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WELL, L👀KIE HERE!! 

What's inside this week?

⚓RFDS Medical Chest Launches on Coochie

⚓Have your say on how our council is run

⚓Gorgeous ice pics from a talented local

⚓Op Shop madness (fun, really!)

⚓Pickleball - if you have only one New Years Resolution, make it to join in!!

⚓BIG WEEKEND for the Library and Gym on Coochie. Library fundraiser on Saturday 13th and help the Gym 'reset' on Sunday 14th (scroll to the bottom for details)

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

⚓ From the Helm⚓

If you’ve been bobbing around the island this week, you’ll know there’s been a fair bit of swell rolling through Coochie life. Some good news, some curveballs, and one rather hefty wave coming straight from Brisbane… yes, the Parliamentary Inquiry for Empowering Councils Bill  is officially on our radar.

Now before you nod off thinking this is all doom, gloom and government-speak, take heart. This inquiry is a big deal for the whole State, including the Redland City community, and it’s our chance to make some real noise. Picture all of us leaning over the rail together, cupping our hands and yelling “Oi, over here, we matter!” but, you know, politely… and in writing.

Whether you care about ferries, parking, medical access, or simply being able to get groceries without needing a sherpa, this is the moment to weigh in. I’ve popped the important links and breakdown inside this issue so you can navigate it without getting tangled in bureaucratic seaweed. Have a look, have your say, and let’s make sure Coochie isn’t left drifting on the tide.

Elsewhere on our little island vessel, we’ve got pickleball antics, op-shop gold, the Coochie Choir are out and about celebrating the festive season, the medical chest is finally launched and some exquisite images from a talented local photographer that will calm the wildest of seas.

On the horizon, keep an eye out for two big happenings: the Library FUNdraiser pulling into port on Saturday, and on Sunday, a chance to hoist the sails and lend some muscle as we help get the Gym shipshape for its grand re-launch next year.

So pull up a deck chair, take a breath, and dive into this week’s edition. As always, thanks for being part of the crew.

Until next tide,

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online
Aboard Adaire to Dream

How many spawn does a cane toad produce?

Coochie Levels Up: Island

Medical Chest Launches with 

24/7 RFDS & Coochie Volunteers Support

Have Your Say on How Our Councils Are Run

The Queensland Parliament is reviewing the laws that govern how local councils operate, and residents now have a rare chance to help shape the outcome. The Empowering Councils Bill 2025 aims to modernise council processes, improve transparency, strengthen election safeguards, and reduce the red tape that can slow things down at the local level.

In real terms this review could influence everything from how councils make decisions to how quickly they respond to community needs. It includes proposed changes to conflict-of-interest rules, the role of Mayors, senior appointments, Indigenous representation, and other areas that impact how effectively councils serve their communities.

The Parliamentary Committee is inviting submissions from the public and every submission counts, whether it's a few sentences or a detailed response. This is a genuine opportunity for residents, businesses, community groups and islanders to highlight what’s working, what’s not, and what they’d like to see improved in local government.

Submissions close at 12pm on Tuesday 16 December 2025 and can be made online through the official committee link. 

If you’ve ever wished for clearer communication, better accountability or more community-focused decision-making now is the perfect time to speak up. Your voice helps ensure the final legislation reflects the needs of the people who actually live here.

Coochie - Your Community; Your Contribution🏝🤝😍

📬 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.

Ice, Flora, Action: Nick Obrien creates more magic through the lens 📷

Coochie is absolutely bursting with creative talent, but every now and then someone stops us in our sandy tracks.

This week it’s photographer Nick Obrien, serving up another round of pure visual magic. Using nothing more than native flora, ice, and our beloved island as a backdrop, he’s created artwork that looks like Mother Nature snuck off to art school. Stunning stuff. Big cheers to Nick for sharing his gift with us!

See video below for all the pics!

Welcome to a very typical Saturday morning on Coochiemudlo Island which basically means a short stroll, a spider check, and the monthly Op Shop Day that feels a bit like the Boxing Day sales but with more sand, more smiles, and definitely more island charm.

Come along for the walk from my back door, down the little bush tracks of Coochie’s community land, past the Men’s Shed sausage sizzle, and straight into the buzz of our once-a-month treasure hunt. If you’ve never experienced island op-shopping before… well, prepare yourself.

It’s a vibe. In the video below you’ll see the Coochiemudlo Island Recreation Club & Coochie Choir in full swing

• A real slice of Coochiemudlo Island life
• The monthly Coochie Op Shop
• Local characters (including Mrs Christmas)
• A peek at the cyclone-damaged gym (nearly restored)

• My unofficial island ritual… the Spider Dance

• Why everything on Coochie really is only an arm’s length away

• A wander back to my little piece of paradise

Life here is simple, quirky, community-driven, and honestly pretty magical. If you love island living, local stories, and behind-the-scenes moments from Coochie Community Online, hit subscribe and come along for more.

Pickleball, anyone? Yep, thePB craze is going strong and gaining momentum right here on Coochie!

Pickleball Fever Hits Coochie 🥒🏓
(And yes, it’s way more exciting than the name suggests)

If you’ve wandered past the courts lately and heard the strange pop-pop-pop of what sounds like a renegade Tupperware party, fear not. That’s just Pickleball, the fast-growing sport taking over Coochie one giggle and mis-hit at a time.

Our island crew gathers every Thursday, Friday and Sunday afternoon, rolling in from about 4pm. They’ll move to earlier sessions in the cooler months because no one wants to chase a whiffle ball in full sun unless they enjoy melting for sport.

The vibe is wonderfully Coochie: friendly banter, healthy competition, and the occasional “whoops, wrong court” moment. Absolutely no experience required. If you can hold a paddle without accidentally launching it into the trees, you’re already ahead of the game.

Want to join the fun or at least come watch the chaos?
Give Dave a buzz on 0408 079 098. He’s the Pickleball oracle around here.

Grab a hat, a drink bottle and your sense of humour.
Pickleball is calling… and it’s not going to play itself.

See you at the Tennis Courts!


Came for a quiet island life…
stayed because Pickleball unlocked my inner gladiator.”
🥒🏓🔥
Apparently all I needed was a plastic ball and an audience of curlews...

Events on Coochie 📅

Coochie’s Art & Book Fundraiser is coming up — and it’s shaping into a gorgeous community afternoon. Local artists have donated stunning pieces valued up to $600 each, and for just $5 a ticket you could walk away with your favourite artwork while helping restock our island library with much-needed new books. The event is on Saturday 13 December from 12.30 pm in the annex next to the library, with tea, coffee, nibbles and a fun “pick-your-prize” draw. It’s wholesome, it’s local, and it’s very Coochie.

See 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 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 🥰

Artisan Alley 

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.

Up to 35 000 each!

(If that doesn't scare you, nothing will!)

More info on Cane Toads (and why we're taking no prisoners)...

Disclaimer

The information in this newsletter is provided for general interest only. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and unintentional errors can occur. Nothing here should be taken as professional, financial, legal, medical, or specialist advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified professional where needed.

Some content may be created, enhanced, or assisted by artificial intelligence. All AI-supported material is reviewed and edited by a human before publication. Any opinions expressed are those of the author and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of any featured organisations or individuals.

Event details, community updates, and offers are shared in good faith. Readers are encouraged to confirm information directly with the relevant organisers.

By reading this newsletter, you accept that the publisher is not responsible for any loss, inconvenience, or unexpected detours caused by reliance on the content.