UPFRONT NEWS!  👇👇👇 Scroll to 'What's on in September' and 'Standing Items' at the bottom for events &  key contacts on Coochie 👇👇👇

⚓ From the Helm⚓

What a maiden voyage that was!

Honestly, it felt like I was steering blindfolded through a reef trying to get the very first edition of Coochie Community Online out to you. The Wednesday 5pm launch? Sunk. Thursday’s second attempt? Capsized. Finally, after roping in the software crew (in a different timezone), we managed to set sail at 9am Saturday. 🚢

From now on, you can expect us to drop anchor every Wednesday at 5pm, weather and technology permitting!

The response from that one little Facebook group post in the Coochie Community Group  was HUGE (thank you, shipmates 🙌).

I hope this newsletter serves you well and keeps you feeling connected to our island home.

Here’s the lay of the land (or sea):

• The newsletter is part original musings from me (posted on the Coochie Community Online Facebook page and soon, Insta and YouTube).

• And part treasure map of events and info already floating around online. For example: Pirate Island & Coochiemudlo Island Beach Markets,originally posted on the Progress Association’s Facebook page can be dropped straight into your inbox without you needing to go treasure-hunting for it.

💥TOP TIP! Scroll right down to the UPCOMING EVENTS & STANDING ITEMS at the bottom. That’s where you’ll find handy bits like upcoming events, community contacts, JPs, and other essentials. We’ll be adding more as we go, so if you’re looking for something and can’t find it—just holler!

📬 Got an idea, event, or organisation you’d like featured? Hit reply to this email, or send a message in a bottle (aka Facebook Messenger) or to editor@coochiecommunityonline.com.

Together, we’ll build a community resource that every Coochiemudlian (and our ML neighbours) will be glad to have in their inbox.

Until next tide,

Adaire Palmer
Editor, Coochie Community Online
Aboard Adaire to Dream

Coochiemudlo Island Beach Bar and Grill

Winner, Winner, Fish n Chip Dinner!!

Or other delicious dish(es) on the menu as your

💓 desires 🤤

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

(The even smaller print)

🌿✨ From Weeds to Wedded Bliss: Coastcare Working Bee Wins Hearts & Habitats

Protecting Coochie’s Coastline – One Working Bee at a Time! ✨🌿

There’s something pretty special about Coochiemudlo Island. It’s not just the sparkling waters and sandy beaches, it’s the people who roll up their sleeves to protect them.

The recent Coastcare working bee in the Melaleuca Wetlands was another brilliant example of island spirit in action. Armed with gloves, hats, and plenty of smiles, our volunteers got stuck into the important work of caring for our coastal environment; tackling weeds, collecting rubbish, and helping restore precious habitats that protect our shoreline.

And because no Coochie gathering is complete without a bit of fun and community connection, the morning wrapped up with tea, cake, and some happy news.

Alec Patten (Conservation Volunteers Australia Project Manager) and Erica Richardson had the group beaming as they shared their engagement! 💍 The couple first met right here on the island, while… you guessed it… weeding! 🌱 Who knew that pulling out invasive plants could grow such a wonderful romance?

Days like this remind us that protecting Coochie’s coastline isn’t just about the environment – it’s about community, connection, and creating memories together.

Want to be part of it? Keep an eye out here for the next Coastcare event and come join in. Bring your gloves, your laughter and your love for the island, every bit helps keep Coochie beautiful. 💚

Read More...

In the world’s largest dugong health study, researchers led by Dr Janet Lanyon and featured on ABC’s Dr Ann’s Secret Lives carefully captured and released dugongs within 30 minutes to collect vital samples; blood, tears, and even feces.

The results show the population bouncing back strongly despite habitat pressures. These gentle “sea cows” are a vital part of the bay’s seagrass ecosystem, and ongoing monitoring helps protect them from threats like pollution, boating, and coastal development. It’s hopeful news for marine life in our backyard!

This curious dugong popped by and lingered just long enough for local Gary Sheehy to catch it on video. All the years on the top deck of Adaire to Dream dugong-watching haven't produced a video like this!!

What's on in September 📆

Bushcare monthly weeding

this Saturday 13 September 8.30 - 10.30am

While Bushcare usually meet on the third Saturday of the month, it's been changed for September due to a clash in dates with the Pirate Island on Coochiemudlo Island & Beach Markets on 20 September. 

Join an enthusiastic, self confessed cheerful mob of people who love to look after our islands beautiful natural places.  Your help is appreciated PLUS the morning tea is a treat!! 

Phone enquiries: 0490 0502 08.

Visit Bushcare's Webpage and all comers are welcome to join the Bushcare Facebook group. To join Bushcare online, use this form. 

An exciting event, Alpha Life is Worth Exploring, is happening each Monday, 6 - 8pm. Starting 25 August, the next session is Monday  September 15th at Pineridge Place, 12 Carefree Street, Coochie.

It’s an open invitation to step into a day of self-discovery and personal growth, filled with workshops, activities, and opportunities to stretch beyond the everyday.

Designed to spark inspiration and encourage new possibilities, the event is all about living life to the fullest.

Because let’s face it—life really is worth exploring, and this is your chance to dive in.

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 💍💎💰

Looking for online amusement? Grab this hilarious bingo sheet and challenge yourself to yell "BINGO!" at the top of your voice.

While there are no prizes or kudos involved, you'll definitely get a laugh out of how accurate the game is. It's almost as if someone was spying on our group when they created it! 🤣

There are several functional Facebook groups that serve our tiny island, you can check them out below 👇

Read More...

Standing items

Your portal for information about Coochie

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 🥰

Redland City Council 

Want to make a complaint? Report an issue?

Find out what week your bin goes out? Watch the latest Public Council Meeting? Do that here!

Here is information on how Coochiemudlo residents can contact Redland City Council for various issues.

Individuals can report issues such as potholes, trees, roads, paths, rates, planning & development, and graffiti by phone, email, or submitting a contact form.

Residents can also give feedback, lodge complaints, or seek assistance from the council.

Report an Issue

Use this form to contact council

Redland City Council Public Meetings

Redland City Council Meeting Webcast offers an archive of past meetings for public viewing.

Have questions?

Visit the help page for assistance.

Did you know you can access recordings of General Meetings, Special Council Meetings, and Special Budget Meetings?

Stay informed about important decisions and discussions within the council.

Visit the Redland City Council Public Meetings archive here.