Get the appHope Vale angler Justin Convent won the adult prize, a Quintrex boat with a motor and trailer, at the Cooktown barramundi competition. More than 1100 anglers entered the event held from Friday to Sunday. Junior winner Nickalah Cobus also took home a boat. Thomas Hone caught the heaviest fish, weighing 7.4 kilograms. Local business owners said the weekend brought many shoppers into town.
Cooktown newcomer Adam Hagy won two gold medals and placed second overall at his first natural bodybuilding competition in Townsville. He trained for more than 200 days, often starting at 3:15 am in the Cooktown Events Centre gym. Hagy credits the town's gym members, local businesses and residents for their support. Local shops helped him keep to his strict diet. He plans to rest and maintain his fitness before considering another competition in 2028.
Opera Queensland staged its free Bravo! concert at Cooktown's William Daku Waterfront on Thursday 22 October. About 180 people attended, including locals, families, seniors and overseas visitors. Four singers and a pianist performed favourite operas, with the finale drawing a warm response from the crowd. On Friday 23 October, the cast visited Sunbird Cottage to perform for aged care residents. The event was supported through the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cook Shire Council.
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Get the appAnglers from as far as South Australia will compete in the Sovereign Resort Hotel Community Day Barramundi Fishing Competition in Cooktown. The 10th event runs from Friday 23 October to Sunday 25 October, with a Quintrex boat for the adult winner and another for junior fishers aged 12 and under. Last year drew more than 1075 fishers, compared with about 80 at the inaugural event. Organisers expect late registrations, while attendance is uncertain due to fuel and cost-of-living pressures. Tickets include entry and can be bought online or at hotel reception.
Cape York sport news covers several community events. Ross Craven recorded a 36-par round on the Carpentaria Golf Course front nine on Wednesday, his handicap of five bringing his nett score to 31, and he is set to start from zero next week. Mick Cerneka finished runner-up, while Mick Foy was closest to the flag on the 7th and 9th holes. In Weipa, the Social Netball Club will host a Boot Scootin' Bingo night at the Alby on 23 October, with country music, raffles, line dancing and mechanical bull rides, all to raise funds.
A social charity in Cook Shire, HOPE Inc, held another free movie night on the Cooktown waterfront. Families gathered at the Blue Water Club on Friday 9 October to watch The Greatest Showman, with a dress-up and sing-along theme. The organisation says the events celebrate individuality, promote inclusion and help people build friendships. HOPE Inc also plans to offer two training certificates to young people in the Cooktown region, aimed at building confidence and practical skills.
Eight remote communities in Far North Queensland are now getting expanded NDIS support. The communities include Aurukun, Ayton, Coen, Cooktown, Degarra, Kowanyama, Shiptons Flat and Wujal Wujal. The Remote Community Connector program helps people with disabilities apply for support and connect with local services. Most face-to-face services are delivered by Aboriginal community controlled organisations. NDIA chief executive Graeme Head said the changes follow feedback from First Nations communities that support needs to be local, trusted and easier to access.
A female white and brown Terrier crossbreed has been collected from Hope Street in Cooktown, Queensland, at 8.10am on Friday 16 October 2026. The dog is currently held at the council impound. Anyone who believes the animal is theirs should get in touch with council staff during weekday business hours to arrange its return. Proof of ownership will be needed before the dog can be released to its owner.
Cooktown women are invited to an afternoon of fashion, food and entertainment on 17 October to support the local kindergarten. The event will feature a fashion parade of preloved and new styles, and guests are encouraged to wear race day outfits. The fundraiser has moved from the racecourse to the Sovereign Resort Hotel. Kindergarten director Nardia Whitman said funds will go towards playground upgrades and maintenance. Tickets cost $45 each, with doors opening at 12:30 pm and the fashion parade starting at 1 pm.
The William Daku Splash Park in Cooktown will close early on Thursday 22 October, starting at 6pm, to clear the site for a free Bravo! concert on the waterfront presented by Opera Queensland. The park is due to reopen the following morning. Families planning a visit that day are being asked to take the earlier closing time into account. Visitors who stay on are invited to enjoy the live music by the waterfront.