Tributes pour in for “much loved” man of many lives, Graeme “Cookie” Cook

Graeme “Cookie” Cook remembered as a “lovely man” and much loved member of North Coast community. Read the tributes.

A Nimbin treasure, Graeme (Cookie) has been remembered as a beautiful man, a much loved member of a wide community.

One of the North Coast’s “treasures” is being remembered as a “much loved” member of the wider Nimbin community who was always “up for a hug and a chat” as family and friends prepare to lay him to rest.

Graeme “Cookie” Cook was born on February 1, 1952 and passed peacefully in Nimbin on December 30, 2024 aged 72.

A well known North Coast identity since the late seventies, Cookie called Mullumbimby, Burringbar and Nimbin home.

“In true Cookie style, and with thanks to the community of Nimbin, he managed to give himself a few extra innings,” daughter Summer posted on Facebook.

“He was a social soul to the very end (he really loved people and their stories) and he was still making new friends in his final days.”

A Nimbin treasure, Graeme (Cookie) Cook has been remembered as a beautiful man, a much loved member of a wide community. Picture: Facebook / Summer Flower

Cookie “lived a number of lives” working as a wharfie, boat builder and demolisher, and an activist.

An avid lawn bowler, Cookie also pursued boxing, snooker, golf, and loved playing cricket.

“He was a green thumb (of all kinds) and perhaps you even enjoy the shade of one of his Channon market rainforest tree boxes,” Summer said.

Cookie in his younger days.

Cookie at one of his many cricket matches. Picture: Summer Flower / Facebook

Tributes poured in for the “graceful, loving, human being” with a “cheeky smile” with many stories he shared.

“I got to know “Cookie” much better in recent times, despite us meeting in our younger years and know that he was a truly kind, patient and brave man,” Judy Lane wrote.

Wayne Large said: “I’d meet this gentleman while I was staying in Nimbin last year … I remember he would always be outside the bus stop just where the home was just enjoying the morning sun and nature’s finest herb. Such a gentleman, he was always up for a chat and always shook my hand before and after the conversation.”

Leilani Lu said Cookie was “such a seriously beautiful man”.

Graeme Cook. Picture: Helen Badger

“I had the privilege of meeting Cookie at the Nimbin MPS. He quickly made himself at home and created such a beautiful atmosphere.

“I will never forget one week he went to the extent of going to Lismore and buying the entire facility T-bone steaks and an array of beautiful quality meats for us all to eat for BBQ day.

“So generous. Always happy for a hug and a chat. Always cooking beautiful food.

Family wished to thank the staff at Nimbin Hospital for their loving care through Cookie’s end of life journey.

A man who “always had a smile on his face”, embracing others as his own and owning a trademark “Cookies cracker” at the Nimbin bowlo – he will not be forgotten.