⚓ From the Helm⚓

Ahhh… hear that?

That’s the sound of school bells ringing on the mainland, ferry queues shrinking, and our sleepy little slice of paradise stretching, yawning, and remembering who it is again.

The tourists have packed up the eskies, the kids are back in classrooms, and Coochie has quietly slipped back into island mode. Less hustle. More knowing nods. A collective exhale.

Of course, “sleepy” is a relative term. We islanders don’t so much rest as recalibrate.

The Gym is officially back in action, with the grand re opening this Saturday 7 February. New energy, fresh faces, and just enough enthusiasm to make the rest of us feel mildly guilty while still cheering from the sidelines.

Pickleball continues its quiet takeover, with a dozen new faces discovering that this is, in fact, a sport and not a kitchen utensil. The courts are buzzing, friendships are forming, and nobody quite knows how competitive they are until the first close call.

A Stand in the Park is growing too. More conversations, more connection, more people choosing to turn up and be part of something simple and human. No bells. No whistles. No memberships. Just community.

And then there’s the Op Shop.
Saturday morning. 8.30am sharp.
Elbows metaphorically sharpened.
Strategic positioning mastered.

All very relaxed, of course. Island relaxed. With intent.

This is how we reclaim our sleepy paradise. Not by lying in hammocks all day, but by actively filling our calendar while insisting we are doing “nothing much.” By calling it quiet while juggling gym sessions, pickleball games, community catch ups, and bargain hunting, dinner at the Beach Bar and fishing like it’s an Olympic event.

It’s the best kind of contradiction.

Peaceful. Lively. Familiar.

Welcome back to the rhythm of island life.

Tourists gone. Schools back.

And Coochie, once again, very comfortably itself.

Until next week, fair winds and calm seas.

Adaire ⚓

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online

WELL, L👀KIE HERE!! 

⚓Medical Chest update (Hint: find out more at the CIPA public meeting on Saturday - details under 'events' ⬇️)

Windy week on Coochie
⚓Grand (RE) Opening of the Coochie Gym on Saturday (including true stories of my own exploits at the gym 😉💪)

⚓ Rec Club seeks new Games Night Coordinator

⚓The Coochiemudlo Squire makes his debut here 😎🎣

⚓PLUS a VERY BUSY weekend on Coochie and advance notice of Tidal Moon's 'Last Hurrah' concert at Mudlo 🎤🎸

⚓Scroll to the end for upcoming events and 'Standing Items' for ongoing dates (like the Artisans Alley) &  key contacts on Coochie 👇👇👇

For much of Coochiemudlo Island’s history, medical emergencies have been shaped by one unavoidable reality: water sits between residents and care. With no resident doctor, pharmacy or hospital, urgent situations have always depended on ferries, weather windows, and mainland response times.

Over the years, this vulnerability led to practical solutions rather than grand ones, including the introduction of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Medical Chest. Designed for remote and island communities, the locked chest allows authorised clinicians to remotely direct the use of critical medications while patients wait for evacuation or higher-level care. It became an essential safety net, not as a replacement for medical services, but as a way to stabilise patients when time, tides or storms work against the island.

Today, that safety net operates alongside the dedication of local paramedics and trained first responders, who provide immediate on-island care and coordination during emergencies. Together, they form the backbone of Coochie’s medical response system. Looking ahead, the long-term vision shared by many in the community is to move beyond emergency stopgaps toward prevention and access: a local health hub that could host a visiting GP, allied health services, and coordinated emergency support. The medical chest, first responders and ambulance services are not the end of the story, but important stepping stones in an ongoing push to bring safer, easier medical care closer to home.

Come to the Coochie Progress Public meeting on Saturday 7 Feb at 2pm at the Rec Club where Lauren from RFDS will be present to share her expertise and answer questions on the Medical Chest. 

Enquiries can be directed to CIPA President, Elizabeth Rankin 0403 467 812

I took a video on Monday of my boat, Adaire to Dream, hanging on through the 30+ knot winds.

I’m pretty diligent when it comes to mooring maintenance. Sometimes I have a specialist check the tackle twice a year, so I feel confident I’ve done everything reasonably possible to keep her safe and secure.

At the time of writing, a small cat that decided to take itself for a beach walk along the main beach. The owner is aware and it should be back on it's mooring before we really even noticed it wasn't. 

A houseboat that drifted from Macleay Island is snug along the shoreline on the north-eastern side of the island, the owner has been notified and she'll be back in Dalpura Bay soon enough. 

We are very lucky here on Coochie to have a majority of boat owners taking responsibility for their vessels. 😎

From dirt floors to Body Pump 💪🕷️

The Coochie gym has come a long way from its early days of spiders, second-hand gear, and pure determination.

Somewhere along the journey there was a mouldy mascot, a few “I’m back at the gym” declarations, and more than one enthusiastic fling with Body Pump.

This week’s story is a light-hearted look at an on-again, off-again relationship with the gym, the legend of Gymima, and why it might be time to dust off the gym gear (and find my Jane Fonda headband 😄).

Fitness, fun, and a reminder that taking care of ourselves doesn’t have to be so serious.

👉 Read the full story here...

Pool 🎱
Table tennis 🏓
Darts 🎯
Or maybe a sneaky board game that gets very competitive…

If that sounds like your kind of fun, the Rec Club might be looking for you!!

The Rec Club is on the hunt for a new Games Night Coordinator to help bring our much-loved games night back to life. It used to run on Tuesdays, but the Rec Club is totally flexible. Different night? Every second week? We’re easy.

Right now, the cues, paddles, darts and dice are all sitting around, patiently waiting for some friendly rivalry and a few laughs.

If you’re keen to help get the games rolling again, email
📧 committee@coochierecclub.com.au

Bonus points if you enjoy a bit of banter and don’t mind losing gracefully 😄

📬 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.

Sometimes the island gives you a feast. Sometimes it gives you a story.

After weeks off the water for Michael from 'The Coochiemudlo Squire', a quick paddle turned into an unexpected mix of ripping current, a surprise shark on the first drop, and a solid Morwong hauled up in the shallows. No nibbles. No sweetlip. Just wind, water, and a reminder that the fish decide the rules.

There was also a first-time Hobie launch, a chance meeting, and a very on-brand photo moment on Morwong Beach.

🎣 Curious how it all played out and who was there?

Catch the full yarn and pics over on Facebook. (Hint: read the comments on best way to prepare a Morwong fish!)

Events on Coochie you will want to attend...

Ramping up for 2026!

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”.

Source: Coochiemudlo Island Coastcare Newsletter

🌿 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.

The agenda so far:

• Lauren from RFDS medical chest team will be attending the Progress meeting

• Update from Lance Hewlett
• Update from Rebecca Young
• Update from the Strategic Planning Day
• Update from Denise Foley on Australia Post

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 😄🔥) Registrations closed.

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.

Farewell and Adieu!

After 10 plus years of professional performing and touring, Tidal Moon will be going down with the setting sun. It has been a fabulous jouirney with an enormous amount of happy and memorable times. We have met some amazing people, played to many wonderful audiences and enjoyed every moment; but all things have a season and so it is with us.

All funds returned to the community!

All proceeds will be donated towards the purchase and maintenance of a proposed electric bus for the Coochiemudlo Island community. This project is managed by the Coochiemudlo Island Progress Association (CIPA) who currently run a community bus service manned by volunteers, with a conventionally powered bus.

📅 Sat, 28 Feb
⏰ 2:30pm – 4:40pm (AEST)
📍 Elizabeth Street & Victoria Parade South
🏝️ Coochiemudlo Island, QLD, Australia

Tickets from Humanitix 

The RFDS Medical Chest has made it easy for you to get urgent care. (NOT emergency care, you'll still call 000 for that!)

Your Local Library

Open Saturdays 9am - Noon (Downstairs)

Open Saturdays 9am - noon. Downstairs in the Community Hall. Pop in and say hi to Pam and Christine. Pick up a book or two. 

Check here for more information...

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

Image by my trusty AI assistant 😁

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).

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.

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.