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⚓ From the Helm⚓

Some weeks feel heavier than others. The news cycle is loud, the world beyond our shoreline feels unsettled, and it can all creep into daily life if we let it. That’s why this week’s edition matters. It’s a reminder that while we can’t control what’s happening “overseas”, we can choose where we place our attention, our energy, and our feet. Preferably barefoot. On island sand.

The articles in this week’s edition quietly point to a common theme. Community doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people show up. Volunteers give their time. Locals roll up their sleeves. Kids create, adults support, and small efforts add up to something that feels bigger than the sum of its parts. It’s not flashy, but it’s solid. And it’s very Coochie.

Which brings me to Australia Day.

What a day!

From the buzz of the markets to the laughter and anticipatory excitement around the Kids Art Competition announcement, the island felt alive in that relaxed, easy way that reminds you why you live here. It was well attended, joy-filled, and exactly what an island celebration should be.

A huge thank you goes to the businesses who backed our young artists and helped make the day so special: Rita Suters – REMAX on Point, Coochiemudlo Island Beach Bar & Grill, Curlew Café, and Viva Coochie. Community support like this doesn’t just fund prizes. It sends a message to kids that their creativity matters.

And to the kids themselves. Absolute legends. The imagination, effort, and heart in those artworks were something else. Big love also to the parents and families who encouraged, transported, praised, and proudly stood back while their kids had their moment.

Straya Day on Coochie gave us a collective exhale. A pause from the noise. A chance to relax, breathe, and soak in the atmosphere of what truly was Australia Day. Not the headlines. Not the arguments. Just people, place, sunshine, and connection.

If ever there was proof that small communities still get it right, this was it.

Here’s to more days like that.

And here’s to remembering that sometimes the best response to a messy world… is a really good day at home on the island.

Until next week, fair winds and calm seas.

Adaire ⚓

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online

WELL, L👀KIE HERE!! 

⚓Australia Day Markets Wrap-up!
⚓Curlew Count 2026

⚓Local Talent, Jose Garcia and his island ferry parody (you MUST check that one out!)

⚓Events galore! Just scroll down!

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

Australia Day on Coochie - that's a wrap!

Australia Day Markets: Coochie at Its Best ☀️🎶

If you wanted a snapshot of Coochie at its most vibrant, welcoming and proudly local, the Australia Day Markets delivered it in spades of sand!

From the moment the stalls opened, the island buzzed. Locals, visitors, kids darting between tables, dogs snoozing in the shade, and that familiar Coochie soundtrack of chatter, laughter and live music drifting through the air. It felt relaxed, busy, and exactly how a community market should feel.

Artisans Alley was a standout as always. This little pocket of creativity showcased just how much talent lives on our island. Handmade, heartfelt and refreshingly analogue in a world that’s often anything but.

One of the quiet crowd-pullers was 12 year old Elsie, whose stall featured her beautifully nostalgic analogue postcards, alongside oyster shell souvenirs and keychains. Thoughtful, tactile pieces that felt like tiny love letters to island life.

And speaking of the future of small business, the markets proudly featured some brilliant kidpreneurs who absolutely held their own among the grown-ups.

• Emily and Gabriella impressed with their handmade jewellery, confidently chatting with customers and clearly loving every minute of running their own stall

• Jules brought a treasure trove of pre-loved books, proving that stories always find new homes and new readers

It’s hard not to smile watching young people learn, earn, and connect with their community in such a hands-on way. If that’s not grassroots entrepreneurship, nothing is.

Over at the food end of things, the Coochie Island Beach Bar & Grill was absolutely pumping. Cold drinks, full tables, and that unmistakable holiday energy made it one of the busiest spots on the island. Meanwhile,  Curlew Cafe kept the coffees flowing and the conversations going, playing its part as the unofficial meeting point for “oh hello, haven’t seen you in ages!”

Behind the scenes, the markets continue to thrive thanks to strong local support. The Coochie Progress Markets are proudly sponsored by Rita Suters -  REMAX On Point, with Rita's backing helping ensure these events remain a cornerstone of island life.

All up, the Australia Day Markets were a reminder of what works here. Community. Creativity. Local businesses supporting local people & our mainland friends. And a whole lot of heart packed into a few sunny hours.

Same place, same spirit. Long may it continue 💚💛

🐦 Coochie Curlew Count 2026

Calling all bird lovers, dusk walkers, and curious locals 🐦

If you’ve ever locked eyes with a curlew on Coochie, you know the feeling.

That intense stare.
The awkward pause.

The silent agreement that something ancient is happening here.

On Saturday 7 February 2026, islanders are invited to take part in the Coochie Curlew Count, a community event that’s quietly been building one of the most valuable wildlife datasets on the island for the past 25 years.

The annual count helps track our local bush stone-curlew population and gives researchers long-term insight into how the island environment is changing over time. In other words, a relaxed walk with neighbours becomes something much bigger.

The Curlew Count has had a few bumps along the way. One year was cancelled due to wild weather, another due to logistical hiccups, and more recently it took a fair bit of community care and persistence to see the count reinstated. That effort matters.

Why? Because while Coochie continues to support a healthy breeding population, bush stone-curlews are officially Endangered in New South Wales and Critically Endangered in Victoria. Monitoring strong populations like ours helps build the bigger picture of what’s happening across Australia, and why places like this island are so important.

So yes, this is a local walk.

But it’s also part of something much wider.

Redland City Council are asking that we REGISTER to participate. You can register here. 

We were chuffed to be entertained by Jose from Jose Garcia - Musician,  Monday afternoon.  A lovely addition to the talented Artisans at Artisan Alley, beside the Curlew Cafe.

Jose has created a parody of 'Hallelujah' and delighted us with his rendition. Now the Amity Trader ferry crew have their own theme song!

Check out Jose's talent on his Facebook Page, Jose Garcia - Musician, and have a chuckle with us listening to the parody. Sing along, it's easy to pick up 🚣‍♀️🤣

📬 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.

🙂A Stand in the Park🙂

A Stand in the Park is a global, grassroots movement built on one beautifully simple idea: people standing together in a public space to talk, listen, and remind each other that no one has to feel alone. No speeches. No therapy. No pressure. Just real human connection.

Each gathering creates a gentle, welcoming space where conversations happen naturally. Some people talk. Some people listen. Some just stand quietly and take it all in. All of it is welcome.

The next local Stand is happening right here on Coochie.

📍 Where: Main Beach, in the shelter near the Beach Bar
(towards the road from the memorial)
🗓 When: Sunday 1 February
⏰ Time: 10:00 – 11:00am

You don’t need to book, prepare, or bring anything other than yourself. Come for five minutes or stay the whole hour. Barefoot is perfectly acceptable.

Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do for ourselves and each other is simply… stand together.

World Wetlands Day Event

Friday 6 February 9.30am-12.30pm – World Wetlands Day event  Our partners, Conservation Volunteers Australia will bring a group of corporate volunteers to the island and Coastcarers are invited to join them. Please email coochiecoastcare@gmail.com if you’d like to participate. Come and experience the beauty of Coochiemudlo Island and help protect the stunning RAMSAR-listed Melaleuca Wetlands. These wetlands are part of the internationally recognised Moreton Bay ecosystem and provide crucial habitat for a range of wildlife - including migratory shorebirds who rely on the island as a resting and feeding sanctuary. You'll be supporting the ongoing conservation efforts of Coochiemudlo Island Coastcare, a passionate local volunteer group dedicated to preserving the health of this special environment. The Melaleuca Wetlands are an incredibly unique pocket of the island, regularly tended by volunteers who help protect native flora and fauna. Coochiemudlo Island is just a short 10-minute ferry ride from Victoria Point.  Once you arrive, we'll head to the southern end of the island for a morning of light environmental work, followed by a relaxing break where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and explore the natural beauty of the island. Put on your sun-smart clothes and enclosed shoes, grab a pair of gloves, and join us from 9:30am to 12:30pm on Friday, February 6th, as we care for the Melaleuca Wetlands together. Your involvement truly makes a difference, and we appreciate every contribution towards protecting this special place”.

🌿 Dunecare (Coastcare Volunteer Session)
📅 Date: Saturday 7 February 2026
🕒 Time: 8.30am (rescheduled to accommodate the Curlew Count)
📍 Location: Emerald Fringe / island dunes
🎟️ Admission: Free (volunteer)
📄 Details: Join friendly volunteers removing weeds and caring for dunes and wetlands — morning tea

📢 Coochie Progress Public Meeting
📅 Date: Saturday 7 February 2026
🕒 Time: 2 - 4pm
📍 Location: Rec Club, Elizabeth Street, Coochiemudlo Island
🎟️ Admission: Free
📄 Details: Quarterly community meeting to discuss island matters including services like the Medical Chest and local projects.

Check out this and other events on the Coochiemudlo Island website events page.

📍 Curlew Count – the details 🐦

🗓️ When: Saturday 7 February 2026, from 4pm
📍 Where: Pioneer Park, Coochiemudlo Island
🥤 Bring: Drinks, snacks, a torch 🔦, and insect repellent 🦟
👟 Wear: Comfy shoes, a hat 👒, sunscreen ☀️, and your best curlew-spotting eyes 👀🐦
🌭 Bonus: Sausage sizzle afterwards (because Coochie 😄🔥)

Register here by 2 Feb

🌱 Bushcare Working Bee
📅 Date: Saturday 21 February 2026
🕒 Time: (usually early morning)
📍 Location: Various natural areas around Coochiemudlo Island
🎟️ Admission: Free (volunteer)
📄 Details: Monthly group working to protect and restore native vegetation — great for nature lovers.

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 on Coochie in 202! 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 15 year olds is back next Tuesdays at 4pm. 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.

Angela Hoskings has also added information where relevant to her website, Coochiemudlo Island.

Keep an eye on the new Facebook Page, Coochie Markets, for details about upcoming markets (next markets are at Easter).

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

💥NEW💥Roles & Contacts for the Rec Club:

📣 Coochie Recreation Club – Who’s Who

As we head into an exciting new year at the Rec Club, here are your key points of contact for programs, activities, and gym coordination.

🏋️ Personal Training Co-ordinator
Helen Symes
📞 0412 340 227

💪 Gym Co-ordinator
Jacqui Sanders
📞 0488 664 666

🎨 Kids Activity Co-ordinator
Kate Barker
📞 0416 497 076

Whether you’re keen to get moving, organise activities for the kids, or have a question about the gym, these legends have you covered.

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.

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.