Register here!

⚓ From the Helm⚓

There’s been a bit of chatter about ferry and barge pricing changes lately — trolley fees, walk-on barge fares and contract transitions. But when you look at the numbers, Coochiemudlo still has the cheapest island vehicle access in Moreton Bay. Our passenger ferry remains 50 cents, and resident barge specials, including the $45 Wednesday shopper return and $50 weekend return - keep vehicle costs comparatively low.

The real story isn’t that we’re the most expensive island. We’re not. It’s that Coochie operates differently. Many residents walk on. We don’t have a supermarket or hardware store. Essentials move across the water in trolleys, not just in cars. Small policy changes can have outsized effects in a small, walk-heavy community.

This isn’t a crisis. It’s a moment for clarity. As ferry services move toward broader contract frameworks, the question isn’t whether we’re worse off — it’s how transport policy can continue to reflect the unique way Coochie actually lives.

And speaking of how we live… this week in our native bushtucker series we’re diving into Pigface — Carpobrotus glaucescens. I’ve included a recipe for Pigface relish as well. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m absolutely keen to next season. If you beat me to it, I’d love to hear how it turns out.

Steady as she goes.

Adaire ⚓

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online

WELL, L👀KIE HERE!! S'up this week!

⚓ Art Therapy Classes: Sunday 8 and Wed 11 March. Register Now!

⚓ It's time! Time for the Op Shop Experience!

⚓ Hey Pigface! It's your turn! (Native Bush Tucker series)

⚓ Oi, when is the next fuel run? (Spoiler alert: 19 March)

⚓ Coochie Artisans Gallery changeover. New exhibition open this weekend! 

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

Curious to know more? Read the full article here...

Not just an Op Shop...it's an experience!

Confession: the Op Shop monthly open is more firmly locked into my calendar than my dentist appointment… and this Saturday is Sale Day.

No clothes. No musty smell. Just vinyl, books, DVDs, knick knacks, working coffee machines (yes, plural), kitchen gadgets and the kind of treasure hunting that somehow ends in bacon and egg rolls next door at the Men’s Shed.

If you think it’s “just” an op shop, you’re missing the point.

👉 Pop over to Facebook to read why this little beauty between the Shed and the Gym might just be Coochie’s best Saturday morning monthly ritual.

Read on...

Pigface!
Carpobrotus glaucescens
The bright purple dune defender you can actually eat

Not an insult, just a coastal plant that helps protect our dunes from erosion...

Check out our latest star in the Native Bush Tucker series. (And check the editorial 'At the Helm' for what looks like a yummy recipe for Pigface relish!)

Read more...

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.

New Artisans Exhibition just opened! You will want to see this one! Check out the WIP of setting up the new work.  You'll find the Artisans Gallery upstairs behind the Curlew Cafe, open Friday - Sunday 10am - 2pm. More detail next week....

Author Talk: Christine Leonard – Coochiemudlo: A Mariner’s Mystery

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.

Art Therapy Workshop – Community Recovery Program

Jammalong: Community Music. Just turn up!

Play music at Jammalong at Coochie, 2pm Sunday 8th March, Pioneer Park.

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 🥒🎾

The Fun, social exercise of pickleball continues each week on Coochie. Thurs, Fri & Sun at 4pm. All standards welcome, so come & check this out. Pickleball is moving it start times to 3.30pm in March for the public sessions on Thurs, Fri & Sun. New players always welcome so come & join us for some fun exercise. Tuesday Youth Pickleball for 10 to 15s, continues 4.45 to 6pm.

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 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!

Coochie Paddlers - room with a view

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?!?!?!

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.