In the comedy short Call the Cops - It's Mother's Days by The Hairy Marys, the protagonists turn the overwhelming chaos of single motherhood into a masterclass in resilience.

Instead of a peaceful Mother's Day, the women deal with a barrage of absurdities: a child handover outside a bottle shop, an ex-partner offering armchair psychiatric diagnoses at the checkout counter, and an unannounced police welfare check triggered by a bitter ex while the child isn't even home. To top it off, urgent calls for help with work shifts are intentionally ignored.

Rather than letting the unfair double standards and petty drama break them, the girls respond by pouring a drink, raising a toast to the madness, and laughing it off together. Their story offers a great life lesson: while you cannot always control unfair circumstances or difficult people, choosing humor over despair is the ultimate form of self-care.

Concerns have emerged at the Coochiemudlo Island ferry jetty after four officers were reportedly seen onsite discussing the structure, just days after controversial bird netting was removed.

While nobody can confirm what was being considered, the sighting has raised an important question: will Council provide evidence of an approved Species Management Program before introducing any further bird deterrents?

Under Queensland’s Nature Conservation framework, activities affecting native animal breeding places may require assessment, impact mitigation, qualified wildlife oversight and government approval. An SMP can include ecological surveys, measures to avoid breeding seasons, alternative roosting sites and licensed spotter-catchers to protect birds, eggs and chicks.

Residents are encouraged to contact Redland City Council, the Acting Mayor and local councillors to request proof that all necessary approvals are in place before further action occurs.

After everything these little swallows have endured, caution, transparency and consultation are surely the least our community can expect.

The Welcome Swallows are free to return to their nests, and Coochie breathed a huge sigh of relief when the exclusion netting finally came down.

But then came two words that made that relief feel a little premature: bird deterrents.

Acting Mayor Julie Talty has indicated Council may consider alternatives, including spikes.

But what if we're asking the wrong question?

Instead of finding another way to keep our Welcome Swallows out, could we find a way for people and birds to share the jetty safely?

We've put a proposal to Council that could change where this story goes next.

Read why we believe the fight isn't over, and what we're asking Council to do now.

Community services on Coochiemudlo Island are at the heart of its vibrant daily life, uniting residents, local leaders, and volunteers for a shared mission.

Working closely with state and council representatives, islanders aim to enhance the wellbeing, sustainability, and unique coastal charm of their home.

Many locals take immense pride in building Coochiemudlo’s future—whether through fostering local businesses or meeting community needs.

Active involvement sees residents regularly identify priorities and join together on projects that boost civic pride and protect the island’s natural beauty.

Local grants have empowered individuals and groups, backing everything from first aid training to beloved events and tech upgrades.

The Coochie Bus stands as a success story, offering affordable transport powered by volunteer effort and funding.

Regular public meetings ensure everyone’s voice is heard, nurturing unity as Coochiemudlo evolves.

New initiatives, solving issues and a spirit of energy signal a bright future ahead for the island.

Coochiemudlo Island residents unite to address key community issues

A local survey is now open, inviting Coochiemudlo Island residents to share feedback on key issues shaping daily island life:

• Parking: Feedback on Victoria Point ferry terminal parking and on-island mobility scooter spaces.

• Jetty Bins: Solutions for overflowing bins and collection schedules near public spaces.

• Health Access: Desired levels of local medical support and on-island pathology.

• Roads & Paths: Priority fixes for potholes and expanding wheelchair-accessible footpaths.

Your responses build a united voice to present to local council and authorities.

Redland City Council is urging the Coochiemudlo Island community to help combat ongoing vandalism to bird exclusion netting at local ferry terminals.

Recent incidents at the Victoria Point terminal have seen repeated tampering, allowing swallows and other birds access to protected areas and raising concern among residents over both wildlife safety and public asset damage.

Authorities have confirmed that these events are being escalated to police, after social media videos revealed birds caught behind damaged netting.

Investigations blame human interference rather than equipment failure, proving the need for properly maintained netting to protect structures from bird droppings and nesting issues.

The barriers, professionally installed this year at both Coochiemudlo Island and Victoria Point, were put in place without harming wildlife.

Locals are asked to report any vandalism or trapped wildlife, ensuring these coastal assets remain safe for all.

Beach access remains a community focus on Coochiemudlo Island, drawing residents and visitors eager to enjoy its sandy beaches and peaceful inlets.

This compact island, reached by ferry from Victoria Point, is cherished for family outings, scenic walks, and water sports.

Locals cherish memories from barbecues to clean-up days along their favourite stretches of shore.

Now, Council is inviting feedback on foreshore access throughout the Redlands Coast, highlighting Main and Norfolk Beaches on Coochiemudlo Island.

Concerns over erosion and the impact of new amenities have sparked fresh conversations about sustainable shoreline use.

Plans are underway to improve pathways, picnic areas, and kayak ramps to balance conservation with public enjoyment.

Residents, especially younger ones, are encouraged to share how they use the beaches as Council shapes future coastal strategies through surveys and community pop-ups.

Your voice can help ensure Coochiemudlo’s foreshore remains welcoming and protected for years to come.

Residents of Coochiemudlo Island are voicing strong concerns after the installation of bird exclusion netting at the local ferry terminal, fearing it disrupts native wildlife, especially the welcome swallows that have long nested in the area.

Locals say the move came with minimal public input, leaving many feeling unheard during the Council’s decision-making process.

Kylie Francis, a prominent islander, emphasized the swallows’ deep connection to both Coochiemudlo Island and Victoria Point, describing a community sense of loss and mounting frustration.

The Council maintains the netting addresses maintenance and safety issues caused by bird droppings, resulting in costly repairs.

However, residents question the evidence behind this decision and urge consideration of eco-friendlier alternatives.

The debate intensified after vandalism at the Victoria Point terminal’s netting, highlighting both emotional and practical divides in the community.

Two Coochiemudlo mums turned years of parenting, caring, bureaucracy and barely controlled chaos into something unexpected: a comedy series. The Hairy Marys grew from the real-life experiences of Moze and Tamara, two single mums and carers who discovered that sometimes the best way through the hard stuff is to find something to laugh about.

Coochiemudlo Island in Queensland’s Redland Bay holds a rich community history shaped by generous locals like Louisa Toogood.

In the late 1960s, families flocked to its shores, creating lasting memories in humble beach shacks that lined the island’s edge.

Everyday life was rugged, from outdoor toilets to cooking with rainwater, but residents found joy and built deep friendships amid the simplicity.

Children roamed freely, and newcomers—welcomed by islanders such as Louisa—often found comfort during uncertain times.

Today, original shacks stand beside new homes, echoing a past marked by creativity and resilience.

Community groups work to protect these stories, organizing tours and heritage events that celebrate the island’s unique legacy.

Louisa’s spirit endures through acts of kindness and inclusive traditions that help define modern Coochiemudlo.

You may not notice me at first, darting across the sky above the jetty, chasing insects on the wing. I’m the one with the glossy blue-black feathers, the rusty throat and the neat little fork in my tail.

I’m a welcome swallow, and this is where I come to raise my family.

I remember the ledge beneath the shelter. It was protected from the rain, shaded from the harsh afternoon sun and high enough to keep my babies safe....

Vandalism… or sloppy work?

On 18 June, I lodged a complaint with the Department of the Environment after pieces of bird-deterrent material were found around Coochiemudlo Jetty and in the marine environment.

It wasn’t simply filed away in the great government inbox in the sky.

DETSI opened a formal investigation into whether work carried out by Blast Pest Management had caused pollution and breached Queensland’s environmental laws. The contractor was shown the allegations and evidence and given an opportunity to respond before the Department reached its decision.

That process concluded on 31 July. And this is where it gets interesting.

The explanation accepted as the primary cause of the pollution certainly raised my eyebrows. But what DETSI did next suggests the matter wasn’t quite as simple as “nothing to see here.”

So, what did Blast Pest Management say happened, what did DETSI ultimately decide, and why was the contractor formally reminded of its legal environmental responsibilities?

Read the full article to find out what happened.

The beloved Queensland art trail is set to return, transforming the Redlands Coast into a vibrant showcase of creativity.

More than 30 artists will open 14 unique studios, inviting locals and visitors to discover the talent thriving along the coastline.

Led by the Coochiemudlo Island Artisan Collective, this event highlights both traditional heritage and bold artistic experimentation.

Painters, sculptors, jewelers, writers, and makers offer intimate access to their workspaces, fostering personal connections rarely found in commercial galleries.

Workshops and mini classes will spark creativity for all ages, running from 9am to 3pm during a bustling September weekend.

The community atmosphere shines, with the Coochie Community Bus providing free transport and maps ensuring every visitor finds their way.

Proudly backed by Redland City Council, this event promises inspiration, genuine dialogue, and a heartfelt celebration of local arts.

TL;DR: Every year, around 30,000 humpback whales travel an incredible 10,000 kilometres between Antarctica and Queensland, and many pass right by Coochiemudlo Island. With whale sightings in Moreton Bay becoming more common, now is the perfect time to keep an eye on the horizon.

There's nothing quite like seeing a humpback whale in the wild. These gentle giants make one of the longest migrations on Earth, travelling north each winter to mate, give birth and nurse their calves in Queensland's warmer waters before returning south. In recent years, more whales have been entering Moreton Bay, with sightings off Coochi's Front Beach delighting locals last season.

Editor Adaire Palmer shares her own love of whale watching, from trips off the Gold Coast to unforgettable encounters at Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island, and reflects on why these magnificent creatures never fail to inspire awe.

If you're heading out on the bay this season, keep your eyes peeled. You never know when one of these ocean giants will put on a spectacular show.

Victoria Point Reserve is now a priority for detailed access and parking planning. Council says broader community involvement is still being considered, leaving Coochiemudlians who use the car park facilities at Victoria Point waiting to learn when, where and how they can have their say.

Witness the enduring partnership between two-time Olympian David Smith and his son, Dane Bird-Smith. Through years of shared training sessions and unwavering mentorship, the father-son duo transformed their deep personal bond into an extraordinary racewalking legacy, culminating in Dane's celebrated success on the world stage

Protected Welcome Swallows have roosted beneath the Coochiemudlo Island and Victoria Point ferry pontoons for generations. Since Redland City Council installed exclusion netting, birds have continued trying to return to their shelter. Birds entered gaps and become trapped, unable to reach food or water. At least one swallow has died.

With breeding season running from August to February, residents fear more birds will return to old nesting sites and suffer the same fate. Yet there is no clear information about who inspects the netting, who is authorised to release trapped birds, or how quickly help will arrive.

Council says no birds were present when the netting was installed, a claim difficult to reconcile with years of community observation. Authorities are investigating, while residents are urged to report trapped birds immediately, document incidents and notify Coochie Community Online. The swallows cannot call for help, so the community must speak for them.

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 Art 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.

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.

Wild winds battered Coochiemudlo Island on Sunday, with 74 km/h gusts at Banana Bank — the strongest since Cyclone Alfred in 2025.  

Boat owners, including the owner of Adaire to Dream, anxiously watched their moorings after memories of a dramatic 2021 storm resurfaced.  

This time, upgrades held firm, but two other vessels broke free, prompting the suspension of barge and ferry services.  

Hundreds of islanders were left scrambling for clear updates, frustrated by fragmented information across several 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.

"I Woke Up Feeling Exhilarated"

Why one visitor says a day of singing on Coochie lifted his spirits

There are moments when you realise you've stumbled across something special.

For me, that moment came when I heard that Cath Mundy had been brought to tears by an email from one of the participants after our last Coochie Sings Choral Workshop.

Naturally, I wanted to know what had made such an impact.

That led me to Mike Henry.

Coochiemudlo Island, or “Coochie,” sits in Queensland’s Moreton Bay, its name honoring the Indigenous Yuggera words for “red stone” due to its striking red cliffs.

British explorer Matthew Flinders famously landed here in 1799, an event now celebrated every year with Flinders Day.

In the 1920s, pioneers like Mary and Doug Morton saw its promise, fueling early farming and tourism.

Development grew through the 1950s, but Coochie remains dedicated to conservation.

The heritage-listed Emerald Fringe—41 hectares of mangroves and littoral forests—encircles the island and protects vital habitats.

Locals such as Jan Macintyre OAM have championed preservation amid modern pressures.

Part of the Moreton Bay Marine Park, the island’s wetlands support rare plants, more than 100 bird species, and abundant marine life, including dolphins and dugongs.

Conservation groups and the 2025 documentary “Coochiemudlo Story,” featuring Major General John Pearn, help shine a light on the island’s enduring ecological and cultural value.

Community concern is rising on Coochiemudlo Island after the removal of jetty bins and the installation of bird netting at the Coochiemudlo Jetty.

Despite weeks of questions to Redland City Council, residents say answers have been slow and incomplete.

Local advocates, working with BirdLife Southern Queensland and BirdLife Australia, have escalated the matter by contacting Queensland’s Department of the Environment.

The response has grown, with residents submitting evidence of birds trapped in netting and debris left behind, prompting a formal environmental investigation.

BirdLife Australia reminded the community that protected birds like Welcome Swallows are vital for local pest control and are safeguarded under Queensland law.

The council’s contractor, Blast Pest Management, has been asked to respond to concerns, while officials urge ongoing community documentation.

This issue is not just about bins or birds—it’s about transparency, community care, and preserving Coochie’s unique environment.

Flinders Day draws crowds eager to witness the stirring re-enactment of Matthew Flinders’ 1799 landing at Norfolk Beach.

Yet behind the scenes, Coochie Coastcare volunteers have been hard at work, tending to weeds and beautifying the foreshore in preparation for the festivities on Saturday, 18 July.

This collaboration with the Coochie Heritage Society, which stages the historical re-enactment, highlights how dedicated local groups are preserving both nature and history.

While visitors enjoy the day’s vibrant events and beachside markets, few realise the countless hours put in by these volunteers to keep Coochie’s coastline pristine.

The Matthew Flinders landing re-enactment begins at 11.30 am during the Flinders Day Markets.

Come for the heritage, savour the natural beauty, and appreciate the community spirit that brings it all together.

Have you ever sensed who was calling before you picked up the phone, or felt a nudge to do something you couldn't explain?

Dr Dianne Cartwright, a retired GP and author, believes these moments—often dismissed as coincidence—might hint at real, everyday experiences of telepathy.

During her career, Dr Cartwright surveyed 156 patients—almost half reported unexplained experiences, with 80% claiming they’d anticipated calls or connected with others in uncanny ways.

Her book, Telepathy our Lost Sense, explores these phenomena from a scientific perspective, suggesting connections between our brains’ electromagnetic activity and what we call ESP.

For Dr Cartwright, awareness is key.

By noticing these strange nudges and moments, she says, we might spot patterns we’ve usually overlooked.

Perhaps Coochie Islanders have untold stories—intuition, luck, or that unexplainable sixth sense.

Coochiemudlo Island, or "Coochie," stands as a vibrant heart of Quandamooka Country, where the Nunukul, Goenpul, and Ngugi clans have lived for over 25,000 years.

The island community celebrates its deep roots through dedicated environmental efforts, notably the monthly Bushcare working bee, where volunteers unite to protect and beautify their surroundings.

These gatherings build strong bonds and offer locals and visitors the joy of meaningful work paired with lively company.

Each first Saturday brings Dunecare sessions, targeting weeds along the island’s Emerald Fringe and keeping the shoreline accessible to all.

Volunteers enjoy camaraderie, tea, and cake as they make a lasting impact.

Looking ahead, anticipation grows for the Flinders Day Re-enactment in July 2026, celebrating the historic landing of Matthew Flinders and showcasing the island’s vibrant community spirit.

Every first Saturday of the month, Coochiemudlo Island’s eastern shore comes alive as locals unite for Dunecare, targeting invasive plants like Mother of Millions.

These hands-on sessions help safeguard the island’s fragile coastal ecosystem and offer a welcoming space for neighbors to connect.

The next event is set for Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm, with volunteers meeting beneath the Coastcare flags to take on weeds threatening the Emerald Fringe.

After a productive afternoon, participants relax over tea and cake, celebrating their achievements and building lasting friendships.

Joining is simple—just wear sturdy shoes, comfy clothes, a hat, and sunscreen, and bring insect repellent and water.

For details, reach out to Graeme at 0413 352 511. Get involved to enjoy a rewarding blend of conservation and community spirit.

Coochiemudlo Island is set to celebrate the historic landing of Matthew Flinders with a lively re-enactment on Norfolk Beach on Saturday, 18 July 2026.

This beloved annual tradition invites locals and visitors to relive Flinders’ 1799 arrival, blending authentic history with engaging entertainment.

Arrive by 11:30 am to enjoy the festivities, including a re-enactment of Flinders’ landing and his naming of the island as Sixth Island after a precise sextant reading.

Started in 1977 by islander Edward ‘Ted’ Jones, these commemorations have nurtured a rich community bond.

The Coochiemudlo Island Heritage Society will also host a stall at the Flinders Day Markets, offering insights into local heritage alongside arts, crafts, and food for families to enjoy.

Just an eight-minute ferry from Victoria Point, the celebration promises a unique journey through Australia’s maritime past.