Laura Family Fun Day brings big smiles while strengthening community resilience

Laura was buzzing with excitement on Tuesday 30 June as families came together for a deadly Laura Family Fun Day, packed with laughter, adventure and plenty of school holiday fun in Cape York.

Held in the heart of Laura, the community event brought children, parents, carers and local organisations together for a day of play, learning and connection during the June–July school holidays.

Supported through Council’s Tropical Cyclone Jasper Community Recovery and Resilience Officer (CRRO) Program, the event was designed to do more than provide a fun day out. It created an opportunity for families to reconnect, strengthen community ties, and build resilience through positive shared experiences following the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

Children spent the day racing down the giant water slide, creating colourful chalk masterpieces, getting hands-on with creative activities, and exploring the early years play space. The activities encouraged creativity, confidence, and connection, while giving families the opportunity to enjoy quality time together in a welcoming community setting.

The day was made possible through the support of several Cook Shire and Cape York organisations. Council’s Disaster Management Team, Cooktown District Community Centre, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Recovery and Resilience Team, Apunipima and Gungarde Aboriginal Corporation all delivered engaging activities that kept children and families entertained throughout the day.

A highlight of the event was the interactive Get Ready Queensland disaster preparedness activities and children’s recovery and resilience sessions. Through games, challenges and hands-on learning, children explored practical emergency preparedness skills while building confidence, resilience, and stronger community connections in a fun and engaging environment.

Community events such as the Laura Family Fun Day play an important role in recovery by bringing people together, strengthening social connections and supporting wellbeing. Alongside creating lasting memories for local families, the event reinforced the value of being prepared, connected and resilient in the face of future challenges.

The Laura Family Fun Day was proudly supported through the Tropical Cyclone Jasper Community Recovery and Resilience Officer (CRRO) Program, helping deliver initiatives that strengthen communities, encourage recovery, and build resilience across Cook Shire.