This newsletter is sponsored by the
Coochiemudlo Island Beach Bar and Grill
I dragged Deirdre away from a family gathering… - Register here!
Discover new art, paddle fun, local events & island updates—all in this vibrant newsletter!
Adaire Palmer
Jul 22, 2026
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⚓ From the Helm⚓ Editor, Coochie Community Online
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What's inside this edition... |
⚓Rec Club update ⚓Ross Street Gallery: Meet Diedre Moran ⚓Wind Fear is REAL!
⚓⚓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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What if one of Coochiemudlo Island's greatest community assets isn't the building itself... but the people who walk through its doors? For many of us, the Recreation Club is where we head for bingo, croquet, darts or the occasional community event. But behind the scenes, a quiet transformation is taking place. Under the leadership of incoming president Noel, the club is evolving into something much bigger: a place where ideas are welcomed, hobbies are shared and neighbours become friends.
Imagine learning a new skill, dusting off an old hobby or even starting a group around something you're passionate about. Whether it's robotics, photography, knitting, board games, technology or indoor bowls, the vision is simple. If there's enough interest, there's room to make it happen.
The Recreation Club isn't just looking for members. It's looking for people with ideas, enthusiasm and a willingness to help shape the future of community life on Coochiemudlo Island. Read More... |
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Join me as I step inside Ross Street Gallery on Coochiemudlo Island to meet artist Deirdre Moran, whose beautiful pastel and oil paintings capture the changing light and quiet beauty of island life. In this relaxed conversation, Deirdre shares how a lifetime of painting, balanced with a demanding career in nursing, eventually led her to fulfil a long-held dream of opening her own gallery. She talks about the courage it takes to put your artwork on display, the creative process behind each painting, and why some pieces never make it beyond the studio wall.
As President of the Coochiemudlo Artisan Collective, Deirdre also reflects on the importance of community, encouragement and watching fellow artists grow in confidence and skill.
You'll even see her at work on a new painting as she explains how she uses light, colour studies and patience to bring a scene to life. It's a fascinating glimpse into the mind of an artist who sees the world just a little differently.
If you've ever wondered what inspires an artist, or you're simply looking for a slower, more thoughtful look at one of Coochiemudlo Island's creative treasures, I hope you'll enjoy this conversation. If you enjoy stories celebrating local people, artists and community life, please like, subscribe and share. There are many more inspiring Coochiemudlo stories still to come. Read More... |
This newsletter sponsored by |
Sponsor Spot - Your Business Belongs Here! |
Come to where the people are! |
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Wild winds battered Coochiemudlo Island on Sunday 19 July, with 74 km/h (40 knot) gusts at Banana Bank — the strongest since Cyclone Alfred in 2025.
Boat owners, including the owner of Adaire to Dream (that would be me, the Editor 😉), anxiously watched their moorings after memories of a dramatic 2021 storm resurfaced.
This time, upgrades held firm, but two other vessels broke free, and the barge and ferry services were suspended.
Hundreds of islanders were left scrambling for clear updates, frustrated by fragmented information across websites and Facebook pages.
Now part of the Translink network, the ferry operates a simple 50-cent fare, but Sunday's chaos highlighted a growing need for a single, reliable source of local transport news during severe weather.
As Coochie settles into the new system, residents hope authorities streamline emergency communication before the next big storm strikes. 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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Upcoming Events and Useful Dates! |
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Grab your tix here: https://events.humanitix.com/coochie-sings-chorale-workshop#main
EARLY BIRD ENDS 11 July
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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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Visit the Coochiemudlo Island Recreation Club Facebook Page for more information. |
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?!?!?! |
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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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 18 July for Flinders Day). To book a stall, contact Emily: 0491 092 043 or email markets@coochieprogress.org |
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 |
Discover Coochie's vibrant events, island updates, art, wellness, and ways to connect! |
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. |