Cook Shire Council is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves ahead of storm season, with the launch of the Get Ready! Yard Clean Up Competition and almost $2,000 in practical prizes up for grabs.
The competition, which runs from 3 October to 17 November 2025, is part of the statewide Get Ready Queensland Week 2025 campaign (6–12 October) that urges all Queenslanders to prepare now for extreme weather and disasters.
Mayor Robyn Holmes said the competition provides both motivation and reward for households to take action before severe weather arrives.
“Preparedness starts in our own backyards,” Mayor Holmes said. “A clean and tidy yard isn’t just about appearances — it can save lives. Every branch removed and every hazard cleared reduces the risk to you, your family, your neighbours, and our community when severe weather strikes. This competition is a way for residents to take action, protect what matters most, and strengthen Cook Shire’s resilience ahead of summer.”
Residents can enter by selecting one of two categories. The Most Improved category asks participants to submit a “before” photo of their yard, complete a clean-up during the competition period, and then provide an “after” photo showing the transformation. Those who already keep their properties in top condition can enter the Cleanest Yard category, which requires only a single photo.
Entry is free, and participants must register and submit their photos online by 5pm, Monday 17 November 2025.
Lifesaving prizes up for grabs
The winners won’t just take home bragging rights. In the Most Improved category, first place will receive a Makita Chainsaw Kit valued at $869, while second place will take home a Pantry Preparedness Kit worth $300.
The Cleanest Yard category winner will collect a Makita Line Trimmer, complete with battery and charger, valued at $758. In total, $1,927 in prizes will be awarded across the two categories — all geared toward helping households stay storm-ready.
Winners will be notified within seven days of the competition closing and announced on Council’s website.
A whole-of-community approach
The Yard Clean-Up Competition is just one part of Council’s wider efforts to prepare the Shire for the summer storm and cyclone season. In addition, Council will host a Coen Community Day focused on wellbeing and preparedness and will deliver a series of free Business Disaster Resilience Training workshops across Cooktown, Ayton, Lakeland, Coen, and Portland Roads.
These initiatives provide practical support for households, community members, and businesses to reduce risks and strengthen resilience.
“Preparedness is about everyone doing their part, whether it’s at home, in the community, or through business planning,” Mayor Holmes said.
For more information, to view the full Terms and Conditions, and to register online, click on the link below:
The Get Ready! Yard Clean Up Competition is proudly supported by the Queensland Government’s Get Ready Queensland program. For more information, visit getready.qld.gov.au
“Preparedness starts in our own backyards. “A clean and tidy yard isn’t just about appearances — it can save lives. Every branch removed and every hazard cleared reduces the risk to you, your family, your neighbours, and our community when severe weather strikes. This competition is a way for residents to take action, protect what matters most, and strengthen Cook Shire’s resilience ahead of summer.”
Pictured above: Cook Shire’s Disaster Management Officer, Sarah Frew with just some of the prizes up for grabs as part of Council’s Get Ready! Yard Clean Up Competition.