⚓ From the Helm⚓

From the Helm: Dogs, Ferries, and the Stuff Beneath the Surface

Well. That escalated quickly.

One minute we were all happily debating the weather and whether the mozzies have become sentient this year, and the next minute the island was deep in discussions about dogs on ferries, muzzles, crates, transport rules, and whether anyone could physically convince a cavoodle to cooperate with any of it.

The new ferry and barge rules around dogs have definitely stirred emotions. That’s understandable. For many of us, our dogs aren’t “pets” in the traditional sense. They’re family members with fur, opinions, and occasionally stronger personalities than the humans holding the lead.

I touched on the broader changes in this week’s main article, particularly around how the passenger ferry now operates within the wider Translink system, which means standardised rules and procedures are arriving alongside the 50c fares and tap-on thingies.

Love it or loathe it, island life is brushing up against mainland systems a little more these days.

But rather than getting stuck in the frustration loop, I’d really like to help move the conversation toward practical support and confidence.

So next week, I’ll be sharing a piece that approaches the situation from a calmer, more workable perspective. Not about forcing dogs into muzzles or crates overnight like tiny furry criminals being transported to Alcatraz, but about how to gently and thoughtfully help dogs become more comfortable with these things before they’re suddenly needed.

Because if there’s one thing dogs are exceptionally good at, it’s detecting human panic from three suburbs away.

The reality is, the last-minute “just shove it on and hope for the best” strategy rarely ends in dignity for anyone involved.

What’s struck me most this week though isn’t just the ferry discussion itself. It’s what sits underneath it.

Connection.

Conversation.

People quietly helping each other figure things out.

One of the best parts of putting this newsletter together is getting out and about and talking to people who are doing interesting things for this community. Some of it’s visible. A lot of it isn’t.

For a sleepy little island, there’s an astonishing amount happening beneath the surface.

People are checking in on neighbours. Sharing information. Coordinating lifts. Watering gardens. Delivering groceries. Building projects. Running groups. Starting conversations. Solving problems before anyone even notices there was one.

The neighbourhood networks on this island are honestly something special. You don’t fully appreciate how rare that is until you’ve lived somewhere without it.

And while we might occasionally squabble over ferries, dogs, parking, generators, trolley sizes, or whose palm fronds are attempting to annex the footpath… when push comes to shove, this community shows up.

Every single time.

I, for one, am deeply appreciative to be here amongst what is quite possibly the best community on the planet.

No exaggeration haha.

Smooth seas

Adaire ⚓

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online

⚓Dogs on the ferry (and barge) the rules, they are a-changing!

⚓Introducing Author Shane White, and the first of a 3-part series, 'Isabella's Umbrella'

⚓Mad Mabel - more adventures of library mouse Mabel (Part 3 - the cliff hanger!)

⚓scroll the the bottom for the Fuel Run calendar for 2026

⚓⚓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!)

This week’s ferry dog policy announcement sparked exactly the kind of reaction you’d expect on Coochie.

A bit of confusion.

A bit of frustration.

A few deeply offended dogs already practising their “you’ve ruined my life” faces in preparation for muzzle training.

But underneath the debate about muzzles, carriers and ferry rules sits a much bigger shift quietly happening around us.

Because this isn’t really just about dogs.

It’s about what happens when a tiny island community becomes more connected to a large mainland transport system. It’s about the trade-offs that arrive alongside 50c fares, integrated ticketing and standardised public transport rules. And it’s about that strange tension between “the way we’ve always done things” and the reality of systems designed for thousands of people, not one little island where half the passengers know each other by first name.

The full article takes a gentle wander through all of it.

The policy changes.

Why they’re happening.

What it means for dog owners.

And why, despite the grumbling, Coochie will probably do what Coochie always does… adapt in its own slightly quirky way.

Also: there is a very real possibility some dogs (and quite possibly their humans) will behave like Victorian aristocrats being asked to wear trousers for the first time.

Read the full piece here 🐾

The Redlands Is Handing Out Some Well-Deserved Recognition 

📬 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.

Events on Coochie you will want to attend...

New Events Monthly!!

Book your seat at the table here.

Have your say! Take the survey here. 

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Book your tickets here 🎫

Questions? Contact Rosemary: 0403 014 396

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. 

Read about Mabels life through books

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 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?!?!?!

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)

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 🤣

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

💥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.