Coochiemudlo Island will join communities worldwide for World Labyrinth Day on Saturday, May 2, inviting locals to a Labyrinth Walk for Peace from 12:45pm to 2:00pm.

This quiet, reflective event isn’t about fitness but about slowing down, setting an intention for peace, and feeling connected to a global wave of goodwill.

Participants are encouraged to bring a chair, water, a hat, and sunscreen, along with a personal wish for peace—whether for themselves, the island, or the broader world.

You’ll find the labyrinth by heading through the Oval on Elizabeth Street, then behind the Croquet Lawn and Tennis Courts.

No experience is needed.

This gentle gathering offers a rare pause, reminding us that simple acts can have powerful meaning in challenging times.

On Coochiemudlo Island during WWII, young Elsie lived in a world shaped by distant battles and local hardship.

The scent of salt and earth hung in the air, but the war’s presence was undeniable—soldiers trained nearby, and echoes of gunfire drifted from the mainland.

Elsie’s brother Arthur was camped on the island with the military, making him seem both close and impossibly far.

The daily journey to school was an adventure, with rowboats crossing the bay and air raid drills replacing ordinary lessons.

Back home, rationing meant small comforts were gone, and the family relied on backyard gardens and poultry.

When Elsie overheard plans to eat her beloved rooster, she bravely pleaded for his life, offering to work harder in exchange.

Her determination swayed her father, allowing the bird—and hope—to remain, even as the faint thrum of war continued beyond the mangroves.

Crime concerns are rising around Victoria Point and Coochiemudlo Island, with theft and petty property offences increasing at key areas like the ferry car park, jetty, and barge ramps.

Local resident Lulu has launched a petition for brighter lighting and upgraded security cameras, hoping to curb fuel siphoning, number plate theft, and break-ins now common across the corridor.

Even though Coochie remains a low-crime community, the rate of reported property offences has risen over 30% in the past year—partly thanks to improved reporting, but also reflecting a troubling pattern.

Weak camera quality and dark areas have meant offenders are rarely identified, allowing small crimes to quietly erode local trust and safety.

Lulu’s petition calls for practical upgrades, potentially funded by federal grants—not ratepayers—to protect residents and send a clear deterrent signal, urging everyone to report every incident so the true scope is recognised and addressed.

Barefoot Billy’s first novel, It’s The First Capital That Counts, breaks away from polished conventions and draws directly from a life lived in full.

Billy Campbell is not just an author—he’s a single father of three and Coochie local, whose journey has spanned continents and challenges.

The book is a gritty crime thriller following detective Billy Campbell, a single dad investigating chilling murders across Brisbane, Sydney, and Canberra, weaving together humor, poetry, and heartfelt authenticity.

Written during moments carved out between parenting duties and life’s turns, the novel channels raw experience rather than careful plotting.

Though published years ago, the book remains under the radar, reflecting the struggles many homegrown authors face.

Billy is already working on sequels and a memoir, showing there’s still much more to his remarkable story.

Coochiemudlo Island’s passenger ferry is set for a historic shift on Monday, March 30, as it officially joins the Translink network.

Locals will now tap on with a Go Card or bank card, bringing the short crossing in line with mainland public transport.

This marks a major change from the old days when you simply rang Doug for a ride or counted on knowing the skipper by name.

Amity Trader, led by Steve Wallace since 2016, will continue operating the service, but islanders should expect new policies and a more structured system, including changes around pets and safety.

While some nostalgia lingers for the ferry’s community-driven past, many see the transition as progressive and necessary.

For Coochiemudlians, boarding the ferry is now not just a routine trip—it’s joining a new era in local transport history.

Some edible plants require careful identification and a bit of caution. Others… look exactly like what they are. Native Raspberry is one of the easier wins on Coochiemudlo Island. Small, sweet, and often snapped up by birds before you even notice them, these little berries are a reminder that not everything growing wild is off-limits.

Some edible plants require careful identification and a bit of caution. Others… look exactly like what they are. Native Raspberry is one of the easier wins on Coochiemudlo Island. Small, sweet, and often snapped up by birds before you even notice them, these little berries are a reminder that not everything growing wild is off-limits.

If getting groceries from Coochie feels like a full-day mission, the Coochie Community Shopping Service has just become a lot more relevant. Now open to all residents (with priority for seniors and people with disabilities), CCSS collects online orders from **Coles and delivers them to your door. A recent membership drive was quiet, but with **Woolworths adding a $20 island delivery fee, that’s likely to change fast. The service runs fortnightly (for now), costs $5/year plus $15 per delivery, and is even fundraising for a refrigerated truck as demand grows. Quietly efficient, community-run, and probably about to get a lot busier.

S. R. Ranganathan’s Five Laws of Library Science, introduced in 1931, remain at the heart of libraries everywhere.

On Coochiemudlo Island, these principles guide the local library, shaping its commitment to the community.

The library ensures books are always accessible, supporting readers of every age and interest.

A diverse, thoughtfully chosen collection means everyone can find something meaningful, reflecting Ranganathan’s belief that there’s a book for every reader—and a reader for every book.

Patrons benefit from efficient cataloging and user-friendly systems, making it easy to find what they need, saving valuable time.

Adapting continually, the library integrates new technologies and expands resources to grow alongside the community.

These enduring laws highlight how the library enriches life on Coochiemudlo Island, offering more than books—a gateway to lifelong learning and connection.

Love on a remote island isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s about being there in a crisis.

This Valentine’s Day, 25 dedicated locals skipped the usual celebrations to learn CPR, and 10 of them advanced their training even further.

With no resident first responders and the nearest help a water ambulance ride away, rapid action can save lives.

Their new skills go beyond certifications—they represent a lifeline for neighbors and visiting families alike.

For this tight-knit community, resilience looks like people stepping up for each other, building practical support in a place where every minute counts.

Residents now have more than hope in an emergency—they have each other’s trained hands ready to help.

Every Saturday on Coochiemudlo Island, Mabel begins her cherished morning routine in her tiny home, surrounded by the tranquillity of Cyprus Pines and the sounds of local birds.

Due to her disability, Mabel’s world is more contained than she once imagined, but her weekly walk to the island’s library opens up true adventure.

Inside those familiar doors, possibility returns—she browses shelves with anticipation, eager to journey through the stories of authors like Fiona McIntosh, Nora Roberts, J.D. Robb, Lee Child, and Ann Cleeves.

Her reading chair becomes a launchpad for travel beyond Coochie, from windswept landscapes to futuristic cities.

Though her days are punctuated by planning and patience, books remind Mabel that adventure is not measured in kilometres.

Each Saturday, she returns with fresh stories and the comforting knowledge that her world—though small in appearance—is enormous within her canvas bag.

Pigface Fruit Relish highlights Carpobrotus glaucescens, a unique coastal plant perfect for small-batch, seasonal cooking.

To prepare, scoop out two cups of ripe pigface fruit pulp and combine with finely diced brown onion, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, mustard seeds, and a touch of chilli flakes for a subtle kick.

Everything simmers gently until thick and glossy, then packs hot into sterilised jars.

This vibrant relish keeps fresh in the fridge for weeks.

Enjoy it with grilled fish, barbecue chicken, burgers, cheese boards, or on fresh sourdough—its sweet-and-tangy burst pairs beautifully with local favorites.

Forage responsibly: always identify plants confidently and leave plenty for wildlife.

If you spot the fruit, you might notice it closely resembles a fig—nature’s surprises continue to delight.

Redland City Council is inviting the community to participate in a key consultation on proposed amendments to the Redland City Plan, with a strong focus on residential zone changes and future city development.

Public feedback is open from 2 March to 29 March 2026, giving residents a unique chance to influence city planning.

The proposed changes target secondary dwellings, dual occupancies, residential built form, as well as broader land use, centre planning, and environmental factors.

Updates also cover crucial infrastructure and financial planning, directly supporting Redland’s growth.

Acting Mayor Julie Talty urges everyone to get involved, highlighting that local input will guide decisions that shape community values.

Residents can review all details online or at council offices in Cleveland, Capalaba, and Victoria Point, and submit feedback until late March 2026.

Active participation is vital for ensuring Redland’s development meets the needs and vision of its community.

Coochiemudlo’s Community Shopping Service recently stopped transporting fuel alongside groceries due to safety regulations.

Recognizing the ongoing need among islanders, a dedicated monthly fuel run is now operating for all local residents.

John Hayes and John Rodman manage the collection and filling of fuel containers, while Bet Bellette oversees secure payments.

Only approved containers are permitted, each clearly labeled with the owner’s details and fuel type, and a maximum of 500 litres per trip is enforced.

Residents drop containers at 13 Elizabeth Street the day before the run and can expect prompt delivery.

There’s a $5 surcharge to cover transport costs including the barge fare, and payment is accepted by card, Square, or cash.

This volunteer-run service ensures Coochie locals have ongoing safe access to vital fuel supplies.

For updates or questions, contact Bet Bellette at 0448 802 545.

Note: This image was created by AI, and it might be dreaming up a fig or has discovered some questionable bush tucker! 🤣 What’s your take? 🤔

Some feelings can’t be put into words — grief, shock, that lingering tension after hard years.

Art therapy, now coming to Coochiemudlo Community Hall, was designed for moments like these, letting people process pain and stress when talking falls short.

Developed in the 1940s for war veterans, its approach uses colour and shape to gently unlock insight and relief.

This free local workshop, supported by the Coochie Progress recovery program and government funding, offers a confidential, respectful space.

After the impacts of events like TC Alfred, many still carry hidden burdens.

No art skills are needed — just curiosity and a willingness to see yourself differently.

Workshops run on June 8 and 11, with limited spots and all materials included.

Email Millie Simic to book — and discover a new path to healing.

Austromyrtus dulcis, commonly known as the Midyim Berry, is a native shrub thriving along Coochiemudlo Island’s sandy tracks and coastal bushland.

This low-growing plant is nearly unnoticeable until summer, when it produces white berries freckled with purple.

Sweet with a subtle ginger warmth, these edible berries have long been a seasonal bush food enjoyed by First Nations people.

The Midyim Berry is tough—salt and wind tolerant, sand-loving, and low maintenance—making it ideal for coastal gardens.

It stabilises dunes, supports wildlife, and offers backyard fruit that can be enjoyed fresh or added to breakfasts and baked goods.

Peak berry season is summer, with flowering in spring and possible late fruit through early autumn.

Along Coochie’s tracks, keep an eye out—the island’s natural pantry is waiting to be discovered.

Christine Leonard, a celebrated local author, will illuminate her newest release, Coochiemudlo: A Mariner’s Mystery, during a special event at the Cleveland Library on March 5, 2026, from 10 to 11 am.

Attendees can immerse themselves in the story of Edward Field Jones, a longtime Coochiemudlo Island resident, as he unravels a historical puzzle dating back to explorer Matthew Flinders and his 1799 naming of local islands.

Leonard’s book sheds light on Jones’s meticulous quest, revealing hidden layers of the island’s history and deepening community ties.

This engaging event is a highlight of the Redlands Coast events calendar, known for bringing diverse, lively gatherings to locals each year.

Enthusiasts of regional history and storytelling won’t want to miss this enlightening session.