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⚓ From the Helm⚓

Well… if this little vessel had a logbook, the pages since September would be well thumbed, coffee-stained, and slightly salty.

When I launched in September, Coochie Community Online got a better welcome than a school of dolphins cruising past the jetty at sunset. It was heartening, humbling, and a pretty solid reminder that this little island values connection, conversation, and knowing what’s really going on around the place.

Since then, we’ve weathered spring squalls, sailed through a hectic festive season, and anchored in plenty of meaningful moments that reminded me exactly why this newsletter matters. Your feedback has been welcomed, and welcoming. I love how many of you hit 'reply' and let me know how it's going for you, or see me out and about and tell me you enjoy the read. I love the suggestions for content, and I want to keep publishing what you want to read - keep that up, please!

Over the past few months, we’ve shone a light on the people who quietly keep this island ticking. Volunteers, clubs, creatives, carers, and community groups who don’t ask for applause but absolutely deserve it. We’ve tackled the prickly stuff too. Cane toads, mozzies, jetty debates, council decisions, gym closures and reopenings, and the occasional community tension that bubbles up when people care deeply about where they live. That’s island life. Small place, big feelings.

We’ve also leaned into what makes Coochie, well… Coochie. The humour, the resilience, the sea breeze logic. Stories from the sand, the jetty, the oval, the beach bar or café table, and the ferry deck. Not polished fluff. Real voices. Local lore. A few laughs along the way, because if you can’t laugh at life on an island, you’re probably taking the ferry to the mainland too often.

What I’m most proud of is that this newsletter has become more than a noticeboard. It’s a place to pause, catch up, feel informed without feeling overwhelmed, and remember that community doesn’t just happen. It’s built, maintained, and occasionally patched with duct tape by people who show up.

🧭 Charting the Course for 2026

Now, let’s be honest. There’s room to make this ship even better.

Here’s where I see us heading in 2026:

Clearer sections, smoother navigation
A more predictable rhythm. You’ll know where to find community news, events, opinion pieces, and the lighter stuff without having to scan the horizon too hard.

More community voices
Less “me talking at you” and more “us talking with each other”. Short reader contributions, island memories, photos, micro-stories, and yes, the occasional respectful rant.

Smarter use of digital
The newsletter, Facebook, and YouTube working together instead of shouting from different decks. Teasers where they make sense, deeper dives where they’re needed, and less duplication for the sake of it.

A stronger local marketplace
Classifieds, shout-outs, and affordable ways for local businesses, side hustles, and creatives to be seen without needing a mainland-sized marketing budget.

Still independent. Still community-first.
No clickbait. No agenda. No drama farming. If something matters to islanders, it belongs here. If it doesn’t, it can stay on the ferry.

So as we head into 2026, my promise is simple. I’ll keep steering with care, curiosity, and a healthy respect for the wind and tides. I’ll keep listening. And I’ll keep this newsletter grounded in what it’s always been about.

People, place, and the shared experience of living on this small, spirited patch of land we call home.

Thanks for being on board. We're just getting started on this journey, and the view from the helm is looking pretty bloody good.

Fair winds,
Adaire ⚓

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online

ps/if it appears this newsletter is going out at random times, you are not seasick, the software is. My New Years Resolution is to get this fixed asap - and know I appreciate your support and patience while we do this!

WELL, L👀KIE HERE!! 

⚓The Great Toad Bust - Coming in January!

⚓ Local Poet Roger's 'Things that make me happy'

⚓ Pets on Coochie - what are the 'rules' 

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

The Great Toad Bust! 

🐸 Cane Toads & Coochie: A Hop We Never Asked For

They didn’t arrive by barge or ferry, but cane toads have well and truly earned their place in Coochie lore.

Introduced to Australia in 1935 as a “clever fix” for sugar cane pests, they ignored the brief, bred like champions, and spread faster than a rumour at the jetty. These days, they’re a familiar part of island life. Uninvited. Unloved. And most active when you’re barefoot at night. 😬

Old Coochie may remember when you could walk after rain without a torch, dogs could sniff freely, and night sounds didn’t include that unmistakable plop. Now, cane toads are a backyard reality, a wildlife threat, and the reason many of us own headlamps we never planned to buy, (except of course, if you're a boatie, then headlamps are mandatory 😜)

👉 We’ve dug into how cane toads ended up here, why the original plan failed so spectacularly, and how a few thousand toads turned into millions.

Read the full story on our Facebook page and see how one decision made nearly 90 years ago still echoes through Coochie gardens, dogs’ noses, native wildlife and late-night patrols today...Read on...

Salty Paws & Sandy Toes: Beach Life With Dogs on Coochie

Dogs are part of everyday life on Coochie. So are shorebirds, wetlands, and shared beaches. The way dogs are managed on the island isn’t about heavy rules or crackdowns. It’s about balance, awareness, and keeping access open long-term.

If you’ve ever wondered why leash rules change with the seasons, where dogs are most welcome, or how to avoid awkward moments (and fines), you'll find the 'good oil' here, on Angela's website. 

👉 Read the full story here, and keep enjoying island life with your four-legged mate.

If you are a resident, and would like to join the conversation about Coochie having it's own designated dog park, you can do that here.

YOUR Facebook Groups - when and how you use them

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.

Coochie Gym Reopens!

Time to dust off your gym gear and get back into it!

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.

CSA RE: Coochie Island Progress Association

It appears the CIPA Facebook Page has been sucked into that black hole of cyber-space.  CIPA have been keeping members updated on Progress activities and events by email and individuals posts in relevant local groups.  Until the tech issues are resolved, you can also find information on their website, here.

Recreation Club Subs now due!

If you're a Rec Club member, note the following please:

Gym fees are carried over from last year, but the annual membership ($5) is still required.

You can pay either by dropping the $5 (in an envelope) to Yvonne Symes, Treasurer, at 1 Kingfisher,

or deposit into:

Coochiemudlo Recreation Club

Bendigo Bank

BSB: 633-000

Account: 137959631

If you'd like to become a member, contact Geoff - details below

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.