We’re embracing this year’s National Reconciliation Week (NRW) theme — All In — with a range of community events, cultural activities and local collaborations designed to bring people together across the Shire.
Running from 27 May to 3 June, National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements, while exploring how we can move forward together through respect, understanding and connection.
This year, Council teams, community organisations and local partners are getting All In through music, sport, food, storytelling and literature.
Laura Community Night
The Laura community will come together on Thursday 28 May from 6pm at the Laura Community Hall for a free evening of music, food and family fun.
The event will feature:
- Live music from Patrick Nandy
- Children’s activities
- Special guests from Shake & Stir Theatre Company
- A free community dinner
The evening aims to celebrate culture, community and connection in a relaxed and welcoming environment for all ages.
Youth Drop-In Edor Session
Young people are invited to get active and celebrate culture through play at a free Youth Drop-In Edor Session at the Cooktown Events Centre on Monday 1 June from 3pm to 5pm.
Edor is a fast-paced chasing and tagging team game from the Aurukun community that combines movement, teamwork and quick thinking — with the rules changing every time someone gets tagged.
The free session is open to school-aged students, with no registration required.
Bush Foods on the Menu
As part of the week’s celebrations, the team at Nature’s Powerhouse Café will also be embracing the spirit of NRW with a selection of special menu items featuring traditional Indigenous bush foods and native ingredients.
The menu will offer locals and visitors the chance to experience unique flavours while learning more about the cultural significance of native foods.
Celebrating First Nations Voices at Cooktown Library
The Cooktown Library will mark National Reconciliation Week with a special display celebrating First Nations authors and storytellers.
Community members are encouraged to explore Indigenous voices, stories and perspectives through books and resources available throughout the week.
Save the date: Stories that shaped us
We are also proudly supporting Stories that shaped us, a community-led event being coordinated by Gungarde Community Centre in partnership with local organisations and groups, including the Cooktown Re-enactment Association and Cook Shire Council.
Planned for Tuesday 2 June at the Gungarde Hall, the event aims to bring people together through storytelling, shared histories and community connection.
Gungarde Community Centre is currently inviting local community groups and organisations interested in being involved to contact Melissa Griffiths for more information.
Further details about the event will be shared by organisers closer to the date.
National Reconciliation Week 2026 is an opportunity for the Cook Shire community to come together, learn from one another and celebrate the cultures and stories that help shape our region.
For more information about Council-supported National Reconciliation Week activities, visit Council’s website or follow Cook Shire Council on Facebook.