Coochie Island rejects bureaucracy! 🐦‍⬛🗑️🏝️

Register now for a jam-packed newsletter featuring birds, bins, revolutionary medical chests, community events, and more! 🐦♻️💊🏝️🥒🌊🙏 #CoochieIsland #CommunityEvents #FreedomTruth

Adaire Palmer

Jun 17, 2026

⚓ From the Helm⚓

I was feeling the pressure a bit this afternoon because I knew getting the newsletter out on time was going to be a challenge.

You see, I believe so strongly in this community that if I can help fill a gap in a volunteer service, it's very hard for me to say no.

Much like I can't say no to my grandies, I struggle to watch volunteer services falter simply because there aren't enough people available to help. I honestly believe there are enough people willing to volunteer. Often, they just don't know where to start.

Knowing full well today was newsletter day, I put my hand up for a four-hour Community Bus shift. I figured I could squeeze in a bit of writing between passengers and stress a little less about the deadline.

Well... that plan went spectacularly sideways.

Demand for the bus was surprisingly high for a mild winter Wednesday on Coochie, which meant there wasn't much time for writing. By the time I arrived home just after 3pm, the clock was ticking.

As I write this, the newsletter is running about 15 minutes later than usual. I've managed to pull the whole thing together and pushed publication back to 7pm. Not something I intend to make a habit of, and I appreciate your patience as I juggle the many things that matter to me.

One bright spot in the middle of the day was meeting Kate.

I first met Kate yesterday at a mutual friend's house, then again today when she picked me up in the Community Bus to start my shift. Remarkably, Kate has only been on the island for a month, yet she's already throwing herself into community life.

It got me thinking.

Over the past few years, Coochie has welcomed many new residents. I see plenty of them out and about, driving the bus, helping with the Medical Chest, volunteering with Coastcare, supporting community events and quietly contributing behind the scenes.

But I suspect there are many more who would love to get involved and simply don't know where to begin.

If that's you, take a look at Angela's website, Life on Coochiemudlo Island which lists many of the volunteer organisations and community groups on the island. Reach out, ask a question, attend a meeting, pull a few weeds, drive a bus, lend a hand. You are also welcome to reach out directly to me via Messenger.

Volunteering isn't just about helping the community. It's one of the fastest ways to meet people, build friendships and truly feel at home.

We'd love to see you.

Adaire ⚓

Adaire Palmer

Editor, Coochie Community Online

What's inside this edition...

⚓Bins, birds & bureaucratic BS

⚓RFDS Medical Chest - Do you want to volunteer?

⚓Celebrating Winter Solstice - join us!

⚓Volunteer Bus Drivers. Be active in your community. You never know, you may even enjoy it!

⚓Farewell potholes, we're not going to miss you!

⚓⚓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!)

Birds, Bins and Bureaucratic Bull

The welcome swallows haven't left Coochiemudlo. They've simply been moved. As birds displaced from the jetty seek new roosting places, residents are asking questions that reach far beyond wildlife, touching on transparency, consultation, communication, and the growing disconnect between decision-makers and the community they serve.

Redland City Council’s decision to remove public bins around the Victoria Point jetty and ferry terminal is sparking frustration among locals.

The council claims bins were taken away to prevent rubbish from overflowing into Moreton Bay, protecting marine life such as dugongs, turtles, and seabirds.

However, residents say the move has backfired.

Now, litter is accumulating on seats and the ground, leaving the area visibly messier and potentially just as harmful to the bay.

Locals, who deeply value the region’s environment, argue that the absence of bins removes containment—not the rubbish itself.

Regular commuters, families, and fisherfolk are left with no convenient option to dispose of waste, raising concerns over public hygiene and environmental risk.

Many are calling for functional, regularly serviced public bins to return—believing this is essential for both convenience and the health of Moreton Bay.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Medical Chest remains a crucial lifeline for island communities like Coochiemudlo.

Local custodians, such as those on Coochie, often find themselves taking more shifts due to roster shortages.

Recently, the importance of this volunteer role became even more personal when a custodian’s own daughter fell seriously ill late at night—well after the last ferry departed.

Thanks to the Medical Chest and quick consultation with an RFDS doctor, the patient received essential medication and recovered at home without risky travel.

This service bridges the gap between simple home remedies and the need for costly emergency evacuation.

Strict protocols ensure custodians only dispense, never diagnose or prescribe.

Coochie’s small population means volunteers may often help friends or family, making the need for more custodians urgent.

If you’re able to help, contact Julie at 0412 591 509.

Even a single shift can make a real difference on the island.

As the sun sets over Coochie, by next week it will have seen the Winter Solstice and start moving towards the Summer Sun position. Always the highlight of the Winter for me.

We are celebrating the Winter Solstice with amazing healers, Mary and Danny, on Sunday 21 June, at the Community Hall. Mary and Danny are blessing us with their presence for a 'Shamanic Sound Journey: A Solstice Message From The Dragons' and Mary is running 'Deep Forgiveness' sessions beforehand.

Book here for the Forgiveness Sessions

Book here for the Sound Journey

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"Road Unworthy: Pothole-ooza 2026 Marks the End of an Era"

At last, Front Beach’s infamous road has been given a much-needed makeover by Council.

Locals, long adept at dodging potholes and telling wild tales of lost caravans, now find themselves delighting in an astonishingly smooth journey.

Drivers have been seen cruising the new stretch simply for the thrill of it, trading stories roadside over extra coffees and asking each other if this really is the same route they’ve always known.

Bicyclists report newfound speed and comfort, and even the most seasoned tea-carrying passengers nearly spilled their cuppas in surprise at the change.

The many potholes, now gone, are remembered for the unique local flavour they brought—testing suspensions and fuelling island banter.

Farewell, noble potholes — you’ll be missed, in more ways than one.

📬 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!!

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

Coochiemudlo Bushcare will be working again in Innes Street this coming Saturday from 8.30am. We'll be going back over the frontage we've already covered this year to cull weed regrowth and things we might have missed. We'll also target the moderate weed area at the back of the zone.

Feel free to turn up and check out what we are doing.

New members welcome.

Bushcarers meet every month on the third Saturday. Come and help us look after our island's beautiful natural places. It's rewarding work, we're a cheerful mob, and our morning tea's a treat.

Phone enquiries 0490 0502 08.

Visit Bushcare's webpage
Join the Bushcare Facebook Group

Do you want to join us?

Let's Play! hosted by Opera in the Country

A Kids MUSIC Workshop!

This winter school holidays, join us for a chance to explore the music inside of you, and to learn how to improvise as a team!

Designed for Children 8+ and their parents and carers.

No need for an instrument and no prior musical experience needed!Free for all!

This project is supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund which is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Redland City Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Standing items

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

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 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:

📣 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

"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

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.