More than 150 ideas from local students have been collected following Cook Shire Council’s interactive Spin Into Council activation at the 2026 Careers Expo, providing valuable insight into what young people would like to see in the future of their communities.
Held at the Cooktown Events Centre on Thursday 11 June 2026, the Careers Expo brought together students, employers, training providers and organisations from across the region to explore future career pathways and opportunities.
Throughout the day, students were invited to visit the Council stall, share their ideas for improving Cook Shire and learn more about the wide range of careers available within local government. The response was overwhelming, with over a hundred students taking part in the activity and enthusiastically contributing their thoughts and suggestions.
The most common ideas focused on recreation and entertainment, accounting for around 35 per cent of all responses. Students suggested more basketball courts, improved swimming pools, larger water play areas, bike and pump tracks, skate parks, cinemas, go-kart facilities and even ice-skating rinks.
Another 30 per cent of responses centred on shopping and retail, with many students expressing interest in seeing larger supermarkets or expanded shopping options within the region.
Students also shared thoughtful suggestions aimed at improving community wellbeing and liveability, including enhanced healthcare services, a permanent veterinary clinic, anti-drug and anti-bullying initiatives, additional community events, a local driving school, improved lighting at the Wharf and Esplanade, recycling initiatives and many other creative ideas.
The activity provided a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the next generation of residents, leaders and future workers, while also helping students learn more about the important roles local government plays in supporting communities every day.
Thanks to all the students, teachers, parents, carers and organisers who helped make the event such a success and appreciates the enthusiasm shown by everyone who stopped by the stall.
The ideas collected throughout the day will be reviewed and shared across Council teams, helping to inform future conversations about community needs and aspirations.
Students who completed the activity also went into the draw to win a pair of Apple AirPods 4’s.
Stay tuned for the prize draw announcement, with the Mayor set to visit the winning student’s school to personally present the prize.
Students participating in the activity
