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

💥Outriggers working with Coastcare (plus a tasty salad recipe)
💥World Octopus Day TODAY! Feat our local Sydney Octopi (plus a silly Trivia question y'all will get! 🤣)
💥Coochie Choir is BACK!

💥Jammalong. Not just a funny name. 👇👇👇

💥Plus...see below 👇👇👇for events!

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

⚓ From the Helm⚓

Viva Coochie recently hosted the Coochie Hoochie Festival, a full day of fun, sun, music and people simply kicking back and enjoying themselves.

A couple of days later, a disgruntled member of the Coochie Community Facebook group posted a scathing attack on one of the musicians who happens to live on the island. While that muso was instrumental in bringing some truly exceptional talent to Coochie (and there was plenty of it!), he wasn’t the organiser. Sadly, the harsh words were directed at the wrong person and in completely the wrong forum.

But here’s the silver lining: Coochie stood tall and showed her true colours. What started as a personal attack quickly turned into an outpouring of support. Locals and visitors alike spoke up with a resounding “We’re not like this!” The whole thing became a reminder that this island is a place where kindness counts, where we value and support one another, and where we’ve always got each other’s backs.

As one of the admins of the Coochie Community Facebook group, I’ll admit I was disappointed to see that post. We work hard to keep the group friendly and welcoming, a space where people can ask questions, share news and events, or post about buy, sell, swap and valued freebies.

A good rule of thumb before posting is to pause and ask yourself:
👉 Is it kind?
👉 Is it true?
👉 Would I stick this on the noticeboard at the rotunda on the front beach?
👉 Would I be happy seeing it on the front page of a newspaper?
👉 Would my mum approve?

If you can answer “yes” to those, go ahead and hit Enter.

We love meaningful, positive and helpful contributions that make our community the great place it is. Thank you Coochie 💚

ps/if you'd like to make a complaint about anything, please do so through the appropriate channels, the Coochie Community group is not an appropriate channel, eg; If the complaint is for council, scroll to the bottom of this newsletter, and you will see the form to do so. Do some Googling or ask your AI assistant if it's not local Government. If you really get stuck, pop into the group and ask for us to point you in the right direction, observing the rule of thumb above. That we can help with. 

📬 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

🌱 Community Spirit in Action at Outriggers Beach🌱

🌿 Big Hearts at Outriggers Beach🌿

What a morning! Twenty-three volunteers turned up at Outriggers Beach over Coastcare’s largest work-zone and together they filled 36 bags of weeds. That’s some serious island teamwork! 💪

Locals, visitors, and the crew from Conservation Volunteers Australia all chipped in to help care for our beautiful coastline.

Afterward, folks gathered for a cuppa and a good yarn by the water. The perfect reward for a job well done.

A special shout-out to John and Clare, who came over from the mainland and shared their homegrown pumpkins and beetroot. Now that’s what community spirit looks like. 💚

If you’d like to join the fun next time, keep an eye on the Coochiemudlo Island Coastcare Facebook page for updates. New hands are always welcome!

Read More & check out the pics...

🤤Pumpkin & Beetroot Salad🤤

We were lucky to snag the last pumpkin and a couple of beets that John and Clare bought from their garden to share after our attack on the 'Mother of Millions' weeds at the Outrigger Beach. 🎃

I found the most delish recipe for pumpkin and beetroot salad. (Don't be fooled by the pic above, there's WAY more P & B in there, hiding under the spinach 🤣)

I'll be making spicy Pumpkin Soup with the remainder of the pumpkin. Let me know if you want that recipe too!


See the full recipe here...

Coochie Trivia Corner:
This week’s featured artist captured one of our cleverest local residents — the octopus!

If you had eight arms, what island job would you do? 🤣
A) Pull weeds with Coastcare
B) Serve coffees faster at Curlew Café

C) Pull many beers at once at the Beach Bar
D) Paddle with the Coochie Outriggers
E) All of the above
🐙💭

Today is World Octopus Day 🐙

Did you know...

Octopuses are native residents of Moreton Bay, though they’re rarely seen because they’re masters of disguise. The most common species found here is the Common Sydney Octopus (Octopus tetricus), which lives along the eastern coast of Australia — including the shallow reefs, seagrass beds, and rocky areas around Coochiemudlo Island and North Stradbroke.

A few fun facts about our local octopusses:

🌊 They’re clever: Octopuses are among the smartest invertebrates. They can open jars, use tools, and even recognise individual humans.

🪸 They love Coochie’s coastline: They hide in rock crevices, under coral rubble, and among seagrass beds, especially on the southern and eastern sides of the island where there’s more reefy structure.

🦑 You might see their “gardens”: Sometimes divers and snorkellers spot little piles of shells, that’s an octopus den! They collect shells to decorate and protect their home.

💙 They’re part of the ecosystem: Octopuses help control crab and shellfish populations and are, in turn, food for dolphins, rays, and large fish in the bay.

Merrett Keech, one of Coochie's extremely talented artists, has created an octomasterpiece, on display at the Coochiemudlo Island Artisan Gallery, upstairs behind the Curlew Cafe, and is featuring more of her work (also available for purchase), at the  Redland Coast Collective Markets, on this weekend at Thornlands. 

Read More...

🎵The Joy of Singing🎵

How the Coochie Choir can change your life!

We're elated to hear our Choirmaster, Jose Garcia, is on the mend, with the Coochie Choir resuming on Monday 13 Oct! 

There’s something truly magical about belonging to a choir. It’s not just about singing, it’s about connection, confidence, and that spark of joy that lifts your whole week. 💫

For members of the Coochie Choir, Mondays have become a highlight, full of laughter, friendship, and beautiful harmonies. Each rehearsal prepares the group for local performances, but more importantly, it nourishes the soul.

Through warm-ups, games, and shared melodies, members discover that singing together is the best kind of therapy. 💚

Beyond personal joy, the choir plays a big part in community life—spreading music at Christmas Eve carols 🎄, ANZAC Day services 🌺, local markets 🎤, and even the occasional pop-up performance on the ferry! ⛴️ These moments bring smiles to faces across the island and remind us how music unites us all.

If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t sing,” the choir has a message for you: It’s not about perfection—it’s about participation. 🎵 Beginners are warmly welcomed and supported to find their voice through simple songs, posture tips, and breathing techniques. Bit by bit, confidence grows—and so does joy. 🌈

With a friendly atmosphere, your first session free, and just $5 per week after that, it’s a small step toward something truly uplifting. So, take a deep breath, step out of your comfort zone, and join in. The joy of singing might be exactly what your heart’s been humming for. 💖🎶

To participate, simply turn up at the Community Hall at 6.30pm on Mondays, and bring your best smile, the Coochie Choir will take care of the rest. 

Jammalong - Monthly Acoustic Music Jam

🎵“Jammalong” is always a great time at Pioneer Park! There’s something special about seeing people stop to listen, and sometimes even join in for a singalong.🎵

This relaxed acoustic jam session is open to everyone and welcomes all levels of musicianship and acoustic instruments. It’s not about performance or showing off, it’s about coming together as a community to make music, share joy, and have fun. Everyone gets a turn!

Click here for the finer details...

📆👇What's on in October📆👇

Artisan Alley - Sundays at The Curlew Cafe

🎨 Artisans Alley @ Curlew Café — every Sunday, 8am–1pm
🖼 Local makers 11–70+ with art, cards, tees, and handmade island treasures
 📍Artisans Collective Gallery (upstairs behind the cafe)
 💌Come, browse, chat & buy 🥰

 ✍More information  🌤️ (weather permitting)

Coochie Choir👩‍🎤👨‍🎤

6.30pm Mondays at the Community Hall. First session free. Contact Jose via the  Coochie Choir Facebook Page for more information. 

🎨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, 13 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.

Answer: 👉 The octopus already does all of them — in secret! 🤫 🐙