COOCHIE REFLECTION SPACE HONOURS LOCAL WAR HEROES
A recent event on Coochiemudlo Island marked the official recognition of the Coochiemudlo Island war memorial upgrade. The work was was jointly funded by Redland City Council and the Queensland Government.Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams said the enhancements framing the locally-important war memorial were made possible through collaboration between Redland City Council, the State Government and island residents. “This project has been designed to ensure Coochiemudlo Island’s war memorial is a beautiful place of reflection for people to remember those who have served our nation,” Cr Williams said.
“Works include a new connecting pathway from Coochiemudlo Foreshore Park and a seating area adjacent to the memorial and flag pole, with materials and plants chosen to complement the naturally wonderful landscape of Coochiemudlo Island.
“Redland City Council’s successful application to the Queensland Anzac Centenary Lasting Legacies grants program saw an additional $32,200 available for this project, and I thank the State Government for ensuring this project could be delivered for the Redlands Coast community.” Redland City Council invested more than $70,000 towards the project, including $25,000 allocated by Cr Hewlett as part of the Division 4 Capital Infrastructure Program. Cr Hewlett said community input had been crucial to its success. “Coochiemudlo Island residents have a strong tradition of honouring our servicemen and women at commemorations, and it is wonderful this improved war memorial is now available for these special events,” Cr Hewlett said. “Support and feedback from the Coochiemudlo Island Heritage Society, Coastcare Coochiemudlo Island and Doug Cope of the Coochiemudlo Island Memorial Events Committee and RSL were key to the successful grant application. Coochiemudlo Bushcare Group also gave amazing support in completing the landscaping around the new structures, so it has been a truly collaborative effort.” Chair of the Queensland Advisory Committee for the Commemoration of the Anzac Centenary, Captain Andrew Craig, wrote a letter of support that was read at the gathering to celebrate the official occasion. “More than 57,700 Queenslanders served in the First World War, some making the ultimate sacrifice,” he wrote. “We can all play a role in serving their memory by visiting projects such as this one.”
• Coochiemudlo Island Memorial Committee member Graeme Roberts-Thompson, Member for Redlands Kim Richards, Mayor Karen Williams, Redlands RSL president Alan Harcourt and Deputy Mayor Lance Hewlett at the Coochiemudlo Island war memorial.
OH MY! OMA CAME CALLING!
Main Beach on Coochie resembled a marina with four major vessels washed up high and dry caused by gale force winds courtesy of Tropical Cyclone Oma.
The most significant of the vessels was the houseboat GUINEVERE which became firmly lodged high on the beach caused by the combination of Oma and king tides.
Plans for recovery of the craft are under way.
• Four major vessels beached on Coochiemudlo.
ELSIE’S FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL!
One of the unique things about Coochie is that the first school day of the year is a community event. Locals taking the main “school run” ferry to the mainland on that day are privileged to watch the youngest members of the community take the first big step on the road to education. And the older kids take the newcomers under their wings and provide an escort on the ferry and to the classroom and afterwards. Here is young Elsie (front) with her escorts on her first day at school and everybody is loving it!
STALWARTS KEEP COOCHIE COMMUNITY LIBRARY RUNNING
For an island of only 800 souls Coochiemudlo has more than a fair representation of avid readers. The Coochiemudlo Island Community Library has been run for many years by locals Norma Green and Jone Morganti who say they have about 80 regular clients as well as a fair smattering of other locals and visitors. They are also assisted by island local Barbara Gregory when required. Although patronage has been affected by the introduction of E Books in recent years the library still attracts a wide clientele with its extensive range of adult and children’s book as well as DVD’s and other items. The library is open each Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to 11am.
Norma Green and Jone Morganti at work at the Coochie Community Library.