COMMUNITY, CITIZENSHIP AND CELEBRATION IN THE SOMERSET

 

High humidity levels persisted across many parts of south east Queensland on January 26^th but not even oppressive temperatures were going to be enough to keep the citizens and soon-to- be citizens of the Somerset Region gathering in the cool of the Somerset Civic Centre, Esk on this Australia Day 2026; a day for celebrating  those values of resilience, respect, diversity and freedoms which have continued to shape this nation.

The dynamic Brady Schultz, the epitome of his ‘Healthy Lifestyles Australia’, ushered in the day with a spirited welcome to all the invited dignitaries including Mayor Jason Wendt, Queensland’s Attorney General Deb Frecklington and a cast of Councillors from the Somerset Region, with a special warm welcome to this year’s Australia Day Ambassador, Hani Watson.

Embodying its motto ‘Service in Song’, the Esk Community Choir laid the groundwork for an Aussie flavoured day with their rendition of Mark O’Leary’s The Lachlan Tigers (that’s NSW shearers, not Eastern Suburb’s Footy team!).  With Alexis at the piano, Suzanne and Ruth on flute and Kathleen adding rhythm and colour to the music on the monkey stick or lagerphone, this Aussie folk song paved the way for the more formal proceedings.

The seventy-one new Australians, having taken aloud the Australian Citizenship Pledge were each presented their Citizenship Certificates, bouquets of Australian Native flowers and from the audience, heartfelt applause and a strong sense of shared pride. With the Choir leading in a stirring rendition of the Australian National Anthem, it was on with the show!

Somerset’s Australia Day Ambassador, Hani Watson, a Queenslander since she was a tot, is a true reflection of what it means to be Australian.  Hani was born with significant birth defects and now after many years of corrective surgeries, still suffers multiple medical issues which are progressive and degenerative.  Inspired by her bodybuilder father, Hani has forged ahead despite her disabilities, and represented Australia in Commonwealth and Paralympic Games, a powerhouse in the sport of powerlifting.

With Somerset Council’s Helen at the mic and a well-versed company of Council staff, Certificates of Recognition were presented to the many worthy nominees for the Sports, Arts and Culture, Community Group, Event of the Year, Citizen of the Year Awards, and to the eventual winners of each category, their medals and certificates.  It is with a not -so-small sense of pride that the Esk Community Choir came up trumps for the Arts and Culture Award in acknowledgement of their 48 years of artistic contributions to local culture, civic life and the enrichment of regional events through performances and collaborations. Adding another level of true-blue flavour to the day, the choir’s uplifting rendition of Advance Matilda marked the close of the formal proceedings, inviting all to move on to CWA’s sumptuous morning tea and the enjoyable activities that awaited.

To Jo Maxwell and all the members of the Somerset Regional Council whose initiative made this day a wonderful day of celebration for all, Alexis and the members of the Esk Community Choir give their sincere thanks.

By: Sue Walker

 

Alexis FitzGeral OAM & Ruth Skippen

A CELEBRATION OF WHAT IT IS TO BE AUSTRALIAN IN 2025

On a steamy hot Friday on January 24th this writer was privileged to be seated on the stage in the cool of the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk as part of the Esk Community Choir to observe as Aussie flag-bearing Australians and soon-to-be Australians made their way to their seats for a celebration of all that it means to be Australian.  Two little boys lolling on the floor at the feet of their parents, were clearly oblivious of the tough decisions made by their family and so many others there, to leave family and friends behind to make a new life in Australia, this region now so enriched having embraced these new citizens from so many backgrounds and traditions.

Suzanne Clemence

Brady Schultz

Energetic emcee, Brady Schultz, certainly a personification of his Healthy Lifestyles Australia, opened the proceedings with a spirited welcome to a capacity audience together with so many local and state dignitaries.  Though Waltzing Matilda is a song about a bloke who pinches a sheep then commits suicide, it was like a great breath of Aussie fresh air to embrace the day’s celebration with A.B. Patterson’s most famous verse, this day, a ‘gold winning’ performance by Suzanne on flute, in alliance with Alexis on piano.

Helen from the Somerset Regional Council officiated the Citizenship ceremony, each individual pledging their patriotism and proudly receiving their Citizenship certificates from Mayor Wendt and Shayne Neumann M.P., their ‘kodak moments’ captured by the bevy of clicking cameras.  The singing of the Australian National Anthem led by the choir was again an endorsement of the Australian way.

Representatives of so many worthy categories, nominated from their various fields of high achievement were in turn, called to the podium to be presented with an Australia Day Certificate of Achievement, each category winner, awarded with their winning medal.  Amongst an extensive list of deserving nominees all of whom have given outstanding service to their community over many years, Denise Modistach for her years of community service in the Kilcoy region was conferred with the title, ‘Citizen of the Year’.

Denise Modistach  'Citizen of the Year’.

Mr William “Bill” Nancarrow

Somerset’s 2025 Australia Day Ambassador, Mr William “Bill” Nancarrow, Senior Training Officer for Queensland Health and Australian Powerlifting Para Olympian, was a true representation of what it means to be Australian.  A victim of an horrific motorcycle accident at 16, and faced with a dubious future, William was the epitome of resilience, a determination to keep moving forward no matter the hurdles and to be stronger than his fears.

The choir’s singing of ‘I Am Australian’ was the culmination of a magnificent day of celebration of everything that brings Australians together, a reflection of a future with optimism and determination.  Why even the very polite but distinctive Australian reptiles all the way from Geckoes Wildlife appeared to be enjoying all the attention as everyone thronged to the rear of the Centre to enjoy a sumptuous, very Aussie morning tea sourced from  Toogoolawah’s unique one stop Picnic Shop, The Picnic Society and, from Niki’s Esk Fruit Shop,  some luscious fruit skewers and free ice creams, always ‘top shelf’ on any Aussie Day..

Australian Wildlife

To Jo Maxwell and her team from the Somerset Regional Council whose initiative made this day a wonderful day of celebration for all, Alexis and the members of the Esk Community Choir give their sincere thanks.                    

By: Sue Walker

AUSSIE…AUSSIE…AUSSIE…JOY! JOY! JOY! AT THE SOMERSET CIVIC CENTRE IN ESK

The humidity around south east Queensland had a ‘feel-like’ 90% on January 26th but there was definitely nothing but 100% enthusiasm when a whole bunch of very happy Australians and soon-to-be Australians gathered in the cool of the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk to celebrate Australia’s national day…a day for some which continues to give rise to debate and protest but a day when many still have abundant reasons for celebrating those values of resilience, respect, diversity and freedoms which have continued to shape this nation.

And who better than Lowood’s effervescent Brady Schultz, the embodiment of his ‘Healthy Lifestyles Australia’ to usher in the day with a comprehensive ‘welcome to country’ and an introduction to all the distinguished guests including Mayor Graeme Lehman, Hon. Shayne Neumann MP, Deb Frecklington, Member for Nanango, Councillors from the Somerset Region and the Somerset’s Australia Day Ambassador, Dr Bob McGregor.

And while the likes of ‘I Am Australian’ and ‘Waltzing Matilda’ may not have figured amongst the successful choice for Australia’s National Anthem, a snatch of each of these and others from David Lawrence’s arrangement of ‘Australian Medley’ are certainly synonymous with Australians everywhere and were delivered with gusto to a very receptive audience by the Esk Community Choir to herald the commencement of this day’s formal proceedings.

The large and diverse representation of new Australian Citizens, having taken aloud the Australian Citizenship Pledge and, with Citizenship Certificates in hand, were asked by emcee Brady Schultz, ‘OK, what’s the first thing you’re going to do now that you’re an Australian citizen?’ ‘ A Great Northern!! ’ …came the response by someone in the gathering …surely evidence of an emerging national identity! With a stirring rendition of Australia’s National Anthem led by the Choir, it was on with the ‘show’.

Somerset’s Australia Day Ambassador, Dr Bob McGregor, 2014 Qld Senior Australian of the Year, was a true reflection of what it means to be Australian. His four decades as a medical practitioner, specialising in Child Health, now retired but never stopping; his extraordinary lifetime achievements delivered in his address, including his years at Ipswich Hospital, his fund-raising accomplishments, his work in adolescent mental health, and his dedication to service to his community and family have become the stuff of legends.

Dr McGregor together with Mayor Graeme Lehmann then presented the Certificates of Recognition to the many worthy nominees for the Arts and Culture, Sports, Community Group, Event of the Year and Citizen of the Year Awards and to the eventual winners in each category, their medals, and certificates. Though all cannot be winners, these are the volunteers whose energy and time spent working for their community continue to make Somerset the wonderful place it is to be.

To Jo Maxwell and all the members of the Somerset Regional Council whose initiative made this day a wonderful day of celebration for all, Alexis and the members of the Esk Community Choir give their sincere thanks.

By: Sue Walker

AUSTRALIA DAY 2023 - AN OPEN DOOR TO ALL COMERS IN ESK

Margaret Philp 

 

Another Australia Day has come and gone and evidenced by the sea of citizens sitting in and out of the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk on this day, despite the controversy this date on the Australian calendar tends to give rise to, there were still many who were happy to be celebrating their national identity. 

For the cluster of choristers from the Esk Community Choir who had gathered for the ceremony, it wasn’t just for the sentimentality for their ‘sunburnt country’ but for their pride, and support of a special person who had been nominated for the Arts and Cultural Award.

Not only has Choir accompanist, Margaret Philp been a gift to the choir since 2011 when that time for every matter under Heaven presented itself but has been sharing her gift of music to generations for a very long time, as a teacher devoted to her craft, a font of knowledge, a gracious and generous friend and a cherished member of a choir family, this Australia Day acknowledgement of her contributions to her community so richly deserved.

It was strange not to have Margaret present to accept her award, but she had a fall, and, in that moment, things had to change.  However, Margaret’s two sisters, Anne, Paula and Paula’s husband, Neville were more than proud to fill the void as their sister’s representatives, Anne, obligingly taking to the stage to accept the award from Mayor Graeme Lehmann and special Australia Day Ambassador, Mr John Lazarou.  Subsequent phone calls to Margaret’s hospital bed with messages of congratulations were soon looming large including meaningful recorded tributes by Mayor Graeme and Councillor Sean Choat articulating their praise and good wishes for Margaret’s speedy rehabilitation.

 As stipulated by the eloquent emcee de jour, Channel 7 presenter, Kimberley Busteed, and reiterated by guest speaker, Mr John Lazarou, Businessman, Greek Australian ‘King of Coffee’ with over 500 ‘Coffee Club’ franchises worldwide, each nominee was a winner on this day, all applauded for their endeavours by a grateful community and their many justifiably proud supporters.

Prior to proceedings, all comers including a whole bunch of proud new Australian Citizens, were treated to a delightful catered for brunch made gratis by the Somerset Regional Council, all enjoying the fellowship of a community, a reflection of what it means to be Australian.

By: Sue Walker 

Video Link  (see a short video by clicking the link)

Mayor Graham Lehmann with Anne 

Anne accepting the award on Margarets behalf

Neville, Anne and Paula

Susan, Alexis and Paula

Contingent of supporters / Fans 

HONOURES AND ACCOLADES ON THIS AUSTRALIA DAY 2022

 

We have come through a long steamy sunburnt month of January and one more Australia Day has come and gone, celebrated in homes with a whole new batch of Australian citizens, families having enjoyed back-yard cricket, chops on the barbie, and though there are still the late-night drop bags of prawn shells into council bins, apparently it is vegemite toast which has become Australia’s favourite national dish.  

Down at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk, the Aussie flag, the acknowledgement of this 2022 Australia Day along with a brigade of bottle brush dressing the stage, the ceremony to honour Somerset’s achievers in so many fields of endeavour was, by comparison, and necessity this year, a low-key affair.

Dual Olympian and local Somerset resident, Deborah Acason very capably presided over the ceremony, firstly introducing Mayor Graeme Lehman who delivered an impassioned welcome.  Then, together with officials of the Somerset Council, those nominated for the various awards were in turn summoned to the stage to be presented with their Certificates of Recognition and Achievement for their countless contributions to this Community.

How proud were our little pep squad of Choir members as Marina shared the stage with so many worthy nominees for the presentation of our Certificate for the Event of the Year, Holy Hallowed and H-Outrageous with High Tea though little could top the distinction when,  in the category of Arts and Culture, our Alexis was awarded the overall winner for her 44 years of dedication and continuous giving to so many people through her music and singing; who has injected a culture of music and musical appreciation into the Somerset region and well beyond.  Though others were deservedly lauded for their contributions to community, no one could have been a more deserving recipient of this Art and Culture Award.

By: Sue Walker  

AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS 2019

Australians, both ‘old’ and now new from the Somerset Region, all did rejoice at this year’s Awards Presentation and Citizenship Ceremony held at the Somerset Civic Centre on January 26^th.  Following introductions by Emcee, the effervescent Brady  Schultz, the boy from Lowood who has become a testament to his “Healthy Lifestyles Australia” programmes, and a welcome address by the Federal Member for Blair, Hon Shayne Neumann,  Mayor Graeme Lehmann delivered his own welcoming words before bringing to the podium Mrs Faye Carr, Ipswich Citizen of the Year, NADOK Elder of the year and Somerset’s Australia Day Ambassador.  The very courageous Fay rose above her ‘nervous knees’ to captivate her audience as she spoke of respect, diversity and the need to embrace cultural differences whilst giving a compelling insight into her life growing up as a Part Aboriginal woman.

The presentation of the Australia Day Awards followed as, in turn, category nominees were called to the stage.  Unenviable would have been the task of choosing winners amongst so many deserving individuals and organizations.  Eventually came the call for stewards in the category of ‘Community Group of the Year’. Represented by Alexis on stage there was a ‘pep squad’ of Choir Members in the audience who were on the edge of their seats waiting for Alexis to step forward to collect the prize for the Esk Community Choir.  However, for their dedication to the assistance of Community members, this year the Lions Club of Esk were the deserved winners, our choir being the recipients of much of that generosity.

It is with gratitude to our own Greg Skippen who felt motivated to submit a compelling nomination for this Award following the success of our brilliant 40^th anniversary year. We feel we have been more distinguished by the honour of your nomination than we could have been by yet another framed certificate in the cabinet.  Thank you, Greg.

By: Sue Walker

   

AUSTRALIA DAY 2018 – CONGRATULATIONS ALEXIS!!

While the debate rages around the subject of Republics, flags and justifications for an Australia Day date change, on this 26^th January, there were a whole bunch of very satisfied Australians and soon-to-be Australians in the town of Esk who had abundant reasons for celebrating this special day.  


 

Brady Schultz

Held at the Somerset Civic Centre, the ceremony, emceed by Lowood’s high-spirited Brady Schultz, a living illustration of the Healthy Lifestyles Australia he represents, opened the proceedings by bringing to the microphone Mayor Graeme Lehmann for the official welcome to audience and to Somerset’s Australia Day Ambassador, Mr Steve Baxter.  Steve Is well known for his role as mentor on TV’s The Shark Tank, perhaps lesser known for his other roles as the founder of Brisbane Technology hub, River City Labs. and chief entrepreneurial advisor to the Queensland Government.  Steve captivated the audience with his address emphasising the need for ‘resilience’, to ‘give first…expect nothing in return’; to keep going no matter how many the bumps in the road; to be stronger than one’s fears.  

 Which is why Alexis FitzGerald OAM, the personification of these values, could not have been a more deserving recipient of the Australia Day Art and Cultural award for her 40 years of continuous giving to so many people through her music and singing.  In fact, there were 20 or so choir members in attendance and countless others who could not be, who would concur that Alexis’s achievements over 40 years as Musical Director of the Esk Community Choir, the gifts of her music together with so many little acts of kindness to a community even before 1978, could well have been worthy of a win in each of the award categories!  Well …perhaps not the Young Citizen of the Year…but what is age but a number when her energy levels are continually on the rise?

However, there were others thoroughly deserving of these Australia Day honours presented to each by Steve and applauded for their endeavours by a grateful community and their many justifiably proud supporters.

There are now at least another 16 proud new Australian Citizens who loudly took the Australian Citizenship Pledge and together with audience members, the Citizenship Affirmation.  Presented with certificates and a ‘welcome’ gift of a Native Tree from the Somerset Council, they, together with the attendees, adjourned to the Joan Burke Room to enjoy the company of new friends over a delightful morning tea, a reflection of what it means to be Australian. 

By: Sue Walker

 

Mr Steve Baxter

The Hon. Shayne Neumann MP

Alexis surrounded by a band of supporters from the Esk Community Choir.

AUSTRALIA DAY 2016 IN ESK

On January 26th, following a substantial and scrumptious breakfast enjoyed by the many who came to celebrate this Australia Day tradition in Esk, the Somerset Civic Centre, which was decorated to reflect even more of the Aussie flavours,  began to fill for the 2016 Awards Presentation and Citizenship Ceremony.  Following introductions by Graham Snow, aka "Snowy" the eloquent emcee du jour, and welcoming words by Mayor Graeme Lehmann, Australia Day Ambassadors, Marie Yokoyama and Emi Kamada gave their address.  These two, of Japanese heritage and winners of TVs "Hotplate" in 2015, are now successful restaurateurs who spoke of Australia's diversity and its acceptance of differences making Australia the best darn country in the World.

So many worthy Nominees from their various fields of high achievement then lined up for the Australia Day Awards presentations.  The Esk Community Choir were honoured to receive an Art and Cultural Award  nomination for  their significant contributions and achievements in providing music and a music  culture to the Community, three performances of 'Excerpts from Les Misérables' being the highlights alluded to.  However this year, the award in this division went to the Somerset Art Awards, 2015 for the creation of their Art Centre and a showcase of exhibits from over 100 contributors at the Somerset Civic Centre: A well deserved reward for this wonderful effort.

The Citizenship Ceremony which followed was a very poignant moment for the 21 new Australians who now call the Somerset Region "home" and we were all proud to sing, as one, the Australian National Anthem.

Whilst to win one of these awards can certainly be uplifting and a public acknowledgement of some mighty achievements, 'tis a pity there is not a category for The Luckiest and Happiest Choir in the World...There'd be no contest! 

Australia Day Awards in Esk: Nominees for the Sports Award. The winner
Meg Essex is currently on a Basketball scholarship in the USA.

Choir members - Margaret Philp, Gail Webster, Di Chaplin & Susan Walker.