⚓ From the Helm⚓

Well, crew… it’s been a brisk sail already, and we’re only at Wednesday.

Your ever-curious roving reporter slipped into the Heritage Society AGM to record David Paxton’s excellent address. And yes, when I say “took notes,” I mean I hit record and guarded that audio like it was the ship’s compass. There’s something grounding about listening to island history spoken aloud. Not dusty. Not distant. Alive and tethered to the people sitting right there in the room.

From there, I veered toward the wetlands on a noble quest for the elusive Midyim berries. Let’s just say the berries are playing hard to get. The mangroves looked smug. The mosquitoes were confident. I remain optimistic.

And then I stepped into what I thought would be a straightforward interview with local artist and retired art therapist, Millie Simic, to learn more about the Art Therapy Workshops being offered as part of the recovery program following Cyclone Alfred.

That was the plan.

I went in ready to ask sensible questions about structure, outcomes, eligibility, dates, all the practicalities. I left having quietly analysed my own infinity symbols and reflected on where I draw my community boundaries. Millie did the facilitation. I did the self-reflection. Somewhere between pencil and paper, the conversation shifted from “tell me about the program” to “oh… that’s interesting.”

Which, frankly, says a lot about why art therapy exists in the first place. It’s not about being good at art. It’s about giving form to the things that don’t sit neatly in sentences. After a season like Cyclone Alfred, that feels more than relevant. It feels necessary.

All before the week has even reached high tide.

If this is how Wednesday behaves, I’m bracing for what Friday might bring. Life on this island rarely drifts quietly. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Steady at the helm.

Adaire ⚓

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online

WELL, L👀KIE HERE!! S'up this week!

⚓Coochiemudlo Heritage Society AGM - David Paxton's talk captured and recorded right here, and meet the new committee!

⚓Local Bush Tucker Series - The sweet little Midyim Berry

⚓

⚓💥NEW💥Events and standing items added this week - scroll down first 👇

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

📬 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.

If you’ve ever wandered Coochie’s sandy tracks and thought, “That’s a nice little shrub,” you may have walked straight past dessert.

This week in our Bush Tucker series, we’re diving into the Midyim Berry — a native coastal plant that quietly produces sweet white berries with the faintest hint of ginger. Yes, ginger. In a berry. Nature doesn’t do boring.

We explore when it’s in season, where it grows, how it was traditionally used, and what to look for on your next beach or bush walk. The island isn’t just scenery. It’s a seasonal pantry — if you know where to look. 🍇

Read more...

Events on Coochie you will want to attend...

Ramped up for 2026!

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 

Turns out Coochie has always been a little bit rebellious. (Surprise! 😮)

When local amateur historian and WWII aviation navigator Ted Jones decided the experts had it wrong about Matthew Flinders’ “sixth island,” he didn’t just grumble into his tea. He picked up a sextant, read the bearings properly, and spent ten years 'politely' but persistently proving them wrong.

Join island author Christine Leonard as she shares this cracking underdog story of grit, obsession, maps, mystery and one very determined Coochiemudlo local. It’s history with heart, a touch of controversy, and a reminder that sometimes the little island gets the last word.

Christine, a proud indie author and long-time Coochie resident, brings our past to life in a morning that promises intrigue, insight and a whole new appreciation for the sand beneath your feet.

While this is a free event, bookings are required.

📅 Date: Thursday 5 March 2026 – celebrate Women’s Voices for International Women’s Day
🕰 Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM AEST
📍 Venue: Cleveland Library (Cnr Bloomfield & Middle St, Cleveland, QLD, Australia)
💰 Cost: FREE (Bookings required) Book here.

📍 Coochiemudlo Community Hall
🕤 9:30am – 2:30pm
📅 Sunday 8th OR Wednesday 11th (choose one)

Ever had something going on inside… but you don’t quite have the words for it?

Art therapy was developed for exactly that. It offers a gentle, creative way to explore thoughts, emotions and experiences without needing to “talk it all out.”

This small-group workshop will be professionally facilitated by Millie Simic, who holds a Masters in Mental Health specialising in Art Therapy. The session creates a safe, respectful and confidential space where participants can explore through simple materials such as pencil, charcoal, shapes and colour.

You do not need to be artistic.
You do not need experience with art materials.
You simply need curiosity and a willingness to explore.

This workshop forms part of the Community Recovery Program addressing ongoing stress following TC Alfred.

Assistance provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

✨ All materials provided
☕ Morning tea included
🍕 Lunch included
👥 Limited to 15 participants per session

Please choose one session only:
• Sunday 8th
• Wednesday 11th

Spots are limited and bookings are essential.

To secure your place, email:
📧 milliesimic@iprimus.com.au

Small group. Confidential setting. A different way to process what life brings.

Read more...

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...

The Fun, social exercise of pickleball continues each week on Coochie. Thurs, Fri & Sun at 4pm. All standards welcome, so come & check this out. And, from Thurs 5th March we'll move back to a 3.30pm start to keep as cool as we can. The courts are behind the Gym & Op Shop, beside the Croquet lawn. 🥒🥎🎾😄

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 😁

Visit the Coochiemudlo Island Recreation Club

Facebook Page for more information.

Sunrise, Salt Air and a Whole Lot of Smiles

If you’ve ever stood on the shoreline at dawn and thought, “I should be doing something with this view,” here’s your sign.

The local outrigger paddlers meet every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6.15am for a 6.30am start, and it’s one of the best-kept secrets for starting your day right. It’s free, it’s welcoming, and no, you don’t need to be an elite athlete who drinks kale smoothies for breakfast.

Paddling an outrigger canoe builds full-body strength without punishing your joints. You’ll work your core, shoulders and legs while getting a solid cardio workout, all without staring at a gym wall. It’s fitness disguised as fun. The kind where you’re too busy laughing to notice you’re actually working hard.

But here’s the real magic. It’s the camaraderie. There’s something about being on the water at sunrise, paddling in rhythm, that bonds people quickly. It’s friendly, frolicking, fitness-inducing and genuinely good for the soul. You’ll leave energised, salty-haired and slightly smug that you’ve already conquered the day before most people have found their car keys.

If you’d like to give it a go, contact Helen on 0414 533 781 and she’ll point you in the right direction.

Early mornings never looked so good. 🌊🚣‍♀️

Image taken by Adaire (that's me!) from the outrigger canoe this morning. HDIGABTT?!?!?!

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.