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⚓ From the Helm⚓

Alright Coastal Crew, settle in with a cuppa or an icy drink (depending on the sun’s mood today) because this week’s dispatch from Aboard Adaire to Dream has more twists than a sideways ferry crossing in a sou’wester.

First up on deck chatter: jetty jumping. Yep. That rite of passage we all kinda did once (twice if you’re extra brave) might be headed for the history books. Or at least the “remember when” column. The council has closed the jetty roof to our teenage cannonball specialists, citing safety (and probably parental pressure). Some say it’s overdue. Others say it’s like banning laughter. I say let’s explore some clever, safe options that keep the thrill and ditch the ER visits. Let’s talk about keeping spirit while keeping bones intact. Jump in on the conversation, I want to hear your wild ideas.

Then there’s our alphabet soup, Coochie-style. I thought a thank-you list would be nice, and what evolved was a love letter to the island’s unseen heroes. From the early-morning fixers and the stealthy bin fairies to the legendary dog walkers who pick up everything except their own karaoke ambitions, this A to Z could’ve gone on all the way to Zzz (after a waterfront nap). Bins, birds, and boundless community spirit — it’s all in there, and inspired by another local's A-Z lists (I'll be publishing them soon!)

Now let’s talk pests, and not just those “those cute little birds crapped on my railing” pests. Our AI sidekick and I put our heads together and came up with the island’s top five. Leading the pack? Cane toads — nasty, prolific, and absolutely the heavyweight champions of annoyance. Followed by mozzies, fire ants, rats (tiny night ninjas), and — wait for it — humans in the seasonal pest category. Yeah, we made the list. Because sometimes we are the problem. But with a bit of island sense and respect for our wild neighbours, we can be the solution too.

Hit reply and let me know what YOU think should be number one. 

And oh sweet, beautiful holiday spirit, it’s beginning to feel very Coochie Christmas. Carols under the stars, neighbours singing their hearts out (many in key, me… inventively close), and streets transformed by laughter and lights. If there’s ever proof that small really is mighty, that was it.

Until the next tide rolls in (or your inbox pings),

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online
Aboard Adaire to Dream

WELL, L👀KIE HERE!! 

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

What do cane toads eat?

Will the rite of passage of jetty jumping be a thing of the past?

Is jetty jumping on Coochie about to disappear for good?

The recent closure of the jetty roof to the teenage jetty jumpers has sparked strong feelings across the island. For some, it’s a long-overdue safety move. For others, it feels like the loss of a cherished rite of passage for our kids. And in between? A growing call for smarter, safer alternatives.

This week, we explore the issue from a community perspective. What’s changed, why council has stepped in, and what options might exist if we want to protect both safety and island spirit.

👉 Read the full story on Facey and join the conversation.

Coochie Community Rocks!!😍

Coochie's Number 1 pest; the Cane Toad! ☠

I asked my AI assistant to list the top 5 pests for Coochie.  While I wholeheartedly agree with the top 4, the 5th one could be debated...I've seen humans do amazing things to protect our shores, and be responsible citizens...I've also seen the rest...

Here's the top five:

Top 5 Pests on Coochie (Island Edition)

1️⃣ Cane Toads

The undisputed heavyweight champs.
Toxic to pets, lethal to native wildlife, and capable of producing up to 35,000 eggs in one go. They don’t just annoy. They actively trash the ecosystem. Absolute menace.

2️⃣ Mozzies

Tiny. Relentless. Operate in swarms.
Mostly annoying, occasionally disease-carrying, and always show up when you forget the repellent. Basically the island’s background soundtrack.

3️⃣ Fire Ants

Small but savage.
Painful stings, aggressive behaviour, and a genuine biosecurity threat. When they arrive, everyone pays attention real fast.

4️⃣ Rats

Sneaky midnight snackers.
Love compost bins, chew wiring, and have zero respect for personal boundaries. Smart little jerks.

5️⃣ Humans (Seasonal Pest Category 😇)

Littering, feeding wildlife, ignoring signs, and letting dogs roam.
Well-intentioned but occasionally clueless. The only pest that can read this list and still deny it’s them.

Summary:
Mozzies itch. Rats steal. Ants sting.
But cane toads kill, and that’s why they sit firmly at number one.

 
We'd love to know what you think is the number 1 pest on Coochie. Hit 'reply' and let us know!

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.

Standing items

Your portal for information about Coochie

RFDS Medical Chest on 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 

Pickleball on Coochie 🥒🎾

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.

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.

Cane toads will eat bird eggs and chicks if they can reach them, including ground-nesting shorebirds like curlews, as well as ducklings and other small birds.

They’re opportunistic predators. If it fits in their mouth and they can get to it, it’s fair game.

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.