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⚓ From the Helm⚓

From the Helm: When the Ripples Start Coming Back

I’ve started to notice something lately.

Not in the stats, not in the clicks, not even in the quiet satisfaction of hitting “publish” on a story I know matters.

It’s in the messages.

The “hey, can you help us get the word out?”

The “would you mind taking a look at this before we post it?”

The “thanks for showing both sides of that — not many people do.”

And my personal favourite… being introduced (only slightly tongue-in-cheek) as the roving reporter of Coochie.

I mean, I’ll take it.

Because that’s when you know something’s working. Not because you’ve said it is… but because other people start pulling you into their orbit. Asking you to be part of what they’re building. Trusting you to tell it properly.

That doesn’t happen by accident.

It comes from walking the island. Sitting in on conversations. Listening more than talking (well… most of the time). And making a genuine effort to show a balanced view, even when it would be far easier to lean one way or the other and be done with it.

Turns out, people notice that.

Even the politicians.

Which, if I’m honest, still makes me laugh a little. One minute I’m dodging mozzies in the mangroves or juggling ferry timing like the rest of us, the next I’m having a proper conversation about community issues with someone who can actually do something about them.

But here’s the bit that’s really clicked for me.

This is one of those rare “all boats rising” moments.

The more I help people share what they’re doing, the more connected the community becomes. The more connected the community becomes,
the more the newsletter grows. The more the newsletter grows, the more reach there is for everyone.

And around it goes.

It’s not a zero-sum game out here. There’s no limited pie where one group wins and another misses out. If anything, it’s the opposite. The more stories we tell, the more things start happening. The more things start happening, the more there is to tell.

Momentum builds in the most unexpected ways.

And look, I’m not pretending I’ve suddenly become some kind of official anything. I’m still just the one wandering around, asking questions, writing things down, and occasionally poking the bear when something doesn’t quite add up.

But if being a “roving reporter” means helping shine a light on what’s happening here…

if it means giving people a platform to be seen and heard…

if it means keeping things honest, curious, and just a little bit cheeky…

Then yeah.

I’ll happily wear that.

Because if we keep this going — the sharing, the connecting, the backing each other in — we all win

.

And that’s a pretty good place to be steering from.

Adaire ⚓

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online

📬 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.

Scroll down for:

⚓Mobile Office visit from local MP Rebecca Young - interesting (and potentially exciting news about the Education Dept property on the cnr Shirley and Elizabeth Sts!)

⚓Important update to the Coochie Community Shopping Service
⚓Bushcare working bee 
⚓Bushtucker series: Native Raspberry (nomnom)

⚓Love the Library. Lead in interview with Rob Boult

Scroll to the end for upcoming events and 'Standing Items' for ongoing dates (like the Artisans Alley) &  key contacts on Coochie 👇👇👇

Rebecca Young MP - Mobile Office Visit

Found this in the form to register for upcoming opportunities to meet and chat with Rebecca directly. Talk about a long term plan! Had a chuckle.

You can register for Rebecca's upcoming events at a date more suitable to your life time here.  

Coochie Community Shopping Service - important update!

If getting groceries from Coochie feels like a full-day mission, the Coochie Community Shopping Service has just become a lot more relevant. Now open to all residents (with priority for seniors and people with disabilities), CCSS collects online orders from **Coles and delivers them to your door. A recent membership drive was quiet, but with **Woolworths adding a $20 island delivery fee, that’s likely to change fast. The service runs fortnightly (for now), costs $5/year plus $15 per delivery, and is even fundraising for a refrigerated truck as demand grows. Quietly efficient, community-run, and probably about to get a lot busier. Read more...

Bushcare Innes St working bee

Thanks to Lee Steindl for this information and photos (that I've turned into a video - see below)

Some edible plants require careful identification and a bit of caution. Others… look exactly like what they are. Native Raspberry is one of the easier wins on Coochiemudlo Island. Small, sweet, and often snapped up by birds before you even notice them, these little berries are a reminder that not everything growing wild is off-limits. Read more here...

Love the Library: Conversations with Local Authors 📚

Introducing local Author Rob Boult 📚

So… if three kids knock on your car window in a storm… what do you do?

No, seriously.

You’re sitting there, rain coming down sideways, visibility = zero, minding your own business… and tap tap tap.

Three kids.

Drenched. Quiet. Wanting to get in.

Rob Boult had that exact moment years ago.

At the time? Just weird.

Fast forward a few decades… he stumbles across a story about black-eyed children (which, frankly, sounds like something you don’t Google after 9pm), and suddenly that old memory goes from “huh” to “hang on a minute…”

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how A Black-Eyed Memory: They Are Watching was born.

Now here’s the bit I love…

Rob didn’t set out to be an author. He set out to get this thing out of his head before it drove him slightly mad. What came out first was about 40,000 words… and what followed was the real adventure.

Rewrites. Edits. Cutting chunks he actually liked (rude). Getting feedback from family… including one review that was less “constructive criticism” and more “emotional damage” 😅

But he kept going.

And what he ended up with is a story people are finishing in one sitting… then immediately asking, “Okay… but what happens next?”

(Yes, there’s more coming. He’s not done. Not even close.)

We’re teeing up a live author interview at the library, plus a proper local launch, which means you’ll get to meet Rob, hear how this all unfolded, and ask him the important questions… like:

👉 “Did those kids actually have black eyes?”
👉 “Why three?”
👉 “And should we all be slightly concerned?”

Because here’s the uncomfortable part…

This story didn’t come out of nowhere.

It came from something that actually happened.

Sleep well 😏

If you haven't seen the story from last week about how valuable the library is, especially for isolated people who can't get out and about much, you can check it out here. 

Grab your own copy of Rob's book from Amazon here.

A reminder to pop up to the library on Saturday and grab your raffle tickets - last chance!!

Heritage Walk Reminder – This Weekend!

Easter Markets - Coochie Progress

Saturday 4 April 2026
9am - 1pm 

Coochie Main Beach

🐰Easter Bunny hops by at 10am

Standing items

Your portal for information about Coochie

RFDS Medical Chest on Coochie💊

🌴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 🥰

Artisan Alley 

Open Sundays from 8am (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 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 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!

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 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?!?!?!

Standing for TRUTH and FREEDOM

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)

CSA RE: Coochie Island Progress Association

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).

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

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.

Redland City Council 

Want to make a complaint? Report an issue?

Find out what week your bin goes out? Watch the latest Public Council Meeting? Do that here!

Here is information on how Coochiemudlo residents can contact Redland City Council for various issues.

Individuals can report issues such as potholes, trees, roads, paths, rates, planning & development, and graffiti by phone, email, or submitting a contact form.

Residents can also give feedback, lodge complaints, or seek assistance from the council.

Report an Issue

Use this form to contact council

Redland City Council Public Meetings

Redland City Council Meeting Webcast offers an archive of past meetings for public viewing.

Have questions?

Visit the help page for assistance.

Did you know you can access recordings of General Meetings, Special Council Meetings, and Special Budget Meetings?

Stay informed about important decisions and discussions within the council.

Visit the Redland City Council Public Meetings archive here.

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.