From The Helm 

Welcome to the First Coochie Community Online Newsletter

Greetings, friends and neighbours of Coochiemudlo Island,

It’s my great pleasure to welcome you to the very first edition of the Coochie Community Online newsletter, a space to share island news, celebrate locals, your stories, and keep our wonderful community connected, whether you’re here full-time, part-time, or just dreaming of your next visit.

For those I haven’t met yet, I’m Adaire Palmer — writer, long-time local, and self-confessed chronic storyteller. My home is a little different from most: I live aboard a boat named Adaire to Dream, moored just off our island shores. From my floating back porch, err, top deck, I get to watch dolphins play, sunrises roll in, and the gentle hum of our community go about its day.

Some of you may remember me from my days with the Coochie Island News (CIN), a much-loved local publication that sadly dropped anchor for the last time some years ago. These days, while I write for The Friendly Bay Islander (The FBI), which keeps us connected with our island & neighbours across Russell, Macleay, Lamb, and Karragarra, I’ve long felt that Coochie deserves its own dedicated voice again.

A voice that reflects our unique character, celebrates our creativity, and keeps us in touch with what matters most here at home.

This online newsletter will be our place for:

• Local news and updates — what’s happening on our shores and in our waters.

• Events and activities — from markets to art shows, sailing days to music nights.

• Stories from the community — because every person here has something incredibly interesting worth sharing.

• A little slice of island life — for those who love the salt air and slower pace as much as we do.

And as we grow, I'd love to include and showcase local businesses, with updates as regular as the changing menus of the eateries and the listing of new homes.

The Coochie Community Online aims to be your one-stop-shop for all things Coochie, and your contributions are welcome!

Ever seen an event go past in your newsfeed in the Coochie Community Facebook group, or the Coochiemudlo Island Residents Page and not been able to find it again? I've got you covered. Delivered direct to your email inbox each Wednesday at 5pm, The Coochie Community Online Newsletter will have weekly updates on news and events.

Register here to go into the monthly draw for a $50 voucher from The Coochiemudlo Island Beach Bar and Grill, Winner is drawn on the first Wednesday of each month.  (small print: conditions apply)

I’m excited to set sail on this new venture with you. And like any good voyage, it will be even better if you come along for the ride and share your events, your stories, your photos, and your ideas. You can reply to the email or ping me on Facey anytime. 

So, welcome aboard the Coochie Community Online newsletter. Here’s to making this first edition the start of something truly special.

See you around the island, or perhaps out on the water, remember to shout 'ahoy' when you're next paddling, swimming or SUPing past!

Cheers!
Adaire Palmer
Editor, Coochie Community Online
Aboard “Adaire to Dream”

Winner, Winner Chicken (Parmy) Dinner!!

Thank you to our Sponsors:

The Coochiemudlo Island Beach Bar and Grill

Thanks to our sponsors, The Coochiemudlo Island Beach Bar and Grill, you can go in the draw for a $50 Voucher!

Enter here!!

The (not so) small print:

🍻Each valid email = 1 ticket in the draw

🍤One entry per email (duplicates will be ineligible)

🍕The voucher can be used for meals and drinks to the value of $50 

🥂One winner is drawn on the first Wednesday of the month at 12 noon

🥳The winner will be notified by email following the draw

👌The voucher is valid for one month from the date of draw promotion is in no way associated with Facebook, Meta or other products.

Ts&Cs

🌴💙FATHER'S DAY GIVEAWAY💙🌴

Pirate Island on Coochiemudlo Island & Beach Markets

Saturday 20 September 2025
9am - 1pm

 Yarrr, welcome t’ Pirate Island, ye scurvy dog! 
Flinders’ Day be gone fer another turn o’ the tide, but us pirates still be needin’ t’ gather an’ keep our scullduggery sharp an’ our sword arms ready!

Pirate Day Markets be a grand day o’ mischief for the young buccaneers — with games, role-playin’, an’ a treasure hunt fit fer a king’s ransom! Coochie locals’ll be playin’ the parts o’ fearsome sea dogs, runnin’ the games, an’ dishin’ out loot fer the finest pirate garb.

Ye’ll find the Coochiemudlo Island Pirate Day Markets be a fine outing fer all hands! Make way t’ Victoria Point, then hop the eight-minute ferry to the shores o’ Coochiemudlo. A short stagger from the jetty, on the foreshore, ye’ll spy the markets — with stalls o’ arts ‘n’ crafts, fashion, homewares, grub, and music to keep yer sea legs dancin’.

 Take yer morning tea or fill yer belly at the Curlew Café (BYO) or wet yer whistle at the Coochie Beach Bar — licensed for proper pirate grog! Take a dip, wander the Emerald Fringe an’ wetlands, or visit the Coochiemudlo Artisan Collective Gallery.

 Mark ye maps, mates!
20th o’ September be the day o’ Pirate Island & Beach Markets! Fail t’ note it, an’ ye may face a curse blacker than the one Salazar laid upon Jack Sparrow hisself!

Sign up yer scurvy bilge rats fer the treasure hunt here 💍💎💰

🌟♻️ Binfluencers Unite!♻️ 🌟

Because nothing says neighbourhood spirit like a yellow bin conga line down the street 🚮💛

See More...

Principal Petitioner: Stephen Lather

Closing Date: 4.30pm, Tuesday 9 September 2025

At 10 signatures, this petition will be considered properly made.

Petition Request:

We, the undersigned residents and ratepayers of Redland City, hereby petition Council to commission, compile, and publish a clear, comprehensive, and accessible report addressing the following matters of public interest: 

Servicing Costs for Island Communities 

One: A detailed outline of the costs incurred by Council in maintaining, servicing, and supporting Redland City’s water-bound island communities, with individual reference to: 

A. The Southern Moreton Bay Islands - SMBI (Russell, Macleay, Lamb, and Karragarra) 

B. Coochiemudlo Island 

C. North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) 

Have your say!

Stay Connected on Coochie 🌴

Life on Coochiemudlo Island is all about community. Whether you’re here full-time, part-time, or just visiting, it’s easy to get involved and feel at home. From emergency services and medical contacts to local clubs, sports, and social groups, there are plenty of ways to connect.

Looking for a Justice of the Peace?

Want to join the Progress Association, Men’s Shed, or Recreation Club? Keen to play tennis, pickleball, or keep fit at the gym (once it reopens)?

Or maybe you’d like to explore art, craft, music, or gardening with fellow islanders?

You’ll find it all in one handy place.

👉 Check out the full list of community contacts here

It’s your go-to resource for staying safe, connected, and part of our wonderful island life. 

Credit: Angela Hoskins for this wonderful resource 🥰