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⚓ From the Helm⚓

Following on from last week’s discussion about the new rules for dogs travelling on the ferry and barge, this week I’ve written an article about gently introducing your beloved furry sidekick to a muzzle, crate or carrier, should that become part of their travel routine.

For some people, the article has been genuinely helpful. For others, the changes themselves have understandably stirred up frustration, sadness and concern. Our dogs are family, after all. Nobody particularly enjoys the idea of extra restrictions or changing routines that have worked for years.

It’s also worth saying clearly that having an opinion is completely OK. Expressing concerns respectfully is part of healthy community conversation.

Most people simply want what’s best for their animals while still being able to access essential transport safely and without stress.

Where these conversations become most useful, though, is when they move beyond venting and toward constructive action.

Because if you feel strongly about something, chances are you’re not the only one.

Transport policies and public regulations generally don’t change because of a few frustrated comments on Facebook. They change when communities communicate clearly, calmly and consistently through the proper channels.

That doesn’t mean people have to agree with the rules. It simply means that constructive feedback tends to travel further than outrage.

A few practical ways people can make their views known include:

• Submitting respectful feedback directly to Translink
• Contacting the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads
• Writing to local state representatives
• Gathering community feedback that focuses on practical impacts and possible solutions
• Requesting a review period once the policy has been in place for a while
• Explaining the unique challenges island residents may face compared with mainland commuters

Importantly, real-life examples are often far more powerful than anger alone.

For example:
“Here’s the difficulty this creates for elderly residents travelling with larger dogs”
is more likely to start a productive conversation than:
“This is ridiculous and nobody thought this through.”

One invites discussion. The other tends to shut it down.

For anyone wishing to provide feedback or ask questions, here are some useful starting points:

Useful Contacts

Translink Feedback & Enquiries
Phone: 13 12 30
Translink Feedback and Enquiries

Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads
Phone: 13 23 80
TMR Compliments and Complaints

People can also contact their local state member if they believe broader regional transport policies are creating unintended impacts for island communities.

At the end of the day, most people are trying to navigate the same thing: balancing safety requirements, practical realities and the wellbeing of much-loved dogs.

Not always simple. Rarely black and white.

But Coochie’s usually at its best when people work together toward solutions rather than simply firing up in the comments section of Facey. Even if the comments occasionally arrive with a little extra spice.

Safe travels and smooth seas

Adaire ⚓

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online

What's inside this edition...

⚓For the Dogs of Coochie & their humans: Making the New Ferry Rules on Muzzling Less Stressful

⚓RFDS Medical Chest: IRL - how it helped a Coochiemudlian over Easter

⚓Having fun with the Outrigger Paddling crews!

⚓Bushcare update

⚓Applications still open for nominating Redlands Legends!

⚓⚓scroll down to the end for updated and standing events and other handy information (like community contact info and how to make a complaint to council - because why not!)

🐾💚NEW RULES FOR DOGS ON FERRY🐾💚

Image created with a bit of help from AI

Image by Nick Obrien

There’s a particular kind of magic that happens on Coochie just after dawn.

The ferries are quieter. The kookaburras are still carrying on like unpaid town criers. The water often looks almost suspiciously calm. And out near the bay, cutting across the glassy surface with rhythmic precision, you’ll sometimes spot the Coochie Outriggers already well into their morning paddle.

Not bad for a bunch of people who insist they’re “just having a bit of fun.”

Read more..

Video by Nick Obrien

The Innes Street bushcare site is thriving after recent rain and sunshine, with fishbone fern now nearly eliminated thanks to dedicated volunteer efforts.

Volunteers will next meet on Saturday, May 16 at 8:30 am to tackle corky passion vine, widespread asparagus fern, and to plant more native species in the adjoining bushland.

New residents are warmly invited to join and lend a hand—fresh help is always highly valued.

Bushcare HQ is also working closely with contractors to clear large amounts of invasive Singapore daisy before the upcoming June working bee, allowing volunteers to focus on finer restoration.

Meanwhile, Member for Redlands Rebecca Young will host the Emerald Fringe Forum at The Rec Club on Tuesday, May 19, 9–11 am, offering updates and funding news for the cherished Emerald Fringe.

Community participation is encouraged to help shape the future of this local natural treasure.

The Best of Redlands

The Redlands Is Handing Out Some Well-Deserved Recognition 

Sponsor Spot - Your Business Belongs Here!

Come to where the people are! Over 500 Subscribers and some pretty decent reach (on the Coochie Community Online Facebook Page! 👇👇👇

📬 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.

Looking for a Saturday night activity that's actually fun? Bingo night at the Rec Club is your jam! Doors slide open at 6pm this Saturday, 16 May, and eyes go down at 6:30pm sharp. Free brew for those who need a caffeine boost. There are snacks and drinks for sale - because Bingo's thirsty work!

👥📣EMERALD FRINGE COMMUNITY FORUM 📣👥

Book your seat at the table here.

Have your say! Take the survey here. 

.

Book your tickets here 🎫

Questions? Contact Rosemary: 0403 014 396

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 🥰

Read about Mabels life through books

Artisan Alley 

Open Sundays from 8am (weather permitting)

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 had their first coffee.

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?!?!?!

Standing for TRUTH and FREEDOM

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)

🙏Alpha at Pineridge Place 6pm Tuesdays 🙏

Red Bin, Yellow Bin, or Both?

Below is the yellow bin calendar for the rest of the year. 

You can either look down the road and follow your neighbours lead, or check in here and take the lead your neighbours will follow 🤣

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).

If you're a Rec Club member, note the following 👇

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

💥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.