"The Birds, The Bins & The Battle for Our Environment: Register now for this controversial newsletter!"

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Discover the latest on environmental battles, community celebrations, and exciting activities on Coochiemudlo Island in this edition! Register here for all the details.

Adaire Palmer

Jun 10, 2026

⚓ From the Helm⚓

It's a short walk off a long jetty for this weeks musings from the helm. In fact, the jetty, as an analogical comparison to getting answers from Redland City Council, feel almost like a bridge, that stretches to the nether regions of who-knows-where, into the void of communication that is RCC.

I've been busy in the background, researching (OK, my AI buddy has been helping, but I've been driving this bus, and AI is merely the passenger checking the GPS coordinates occasionally.)

The more overreach and under consulted I feel, the more I want to stamp my feet and say lots of expletives. Very loudly.

For me, it goes back to the kayak rack issue on the beach near the barge several years ago. While I'm sure it's nothing personal, and no one person intentionally does either nothing or treats us like we're idiots - well ok, maybe one or two, every time council does something like remove the kayaks, bins or put up netting to stop the welcome swallows from roosting, and we ask for answers, it feels like screaming into a void.

That's NOT the kind of relationship I'd like to have with an organisation that provides services to us...that we pay for! Hell, I've had better relationships with all of my mother-in-laws over the years!!

So yes, I'm pissy. I emailed our local councillor, Lance Hewlett and asked him some questions about these issues, and he'd referred me to a council employee. After waiting a week, I emailed Lance again and asked if council employees have KPIs that include response times to inquiries. To his credit, Lance has followed up again...I sometimes wonder if they too, feel like they are screaming into a void just to try and get our concerns dealt with...

Anyhoo, the upshot of all this is that I'm tired of whinging, and want to take some action, so I've created a 'Community Action Guide', and you can use it to easily grab emails and phone numbers for RCC and wildlife organisations, along with draft emails you can adapt and send quickly and easily.

I've attached this resource to my newly appointed 'Coochiebot' and you can access it here.

Until next time, relax your shoulders and breathe.

(Note to self: take your own advice.) 😏

Adaire ⚓

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online

What's inside this edition...

⚓ Birds and bins - will they be the death of polite society on Coochie?

⚓ Revisiting David Paxton's last History walk. I do hope he comes back for guest appearances occasionally!

⚓ Coastcare celebrates World Environment and Queensland Day

⚓ Coochie bus is looking for drivers. Do you want to join us?

⚓⚓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!)

"The Birds, The Bins & The Battle for Our Environment: Why It Matters"

Recent changes to Coochiemudlo Island’s jetty have stirred a deep response among locals.

The removal of bins and new netting that displaced Welcome Swallows from their familiar ferry pontoon roost have sparked unusually strong community conversations.

Residents say it’s not only about bins or birds — it’s about a sense of place and belonging that these ordinary details represent.

For years, the swallows’ presence has been part of arriving on the island, while accessible bins reflected daily needs.

Frustration has grown as decisions seem made without community input or clear explanation.

Locals are asking vital questions about transparency, the importance of local knowledge, and inclusion in decision-making.

Many aren’t seeking to control every choice, but to have their voices heard about changes to the island’s unique character.

Constructive ways to get involved and protect what makes Coochie special are available for those interested.

One Last Walk with David Paxton

A short video highlighting David Paxton's guided walks around Coochiemudlo Island, uncovering the stories, landmarks, and hidden history that have shaped this unique part of Moreton Bay.

From early settlement and local characters to the island’s cultural and environmental significance, David's walks have brought the past to life in a way that’s both engaging and easy to follow. Before relocating off the island, David Paxton, historian and long-time resident of Coochiemudlo Island, hosted his last Heritage Walk for Coochiemudlo Island Heritage Society on 28 March 2026. Thank you David!

This is a fantastic reminder of the little slice of paradise we live in, regardless of the bureaucracy that has reached its tentacles across the bay...

Visit the Coochiemudlo Island website.

Coastcare: A double celebration of World Environment and Queensland Days

@coochiemudloislandcoastcar5613 Working bee

A double celebration of World Environment and Queensland Days with the working bee on Norfolk Beach.

A top weeding effort by volunteers prepping the Flinders landing site for next month’s re-enactment.

Wildlife encounters, a reminder the Emerald Fringe is valued habitat too. Thanks to wildlife carer, Jacqui for attending to an injured curlew

This newsletter sponsored by

Sponsor Spot - Your Business Belongs Here!

Come to where the people are! Over 500 email 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.

Events on Coochie you will want to attend...
New Events Monthly!!

Free Community lunch for the elderly.

This will be a time where we want to see elderly people that usually eats alone connecting with one another over a home cooked meal.

Fellowship, laughter and a good meal will be the ingredients for this event.

All you need to do is to text Lizaan at 0439320241

Bushcarers meet every month on the third Saturday. Come and help us look after our island's beautiful natural places. It's rewarding work, we're a cheerful mob, and our morning tea's a treat.

Phone enquiries 0490 0502 08.

Visit Bushcare's webpage
Join the Bushcare Facebook Group

Do you want to join us?

Standing items

Your portal for information about Coochie

RFDS Medical Chest on Coochie💊

💚Community on Coochiemudlo Island💚

🌴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 🥰


Your Local Library Open Saturdays 8.30 - 11.30am (Downstairs)

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 3pm in March and 2pm in June 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!

"How to Contact Redland City Council for

Various Community Issues"

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.