Coochie’s transition into the TransLink era is proving to be a masterclass in modern bureaucracy. After a transport card with $80 credit suddenly died at the ferry terminal, nobody locally, not Amity Trader, compliance officers, or the helpline, could actually fix the problem. Residents are now navigating a growing maze of new rules around dogs, trolleys, fuel and compliance enforcement, while practical local support seems increasingly absent. The article isn’t really about a broken card, it’s about the frustration of systems so process-driven that nobody standing in front of you has the authority to solve anything. Also: apparently Franz Kafka would’ve loved public transport.

Behind the Redlands is a new community initiative launched by local resident Lulu to bridge the growing disconnect between residents and Redland City Council.

Rather than serving as another online complaint forum, Lulu’s platform seeks to actively investigate council decisions, shedding light on how and why they’re made.

Monthly features focus on pressing issues—from dog parks and transport concerns to infrastructure, policy changes, and community safety—giving residents clarity on council processes and the factors that influence them.

Lulu doesn’t position the council as an adversary, but believes in building a stronger partnership between officials and locals.

Behind the Redlands aims to transform isolated frustrations into a more organised, collective community voice, encouraging accountability, transparency, and genuine consultation.

This fresh platform may be just what the Redlands needs to empower residents—and inspire real change.

What happens when a council decides the best way to manage litter is to completely destroy the rubbish bins? > Inspired by the Redland City Council’s new jetty sign, I wrote a short, Kafkaesque parody about a man, an eight-minute ferry ride, and a sticky meat pie wrapper he can never, ever get rid of. It’s a hilarious (and terrifyingly almost accurate) look at modern bureaucratic logic.

Redland City Council has announced the return of a 240-litre enclosed bin at the Victoria Point Jetty, after significant community feedback and evidence of overflowing rubbish.

Collections will resume four times a week, signaling progress for the mainland community.

However, frustration lingers on Coochiemudlo Island, where locals stress that rubbish problems haven’t vanished just because bins remain absent at the jetty.

Takeaway cups, food wrappers, and tourist crowds continue to challenge public spaces—prompting calls for a practical, locally managed waste solution.

While servicing the mainland is easier, islanders urge Council to explore options such as partnering with volunteer groups or adjusting staff routes to provide bin services for Coochie.

The saga highlights the community’s pride in their environment and a unified desire for sensible, sustainable waste management that reflects island realities.

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when everyday people join their voices in song.

Not the sort you’d find on reality TV, but the kind that makes you grin at strangers and feel unexpectedly moved by shared harmonies.

This spirit is coming to Coochiemudlo Island at the much-anticipated Coochie Sings Chorale Workshop, led by the dynamic Mundy-Turner duo.

You don’t need to be a star — all that’s required is a willingness to connect.

These workshops go beyond music, building real community as barriers fall and laughter fills the hall.

Science even says singing together boosts happiness and wellbeing.

Locals and visitors alike will gather at the Community Hall, Victoria Parade South from May 29–30 for uplifting music and togetherness.

No experience necessary — just come ready to join in and feel the joy of Coochie singing as one.

The recent community consultation on the future of the Emerald Fringe saw strong local engagement, as neighbors gathered to discuss the best use of a new $100,000 State Government funding allocation for Coochiemudlo Island.

Led by Rebecca Young MP, the meeting sparked wide-ranging discussions on conservation, heritage protection, and long-term planning for the cherished foreshore and buffer zones.

The Coochiemudlo Island Heritage Society celebrated the turnout and highlighted growing community resolve to safeguard the island’s unique environment for future generations.

As islanders review heritage-listed boundaries and consider issues like tourism, access, and erosion, it’s clear this conversation is about more than funding.

This marks an important step in deciding what kind of community and natural legacy Coochie will nurture moving forward.

National Volunteer Week is set for 18–24 May 2026, with the theme “Your Year to Volunteer.”

This annual celebration spotlights the dedication of volunteers and inspires locals to join community service.

TL:DR:
Coochie urgently needs more volunteers for the Community Bus and Community Shopping Service to help keep vital island services running. The Shopping Service is also looking for a new President. Even a small amount of time can make a huge difference helping neighbours get to the ferry, access shopping, stay independent and remain socially connected.

📞 Bus Volunteers: Elizabeth – 0403 467 812
📞 Shopping Service Volunteers: Rosemary – 0403 014 396

Getting involved not only strengthens Coochie but brings personal satisfaction and skill-building for every volunteer.

Discover how you can contribute by exploring local programs, and make this year your time to volunteer.

National Volunteer Week is set for 18–24 May 2026, with the theme “Your Year to Volunteer.”

This annual celebration spotlights the dedication of volunteers and inspires locals to join community service.

You’ve probably crossed paths with them without even realising it. The people stocking shelves, driving buses, protecting wildlife, delivering groceries, running events, rescuing community projects and quietly keeping Coochie connected behind the scenes. This new article takes a closer look at the volunteers who help hold island life together… and the surprising number of ways you can get involved yourself.

Getting involved not only strengthens Queensland but brings personal satisfaction and skill-building for every volunteer.

Discover how you can contribute by exploring local programs, and make this year your time to volunteer.

Coochiemudlo Island, just off Queensland’s coast, buzzes with cultural life and artistic energy.

The annual Colours of Coochiemudlo festival, slated for May 23-24, 2026, stands out as a major highlight, inviting locals and travelers to immerse themselves in the island’s creative spirit.

Attendees can admire a vibrant array of local artworks, inspired by Coochiemudlo’s landscapes and coastal charm.

The Curlew Gallery and Ross Street Gallery, both easily accessible near the ferry, offer visitors a rich glimpse into the island’s artistic soul.

A defining force behind these cultural delights is Margaret Anderson, whose devotion since 1997 has enriched island life with music, art, and community joy.

Her legacy continues to foster a warm, creative community spirit—making every visit to Coochiemudlo an inspiring escape.

Noticing a curious set of repeating elevens—11 reactions, 11 comments, and posted on the 11th—residents are finding playful meaning in a recent community update about transitioning rules for dogs on the island.

For those who enjoy numerology or hidden symbolism, the number 11 is often called a “master number,” representing intuition, awareness, and transitions.

This fits perfectly, since the post itself encourages neighbors to plan ahead and help dogs adjust smoothly to the changes rather than reacting in the moment.

Some see these repeating 11s as a sign of balance—an engaged dialogue within the community—even if everyone doesn’t agree.

Others joke that perhaps Facebook’s AI just wanted a spiritually symmetrical moment—while playfully hinting the dogs themselves might approve of the changes.

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.

Image by Nick Obrien

The Innes Street bushcare site is thriving after recent rain and sunshine, with fishbone fern now nearly eliminated thanks to dedicated volunteer efforts.

Volunteers will next meet on Saturday, May 16 at 8:30 am to tackle corky passion vine, widespread asparagus fern, and to plant more native species in the adjoining bushland.

New residents are warmly invited to join and lend a hand—fresh help is always highly valued.

Bushcare HQ is also working closely with contractors to clear large amounts of invasive Singapore daisy before the upcoming June working bee, allowing volunteers to focus on finer restoration.

Meanwhile, Member for Redlands Rebecca Young will host the Emerald Fringe Forum at The Rec Club on Tuesday, May 19, 9–11 am, offering updates and funding news for the cherished Emerald Fringe.

Community participation is encouraged to help shape the future of this local natural treasure.

Isabella’s Umbrella, the new children’s story by local author Shane White, began not in a writer’s room but amid the unpredictability of a car park and a heartfelt comment from a granddaughter.

This quiet moment sparked a tale built not with shortcuts, but with years of dedicated drawing and gentle rhyme, coming to life through midnight sketches and countless details.

Though designed for kids, the book offers deeper reflections for adults, exploring how easily we judge others and how stories often leave the biggest truths unresolved.

The mystery deepens across a planned trilogy, challenging the comfort of clear villains and simple explanations.

Shane’s work invites readers into a world where what’s “scary” is sometimes misunderstood, and where curiosity is rewarded.

The first volume is just the beginning—step in now, and discover new perspectives on empathy and community before the story is complete.

Every Saturday, Mabel began her day with tea in her orderly island cottage, cherishing the predictability of her morning routine.

On this particular Saturday, she headed to the tranquil Coochie library, exchanging friendly greetings before browsing shelves that felt comfortingly familiar.

Everything changed when she stumbled upon a mysterious green book, “Mad Mabel”, its subtitle unsettlingly familiar: They called it murder. She called it justice.

Mabel’s curiosity compelled her to read—and by the third chapter, she realized the book wasn’t just inspired by someone like her.

It was her story and her secret past, carefully concealed on the island, now unexpectedly exposed.

Concern grew as she wondered what would happen if others discovered the truth lurking on the library’s shelves, knowing some secrets refuse to stay buried.

Sitting at the Coochiemudlo Island Recreation Club, locals are reminded that Moreton Bay’s unique marine life isn’t a distant spectacle but right in our backyard.

A recent marine turtle stranding session offered firsthand insight from rangers into the region’s rich but fragile ecosystems.

Seagrass meadows, mangroves, and coral communities support dugongs, turtles, and even migrating humpback whales—making local waters a haven for wildlife.

Threatened loggerhead and hawksbill turtles are often seen gliding past, while whales begin their migration, leading to more frequent up-close encounters.

With increased boat traffic, following whale-watching rules and giving animals space is essential.

Rangers urge residents to report, not rescue, marine life in distress—particularly turtles tangled in fishing gear.

With turtles and dolphins at risk, it’s clear: protecting these waters is a shared responsibility, with every action making a difference.

The message is simple—this special coastline is ours to protect.

Robyn’s Book Nook sits quietly along Victoria Parade, sparking genuine curiosity and neighborhood warmth.

Founded by Robyn Markwell, this inviting little community library at 402 Victoria Parade has transformed into a favorite gathering spot for locals of all ages.

It’s far more than a book swap — families pause mid-stroll, children sift through stories, and visitors leave kind notes in the logbook, all adding to the Nook’s unique character.

With a special children’s section, Robyn believes in the magic of reading to expand young minds, echoing Dr. Seuss’s wise words.

During school holidays, the Nook buzzes with quiet connections, laughter, and generous exchanges of books from the community.

This vibrant hub is lovingly sustained by islanders who continue to donate books and share stories, making it a true exchange of kindness and connection.

Slow down next time you pass 402 Victoria Parade — you may find much more than just a book.

The Coochiemudlo Island community recently came together for a Bushcare Queensland event, marking a successful day of environmental action and wildlife appreciation.

Locals and visitors explored the Wetlands Track, enjoying plant spotting and birdwatching—highlighted by a close encounter with a majestic White-bellied sea eagle.

The group then moved to a site near the Ramsar Wetland, focusing on clearing invasive fishbone fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia), which threatens native growth.

With robust volunteer support, nearly half of the targeted area was cleared and replanted with native species supplied by Indigiscapes and the local nursery.

Bree Meyer, Bushcare officer, led the event, backed by the Redland City Council, ensuring effective teamwork and community spirit.

Ongoing community involvement remains vital for preserving Coochiemudlo Island’s unique natural habitats.

Coochiemudlo Island stands as the vibrant heart of Moreton Bay’s internationally protected Ramsar wetlands.

Our mudflats, mangroves, and seagrass beds aren’t just beautiful—they serve as crucial nurseries for fish, filter water, and nourish rare wildlife like migratory birds, dugongs, and turtles.

Every action on the mainland, from Weinam Creek to Victoria Point, directly affects the fragile ecosystem surrounding Coochie.

Mainland developments, boat traffic, and runoff can disrupt this natural sanctuary—reminding locals that building the “gateway” must not damage the destination.

The community is invited to a special info session with rangers and the Turtle Stranding Team on Sunday, April 26, near the ferry terminal at Main Beach.

This is a vital opportunity to learn how to protect the island’s future and ensure that Coochie remains at the center of Moreton Bay’s environmental universe.

Every Saturday morning, Mabel begins her beloved ritual in her cozy Coochiemudlo Island home, the kettle whistling as kookaburras welcome the day.

The island’s tight-knit charm, salty breezes, and chorus of birds shape her quiet life, made smaller by disability but anchored by routine.

Saturdays are special—library day.

Mabel strolls familiar streets, savoring friendly waves and fresh coffee aromas from Curlew Café on her way to the Coochie library.

Inside, her world expands.

Every borrowed book—whether a sweeping adventure with Fiona McIntosh, small-town drama by Leonie Kelsall, or a crime puzzle from J.D. Robb—transports her far beyond the island.

Mabel finds freedom and meaning in each story, proving that adventure isn’t measured by distance.

Her little life, seen from outside, may seem limited—but through her library bag, it remains boundless.

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.