Community Voices Needed: Sharing Experiences of Extreme Weather in Wujal Wujal and Cooktown
The Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC) will be visiting Wujal Wujal on 8 July and Cooktown on 9 July to listen to Traditional Owners, Elders and community members about the impacts of recent cyclones, flooding and other extreme weather events.
CAFNEC representatives Lucy, Alex and Tyá will be holding informal community conversations to hear firsthand about how these events have affected homes, Country, livelihoods, safety, and physical and emotional wellbeing.
The visit follows invitations from local Elders and community members who have expressed the importance of documenting lived experiences and ensuring local voices are heard in conversations about climate resilience, disaster recovery and future planning.
The information gathered will contribute to a community-led report that reflects local experiences, concerns and priorities. The report aims to highlight not only the challenges communities are facing, but also the solutions and actions local people believe are needed to strengthen resilience into the future.
All contributions will be included only with Free, Prior and Informed Consent. Participants will have the opportunity to review their own contributions before publication and may withdraw their input at any stage throughout the project.
CAFNEC's Cape York Campaigner, Lucy, grew up in Far North Queensland and works alongside Traditional Custodians and communities to protect water and Country across Cape York and the Gulf. She will be joined by Climate Campaigner Alex, who works with communities across the region to advocate for climate solutions, and Tyá, a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ecologist and long-time CAFNEC volunteer with extensive experience supporting climate justice initiatives and disaster-affected communities.
As part of the visit, community members will also have the opportunity to learn about Communities for Climate Compensation, a national alliance advocating for the establishment of a Climate Compensation Fund. The proposed fund would support communities recovering from climate-related disasters and help finance future adaptation and resilience projects, particularly for First Nations and Pacific communities.
CAFNEC hopes that by documenting local experiences and connecting communities with broader advocacy efforts, the project can help bring greater attention to the challenges facing Cape York communities while supporting pathways towards practical solutions and future funding opportunities.
Joining parts of the visit will be veteran journalist Christine Howes, News and Chief Sub-Editor for Torres News and Far North Queensland correspondent for Koori Mail. Christine will only participate in interviews where community members choose to speak with her directly.
Community members are warmly invited to come along, share their experiences and contribute to shaping a report that reflects local priorities and aspirations for the future.
Tea, coffee and refreshments will be provided.
Community Listening Sessions
Wujal Wujal – 8 July 2026
Cooktown – 9 July 2026
For more information about head here:
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For more information about the Communities for Climate Compensation campaign, visit: https://www.tippingpoint.org.au/cfcc