⚓ From the Helm⚓

There’s a lot going on beyond our shoreline right now.

Fuel prices doing their usual rollercoaster impression. Supply whispers getting louder. Cost of living creeping up like it’s got nowhere better to be. You don’t have to look far to find reasons to feel a bit… on edge.

And while most of that sits “out there” on the mainland, we all know it has a way of washing up here eventually. A few extra dollars at the bowser. A delayed delivery. That slight tightening feeling when you realise how dependent island life can be on systems we don’t control.

It’s real. It matters.

But here’s the part that also matters.

We live on a small island where people still nod when they pass each other. Where someone will ask, “you right?” and actually wait for the answer. Where help is often closer than we think… we just haven’t swapped phone numbers yet.

And that’s our advantage.

Because resilience here doesn’t come from stockpiling or stressing. It comes from connection.

It looks like knowing your neighbour’s name.

It looks like offering to grab something from the mainland if you’re already heading over.

It looks like asking for help without feeling awkward about it. (Yes, that one’s harder for most of us.)

Some of the strongest communities aren’t the ones with the most resources. They’re the ones where people don’t hesitate to lean on each other.

Coochie has always had that quietly stitched into its DNA.

But like anything, it only works if we actually use it.

So consider this a gentle nudge from the wheelhouse…

If you don’t know the people two doors down, maybe this is the week to change that.

If someone pops into your mind and you haven’t seen them in a while, send the message.

If you need a hand, ask. Properly ask. You might be surprised how quickly someone says yes.

And if you’re doing just fine? You’re exactly the person someone else might need.

We can’t control what’s happening out there.

But we can absolutely control how we show up in here.

And together, we’re a whole lot more capable than any of us are on our own.

Adaire ⚓

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online

⚓It's Fuel Run time!
⚓The Coochiemudlo Squire - what you need to know about snapper

⚓Coastcare update

⚓VALE Herb Golightly

⚓⚓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 to the fuel run? Here’s what you need to know…

If you’ve recently landed on Coochie or just haven’t needed fuel delivered before, the process might feel a little… mysterious. It’s not complicated, but there are a few steps (and a bit of island know-how) that make it all run smoothly.

We followed the journey from drop-off to delivery — with just enough behind-the-scenes insight to make you feel like a local by the end of it.

👉 Take a peek at how it all works here...

📬 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.

Stunning backdrop for the weekend working bee along the island's north-east - a beautiful day with a cool sea breeze. It was great to welcome newcomers as well as former CVA Project Manager Alec and fiancee Erica. Thanks everyone for your efforts.

Keep an eye on the Coochiemudlo Island Coastcare page for information about a repeat popup.

Get up to date with the Coastcare newsletter here.

Remembering Herb Golightly

There are some people who don’t make a lot of noise in the world…
but somehow leave a very large imprint on it.

Herb Golightly was one of those people.

If you ever shared a ferry ride with Herb, you’ll know exactly what I mean. He was the kind of man who would quietly strike up a conversation, always cheerful, always interested, never complaining. Even in his later years, when he had every right to, he simply didn’t.

That quiet steadiness… it seems to be the thread that ran through his entire life.

From a Small Farm to a Very Big World

Herb’s story began in a tiny farming community in Saskatchewan, Canada. No electricity. No running water. No modern comforts.

But plenty of love.

He grew up the middle child of five, navigating the usual sibling pranks (including, apparently, a few involving outdoor toilets… we’ll leave that there). He was curious, thoughtful, and just a little bit different from the start.

While other kids read storybooks, Herb read atlases.

He wasn’t just looking at maps.
He was imagining what lay beyond them.

And eventually… he went.

A Teacher Who Changed Lives (Far More Than He Realised)

Herb didn’t just travel. He built something meaningful wherever he landed.

In Papua New Guinea, he became more than a teacher. He helped shape the education system during its formative years. He trained other educators, mentored students, and earned a level of trust that is rarely given and even more rarely deserved so consistently.

One colleague recalled that when Herb presented reports, people would vote in agreement… even when they hadn’t quite heard every word.

Because they trusted him. Completely.

And perhaps the most telling legacy?

Former students, now professionals, still credit Herb for who they became. One described him not just as a teacher, but as a father figure who guided, supported, and believed in him when it mattered most.

That’s not a small thing.

That’s a life’s work.

Finding Home on Coochie

Despite a life that spanned continents, Herb found his place right here on Coochiemudlo Island. He embraced island life in the way only someone who truly chooses it can. Morning walks. Golf games. Dinners with friends. Long conversations about the world, politics, and whatever else came up that day.

He became part of the fabric of this community.

And in true Coochie style… the community became part of him.

Neighbours checked in. Friends drove him to appointments. Others tended his garden, shared meals, or simply kept him company. There was no big announcement about it. It just happened. Quietly. Naturally.

Exactly the way Herb lived.

The Little Things That Matter More Than You Think

When people spoke about Herb, they didn’t just talk about his achievements.

They talked about his laugh.
His letters home.
His love of a good meal (especially Indian, apparently).
His habit of sending jokes.
His slightly stubborn independence.
And yes… waiting at the jetty, making sure no one was late.

These are the details that stay.

Not the titles. Not the roles.
The moments.

A Legacy That Travels Well

Herb showed us something simple, but not always easy to live by:

That you can build a life anywhere.
That distance doesn’t diminish love.
And that being quietly consistent, kind, and true to yourself… is more than enough.

He leaves behind family in Canada, friends across Australia and Papua New Guinea, and a community here on Coochie that was better for having him in it.

And maybe that’s the real measure of a life.

Not how loudly it was lived…
but how deeply it was felt by others.

One Last Walk

Some of Herb’s ashes will remain here, on the island he chose.
Some will return to Canada, where his story began.

It feels fitting.

A life that stretched across oceans… coming to rest in both places.

As one of his family members Michelle, so beautifully said,
“You’ve gone walkabout one last time.”

If you knew Herb, take a moment today.
A quiet one will do.

And if you didn’t… well, now you know the kind of man he was.

And honestly, the world could use a few more like him.

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.