October 1, 2025
Stephanie Laycock, a familiar face on the local rural show circuit, has been elected to Somerset Regional Council.
Cr Laycock, 27, represented the South Burnett as a Prime Beef Young Judge at the 2016 Ekka and was one of the judges at this year’s South Burnett Sub-Chamber competitions.
She also represented Queensland this year at the National Rural Ambassador Awards in Adelaide after taking out the Queensland title in 2024.
Cr Laycock was sworn in to her new role on Somerset Council last week.
The Council vacancy arose after the resignation of Cr Kylee Isidro in June.
Cr Isidro cited personal and professional reasons for resigning after five years on the SRC.
Four candidates stood for the by-election, which was conducted by postal vote.
Cr Laycock secured 41.49 per cent of the vote, ahead of Allistair (Bud) Smith (24.65%), Geoffrey Williams (18.99%) and Robyn Tucker (14.87%).
