Media Releases
Stay updated on Cook Shire Media Releases.
Be ready, be seen, be safe: Council encourages residents to make sure their house number stands out
Cook Shire Council is reminding residents to check their house numbers are visible, reflective and easy to find — an important step in keeping the community safe during emergencies. When every second counts, being easy to locate can make all the difference. Emergency...
Helping locals get confident online with Be Connected workshops
Cook Shire residents looking to build their digital confidence are invited to take part in free Be Connected Digital Skills Workshops this October, hosted by Cook Shire and State Libraries. The hands-on sessions are designed to help participants feel more comfortable...
Call for Vendors – Sunset with Santa Christmas Twilight Markets
Get into the festive spirit and showcase your creations at Cooktown’s Sunset with Santa Twilight Christmas Markets! Friday, 12 December 2025, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at William Daku Park Council is looking for vendors to join us and connect with the community while...
A Moment with the Mayor: IGA Development Approved
Cooktown is one step closer to a new IGA supermarket, with Cook Shire Council recently approving Development Application DA/4944 – Material Change of Use – Shopping Centre. In this short Moment with the Mayor video, Mayor Robyn Holmes discusses what this milestone...
Local businesses invited to connect, collaborate and capitalise on key Cooktown developments
Cook Shire Council, in partnership with the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS), is hosting a Business Networking Function on Tuesday 28 October from 5.00pm to 6.30pm at Shipwreck. The evening will feature updates on two of Cooktown’s most significant...
Council taking action on Community Safety
Cook Shire Council has secured $400,000 in funding under the Queensland Government’s Secure Communities Partnership Program to deliver the Cooktown Waterfront CCTV Safety Network Initiative. This major investment will expand and upgrade CCTV coverage along the...
Public Notice: Temporary Pool Closure
Council advises the community that, due to a school swimming carnival, the pool will be temporarily closed on Wednesday, 15 October 2025 from 8 AM to 3:00 PM. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.
Public Notice: Scheduled maintenance works – Sherrin Esplanade mangrove area
Cook Shire Council will shortly undertake approved maintenance works along a section of mangroves on Sherrin Esplanade, Cooktown, between the Bowls Club and the Coast Guard lease area. These works are scheduled to commence frm 16 October 2025 (pending favourable...
Rail Trail Boardwalk
Council remains committed to ensuring all community infrastructure is delivered safely, sustainably and in the public interest — including the Stay another Day, Rail Trail Boardwalk project. Council has always supported the Rail Trail Boardwalk in principle,...
Dedicated Action Plan responds to community priorities
Cook Shire Council has finalised its 2025–27 Community Scorecard Action Plan — a detailed roadmap developed directly from the priorities identified by the community through the 2025 Community Scorecard study. The 2025–27 Community Scorecard Action Plan translates...
Spirits of Cooktown brings the past to life
Cooktown’s Pioneer Cemetery came alive once again as the Spirits of Cooktown returned for another unforgettable season — a masterful blend of history, theatre, and atmosphere presented by Box Jelly Theatre Company in partnership with Cook Shire Council with funding...
Blue Lures brings big smiles and bigger catches to the Cooktown Waterfront
The Cooktown waterfront came alive these school holidays as 63 enthusiastic young anglers, aged 8 to 17, cast their lines in the first-ever Blue Lures Fishing Event – a joint initiative between Cook Shire Council, Queensland Police, and the Blue Light Foundation. The...
Get Active, Get Involved – Cooktown Events Centre Open Day!
The Cooktown Events Centre is throwing open its doors — and you’re invited! Join us on Saturday 1 November 2025, from 9am to 1pm at 3 May Street, for a free, family-friendly Open Day celebrating everything our community hub has to offer. It’s been almost a year since...
Sunset with Santa returns to Cooktown — register by 4 November to make Santa’s list!
Cook Shire Council’s much-loved Sunset with Santa event is returning to William Daku Park on Friday 12 December 2025 from 4 PM, bringing festive fun for the whole family. Families can look forward to an afternoon filled with Christmas markets, live entertainment,...
New Youth Drop-In Edor Program Promotes Fun, Fitness and Culture
A new free weekly youth activity is launching in Cooktown this term, offering young people a chance to get active, connect with friends, and experience a traditional Aboriginal game that’s as fast as it is fun. The Youth Drop-In Edor sessions will begin on Friday 10...
Laura School Holiday event brings community together
The recent school holiday event in Laura provided a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy a fun family day, and learn about the importance of disaster preparedness ahead of the upcoming season. Delivered by Cook Shire Council in partnership...