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⚓ From the Helm⚓

If it feels like the island’s been humming a little louder this week, you’re not imagining it. Between fuel runs, toad patrols and kids sharpening their crayons, Coochie’s deck is busy and all hands are on it.

Fuel on the Horizon
After a brief patch of choppy water, the Coochie Community Shopping Service fuel run has found its sea legs again. A dedicated fuel run is now running monthly, with clear safety rules, sensible limits and a crew who’ve taken compliance seriously so the rest of us don’t have to. Think less “jerry cans lashed to a raft” and more “steady as she goes.” Next run is Thursday 22 January, so check the details before you load the ute and set sail.

Young Deckhands, Grab Your Art Gear
The Australia Day Kids Art Challenge is now open, inviting our 5–17 year olds to show us what Australia means to them. No AI, no filters, no copy-paste. Just pencils, paint, glue and imagination. Winners will be announced at the Australia Day Markets on 26 January, with extra treasure for those aboard on the day. A big tip of the captain’s hat to our sponsors who make this possible.

Toads off the Port Bow
With warm nights and afternoon rain, the cane toads have emerged like uninvited barnacles after dark. Reports are coming in from gardens, paths and anywhere vaguely damp. Over the coming weeks, expect some informal, slightly chaotic toad hunts, led by our fearless (and aptly named) Toad Lady, Edith Hopalot (not her real name, and yes, cue laughter). Torch required. Gloves recommended. Sense of humour essential.

As always, this ship runs best with many hands on deck. If you’ve got news, ideas or something worth sharing, don’t be shy. Signal flags, smoke signals or Messenger will do nicely.

Until next week, keep your feet dry, your neighbours close, and your island spirit intact.

Fair winds and high tides.
Adaire ⚓

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online

WELL, L👀KIE HERE!! 

⚓Coochie Community Shopping Service - FUEL service back in action!

⚓🐨NEW Competition for Coochie (and mainland) kids. 'What Does Australia Mean to You'? 🦘

⚓Coming up - Cane Toad hunting

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

CCSS Fuel Run Update

Fuel on Coochie. Still happening. Just a little differently.

When the Coochie Community Shopping Service was advised back in November that fuel could no longer be carried with the regular shopping run, it could’ve been game over for island fuel deliveries.

Instead, the team did what islanders do best.

They adapted.

A separate, dedicated fuel run has now been set up to meet ongoing demand, and it’s open to all Coochie residents. It’s currently running monthly, with clear safety guidelines in place to keep everyone compliant and upright.

This isn’t a free-for-all jerry-can jamboree. There are limits, labelling rules, drop-off times, paperwork, and a carefully coordinated crew making it all happen. And yes, it includes delivery.

👉 In the full article, we cover:

• How the fuel run works (step by step)

• Container rules and safety requirements

• Costs, payment options, and barge coverage

• Who’s involved and who to contact

• Dates for the next run

Big shout-out to the volunteers quietly keeping the wheels turning and the tanks filled. This is community muscle in action.

⛽ Next fuel run: Thursday 22 January
📦 Container drop-off: Wednesday 21 January

Hop over here to get the full details before you roll up with a mystery container and a hopeful smile.

🎨🇦🇺 Kids Art Challenge – Entries Open Now!

We’re inviting kids aged 5–17 to get off screens and get creative for our Australia Day Kids Art Challenge. The theme is “What Australia Means to Me”, with handmade artwork only (no digital art), judged fairly in age groups. There are cash and voucher prizes to be won, plus a $50 bonus for winners who are present at the live announcement at the Australia Day Markets on 26 January. Entries close midnight 20 January — parents can enter online via Messenger on the Coochie Community Online Facebook Page. Let the kids create something real this Australia Day 🇦🇺🎨

Parents, enter here (direct link to Messenger)

Sponsored by:
The Coochiemudlo Island Beach Bar & Grill
The Curlew Cafe
Viva Coochie
Rita Suters - REMAX on Point

The Cane Toad Hunt - keeping the pressure on! 🐸

The Great Coochie Toad Hunt Is On!!

If you’ve been out and about at dusk lately, you may have noticed a new trend hopping around Coochie… and no, it’s not a wellness craze.

It’s cane toads. Lots of them. Heavy afternoon rain plus warm nights is basically a VIP invitation for cane toads to start their little island pub crawl.

Residents have spotted them in gardens, on roads, and even doing laps where they are distinctly not welcome. A few locals also shared photos of hatchlings showing up in unexpected places, proving once again that cane toads don’t need much encouragement to invite themselves in. 

Classic Coochie.

So here’s your friendly island heads-up. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be organising some very casual, probably chaotic, ad-hoc toad hunts whenever our beloved Toad Lady, Edith Hopalot (not her real name, and yes, insert laughing emoji right here) is free to lead the charge. She’s brave, she’s fast, and she claims she can spot a toad at twenty paces — even without her glasses.

If you’ve never been on a toad hunt before, don’t stress. It’s basically neighbours, torches, buckets, and a shared sense of revenge. You’ll fit right in.

Read previous articles on cane toads here. This  articletalks of the value in using pheromone traps to get the buggers before they can hop!

And a tiny disclaimer, because transparency is everything on this island. Yes, I use my AI assistant to help tidy up articles like this. But when it comes to chasing toads through the dark with a headlamp and a questionable sense of balance, I’ll be out there without my digital sidekick. AI, how do you feel about that? … I’ll take your silence as support. Stay tuned for hunt dates, and keep your torches charged. Coochie’s nightlife is about to get interesting.

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.

Coochiemudlo Island Recreation Club BINGO!

💦Worlds Worst Car Wash - Fundraiser💲

Australia Day Markets - Coochie Progress

Visit the Coochie Markets Facebook Page here.

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 🥒🎾

Pickleball officially starts back for 2026 on the island this week. Come & see why this is the fastest growing fun exercise. 4pm sessions for adults will be on Thurs, Fri & Sun. All playing standards welcome, with intro sessions for first timers. Youth pickleball for 10 to 15s is back next Tues 13th at 4.45pm. See you in court. 🏝 🎾🤩🙂

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.

Qigong on Coochie - Morwong Beach

Qigong at Morwong ( opposite 186 Victoria parade North ) in the park on Wednesdays at 8 am. All welcome and bring water. FREE!

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.