Coochie

If you’ve ever tried to do a “simple” grocery run from Coochie, you already know it’s anything but simple.

Ferry timing. Barge timing. Cold stuff. Heavy stuff. And the general chaos of being a human who needs food. What should be a quick errand can turn into a full-blown expedition

That’s exactly why the Coochiemudlo Community Shopping Service (CCSS) exists.

It’s a volunteer-run, not-for-profit community service that helps islanders get groceries from Coles Victoria Point delivered straight to their homes on Coochie

A quick reality check

There was a membership drive over 10 & 11 January, and to be honest, it wasn’t well supported. This isn’t a scolding — just context. With some big changes coming, this service may suddenly look a lot more appealing.

CCSS will have a stall at the Australia Day Markets on 26 January And with the extra $20 Woolworths Online island charge starting 3 February, many residents are already rethinking how they do groceries.

CCSS could very quickly become a very viable alternative

Why Coles?

One word: cold room.

Coles allows CCSS to use their cold room while volunteers collect and pack orders

That means frozen and chilled items stay properly cold — not quietly melting on the dock like a sad block of cheese

Other supermarkets don’t offer this setup, which is why the service is built around Coles.

When does it run?

Right now, CCSS runs on recycle bin week

Wednesday and Friday each fortnight

Next week is an order week

With demand likely to increase (hello rising delivery costs ), the service is already thinking ahead — possibly moving to a weekly rhythm using alternating days.

Watch this space

And yes… volunteers may be needed

Who can use it?

The service supports residents to live independently on the island and is being refreshed to be accessible for more people.

There’s flexibility for:

Click & Collect customers (you order online, CCSS collects)

People who travel over and do their own shopping during the service window

What does it cost?

$5 annual membership

$15 per shop/delivery

Usually paid by direct debit. If not prepaid, it can be collected on the day and marked as PAID

How a shopping day actually works

A behind-the-scenes “how the sausage gets delivered” version

Volunteers and the driver start early (around 8:00am)

Catch the 8:20am barge from Coochie

Arrive at Coles back dock around 8:45am

Empty styrofoam boxes unloaded and moved to the front of store

Shopping happens (morning window, adjusted for medical appointments)

Packing time:

Cold & frozen items → cold room

Pantry, drinks & produce → staged for loading

10kg max per box (your arms will thank you)

Around 1:00–1:30pm boxes are loaded

Return barge usually 2:20pm from Victoria Point

Back on Coochie = home deliveries begin

Van returned, paperwork done, monies handed in

Click & Collect (simple version)

Order online with Coles Click & Collect

You receive an order number

Send it to CCSS via their service phone or email (the phone travels with the driver)

CCSS collects, keeps cold goods cold

Groceries delivered to your door

Easy. Island-style easy

Want to join or ask questions?

The membership system is being refreshed to make it simpler and clearer

For now:

Angela Phillips (President): 0432 000 859

Rosemary Starr (Secretary): 0403 014 396

If you’re reading this thinking, “This is exactly what we need” — you’re not alone

CCSS is one of those quiet community engines that just gets on with the job.

With delivery costs rising and island logistics being… well, island logistics — its timing couldn’t be better.

One box of groceries at a time, this is island life working together.

Editorial note: This article was lovingly assembled with the help of my AI sidekick. I promise the groceries, the volunteers, and the barge are all 100% human-powered. No robots were harmed, loaded, or sent to Victoria Point in the making of this piece