Latest News

Get ready for a fun-filled night of music, dancing, games and prizes at the Cooktown Youth Disco! The free community youth event will run from 6:00PM to 8:30PM on Friday 22 May 2026 and promises an energetic evening packed with dance music, interactive games, prizes...

Young people are invited to join two exciting days of skateboarding workshops. The workshops will be held at the Cooktown Skate Park on Saturday 13 June and Sunday 14 June 2026 from 9AM to 3PM. They will feature one-on-one and group coaching sessions with professional...

Communtiy Choir project to bring music, connection, and wellbeing to Cook Shire Communities. Cook Shire communities are invited to come together through music as part of Stronger Together, a new community choir project.  The project will bring people of all ages and...

Please be advised that due to unforseen circimstances the Lakeland Library will be closed Tuesday 12 May 2026. The library will reopen Saturday 16 May 2026 at 9AM - 1PM. Thank you for your understanding.

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...

Celebrate National Reconciliation Week 2026 with a free youth crop in Edor session at the Cooktown Events Centre! School-aged students are invited to get active, have fun and celebrate culture at a free Youth Drop-In Edor Session at the Cooktown Events Centre on...

The community is being advised that traffic calming devices are being installed at the following Cooktown locations: Webber Esplanade – Splash Park area Ida Street / May Street intersection Installation dates: the week commencing Monday 25 May 2026. Works are expected...

As part of National Reconciliation Week 2026, the community is invited to come together in Laura for a free evening of music, food, family fun and connection at the Laura Community Hall on Thursday 28 May from 6pm. Celebrated nationally each year, National...

Queensland Small Business Month 2026 is officially underway, marking a month-long program dedicated to recognising and supporting the more than 508,000 small and family businesses that play a vital role in strengthening local economies and communities across the...

The much-loved Cook Shire's Got Talent is back for 2026, returning as a festival-favourite community event in the lead up to the Cooktown Discovery Festival. Recognised as one of Cooktown's most popular youth entertainment events, Cook Shire's Got talent celebrates...

Cook Shire Council teams will be joining the community at the Coen Muster on Tuesday 12 May 2026 for an afternoon and evening of connection, activities and entertainment. Community members are invited to stop by Council’s disaster information stall during the muster...

Cook Shire Council advises that essential works will soon commence on Russell Creek Bridge, located on Bloomfield Road. The project involves the replacement of the existing bridge deck to ensure the ongoing safety and reliability of this key transport route. Key...

A week of creativity, nature, learning and community connection will come to life this May as Cook Shire Council celebrates Botanic Gardens Week 2026 at the Cooktown Botanical Gardens. Running from Monday 18 May to Sunday 24 May 2026, the week offers a diverse program...

A stunning new photography exhibition celebrating the beauty, detail, and diversity of the natural world has opened at Nature’s Powerhouse on Thursday 30 April 2026, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the Cooktown Botanic Gardens through the lens of...

The Coen community is invited to come together for a hands-on morning at the Coen Community Garden, with a Working Bee set to take place on Friday, 1 May 2026. Running from 8:30am to 10:30am, the event offers locals the opportunity to lend a hand in maintaining and...

Residents in Coen are advised that water restrictions will move to Alert Level from Monday 27 April 2026, as the local water reservoir undergoes some urgent maintenance. Council is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, however in the meantime, the...

Cook Shire Council is seeking to connect with local catering providers as we look to expand our pool of catering services across the region. Council regularly requires catering for a range of meetings, workshops, training sessions, and community-focused activities....

Residents and visitors are invited to come together this ANZAC Day to honour the courage, sacrifice and resilience of Australia’s servicemen and women, with a series of commemorative events taking place across the region. In Cooktown, commemorations will begin on...

Cooktown Library to join National Simultaneous Storytime with “Luna Roo – The Kangaroo Baller” Cooktown families are invited to hop along to a special Storytime event as the Cooktown Library takes part in this year's National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday 27...

Celebrate Mother's Day in Cooktown with a heartwarming morning of family fun, storytelling, and creative activities at the Cooktown Library. This special Mother’s Day event for kids and families is the perfect way to spend quality time together in a relaxed, welcoming...

The community is being advised of a special Council meeting. Matters to be tabled at this meeting are considered confidential under Section 254J of the Local Government Regulation 2012, this meeting will occur 9 AM Wednesday 29 April 2026 at Council Chambers,...

Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming Laura Council Meeting at Laura Town Hall on Tuesday 28 April 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. This monthly Council meeting is an important opportunity to stay informed, have your say, and connect with local community. It...

Cooktown Library recently hosted a special literary event, An Evening with Trent Dalton, bringing together local readers for an engaging and heartfelt experience. Fifteen attendees gathered to enjoy an intimate evening of storytelling, reflection and connection as...

Rossville Hall came alive as local families gathered for a successful and well-attended family fun day, delivering a mix of activities focused on connection, wellbeing and disaster preparedness. More than 30 children took part across the day, joined by parents, carers...

Rossville Hall is set to come alive this Mother’s Day with a unique and engaging live performance for the whole family. On Sunday 10 May, audiences are invited to experience A Bee Story, an enchanting circus production by the award-winning ARC Circus. Followed by a...

Locals looking for a simple, affordable way to stay active and connect with others will be pleased to see the return of group fitness classes in Cooktown. “Sweat Sessions,” a new group fitness class held at the Cooktown Events Centre, will officially kick off on...

The community is being advised that construction works for the Scenic Rim Walking Trail Restoration Project will commence in the Cooktown Botanic Gardens (Gallop Botanic Reserve) from Monday 4 May 2026. These works will restore and upgrade sections of the walking...

The popular talent showcase is set to return to Cook Shire. Cook Shire is calling on young performers to start preparing for an exciting upcoming event, Cook Shire's Got Talent, set to take the stage on Friday 5 June at the Cooktown Events Centre. The event will...

Continuing our commitment to improving animal welfare and community safety in Coen, a visiting veterinarian is set to deliver free services next Wednesday and Thursday (22 & 23 April 2026) as part of the Healthy Dogs program. Funded through the Healthy Dogs,...

Cook Shire primary producers impacted by the recent Tropical Cyclone Narelle and flooding event are now eligible for disaster recovery grants and loans through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA). The disaster recovery grants and loans...

A new Friday after-school program is coming to the Cooktown Events Centre. Delivered in partnership with Thoegayn Zugub, the Stars Above, Hoops Below program will run over 10 weeks at the Cooktown Events Centre, commencing Friday 24 April 2026. The program is designed...

Please be advised that the following Council offices, venues, and facilities will be closed out of respect for the Anzac Day Commemoration Services, April 25 2026.   COOKTOWN WORKS DEPOT CLOSED: as per regular hours.   WASTE TRANSFER STATIONS All facilities...

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Cooktown Swimming Pool will be closed from 2PM today.  Thank you for your understanding. 

Coen residents are invited to enjoy an evening of fun and friendly competition at the upcoming Coen Community Family Feud Game Night. Teams of familiy and friends will go head-to-head  with prizes on offer for the hightest scorers. Even if you’re not competing, come...

Please be advised that a number of Council offices, buildings, and venues will be closed for Labour Day on Monday 4 May 2026.    COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING  CLOSED: Monday 4 May 2026   COOKTOWN WORKS DEPOT CLOSED: Monday 4 May 2026   COOK SHIRE...

Cook Shire Council is continuing to closely monitor Tropical Cyclone Maila, with Mayor Robyn Holmes and Council’s Disaster Management Officer providing a timely update to the community. While the system remains unpredictable, Council and partner agencies have been...

Never miss what’s happening across the Shire—our monthly digital newsletter brings the latest news, community updates, events, projects and practical information straight to your inbox. It’s designed to keep you informed, connected and ready to take part in local...

The much anticipated Cooktown Discovery Festival Regional Street Parade is set to return in 2026, bringing colour, creativity and community spirit to the streets. This year’s theme, “Discover Our Culture”, invites participants to celebrate the rich and diverse...

Cook Shire Council's youth after-school program has concluded an outstanding Term 1, and we're excited to announce that Term 2 is on the way. Save the date — full details coming soon. Term 1: A Program That DeliveredCook Shire Council, in partnership with the Cooktown...

Cooktown Library to host special live-streamed evening with Trent Dalton Cooktown Library is inviting the community to enjoy a special literary experience this April, with a live-streamed author event featuring award-winning and bestselling Australian author, Trent...

Due to low booking numbers in Lakeland, the upcoming Creative Art Workshops on Saturday 11 April have been moved to Cooktown.  This event will occur at the Cooktown Events Centre. All materials provided. Children take home their creations.    Workshop Schedule...

Families in Rossville are invited to come together for a free day of fun, connection, and activities at the upcoming Rossville Family Fun Day on Tuesday 14 April 2026. Families in Rossville are invited to come together for a free day of fun, connection, and activities...

Local creatives, artists and small business owners are invited to take part in two upcoming workshops designed to build confidence and skills in social media and marketing. Held across Saturday 11 April and Sunday 12 April 2026, the Creative Business Workshops will...

Bloomfield/ Ayton residents are being invited to take part in an upcoming community recovery and resilience meeting, providing an opportunity to reflect on recent wet season events and help plan for the future. Facilitated by Cook Shire Council’s Community Recovery...

As the Easter long weekend approaches, Cook Shire Council’s Mayor has shared a message with the community, encouraging everyone to take the opportunity to slow down, stay safe, and enjoy all that the region has to offer. Easter is a special time across Cook Shir,...

Temporary repair works were undertaken on Ida Street this week following the recent culvert failure. Significant rainfall over the past few days has impacted site conditions, particularly ground compaction in the repaired area. The road will now reopen (with...

Please be advised that Maritme Safety Queensland (MSQ) has extended the community consultation period for the Cooktown Pontoon until Sunday 12 April 2026. MSQ had originally planned to host community information sessions in late March; however, these sessions were...

The Federal and State Governments have announced disaster assistance to support recovery efforts for communities across Queensland impacted by flooding and Tropical Cyclone Narelle. Cook Shire Council is encouraging eligible residents and community organisations in...

One week on from Tropical Cyclone Narelle crossing Cape York, Cook Shire Council continues to work alongside the Queensland Government and on-ground partners to respond to the widespread impacts and begin the transition toward recovery. Mayor Cr Robyn Holmes said...