Register here!

WELL, L👀KIE HERE!! 
What's inside this week?

• 👉History meets harmony - from the Bay & Beyond website
• 👉Coochie Authors - Christine Leonards most recent book 'Coochiemudlo: A Mariners's Mystery'
• 👉Local Talent - Spotlight on Rob Walker
• 👉Biosecurity - A Shared Responsiblity
• 👉Partnerships at the Heart of Landcare

Scroll to the end for 'What's on in October' and 'Standing Items' for events &  key contacts on Coochie 👇👇👇

⚓ From the Helm⚓

I recently shared a satirical guest story on our Facebook page about the jetty jumpers. The intention was light-hearted, poking gentle fun at some of the reactions we sometimes see between the older community and the mostly teen jumpers.

The following day, a post appeared in the Coochie Community Facebook group about a gopher that had been left at the jetty (in the designated spot) and was damaged beyond use. That’s a really unfortunate incident, and I’m so sorry it happened. I was also reminded of the issues we experienced at Easter time this year. 

With this in mind, it felt out of step to keep the article up, so I made the call to remove it. While I value the effort our first guest contributor put into their piece, the timing just wasn’t right.

That said, I’d love to keep space open for voices from our community. If you’d like to contribute to the newsletter, whether just once, occasionally, or on a regular basis, I’d be delighted to hear from you. Just reach out!

📬 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.

If you're looking to make a complaint to council, head to the bottom of this newsletter. You'll also find other info that might be useful.

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 isn’t just a pretty place to spend the day—it’s an island steeped in stories. 🌿✨

When Lieutenant Matthew Flinders first stepped ashore, he noted it as the 'Sixth Island' during his 1799 voyage. The name 'Coochiemudlo' came later, (Kutchi Mudlo) borrowed from the Indigenous word for 'red earth stone,' a fitting nod to the island’s distinctive soil.

Over the years, people who love Coochie have worked hard to protect its beauty. Long-time resident Jan Macintyre and others have championed the heritage protection of the Emerald Fringe so it will never be developed, while Major General Professor John Pearn co-authored books on the island’s botanic heritage, highlighting the vital role of our mangroves and wetlands.

With four heritage-listed sites and layers of cultural, natural, and historical significance, Coochiemudlo is a rare little gem, an island where history truly meets harmony.

👉 Read more and check out the short video about the island’s heritage here: Bay Beyond Project

A question of latitude for Edward Field Jones

by Christine Leonard

For 47 years, the late Edward (Ted) Field Jones called Coochiemudlo Island home 🏝️. But Ted wasn’t just content to enjoy island life, he set out to solve a historical mystery that had stumped experts for nearly 170 years.

Back in 1799, British explorer and naval lieutenant Matthew Flinders ⚓ charted Moreton Bay and recorded six small islands, numbering rather than naming them. The true identity of the “Sixth Island” was long disputed 🤔.

Ted, a World War II aviation navigator with a sharp eye for maps ✈️🗺️, believed the answer was right in front of him. What began as curiosity became a lifelong mission. Despite being neither an academic nor a historian, Ted’s persistence, meticulous research, and sheer determination finally earned recognition: Coochiemudlo was indeed the island Flinders called the Sixth ✅.

This book isn’t just about discovery, it’s also about island life 🌴Stories of Coochiemudlo in the 1960s and 70s, with all their colour, characters, and quirks, bring to life a community that has since been forever changed 💫

📦 If you’d like to purchase a copy, please note postage is calculated per book. For multiple copies, contact Christine  to arrange a combined rate.

Bay Beyond’s Art of Renewal:

Creativity Meets Community 🌿🎨

Coochiemudlo Island has long been a haven for creativity, and Bay Beyond’s Art of Renewal project is bringing that spirit to life in fresh and inspiring ways. This initiative celebrates the island’s rich artistic heritage while providing a platform for local artists to share their work and vision for a more sustainable future.

One of the featured creators is Rob Walker, who discovered his passion for art after retiring to the island. Working with repurposed materials, everything from timber and old cutlery to copper pipes and horseshoes, Rob transforms discarded objects into imaginative sculptures, wind chimes, and garden art. His pieces are not only whimsical but carry a powerful reminder: reuse instead of discard.

“Where else can you reach a beach within five minutes in any direction?” Rob says, describing island life as paradise. That connection to nature is central to Art of Renewal, which invites the community to reflect on sustainability, creativity, and renewal.

Bay Beyond’s project is more than an art showcase, it’s a celebration of Coochiemudlo’s creativity, culture, and commitment to supporting both local talent and the environment. By weaving together artistry and ecological awareness, Art of Renewal nurtures both the cultural and economic vitality of the island.

✨ To explore more about the project, visit: baybeyond.com.au/projects/art-of-renewal

Editors Observation...

As a (sometimes) volunteer bus driver, I would show visitors who are doing a tour the most interesting gardens and letterboxes, with Rob's cleverly creative artwork always a winner with the tourists.  👇

National Biosecurity Week, held from 25–31 August, is a reminder that protecting our environment, agricultural industries, food supply, communities, and economy begins with awareness and action.

For islands like Coochiemudlo in Moreton Bay, biosecurity is especially important. With unique and fragile ecosystems, the island is at risk from invasive species such as red fire ants, cane toads, and invasive weeds, all of which can disrupt native plants and wildlife.

Local community groups, including Coochiemudlo Bushcare and Coastcare, are already on the frontline, working tirelessly to manage these threats. But larger infestations, particularly invasive weeds on public land, require broader collaboration and resources.

That’s where the Redlands Coast Biosecurity Plan comes in. This plan highlights the need for shared responsibility, government, community groups, landholders, and individuals all play a part in managing invasive species. Education and awareness are key tools in this effort, helping residents and visitors alike understand their role in safeguarding our environment and economy.

👉 Learn more about local biosecurity initiatives here: Biosecurity: A Shared Responsibility on Coochiemudlo Island

Read More...

Partnerships at the Heart of Landcare 🌱

When it comes to protecting Australia’s unique landscapes and biodiversity, collaboration is key. Landcare has always thrived on the strength of partnerships, bringing together government, industry, and community groups to tackle some of our biggest environmental challenges.

The success of landcare programs lies in cooperation and coordination. By sharing knowledge, resources, and skills, these partnerships ensure sustainable land management practices that benefit not just today, but future generations as well.

The National Landcare Network plays a vital role in keeping these conversations flowing, creating a platform where stakeholders can come together, exchange ideas, and work towards shared goals.

At its heart, Landcare is a reminder that protecting the environment isn’t something we can do alone. It takes teamwork, trust, and a shared vision to preserve the natural beauty and productivity of our land for years to come.

Recently, Coochiemudlians from Coastcare had the opportunity to attend the National Landcare Conference, and were treated to a shout-out  by Costa Georgiadis from ABC's Gardening Australia. Costa is impressed at how such a small community is actively out there making a difference, and encourages us to keep up small actions consistency to achieve our vision for the island. Good work, Bryan, Jane and all the Coastcare Volunteers of Coochie. 

📆👇What's on in October📆👇

Coochiemudlo Island Coastcare volunteer opportunity ❤️

Volunteers need to wear covered shoes, appropriate clothing, hat and sunscreen. All the tools & insect repellent are provided. It's recommended that you BYO water & stay to catch-up over a cuppa for a relax afterwards.

🎨Two new shows opening at the Curlew Gallery!🎨

✨ Solo Exhibition by Shayne Eden
📍 Downstairs Space at Curlew Gallery

🖌️ Coochiemudlo Island Artisan Collective
🌊 Upstairs at the Curlew Gallery — a new range of work by local artists.

🕙 Gallery open times: Fri, Sat, Sun from 10am – 2pm
📍 Where: Curlew Gallery (upstairs at the Curlew Cafe)

📅 These shows will be open from Friday 5 Sept — 12 Nov 2025.

Grab a sneak peek here. 

🙏 Alpha at Pineridge Chapel

Lourens and Lizaan Malan would love to welcome you to join them on a journey of faith — a space to share questions, reflections, and encouragement together.

Alpha is all about exploring life, purpose, and the Christian faith in a safe, open environment. It’s not about having all the answers, it’s about good conversations where everyone’s perspective is valued.

Each Monday night includes a relaxed dinner (complimentary) followed by meaningful discussion. Alpha is completely free, and everyone is welcome.

📅 When: Monday nights, 25 August – 20 October
🍲 Dinner: Provided, free of charge
📍 Where: Pineridge Chapel
📱 RSVP: Please text 0433 342 440 by Monday, 6 October so we can set a place for you at the table.

Come curious, come hungry, and come as you are. We’d love to have you with us.

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 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. 

📅Community Calendar📅

Want to know what's coming up? You don't need to wait for us to share, check the calendar right here!

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.