⚓ From the Helm⚓

There’s a particular kind of energy that rolls into Coochie with the school holidays. You can feel it before you even see it. Bikes left a little closer to the jetty than usual. Towels slung over shoulders. That slightly chaotic, happy hum of people who’ve decided… yeah, today’s a beach day.

And honestly, it’s been a good one.

The island’s been doing what it does best lately, holding that balance between “we live here” and “you’re lucky to be visiting.” Holiday makers are out in full force, kids are back to jetty jumping like it’s an Olympic sport, and the beach has that steady rhythm of families, eskies, and the occasional overly ambitious sandcastle that won’t survive the tide. (We’ve all been there.)

At the same time, this week’s newsletter leans into something a bit more grounded.

There’s been a noticeable shift in conversations around the island. Not panic, not fear, but awareness. The kind that creeps in when a few “isolated incidents” start to feel less isolated. We’ve pulled together what’s been happening, what it actually means in context, and where Coochie still sits compared to the mainland. Because perspective matters here. We’re still a safe place… just not untouched.

You’ll also see updates that hit closer to day-to-day life. The kind of things that don’t make headlines but quietly shape how we live. The ferry, payments, little system changes that remind us we’re part of a bigger network now, whether we like it or not. It’s that ongoing shift from “knowing the skipper” to tapping a card on a machine that definitely doesn’t know your name. Progress, apparently.

And then there’s the good stuff. Because it’s not all serious.

There are stories, updates, and bits and pieces that remind you why people fall in love with this place in the first place. Community efforts ticking along, local initiatives finding their feet, and that underlying sense that when something needs doing, someone here will quietly step up and make it happen.

That’s the part I never get tired of.

This really is one of those “all boats rising” moments. The more we share what’s happening, the more people get involved. The more people get involved, the stronger the community becomes. And round it goes.

So whether you’re here full-time, visiting for the holidays, or just keeping an eye on things from the mainland… take a moment this week.

Watch the kids launching themselves off the jetty like fearless little maniacs. Notice the conversations happening behind the scenes. And maybe, just maybe, appreciate that we get both. The fun and the reality. The sunshine and the substance.

That’s Coochie.

Adaire ⚓

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online

📬 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.

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

​The air on Coochiemudlo Island didn’t smell like war. It smelled of salt crusting on mangroves and the sweet, heavy scent of damp earth in the vegetable patch. But eleven-year-old Elsie knew the war was there. She could hear it in the low, rhythmic thrum of the Brisbane Line defenses and the sharp crack of Lee-Enfield rifles echoing from the mainland.

​The Bay of Giants

​Elsie squinted against the midday glare. Out in the Bay, the water was a shimmering sheet of brass. Her big brother, Arthur, was out there somewhere. He was "training," which to Elsie meant sleeping in a canvas tent on the western side of the island that smelled of damp mildew and citronella oil. [^1]

Read more...

Events on Coochie you will want to attend...

New Events Monthly!!

• 📅 Date: April 18, 2026
• 🕒 Time: Morning
• 📍 Location: Various natural areas (meeting point announced locally)
• 🎟️ Admission: Free
• 📄 Details:
  Help maintain the island’s beautiful bushland. These monthly working bees are welcoming, social, and a great way to give back while enjoying the outdoors.

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. 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 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 recently. HDIGABTT?!?!?!

Every First Sunday Of Each Month From 10-11am

1000+ parks. Over 30 Countries.

• No Agenda
• No Religion
• No Leaders

Wear yellow in unity.

Coochie's Stand In The Park is in the park at Main Beach, in the shelter opposite the Memorial (near the beach bar)

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).

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.