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⚓ From the Helm⚓

The Quiet Legends Among Us

Every good ship has its figureheads… and then it has the crew below deck quietly keeping the whole thing afloat.

This week I’ve been thinking about our unsung heroes. The ones who don’t want applause. The ones who’d rather duck behind the mangroves than stand on a stage. They mow a neighbour’s lawn without mentioning it. They notice when the bins haven’t gone out. They quietly check in. No fanfare. No Facebook post. Just community, done properly.

I was chatting with a friend about our older islanders, many living solo in their little slices of paradise. Asking for help isn’t easy. Pride runs strong. Independence even stronger. But if something went pear-shaped in the kitchen, or a tumble happened on the front steps, who would they call? How would help arrive?

That conversation tugged at an old memory from my Red Cross days back in the 1990s, when I was running a regional centre and facilitating programs like Telecross. Volunteers would ring a list of clients each morning. If someone didn’t answer, there was a clear activation process to make sure they were okay. Simple. Human. Effective. I’m not even sure if Telecross still sails under the same flag, but the concept has stayed with me.

Could something like that work here on Coochie? Maybe not in a formal, paperwork-heavy way. But perhaps in the gentle, neighbourly, “just checking in, love” kind of way we already do so well. Because let’s be honest, much of this already happens informally between friends and neighbours. The bones of it are there. We just might need to strengthen the rigging.

Community resilience isn’t built in big dramatic gestures. It’s built in small, consistent ones. A phone call. A knock on the door. A shared understanding that we look out for each other, especially when someone might be too proud or too private to ask.

Our recent First Aid and Manual Handling course on Valentine’s Day was a full house, and hats off to Coochie Progress for bringing it to us free of charge. What better love letter to an island than learning how to keep each other safe? That training, combined with neighbourly check-ins, lifts our collective confidence in living in what is, technically, a remote region. Beautiful, yes. Self-reliant? Increasingly so.

So here’s the gentle nudge from the helm this week: if you’re one of those quiet legends, thank you. If you’re not yet, perhaps it’s time to step forward and show others how community is done.

I’d genuinely love to know what’s already happening under the radar. Have similar networks been trialled before? Are there existing check-in systems ticking away quietly? Hit reply or email editor@coochiecommunityonline.com and let’s keep the conversation flowing.

After all, a resilient island isn’t built by captains alone. It’s built by crew.

Adaire ⚓

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online

WELL, L👀KIE HERE!! S'up this week!

⚓Valentines Day on Coochie - Community 💗 with 1st Aid

⚓Coochie Native Bush Nursery-complete with it's own song 👩‍🎤🎤

⚓Our Island Talent - Roger Whitings Prose

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

We want YOU! 😍🥳

📬 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 Native Bush Nursery

🌿 Edible Island

What’s Growing Under Our Feet?

We’re kicking off a new series all about the plants quietly doing their thing around Coochie… and some of them are edible.

Yep. Not everything green is just “background scenery.”

First up…

🌱 Native Parsnip

(Trachymene incisa)
Also called Native Celery

4

So what is it?

It’s a low-growing native plant that likes sandy soil and sunshine. You’ll see it in coastal areas and bush edges. Little umbrella-style flowers. Soft leafy bits that look a bit parsley-ish.

It’s not flashy. It’s not dramatic.
It just quietly belongs here.

And yes… it’s edible.

The leaves and stems have a mild celery flavour. Fresh, slightly peppery, subtle.

You could:

• Chop it into a salad

• Sprinkle it over soup

• Toss it through a stir fry

But hold up.

Important bit (don’t skip this)

This plant belongs to the same family as celery and parsley.

That family also includes some very toxic plants that look similar.

So this is not a “wander around grazing” situation.

If you’re not 100% sure what you’re looking at, don’t eat it.

Simple.

We’re sharing knowledge, not encouraging risky foraging.

Why it’s cool (even if you never eat it)

Native Parsnip:

• Handles sandy soil like a champ

• Supports insects

• Helps stabilise ground

• Is part of the natural coastal system

It’s doing more than just sitting there looking green.

Why this series?

Because we walk past so much on this island without really seeing it.

Some plants are food.
Some are invaders.
Some are heroes in disguise.

And once you start noticing… you can’t un-notice.

NOTE: Information sourced from ChatGPT and has not been verified. Feedback by 'reply' email is appreciated

We really do live in Paradise! Image by Nick Obrien

🌱 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.

BINGO! Coochie Rec Club

Coochiemudlo Island Heritage Society 2000 AGM

Farewell, Tidal Moon 👋🥰

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 

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 Tuesdays at 4pm. See you on 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.