to enjoy, including:
- Scavenger Hunt
- LEGO Challenge: Rescue Charlotte's Web*
- LEGO Challenge: Who Sunk the Boat?*
- DUPLO: Read, Build, Play - Dear Zoo*
- Board Game Day
- Family Movies
*Bookings required
Visit our website to book your spot and for more information: https://library.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au
Storm season is here – stay prepared, stay informed
Severe weather can happen anytime, so take steps now to protect your home and family:
- Clear gutters to prevent flooding
- Secure loose items around your yard
- Review your emergency plan
- Pack an emergency kit with essentials
Visit disaster.lvrc.qld.gov.au for more information. Also keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology for official forecasts.