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Adaire Palmer

Jun 3, 2026

⚓ From the Helm⚓

The Difference Between Scared and Scared

We sent the month of May off with a bang and a song.

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Coochie Sings Chorale Workshop. Now, before this experience, I'd never sung in a choir in my life. In fact, until recently, I wasn't entirely sure what a "chorale" was. It sounded like something sensible people with musical talent did.

As the workshop approached, I could feel my nerves bubbling away beneath the surface.

What if I sang the wrong notes?

What if everyone else knew what they were doing?

What if I accidentally became the human equivalent of feedback through a microphone?

The funny thing is, I recognised the feeling immediately.

It's the same feeling I've encountered dozens of times throughout my life.

Many years ago, I made a pact with myself. Whenever possible, I would lean into things that scared me.

Not the "bear in the bushes about to eat you" kind of scared. That's a completely different conversation and one that should generally involve rapid movement in the opposite direction.

I mean the kind of scaredness that comes from trying something new.

Speaking in public.

Joining a group where you know nobody.

Taking up a hobby.

Then taking an even bigger leap and trying to sell the things you make with that hobby. Ask any crocheter. The first time you put a price on something you've lovingly created is equal parts excitement and existential crisis.

Starting a business.

Creating a newsletter and wondering if anyone will actually read it.

Moving across the country alone.

Buying a boat when you know just enough about boats to be dangerous.

Learning to live aboard that boat.

Walking into rooms where everyone appears more experienced, more confident and more qualified than you.

Singing in front of strangers.

Over the years, I've noticed something.

Almost every experience that has expanded my life arrived wearing the same disguise: fear.

Not danger.

Not disaster.

Just the uncomfortable feeling of standing at the edge of something unfamiliar and deciding whether to step forward anyway.

The workshop itself turned out to be one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had in a very long time. The facilitators somehow managed to create an environment where nobody felt judged, nobody felt exposed, and everyone felt capable. By the end of it, a room full of ordinary people was creating something that sounded remarkably good.

I left wondering how many wonderful experiences we miss simply because we mistake discomfort for a warning sign.

As children, we're expected to try new things. We fall off bikes, scrape knees, make clay pots from river clay and make mistakes, generally bumbling our way through life while everyone cheers us on.

As adults, we somehow develop the idea that we should already know how to do something before we attempt it.

We wait until we're confident.

Until we're ready.

Until we're sure we won't embarrass ourselves.

The trouble is, confidence usually arrives after you've done the thing, not before.

Which brings me to this week's cautionary tale.

Be careful not to let fear become your decision-maker.

Fear has an important job. It keeps us from petting crocodiles, licking power points, and investigating strange noises in dark alleyways.

But fear also has a habit of turning up when we're about to grow.

Sometimes the voice saying "don't do it" is protecting you.

Sometimes it's simply trying to keep you comfortable.

Learning the difference might be one of life's most valuable skills.

And if you're wondering whether I will be signing up for another chorale workshop?

Absolutely.

Though I still reserve the right to mime enthusiastically during any particularly challenging sections.

Until next week, listen to the wind and bird songs for inspiration.

Proof that sometimes the best things in life begin with the words, "This is a terrible idea..."

Adaire ⚓

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online

What's inside this edition...

⚓ The Coochie Community Shopping Service - on pause for a minute!

⚓ The jetty bin saga. Why we need to keep persisting

⚓ Coochie Sings Chorale Workshop - exceeding expectations

⚓ The Coochiemudlo Island Native Nursery grateful for grant

⚓ 🌟NEW🌟 events for June listed 👇

⚓⚓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!)

"The Little Van That Defied Rest: A Worker's Tale"

The beloved Coochie Community Shopping Service van has earned its stripes, braving island weather, barge queues, and busy shopping runs to keep locals connected and supported.

But this week, the hard-working van hit a rough patch—her engine coughed and rattled, signaling she needed a break.

Faithful volunteers assured her and the community that repairs are underway, with nothing catastrophic—just well-deserved rest and some minor fixes after years of dedication.

There’s now talk of welcoming a “big brother” van to help: a larger vehicle with refrigeration to serve growing needs and keep the service rolling smoothly.

The van’s spirit remains undaunted, proud of weathering every storm for Coochie locals.

The CCSS team thanks residents for their patience and hints at possible fundraisers or sponsorships to support upgrades.

Locals with ideas or offers can text or message CCSS to get involved.

Frustration grows on Coochiemudlo Island as residents continue to seek answers about the return of rubbish bins at the local jetty.

The issue began when bins were removed citywide to prevent litter from polluting the marine environment.

Although Victoria Point jetty recently had its bins reinstated, it remains unclear if or when bins will return to Coochie.

Despite repeated emails, articles, and conversations with council, there’s still no commitment for the island’s jetty.

This ongoing saga highlights the challenges of local advocacy, as persistence from the community has led to many improvements in the past.

Residents are encouraged to keep the matter visible by contacting council or raising the topic at meetings.

The council says it will monitor the situation — but for now, the wait for bins continues.

Photo Credit: Cath Mundy of Mundy-Turner

Coochie Sings Chorale Workshop

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The Coochiemudlo Island Native Nursery wish to thank Redland Council through our Councillor Lance Hewlett for the Council grant we recently received. This has enabled us to purchase some equipment to help maintain our Olive Walters Display Garden and also some much needed infrastructure to be built by the Coochiemudlo Island Mens Shed. Again, thank you.

📬 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!!

Join Coastcare’s working celebration this Saturday 6 June 2-4pm

There’s no doubt we live in a special part of the world and this weekend’s working bee provides the chance for islanders and mainland friends to help celebrate both Queensland Day and World Environment Day.

We’ll be tending the denuded dunes of Heritage-listed Norfolk Beach, weeding and planting in preparation for next month’s Flinders Day landing re-enactment

Meet where the Coastcare flags fly at the barbeques on the Norfolk track.

After working the beach we'll enjoy a chat over a cuppa.

It’s a great opportunity to make new friends & contribute to the environmental care of our island home.

Volunteers are reminded to wear hat, covered shoes, comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

New members, especially families, are always welcome. Annual membership which includes insurance is $2 for singles and $5 for families.

Please call Graeme on 0413352511 with any query or pop over to the Dunecare at Norfolk Beach event on Facebook.

Free Community lunch for the elderly.

This will be a time where we want to see elderly people that usually eats alone connecting with one another over a home cooked meal.

Fellowship, laughter and a good meal will be the ingredients for this event.

All you need to do is to text Lizaan at 0439320241

Do you want to join us?

Standing items

Uncover the Exciting Stories and Community Events Inside - Register here for a Closer Look!

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!)

💚Community on Coochiemudlo Island💚

🌴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 🥰

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.

Read about Mabels life through books

Artisan Alley

Uncover the Exciting Stories and Community Events Inside - Register here for a Closer Look!

Check here for more information...

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?
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 😁

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. 🌊🚣‍♀️

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)

🙏Alpha at Pineridge Place 6pm Tuesdays 🙏

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 🤣

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

💥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

Uncover the Exciting Stories and Community Events Inside - Register here for a Closer Look!

"How to Contact Redland City Council for

Various Community Issues"

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

Uncover the Exciting Stories and Community Events Inside - Register here for a Closer Look!

Redland City Council Public Meetings

Explore Redland City Council Meetings: Your Informative Archive for Public Viewing and Engagement.

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.