Adaire Palmer
Sep 9, 2026
⚓ ⚓From the Helm⚓⚓ Editor, Coochie Community Online
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What's inside this week 👀 |
⚓ Shoreline erosion fuels debate on Coochie ⚓ Exposing scammers in our Facebook Groups ⚓ Buy a burger from Grill'd and help Coochie Heritage Society (fundraiser) ⚓ Coochie Community Shopping Service - call to volunteer for Centerlink hours, help the community ⚓ Redland City's new foreshore access strategy ⚓ The Hairy Marys Final Episode, 'What If I Die?' (Funny, heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once)
⚓ ⚓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!) |
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Shoreline erosion is fueling debate on Coochiemudlo Island, exposing how small Queensland communities struggle with nature’s force and tough management choices.
After fierce storms devastated Norfolk Beach over a decade ago, Redland City Council installed a sandbag seawall in hopes of protecting the fragile shoreline.
The decision quickly split islanders. Some welcomed what they saw as overdue action to safeguard a beloved beach for the future.
Others pointed to council studies showing limited long-term erosion, questioning the necessity and cost.
Unexpectedly, the seawall may have triggered more erosion just south of its footprint, sparking new worries and demands for a policy rethink.
Efforts like importing new sand have offered only brief relief, with high tides undoing much of the work.
Decades of photos even suggest that parts of Norfolk Beach remain relatively unchanged, keeping the island’s erosion debate alive. Read More... |
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Struggling with Centrelink job-search requirements? Volunteering with the Coochie Community Shopping Service may allow you to complete some of your required hours while helping elderly and housebound island residents. It’s practical, rewarding and genuinely useful to our community. Find out whether volunteering could work for you 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... |
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If you’re struggling to meet your Centrelink job-search requirements, volunteering with the Coochie Community Shopping Service may be able to help. Your hours could count towards your obligations while supporting elderly and housebound island residents with an essential local service. Check your eligibility with your provider, then contact John on 0406 455 388 or Rosemary on 0403 014 396. Read More... |
 Click the image to purchase tickets Closes 1 November |
Foreshore access is at the heart of intense discussions on Coochiemudlo Island as Redland City Council works to shape a long-term vision that merges community access with environmental protection.
With a draft strategy in development, climate challenges like coastal erosion and sea level rise highlight the area’s vulnerability, fueling an urgent push for public involvement through September 2026.
Recent storms have underscored the need for resilient foreshore infrastructure, while sparking anxiety over the loss of shoreline and vital habitats.
Coochiemudlo’s mangroves, tidal flats, and seagrass beds remain essential to Moreton Bay’s ecology and local wildlife.
Residents emphasize that access must be paired with stewardship, urging the Council to heed concerns about increased rubbish, wildlife disturbance, and heritage protection.
Many believe preserving the unique spirit of Coochiemudlo’s coast will ensure its value for generations. Read More... |
Why Coochie? |
People, places, creatures and things that make our little slice of paradise so special...😍 |
For most of us, it’s an uncomfortable thought. For carers, it can be a constant and frightening question. In the final episode of The Hairy Marys, the laughs, hospital chaos and promises to pluck each other’s chin hairs sit beside a much sadder reality: our bureaucratic systems simply aren’t built to cope when a carer can no longer be there. With thousands of new followers and one reel reaching more than a million views, it’s clear this funny, poignant series has touched a nerve. Read why The Hairy Marys matters, and why the question beneath the comedy deserves a proper answer. Read More... |
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📬 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.
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📅Upcoming Events and Useful Dates!📅 |
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Pick Your Partner for Coochie’s Dynamic Duos Pickleball TournamentThere are just under three weeks until Coochie’s Pickleball Tournament hits the Rec Club courts on Saturday morning, 26 September, and more than a dozen players have already entered. The proposed theme is Dynamic Duos, so grab a partner, invent yourselves a suitably ridiculous team name and prepare to battle it out. Don’t have a partner? No problem. Organisers will do their best to match you with someone.
There will be Social and Advanced levels across three divisions: Women’s Doubles, Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles, with the mixed competition wrapping up the day.
Entry is $5 per player, per division, helping cover Rec Club fees, bottled water, decorations and winners’ certificates.
Most games will run for 13 minutes with unlimited scoring and a two-minute changeover. Early matches will be self-scored, while the finals will have an umpire.
Numbers and divisions will be finalised soon, so now is the time to enter, choose your partner and claim your Dynamic Duo name. Additional games may be played on Saturday 3 October if needed.
Contact Dave, the Pickleball Oracle for more information: 0408 079 098 |
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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!) |
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🌴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 🥰 |
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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. |
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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? |
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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! |
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Image by my trusty AI assistant 😁 |
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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. 🌊🚣♀️ |
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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. |
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🙏Alpha at Pineridge Place 6pm Tuesdays 🙏 |
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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 🤣 |
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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:
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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. |
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Report an Issue |
STAY OUT OF OUR GROUPS! Coochie Community hits back at scammers! |
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. |