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⚓ From the Helm⚓

Editor, Coochie Community Online

What's inside this edition...

⚓Rumors or Reality...are we going to have to pay to take our rubbish to the tip?

⚓Get ready for the Flinders Day Markets and the educational re-enactment of Matthew Flinders landing on 18 July 2026

⚓Fuel run on 9 July 

⚓Op Shop open on 4 July

⚓⚓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!)

Concerns about new dumping fees at the Coochiemudlo Island rubbish dump have been swirling, but is there any truth to them?

Recently, locals worried after hearing that household rubbish disposal might soon come with a charge, especially following a rise in waste-related rates.

Redland City Council’s new waste system, set for October 2026, will limit mainland residents to 12 free visits per year to Birkdale and Redland Bay waste centres, with fees for additional trips.

However, this change will not affect Coochiemudlo’s local dump — household rubbish can still be dropped off free of charge for island residents.

The move comes as Council faces surging waste management costs, including a doubling of the Queensland Waste Levy by 2030 and notable rate increases.

For now, Coochie residents can continue using their island facility at no extra cost.

Coochiemudlo Island is set to celebrate the historic landing of Matthew Flinders with a lively re-enactment on Norfolk Beach on Saturday, 18 July 2026.

This beloved annual tradition invites locals and visitors to relive Flinders’ 1799 arrival, blending authentic history with engaging entertainment.

Arrive by 11:30 am to enjoy the festivities, including a re-enactment of Flinders’ landing and his naming of the island as Sixth Island after a precise sextant reading.

Started in 1977 by islander Edward ‘Ted’ Jones, these commemorations have nurtured a rich community bond.

The Coochiemudlo Island Heritage Society will also host a stall at the Flinders Day Markets, offering insights into local heritage alongside arts, crafts, and food for families to enjoy.

Just an eight-minute ferry from Victoria Point, the celebration promises a unique journey through Australia’s maritime past.

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.

Every first Saturday of the month, Coochiemudlo Island’s eastern shore comes alive as locals unite for Dunecare, targeting invasive plants like Mother of Millions.

These hands-on sessions help safeguard the island’s fragile coastal ecosystem and offer a welcoming space for neighbors to connect.

The next event is set for Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm, with volunteers meeting beneath the Coastcare flags to take on weeds threatening the Emerald Fringe.

After a productive afternoon, participants relax over tea and cake, celebrating their achievements and building lasting friendships.

Joining is simple—just wear sturdy shoes, comfy clothes, a hat, and sunscreen, and bring insect repellent and water.

For details, reach out to Graeme at 0413 352 511. Get involved to enjoy a rewarding blend of conservation and community spirit.

Grab your tix here: https://events.humanitix.com/coochie-sings-chorale-workshop#main

EARLY BIRD FINISHES 11 July

Check out what we did last time and hear what people said about it here 👇

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 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 18 July for Flinders Day).

To book a stall, contact Emily: 0491 092 043  or email markets@coochieprogress.org

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:

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.