Coochiemudlo Island
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Telstra Tower upgrade...
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Adaire Palmer

Adaire Palmer

Nov 4, 2026

 

βš“

βš“From the Helmβš“

βš“

 

It's 3.30pm and we're waiting for an Uber at the Redland City Marina, after a hot yet productive day working on Adaire to Dream. My mind is racing. How to organise the guys helping with the painting tomorrow, do I need any more supplies? Do another run to the bank for cash? Oh, crappola on a stick! Got to get the newsletter out today! Like in less than 4 hours!

 Refocus, Adaire! Breathe...breathe...breathe...and here we are at 6.47, and I'm writing the editorial in time for a 7pm send. 

It's been an experience, doing this drydock thing alone. By alone I mean I'm responsible for everything, and when it came to painting, I suddenly found out how much I did not know! How to prep, what type of paint to choose...did you know there is a HUGE difference between 1 and 2 pack. (I thought 2-pack was a rapper!) and ne're the twain shall meet, or there will be hell to pay! 

It felt a bit like being on a hamster wheel while my 'gang' looked on expectantly. I was under the spotlight. Squirming. The last thing I wanted was for willing workers to sit around twiddling their thumbs because I couldn't make a decision. I also didn't want to make a decision I'd regret by choosing the wrong paint. 

So I asked around. I phoned a friend, then another friend. After realising I was going to get as many different answers as the people I asked, I turned to AI and yelled at it. Then I phoned Nige, who had last painted my boat. Well, I should have done that earlier, but that's another story for another time. 

Right now, I need to get this into the newsletter, and hit 'send'! 5 minutes to go!! 

Whatever you're doing, make it great!

Editor, Coochie Community Online

 

What's inside this week πŸ‘€

βš“ Community consultation on the proposed upgrade of the Telstra Tower - final opportunity. Submissions accepted until 6 Nov

βš“ Planeboats. Or Sea Planes. Read the history of what happened in Moreton Bay in years gone by.

βš“ Coochie Bus is looking for volunteers to drive and do phone bookings. Read about the fun we have and contact Donna to help. 

 

βš“ βš“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!)

  • What: Telstra is upgrading its 35-metre mobile base station at 43-45 Elizabeth Street by swapping nine existing antennas for new 4G and 5G equipment.

  • Approval: Under federal low-impact rules, local council approval is not required.

  • Feedback: Submissions should focus on practical issues like construction disruptions or visual impacts (rather than health/EMF concerns).

  • Deadline: Comments are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, 6 November 2026, via email to Mark Baade at mark@saqconsulting.com.au.


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πŸ’¬ 1 Comment

Near Coochiemudlo Island, Moreton Bay once served as a departure lounge for travellers boarding flying boats at Redland Bay.

 

Opened in 1953, the base sent passengers and luggage by boat from the jetty to aircraft waiting on the water.

 

Qantas and Ansett Airways operated large flying boats from the site, including Short Sandringhams.

 

Qantas flew routes through Redland Bay to Noumea and Suva until 1955, while Ansett continued services to island destinations and Gladstone.

 

The Redland Bay Hotel even served as a Qantas booking office and refreshment stop, linking a familiar local landmark to international travel.

 

As land-based aircraft and airports improved, regular flying boat services became less practical.

 

The final Redland Bay departure came in October 1971, when Ansett’s Short Sandringham Islander left for Sydney; the base officially closed in 1974.

 

Few signs remain along the shoreline, but its history recalls an extraordinary era when a journey abroad began with a short boat ride.


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1 reader is talking about this

Top first
HM
Helen M. Β· 6 hours ago

The Redland Bay Hotel as a Qantas booking office! I’ve been past it so many times and never knew.

See the comment

Why Coochie?

People, places, creatures and things that make our little slice of paradise so special...😍

An uplifting look at life behind the wheel on Coochiemudlo Island through the eyes of a 55-year-old volunteer bus driver. Blending local charm, community connection, and impromptu sing-alongs, the article captures the everyday magic of island transit—from school kids and commuting tradies to eccentric locals and traveling karaoke sessions.


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(aka Facebook Messenger) or to editor@coochiecommunityonline.com.

 

πŸ“…Upcoming Events and Useful Dates!πŸ“…

Click the image to book your tickets
Click pix for tix πŸ–±οΈπŸ‘†

Standing items

Regular, unchanging. Same every week 🀣

RFDS Medical Chest on CoochieπŸ’Š

The RFDS Medical Chest has made it easy for you to get urgent care. (NOT emergency care, you'll still call 000 for that!)

🌴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.

πŸ‘‰ 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. 

 

πŸ“…Community CalendarπŸ“…

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 πŸ₯°

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Calling all bookworms

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. 

Artisan Alley 

Open Sundays 8am - 1pm weather permitting

Pickleball on Coochie πŸ₯’πŸŽΎ

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. πŸ₯’πŸ₯ŽπŸŽΎπŸ˜„

 

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!

Image by my trusty AI assistant 😁

Coochie Paddlers - room with a view πŸ›Ά

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?!?!?!

Video by Nick Obrien

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)

πŸ™Alpha at Pineridge Place 6pm Tuesdays πŸ™

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 🀣

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.

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.

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Report an Issue

From medical care and pickleball to council decisionsβ€”discover what’s shaping Coochie.

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.

Coochie Community

Β© 2026 Coochie Community.

Coochie Community is your go-to newsletter for everything happening on Coochiemudlo Island. From local events and community updates to island news, amazing Coochiemudlians and highlights, we bring you everything you need to stay connected to the heart of the island. Stay informed and engaged with Coochie Community.

Β© 2026 Coochie Community.