Latest News

The Cooktown Events Centre is set to come alive these June–July school holidays with a packed program of activities, workshops, movies and creative experiences for local families and young people. From drop-in sports sessions and movie afternoons to hands-on art...

Parents, carers and teachers are encouraged to help young people make the most of this year's Cooktown Careers Expo, proudly hosted by Cooktown P-12 State School, by attending and exploring the wide range of career pathways, training opportunities and local employers...

Cooktown Resilience through Chalk Workshops at the Skate Park. Colour, creativity and community connection will take over the Cooktown Skate Park this July with two free Chalk Workshops designed to bring people together through art, fun and resilience-building...

Community members, families and young people are invited to enjoy two days of imaginative theatre and creative workshops this July as Catbird Theatre visits Cooktown for a special school holiday program. Based on the Sunshine Coast, Catbird Theatre creates original...

Cook Shire is set for a vibrant and action-packed school holiday period, with a wide range of free and low-cost activities running across Cooktown, Coen, Laura, Lakeland and Bloomfield from 29 June to 10 July 2026. Families can look forward to two weeks of fun,...

Drinking water now safe to consume Lakeland residents are being advised that the boil water alert issued on 18 May 2026 has now been lifted. Following the completion of repairs to the Lakeland water treatment system, flushing of the water network, and satisfactory...

The Cooktown Swimming Pool has transitioned to its winter operating hours, continuing to provide residents and visitors with opportunities to stay active and enjoy the facility throughout the cooler months. From Monday to Friday, the pool is open from 6:00am to...

Discover powerful First Nations stories at Cooktown Library this National Reconciliation Week.  The Cooktown Library will mark National Reconciliation Week with a special display celebrating First Nations authors and storytellers. Now on display, the vibrant...

Works along the Finch Bay section of the Scenic Rim Walking Trail Restoration Project remain ongoing, with significant progress continuing across the site. To date: The existing sand ladder has been removed Installation of new boardwalk materials is currently underway...

Mayor Robyn Holmes shares an update from this week’s Council meeting, covering the adoption of the 2026–27 Community Budget Insights Report, community priorities, fees and charges, grant funding and Council’s ongoing financial management. The update highlights key...

Council has formally endorsed and published the 2026–27 Budget Consultation Community Insights Report following this week’s Ordinary Council Meeting, marking Cook Shire Council’s most successful budget engagement process to date. More than 115 residents from across...

The Cooktown Botanic Gardens came alive on Sunday 24 May, as locals and visitors gathered to celebrate Botanic Gardens Day 2026, wrapping up a successful week of community events, workshops and activities. With beautiful sunshine overhead, the gardens were filled with...

Families and young children are invited to enjoy a relaxed morning of stories, songs and outdoor fun at the upcoming Teddy Bear Picnic hosted by the Cook Shire Council Libraries. Set amongst the beautiful surrounds of the Cooktown Botanic Gardens, the free community...

Nature’s Powerhouse Café is serving up a unique celebration of culture, flavour, and local ingredients this National Reconciliation Week, with a limited-edition menu inspired by native Australian bush foods. Available from Wednesday 27 May until 3 June (or until sold...

Community members are invited to come together during National Reconciliation Week 2026 for Stories That Shaped Us — a community-led event and exhibition celebrating stories, memories, culture and connection across Cook Shire. Coordinated by Gungarde Community Centre...

Looking for something fun to do after school in Cooktown this June? The Queensland Blue Light, Blue Lures Fishing Competition is returning to Cooktown for an afternoon packed with fishing, prizes, giveaways, and a free BBQ. Young people aged 8–17 years are invited to...

Live Music Takes Over Charlotte Street for the Cooktown Discovery Festival Busking Competition The sound of live music, street performance and crowd applause will fill the heart of Cooktown this June as the Cooktown Post Office Busking Competition returns to the...

Works along the Finch Bay section of the Scenic Rim Walking Trail Restoration Project are progressing well, with several key milestones now completed. To date: The existing sand ladder has been removed Installation of new boardwalk materials is currently underway Kerb...

A temporary road closure application has been approved in relation to subdivision infrastructure works associated with a private development project. As a courtesy to residents and road users, the following traffic impacts are being advised in advance. Temporary road...

Lakeland residents are advised to boil tap water used for drinking and food preparation until further notice due to equipment failure at the Lakeland water treatment system. As a result, the current water supply is untreated bore water. Council’s Water and Wastewater...

Whether it’s a set of keys left poolside, a forgotten jumper at the library, or a misplaced phone at the Events Centre, Cook Shire Council is making it easier for residents and visitors to reconnect with belongings lost at Council facilities. Council has a clear and...

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 drop-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...