Cook

Cook Family

Families in Cooktown and surrounding communities can join relaxed play and learning activities, prepare children for school, and reach practical support for parenting, youth wellbeing, caring responsibilities and difficult family circumstances.

🧩 Play, learning and early years

Cook Shire Libraries Lego Club

Children aged four and over can enjoy free, self-guided building at Cooktown Library on Saturdays from 9.30 am to noon. No booking is required, and Duplo is available for younger builders. Children under 12 must be accompanied and actively supervised, as this is not a drop-off activity. Phone 07 4069 5009.

GingGing Playgroup

Families with children up to eight years can take part in play-based learning, parent-and-child activities, early literacy and numeracy, and preparation for kindy or school. Cooktown District Community Centre offers the program in Cooktown, Wujal Wujal and Laura. Phone 07 4082 1400 for session details.

C&K Cooktown Kindergarten

This sessional program operates during Queensland school terms for children in the year before Prep. Two groups are led by a qualified early childhood teacher. Children generally need to turn four by 30 June in their kindy year; three-year-olds may be considered when places are available. Phone 07 4069 5182.

🌱 Family, youth and counselling support

Parent & Family Support and Family Support Counselling

Cooktown District Community Centre provides case management for vulnerable and at-risk families with children aged birth to eight across Cooktown, Hope Vale, Wujal Wujal and Laura. Confidential counselling, advocacy, referrals, parenting education and centre- or home-based assistance may also be available to people experiencing social, financial or emotional difficulties. Phone 07 4082 1400.

Youth Engagement Service

Young people aged 12–25 can access free, confidential help with goals, education or training, appointments, referrals and independent-living skills. Outreach, court support and limited financial assistance for important needs may also be available. Phone 07 4082 1400.

Centacare FNQ Counselling

Children, young people, individuals, couples and families can access face-to-face, trauma-informed counselling. Clients and professionals may refer directly, and intake includes a free initial consultation. Cooktown appointments at 92 Charlotte Street are arranged by negotiation. Phone 07 4044 0130.

🫶 Safety, disability and carer pathways

Family Violence Support Service

Free, confidential support is available in Cooktown, Wujal Wujal, Laura and Hope Vale. Assistance includes outreach, adult case management and counselling, child and youth counselling, agency liaison, behaviour-change education, information and referrals. Phone Cooktown District Community Centre on 07 4082 1400.

Cooktown Child Safety Service Centre (Hub)

This Queensland Government business-hours contact point supports children, young people, families and carers in relation to children’s safety and wellbeing. It assists existing clients, carers of children involved with the service, and people with information about a child or young person connected with the centre. Phone 07 4082 2500.

Carer Gateway

Unpaid carers, including parents and relatives caring for someone with disability, medical issues or mental-health needs, can seek free support Australia-wide. Options may include counselling, respite, carer connections and tailored support packages, delivered in person, by phone or online. Call 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, 8 am–5 pm.

NDIS Early Childhood Approach

Families of children younger than nine with disability or developmental delay—and younger children with developmental concerns—can seek information, early connections and links to community or mainstream supports. Some children under six may receive early supports, and families can get help applying to the NDIS where appropriate. A diagnosis is not required to seek early childhood support. Phone 1800 800 110.

📌 Before you attend or enquire

• Check age, eligibility and service-area requirements before arranging support.
• Ask whether an appointment, intake discussion or referral is needed.
• Confirm current session dates, availability and any costs directly with the provider.
• Discuss accessibility, communication, cultural or transport needs when booking.
• For activities, confirm adult supervision and drop-off arrangements.

✨ If your family-focused business, service or community group supports people in Cooktown or surrounding communities, you are warmly invited to add a listing or submit updated details.

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