Adaire Palmer
⚓ ⚓From the Helm⚓⚓
Changes are in the air I started writing this From the Helm with a heavy heart, intending to announce two things:
Then I decided to change how I felt about number one and confess what’s behind it.
My precious boat will soon be on the market It’s been hard because I feel as though my identity has become connected to her, and hers to me. Who will I be without Adaire to Dream? Does this mean my dream is over?
After doing a bit of deep soul-searching, I realised that the dream isn’t in a boat, an island or a project like a newsletter.
The dream is in ME, and I can take it anywhere I choose
How liberating! I’m starting by changing the name of Adaire to Dream to A Dare to Dream. Before anyone tells me that changing a boat’s name is bad luck, I changed her original name from Slack Attack to Adaire to Dream when I bought her, and I’ve had the most challenging and rewarding life ever since, with not one regret!
This has been the next step in my journey of learning about radical responsibility and strengthening my belief that everything always turns out exactly as it’s meant to. Which is another story for another time.
In the meantime, From the Desk feels a bit beige, so I’m asking for your help to find my “new editorial feet”. I’ve considered: ❤️From My Heart to Yours... too cheesy? 🧜♀️The Musings of a Grumpy Old Woman... hmm, that one has potential. And a few more.
The page is blank, folks, and I’m happy to receive your suggestions, including why you think your suggestion fits. Just hit reply to respond.
Which leads me to the second point The first edition of this newsletter was sent out just over a year ago, on 5 September 2025, to be exact.
I was excited, nervous and felt exposed, not to mention a little like, “What gives me the right to do this?” I felt like a fraud.
Thankfully, that feeling has passed, and the support from you all has been phenomenal.
I feel like I’m starting to hit my stride here. While I was never really concerned about what I would put in a weekly newsletter, I’m thrilled with the way information is flowing.
We’re an active, engaged and beautiful community, and it’s an absolute pleasure talking with people, creating videos and articles, and bringing the good (Coochie Sings and the Art Trail), the bad (Welcome Swallows Not Welcome) and the ugly (Council’s lack of transparency and communication) into one place and recording it week by week.
So, happy first birthday to Coochie Community Online! Watch this space for changes, folks. Your input into this part of my journey is, as always, sought and appreciated.
Cheers, and hugs all round! 🥂🤗
Adaire Editor, Coochie Community Online
|
What's inside this week 👀 |
⚓ Pirate Island - is it really real? ⚓ Pickleball tourney coming up! ⚓ Photography group - new for Coochie! ⚓ Lady Divine - new music video celebrating women everywhere!
⚓ ⚓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!) |
Hidden just out of sight, Pirate Island emerges this International 'Talk Like a Pirate Day' on Saturday, 19 September. For one day only, Coochie transforms into a legendary pirate haven before the portal closes and the magic vanishes. Read More... |
That mysterious pop-pop-pop echoing across Coochie isn’t a neighbourhood feud. It’s pickleball, and it is getting louder! In just over two years, more than 250 people have stepped onto the island’s courts, while the annual tournament has grown from one division to potentially six. Discover how Dave brought his pickleball passion from the mainland to Coochie, helping one temporary court grow into a thriving community of players. Now the tournament is about to bring even more popping, cheering, groaning and good-natured Coochie rivalry to the courts. Read More... |
Local enthusiast Noel Christensen has launched the Coochie Photography Group to bring together residents interested in photography, regardless of their skill level or equipment. Whether using a smartphone or a dedicated camera, members can connect through a private Facebook group, participate in photo outings, and attend gatherings at the Coochie Recreation Club to share techniques, receive constructive feedback, and appreciate the island's everyday beauty. Read More... |
The Coochiemudlo Island Heritage Society has been selected for Grill’d Victoria Point’s Local Matters program throughout September 2026.
When you purchase a meal, you’ll receive a token to place in one of three community jars. By choosing the Heritage Society’s jar, you’ll help raise funds to preserve Coochie’s historical collection, support educational displays and keep our island’s stories alive for future generations.
So, if you’re passing through Victoria Point this month, grabbing a burger suddenly comes with a very respectable side order of local history. Every token counts! Read More... |
 Click the image to purchase tickets Closes 1 November |
Why Coochie? |
People, places, creatures and things that make our little slice of paradise so special...😍 |
Filmed right here on the island, Majelen’s official music video for Lady Divine brings together local women of different ages and backgrounds in a celebration of strength, beauty, individuality and that unmistakable feminine spark. Read More... |
This newsletter sponsored by |
Sponsor Spot - Your Business Belongs Here! |
Come to where the people are! |
|
 |
 |
📬 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.
|
📅Upcoming Events and Useful Dates!📅 |
 |
 |
 |
| 💬 8 Comments |
Free First Aid Fun for Island KidsIsland children love their independence, whether they’re heading to the BMX track, climbing trees or fishing from the jetty. These school holidays, they can also learn what to do if something goes wrong. Redland City Council’s Community and Recovery team is offering a free two-hour First Aid Course for children aged 6 to 12, delivered by Lifesaving Hands. The session will cover DRSABCD, CPR, defibrillators and common emergencies including asthma, anaphylaxis, burns, seizures, bites and stings. It’s happening at the Coochie Rec Club on Tuesday, 29 September, from 10 am to 12 noon. Parents are welcome to participate, and families with younger interested children should make contact before the day. Each child will receive a Certificate of Participation, mini roller bandage and DRSABCD chart. Read More... |
 |
 |
Standing items |
Regular, unchanging. Same every week 🤣 |
RFDS Medical Chest on Coochie💊 |
The RFDS Medical Chest has made it easy for you to get urgent care. (NOT emergency care, you'll still call 000 for that!) |
 |
🌴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 More... |
Your Local Library Open Saturdays 8.30 - 11.30am (Downstairs) |
Open Saturdays 8.30 - 11.30am. Downstairs in the Community Hall. Pop in and say hi to Pam and Christine. Pick up a book or two. |
 |
Artisan Alley |
Open Sundays 8am - 1pm 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? |
 |
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! |
 |
Image by my trusty AI assistant 😁 |
 |
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?!?!?! |
Video by Nick Obrien |
Standing for TRUTH and FREEDOM |
Every First Sunday Of Each Month From 10-11am 1000+ parks. Over 30 Countries.
Wear yellow in unity. |
 |
🙏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 🤣 |
 |
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 |
Make a complaint. Report an issue. Details below. |
Here is information on how Coochiemudlo residents can contact Redland City Council for various issues. |
| Read More... |
Report an Issue |
Discover local Coochiemudlo Island updates, including Talk Like a Pirate Day events, Pickleball tournaments, new community groups, and local news.! |
Redland City Council Meeting Webcast offers an archive of past meetings for public viewing. |
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. |