Cooktown Creative Arts Association sculptures funded by the 2025/2026 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). Cook Shire residents have been urged to check out Community & Economic Development (CED) grants and the RADF for funding opportunities. Photo: Supplied.
Cook Shire residents have been encouraged to put forward their ideas to better the community ahead of two grant programs opening later this month.
Both the Community & Economic Development (CED) grants and the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) are designed to help turn locally led ideas into practical outcomes, according to Cook Shire Council.
Applications for the CED and RADF, which each offer grants of up to $6000, will open on 14 September.
Previous funding has paid for sporting equipment, business improvements, creative workshops and community projects.
Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes said the grants were about investing in people and organisations who knew the Cook Shire best.
“Some of the best ideas for making our communities stronger come directly from the people who live, work and volunteer here,” she said.
“These grants provide practical support to help local groups, organisations, businesses and creatives deliver projects that benefit their communities.
“Funding is competitive, so I encourage anyone considering an application to read the guidelines, make sure they are applying to the right program and speak with council’s team if they need assistance.”
Recent recipients of the CED to benefit the community or contribute to economic development across the shire include Cooktown & District Little Athletics Association, which bought new sporting equipment, while Cooktown Creative Arts Association was able to upgrade pottery studio equipment.
Coen Mechanical upgraded its tyre fitting equipment, Rossville & District Citizens Association was able to carry out a feasibility study for the Rossville Museum and Cooktown Queensland Country Women’s Association (CWA) used cash for plumbing upgrades.
The RADF delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government is suitable for artists, creators, performers, community groups and people with a novel idea.
Recent recipients include the Cooktown Re-enactment Association, which received funding for acting workshops. Additionally, visiting artist Rachel R Wright used funding to provide resin workshops.
The 67th annual re-enactment of Captain Cook’s landing and first contact held earlier this year. Cooktown Re-enactment Association used previous RADF money for acting workshops. Photo: Luke Mortimer/Cape York Weekly.
The council has urged anyone involved in the arts or who has a creative idea to apply, and particularly those who have not considered applying for the RADF before.
Funding can be handed out for workshops, performances, creative collaborations, cultural activities and opportunities to develop local creative skills. Projects do not have to be large or complex.
Applicants should plan early, consider assessment criteria and provide a clear, well-supported application, the council advised.
Anyone unsure which grant might suit their needs, or those of their organisation, should phone the council on 4082 0500, or email [email protected].
CED and RADF applications close 23 October.
