Media Releases
Stay updated on Cook Shire Media Releases.
Public notice: Cooktown Events Centre Gym temporary closure for lighting works
Please be advised that the Cooktown Events Centre Gym will be closed from 8:00am to 10:00am tomorrow, Wednesday 4 February 2026, to allow for essential lighting repairs. In addition, external lighting works will be carried out on Thursday afternoon. During this time,...
Zumba at Cooktown Events Centre
Community members are invited to get moving and have fun with weekly Zumba classes at the Cooktown Events Centre, running from Thursday 5 February to Thursday 2 April. Held every Thursday from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm, the classes offer an energetic and inclusive way to...
Weary Bay gets accessible public toilet
Cook Shire Council is pleased to announce that Weary Bay now has a new all-access public toilet, officially open for community use. The facility has been designed to provide safe, inclusive and accessible amenities for people of all abilities, making it easier for...
Public notice: Temporary closure at Cooktown Swimming Pool
Community members are advised that the Cooktown swimming pool will be closed from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm today, Monday 2 February 2026. Please note that scheduled swimming lessons will continue as normal during this time. The pool will reopen for community members from...
Ayton Library Public Toilet – Temporary Closure
Ayton Library – Public Toilet Closure Cook Shire Council advises that the public toilet located at the Ayton Library is closed until further notice due to required plumbing repair works. The facility will remain closed while repairs are carried out to ensure the...
Free after-school youth program to kicks off in Cooktown from next week
Cooktown’s young people will have a new place to hang out, get active and have fun after school, with CDCC contracted to deliver an after-school youth program for youth aged 10-17 years throughout Term 1. Commencing Tuesday 3 February until Thursday 2 April, the...
Council pushes for urgent childcare solutions across Cook Shire
Cook Shire Council acknowledges that access to childcare has been a long-standing concern for families across the Shire, particularly in Cooktown and Lakeland.Currently, childcare availability remains limited across the region, with no formal services available for...
Update on traffic calming works – Ida Street and Webber Esplanade
Cook Shire Council has completed a further review of the recently installed traffic calming device at the Ida Street and May Street intersection, informed by community feedback, operational experience and relevant traffic management guidance. The original decision to...
Up to $6,000 available to support arts and culture through RADF
Cook Shire Council is calling on artists, creatives and cultural organisations to bring their ideas to life, with Round 1 of the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) opening on Thursday 29 January 2026. Eligible arts and cultural organisations, groups and individuals...
Moment with the Mayor: Welcome to 2026
Cook Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes has shared a new Moment with the Mayor video, providing an update following recent discussions on local health services and Council’s first meeting for 2026. In the video, Mayor Holmes reflects on a recent meeting with the...
February 2026: Roads Ahead
Cook Shire Council’s monthly snapshot of roadworks and travel advice occuring in the weeks ahead.
Cook Shire honours community leadership at Australia Day Awards 2026
Cook Shire Council recognised outstanding service, leadership and community contribution at the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony, held at the Cooktown Shire Hall on Monday 26 January 2026. The ceremony brought together residents, families and...
New year, new opportunities for local groups and performers
Cook Shire Council is encouraging local performers and community fundraising groups to register their interest in being involved in Council-run events throughout the year. As part of ongoing efforts to support local talent and community initiatives, Council is...
Flood camera updates
With more rain forecast for the Cook Shire, Council is providing an update on the status of flood cameras across the region and reminding residents and visitors to check conditions before travelling. Oaky Creek Road Causeway (Endeavour Valley Road)The flood camera at...
Community invited to help shape the 2026 Cooktown Discovery Festival
Cook Shire Council is calling on community members to help shape the 2026 Cooktown Discovery Festival. Community members are invited to join the Festival Family, a collaborative group that will contribute fresh ideas and contribute towards the programming of this...
Coen gets Wicked For Good at community movie night
The Coen community is invited to enjoy a fun night out at Coen Town Hall with a screening of Wicked: For Good on Friday 30 January. Gates will open at 6:00pm, with the movie starting at 6:30pm. Free popcorn will be available for all attendees, making it a relaxed and...