Register here!

⚓ From the Helm⚓

There’s been a bit of chatter this week… and not the good, who’s-brought-cake-to-the-market kind.

A few reports have popped up across the island. Mobility scooters being tampered with. A couple of attempted break-ins. Even fuel being siphoned. Nothing dramatic in isolation, but enough to make people pause and go, “Hang on… what’s going on?”

Now, before we all start installing barbed wire and sleeping with one eye open, let’s keep this in perspective.

Coochiemudlo is still, by any reasonable measure, a very safe place to live. Crime rates across the Redlands are already lower than the Brisbane average, and when you drill down to small island communities like ours, incidents are relatively infrequent and usually low-level. That’s part of why we live here. You can leave your thongs (or even your upmarket crocs) outside and expect them to still be there tomorrow.

But… safe doesn’t mean immune.

And this is one of those moments where a gentle nudge toward awareness is probably more useful than pretending it’s not happening.

Not fear. Just a bit of common sense.

Simple things, really:
Lock up when you head out, even if it’s “just for five minutes.”
Keep an eye on neighbours’ places if you know they’re away.
Don’t leave fuel containers or valuables sitting out in plain sight.

And if something feels off, trust that instinct and say something.

We’re still very much a community where people look out for each other.

That’s our real security system.

That said, a little tech backup doesn’t hurt either.

Thanks to Sarah, who suggested we look at some air tags, and provided this information...

There are some easy options around now if you want that extra layer:
Life360 is one a few locals are already using. Works on iPhone and Android and lets families keep track of each other. Handy, especially for kids or older relatives.
👉 https://www.life360.com/en-au

MagTag is an Australian company doing simple tracking devices for keys, bags, and yes… the kind of things that tend to “walk.”
👉 https://www.magtag.com.au/collections/all

And then there are the cameras. Plenty of plug-and-play options these days. Bunnings has a stack of them that are easy to set up and will ping your phone if someone wanders into range. Just keep an eye on subscription fees. Some of those apps get a bit cheeky after the free trial ends.

None of this is about turning Coochie into Fort Knox.

It’s just about staying a step ahead, while still living the relaxed, leave-your-door-open-if-you-want kind of life that makes this place what it is.

Because the goal isn’t to feel unsafe.

It’s to stay smart enough that we never have to.

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:

⚓New information from Amity Trader re: barge fuel surcharge

⚓From 'call Doug' to 'tap n go': The evolution of Coochie's ferry services

⚓Join us for a stroll, Heritage Walk with David Paxton

⚓Love the Library - Featuring local author Barefoot Billy

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

Changes, they keep coming for Amity Trader and Coochie folk.

Pop over to Amity Traders Facebook Page and hit 'Follow' and then select 'Favorites' if you'd like to get regular updates. 👇 

Coochiemudlo Island’s passenger ferry is set for an historic shift on Monday, March 30, as it officially joins the Translink network.

Locals will now tap on with a Go Card or bank card, bringing the short crossing in line with mainland public transport.

This marks a major change from the old days when you simply rang Doug for a ride or counted on knowing the skipper by name.

Amity Trader, led by Steve Wallace since 2016, will continue operating the service, but islanders should expect new policies and a more structured system, including changes around pets and safety.

While some nostalgia lingers for the ferry’s community-driven past, many see the transition as progressive and necessary.

For Coochiemudlians, boarding the ferry is now not just a routine trip—it’s joining a new era in local transport history.

Heritage Walk with David Paxton

Love the Library: Conversations with Local Authors 📚

Barefoot Billy’s first novel, It’s The First Capital That Counts, breaks away from polished conventions and draws directly from a life lived in full.

Billy Campbell is not just an author—he’s a single father of three and Coochie local, whose journey has spanned continents and challenges.

The book is a gritty crime thriller following detective Billy Campbell, a single dad investigating chilling murders across Brisbane, Sydney, and Canberra, weaving together humor, poetry, and heartfelt authenticity.

Written during moments carved out between parenting duties and life’s turns, the novel channels raw experience rather than careful plotting.

Though published years ago, the book remains under the radar, reflecting the struggles many homegrown authors face.

Billy is already working on sequels and a memoir, showing there’s still much more to his remarkable story.

Dunecare (Coastcare) 🌿

• 📅 Date: April 4, 2026
• 🕒 Time: Morning session (early start)
• 📍 Location: Emerald Fringe
• 🎟️ Admission: Free (volunteer activity)
• 📄 Details:
  Join locals in caring for the island’s natural environment by removing invasive weeds and protecting coastal dunes. Friendly group, plus tea and cake afterwards!

More information here...

Drawn Saturday 4 April at the markets.

A reminder to contact Pam and grab your tickets to the Library Raffle!

Easter Markets - Coochie Progress

Saturday 4 April 2026
9am - 1pm 

Coochie Main Beach

🐰Easter Bunny hops by at 10am

Bushcare Working Bee 🌱

• 📅 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...

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.