Adaire Palmer
Aug 5, 2026
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⚓ ⚓From the Helm⚓⚓ Editor, Coochie Community Online
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What's inside this edition... (besides me showing off my Full Moon lifting skills) Image by Nick Obrien |
⚓ Jetty Pollution Investigation of Blast Pest Management concludes - findings are below ⚓ Art Trail and Open Studio: Life on Coochiemudlo Island (just keeps getting better!) ⚓ Development Action Plan for Victoria Point Reserve is underway. How do we have our say? - continued from last week.
⚓⚓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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Vandalism… or sloppy work?On 18 June, I lodged a complaint with the Department of the Environment after pieces of bird-deterrent material were found around Coochiemudlo Jetty and in the marine environment. It wasn’t simply filed away in the great government inbox in the sky. DETSI opened a formal investigation into whether work carried out by Blast Pest Management had caused pollution and breached Queensland’s environmental laws. The contractor was shown the allegations and evidence and given an opportunity to respond before the Department reached its decision. That process concluded on 31 July. And this is where it gets interesting. The explanation accepted as the primary cause of the pollution certainly raised my eyebrows. But what DETSI did next suggests the matter wasn’t quite as simple as “nothing to see here.” So, what did Blast Pest Management say happened, what did DETSI ultimately decide, and why was the contractor formally reminded of its legal environmental responsibilities? Read the full article to find out what happened. Read More... |
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The beloved Coochie Art Trail is set to return, transforming the Island into a vibrant showcase of creativity.
More than 30 artists will open 14 unique studios, inviting locals and visitors to discover the talent thriving along the coastline.
Led by the Coochiemudlo Island Artisan Collective, this event highlights both traditional heritage and bold artistic experimentation. Painters, sculptors, jewellers, writers, and makers offer intimate access to their workspaces, fostering personal connections rarely found in commercial galleries.
Workshops and mini classes will spark creativity for all ages, running from 9am to 3pm during a bustling September weekend.
The community atmosphere shines, with the Coochie Community Bus providing free transport and maps ensuring every visitor finds their way.
Proudly backed by Redland City Council, this event promises inspiration, genuine dialogue, and a heartfelt celebration of local arts. Read More... |
This newsletter sponsored by |
Sponsor Spot - Your Business Belongs Here! |
Come to where the people are! |
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Victoria Point Reserve is now a priority for detailed access and parking planning. Council says broader community involvement is still being considered, leaving Coochiemudlians who use the car park facilities at Victoria Point waiting to learn when, where and how they can have their say. 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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Why Coochie? |
People, places, creatures and things that make our little slice of paradise so special...😍 |
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TL;DR: Every year, around 30,000 humpback whales travel an incredible 10,000 kilometres between Antarctica and Queensland, and many pass right by Coochiemudlo Island. With whale sightings in Moreton Bay becoming more common, now is the perfect time to keep an eye on the horizon.
There's nothing quite like seeing a humpback whale in the wild. These gentle giants make one of the longest migrations on Earth, travelling north each winter to mate, give birth and nurse their calves in Queensland's warmer waters before returning south. In recent years, more whales have been entering Moreton Bay, with sightings off Coochi's Front Beach delighting locals last season.
Editor Adaire Palmer shares her own love of whale watching, from trips off the Gold Coast to unforgettable encounters at Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island, and reflects on why these magnificent creatures never fail to inspire awe.
If you're heading out on the bay this season, keep your eyes peeled. You never know when one of these ocean giants will put on a spectacular show. Read More... |
📅Upcoming Events and Useful Dates!📅 |
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Grab your tix here: https://events.humanitix.com/coochie-sings-chorale-workshop#main
Check out what we did last time and hear what people said about it here 👇 |
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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 |
Uncover island mysteries, local action, and vital updates—discover what’s really happening on Coochiemudlo! |
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. |