Cooktown Community NAIDOC March & BBQ
Celebrate 50 Years of Deadly with the Cooktown community
Join the Cooktown community for one of the biggest highlights of NAIDOC Week 2026 as we come together for the annual Cooktown Community NAIDOC March, proudly hosted by Cook Shire Council in partnership with the Cooktown NAIDOC Committee.
The march will assemble at Gungarde Community Centre and start at 9.00am heading up Charlotte Street to the Lion’s Park.
Schools, businesses, community organisations, sporting clubs, families and visitors are all encouraged to take part in this colourful celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and achievements.
This year’s march celebrates the national NAIDOC Week theme, “50 Years of Deadly,” recognising the strength of our Elders, the achievements of today and the bright future of the next generation.
Participants are encouraged to get creative, with prizes awarded for:
- 🏆 Deadliest Banner
- 🏆 Deadliest Individual
- 🏆 Deadliest Family
- 🏆 Deadliest Mobility Scooter
The march will conclude at Cooktown Lions Park, where will be a free Community Breakfast BBQ at the Community Day that will feature community stalls, cultural activities, entertainment, a fishing competition and plenty of opportunities for people of all ages to come together, celebrate culture and enjoy one of Cooktown’s most significant annual community events.
Whether you’re marching, cheering from the sidelines or joining the festivities at Lions Park, everyone is welcome to be part of this special celebration of culture, connection and community.
Bring your family, bring your banners, wave your flags with pride and help make this year’s Cooktown NAIDOC Community March our biggest and deadliest yet.