Homepage Latest News Archives

Manly War Memorial: The Full Story of the Vandalised Statue

Before it was a cherished park, the site of the Manly War Memorial was a simple water reserve known as the Manly Dam, chosen to become a place of honour for 16 local men.

A Solemn Beginning

The community first gathered for the memorial’s dedication on 5 March 1921. It was established to remember 16 local men who did not return from the First World War. The original structure was impressive, featuring a life-sized soldier crafted from white Carrara marble. This statue stood on a pedestal of Helidon brown freestone and a base of Enoggera granite, representing the qualities of the ideal Australian: courage, loyalty, and youth.

A Symbol Targeted

Over the years, the memorial sadly became a target for vandalism. This destructive behaviour reached a low point in 1992 when the marble soldier was torn from its pedestal and its head was broken off. For many years after this incident, the pedestal stood empty, a stark reminder of the statue’s absence and a source of distress for the local community.

The Digger’s Return

The community did not give up on its memorial. In 2007, a concrete replica of the original soldier was installed, finally filling the space. The figure stands in the traditional position of remembrance, with its head bowed and arms reversed. In a surprising twist, the damaged original marble statue, which many thought was lost forever, was found in 2013. It had been stored in a Brisbane City Council depot in Lota.

From Water Reserve to Honoured Park

The ground on which the memorial stands has its own deep history. Before it was a place of remembrance, the land was a water reserve known as the Manly Dam. In 1919, the local mayor, Richard Russell, selected the site for the memorial park. In recognition of his foresight, the park was officially named Richard Russell Park in 1990.

The site’s importance to the state was formally recognised when it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. Today, the memorial honours not only the original 16 men but also the 21 locals who died in the Second World War, along with those who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Published Date 10-November-2025

Quick Carina Retail Sale Shows Strong Investor Interest in Brisbane’s East

A retail centre in Carina has changed hands in a fast sale after buyers moved quickly to secure the property. The high-exposure site on Old Cleveland Road sold for $6.1 million after just 10 days on the market, reflecting strong demand and competition for well-located retail assets in Brisbane’s east.

Strong Interest in Carina’s Retail Market

The Carina property, at 828 Old Cleveland Road, features a two-level building with 11 tenancies, anchored by fitness brand BFT Gyms. The 1,109-square-metre site earns more than $350,000 in annual net income and occupies a 1,486-square-metre corner lot in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held eastern corridors.

The sale, managed by RWC Retail’s Michael Feltoe and Lachlan O’Keeffe alongside RWC Gateway’s Marc Zietsman and Josh Jones, attracted multiple competitive offers within its first week on the market. The agents said the quick sale reflected limited supply in the local retail market and the way buyers are acting decisively when quality opportunities come up.

Third Time the Property Found Its Match

According to the sales team, this was the third time the property had been brought to market, and this campaign finally found the right balance of timing, audience, and strategy. The marketing effort drew multiple competitive offers, and the centre went under contract at the asking price, underlining strong buyer interest in Carina’s retail market.

The agents added that the outcome showed how the right strategy, audience, and timing can connect buyers with premium neighbourhood retail assets. The sale also adds to RWC Retail and RWC Gateway’s growing track record of premium outcomes for Brisbane retail properties, underscoring continued confidence in the city’s investment market.

Limited Supply Drives Faster Sales

The sales team noted that in tightly held suburbs like Carina, limited supply is prompting buyers to make quicker decisions. With fewer available retail properties and strong demand for quality centres, buyers are acting quickly when opportunities like this arise.

With 11 established tenancies, including a gym operator, the centre continues to provide a mix of services to customers in Carina and nearby suburbs, maintaining its role as a key part of the area’s local business landscape.

Published 10-Nov-2025

From Manly to Nambour: The Rise and Fall of a Queensland Preserving Company

Photo Credit: Pexels

The Manly Fruit and Preserving Company, a small jam and fruit canning enterprise in Manly, played a short yet significant role in Queensland’s early food manufacturing before relocating to Nambour in 1927.

Origins at Wyvernleigh Estate

The company’s beginnings trace back to Wyvernleigh, the first brick and stone residence built on Manly Hill in the 1860s. Established by Thomas Jones in 1862, the property later passed to Joseph Leuthwaite, the Arnold family, and eventually William Parker in 1909. During the early 1900s, the Shepherd family leased the estate and began producing fruit preserves in a shed on the property, laying the foundation for what became the Manly Fruit and Preserving Company.

fruit preserving — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Transition to Church Property

In 1925, the Wyvernleigh property was purchased for future church use, marking the end of the jam factory’s operations on the site. The original shed, known locally as the jam factory, was dismantled and its timber reused to build a parish hall for the newly established St John Vianney’s Catholic Church. Under Father Butler’s direction and with the help of local builders Percy Shepherd and Vince Grotty, the hall became a key community venue for local events and gatherings.

Golden Bay Preserves — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Relocation and Expansion to Nambour

Seeking growth opportunities, the company relocated to Nambour in 1927, acquiring the Olympic Hall on Howard Street. This new site placed it at the centre of Queensland’s fruit-growing region, providing access to fresh produce and rail transport. The facility installed modern equipment to produce citrus juices, jams, pickles, tomato preserves, passionfruit pulp, and canned pineapples. Operations began in August 1927, when the first batch of 300 cases of canned pineapples was prepared for Western Australia.

Manly Fruit and Preserving Company — *Photo Credit: Trove*

Fire and Closure

The Nambour factory’s success was short-lived. In September 1928, a major fire destroyed the plant, wiping out its machinery and stock. Limited insurance coverage prevented the company from rebuilding, leading to the end of operations.

Legacy

Although the Manly Fruit and Preserving Company ceased to exist after the fire, its story remains significant to both Manly and Nambour. Surviving artefacts such as tins labelled “Golden Bay Preserves” serve as reminders of its contribution to Queensland’s early preserving industry. The company’s history reflects the entrepreneurial drive of the 1920s, linking two Queensland communities through innovation and local production.

Published 3-Nov-2025

Brisbane Launches First Aerial Mosquito Sprays of the Season

Helicopters buzzed over Tingalpa Creek, as the first aerial mosquito sprays of the season took place across Brisbane’s bayside suburbs. Around 500 hectares were sprayed to curb early outbreaks of saltmarsh mosquitoes that had emerged after recent rainfall.

Read: Lota Creek Catchment Properties Among Thousands Affected by Flood Risk Map Update

The operation, which took off from Myrtletown Reserve on 30 October 2025, focused on coastal and creek areas including Port of Brisbane, Tingalpa, Hemmant, and the waterways around Bulimba and Tingalpa creeks. Mud Island, St Helena Island, and Green Island were also included in the program.

Brisbane’s entomology team said the sprays were scheduled when mosquito hatching activity was detected. The work was part of an extensive mosquito management programme that ran throughout the year to keep pest numbers under control and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Photo credit: Instagram/Cr Adrian Schrinner

Chief Entomologist Dr Martin Shivas said mosquito activity tended to rise sharply once the warmer months arrived. He explained that the combination of heat, rainfall and king tides between December and March created ideal conditions for breeding, and that the timing and intensity of each season depended on these environmental factors.

Dr Shivas added that while the team worked continuously on ground treatments across more than 2,400 freshwater breeding sites, aerial spraying was carried out whenever there was a significant saltmarsh hatch. Each year’s mosquito season, he said, presents different challenges depending on rainfall, tides and temperature, with aerial and ground treatments scheduled accordingly.

Last season, Brisbane conducted 12 aerial treatments between October and March, covering more than 16,000 hectares. With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting above-average rainfall for southeast Queensland over the following months, local residents were encouraged to do their part in minimising breeding grounds around their homes.

How residents can prepare for the mosquito season

Residents can take simple but effective steps to reduce mosquito numbers over the coming season. They should empty water-holding containers such as buckets, pot plant saucers and bird baths, which can quickly become breeding sites after rain. It also helps to ensure gutters are clear of leaves and that rainwater tank openings are properly screened to prevent mosquitoes from entering.

When mosquitoes are active, residents are advised to wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs, and to apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Limiting time outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active can further reduce the risk of bites. Additional protection can come from using mosquito coils, lanterns or insecticide emanators during outdoor activities.

Read: Unexpected Encounters: Koalas Found in the Strangest of Places in Mansfield

By following these steps, bayside residents, from Manly to Tingalpa, Hemmant and beyond, can help reduce mosquito numbers over the summer and enjoy the outdoors with fewer of the season’s unwelcome visitors.

Published 3-November-2025

Your Guide to Weekend Markets in Manly: Farm, Art, and Food

Photo Credit: Manly Harbour Village

Manly is offering residents and visitors a unique variety of community shopping experiences, with three different markets providing everything from fresh farm produce to artisan crafts and street food.

A Weekend of Choice

The suburb is reinforcing its reputation as a bayside destination with a market for every taste. Locals can now choose between farm-fresh goods, creative local arts, or a new evening food event. These markets aim to connect shoppers directly with producers and artists in a vibrant, community-focused setting.

Farm-Fresh Saturdays

The popular Jan Powers Farmers Markets bring a “paddock-to-plate” connection to Little Bayside Park. According to event details, the markets are held on the first and third Saturday of each month from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm. Shoppers can browse stalls from passionate producers offering premium-quality regional produce against the backdrop of Manly Harbour.

Creative Sundays

The following day, the same location at Little Bayside Park transforms for the Manly Creative Markets. This event runs every Sunday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Organisers describe it as an alternative retail outlet for local talent, stressing that it is not a flea market. Visitors can find a wide range of artisan wares, arts and crafts, plants, and fashion.

New Twilight Evenings

A brand-new summer series, the Twilight Market on Cambridge, is also launching. The first event is set for Friday, 7 November, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This evening market will take place along Cambridge Parade, featuring a lively atmosphere with craft stalls, food trucks, live music, and local dining options, offering a perfect way to spend a Friday night by the bay.

Published Date 30-October-2025

A Year of Crime in Manly & Manly West: Property Offences Lead, Evenings Busiest

Manly and Manly West recorded a combined 746 offences between 16 October 2024 and 16 October 2025, according to the Queensland Police Service’s Online Crime Map. Within that total, Manly accounted for 351 offences and Manly West 518.

The offence mix across the two suburbs was led by other theft (excluding unlawful entry), followed by drug offences, unlawful entry, and other property damage. Smaller but regular categories included traffic and related offences, assault, good order offences, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, trespassing & vagrancy, and handling stolen goods.

By time of day, offences were most frequent 2 pm–10 pm (297 incidents), then 6 am–2 pm (226), and 10 pm–6 am (223).

By day of the week, Friday, Saturday and Sunday were the busiest days, while Tuesday was the quietest.

Looking month-to-month, the highest totals were June 2025 (84), March 2025 (73) and December 2024 (70). The lowest were February 2025 (43) and May 2025 (47).

Overall, the combined area shows a property-heavy profile typical of busy bayside suburbs, with incidents clustering around shopping strips, arterial roads and nearby residential streets. Routine precautions — locking vehicles, securing valuables and reporting suspicious activity promptly — remain the most effective ways to reduce opportunistic crime.

Published 16-Oct-2025

Moreton Bay College Students Recognised in Brisbane Portrait Prize Next Gen Awards

Three young artists from Moreton Bay College have earned recognition for their creativity and talent in the Next Gen category of the prestigious 2025 Brisbane Portrait Prize, showcasing the strength of student artistry on a city stage.

Read: Moreton Bay College Alumna Dr Bronwyn Herbert, 90, Named Queensland Senior Australian of the Year

Year 12 student Olympia Zavros was named a Finalist for her oil on board work World Where You Live (Do you climb into space?). The self-portrait blends fragments of her passions, from music and astrophysics to Formula 1 and contemporary art, into a richly layered scene set within her bedroom.

World Where You Live (Do you climb into space?) by Olympia Zavros (Photo credit: brisbaneportraitprize.org)

“Like many teenagers, my bedroom is my sanctuary. It changes constantly as my interests shift. This painting holds one version of me – for now. It’s about the tension between who we are, who we want to be, and how we’re seen by others,” Olympia explained.

Joining her are Year 9 student Lanie Kemp and Year 10 student Lara Venes, who each received a Highly Commended award for their thoughtful and emotive pieces.

Fading Memories by Lanie Kemp (Photo credit: brisbaneportraitprize.org)

Lanie’s oil on canvas work, Fading Memories, captures the bittersweet nature of recalling family moments. “While the feeling of that day remains strong, I’ve already started to forget the smaller details. Through distorted perspective, I wanted to show how the sharpness of a memory begins to fade, even if its meaning stays. The tiny figures of my parents resting in my hand symbolise both how close the memory feels, and how distant it’s becoming,” Lanie said.

Brisbane Portrait Prize — Feeling Freedom by Lara Venes (Photo credit: brisbaneportraitprize.org)

Lara’s graphite pencil self-portrait, Feeling Freedom, depicts a fleeting but profound moment: the wind against her face while leaning out of a car window. “It was during a difficult time in my life, and that simple act reminded me how small moments can bring a sense of peace that cuts through the noise,” Lara reflected.

Judge Christine Clark noted the way the portraits embody “strength in humanity and in seeing the good — in community members, in their own family and in their own sense of self enabling that strength.” The works of Olympia, Lanie, and Lara strongly echo that sentiment, each one telling a deeply personal story while resonating with universal themes of memory, identity, and resilience.

Read: Moreton Bay College’s Amelia Sherrard Shines on the National Stage

For the Moreton Bay College community, the recognition in the Next Gen category of Brisbane Portrait Prize is both a celebration of artistic excellence and a testament to the dedication of its young creatives. These achievements not only highlight the students’ skill but also affirm their ability to use art as a language of storytelling and self-discovery.

Published 1-October-2025

Tingalpa’s Valenhold and Garth Chester Named Brisbane Business Awards Finalists

Tingalpa will take the spotlight at this year’s Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards, with local company Valenhold and its co-founder and managing director Garth Chester announced as 2025 finalists.

Recognising Local Excellence

The Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards celebrate organisations and individuals making a significant impact across the city. Tingalpa-based Valenhold is a finalist in the ISPT Investment in Brisbane Award. Chester is also shortlisted for The Courier-Mail Business Person of the Year.

Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on Thursday, November 6 at Brisbane City Hall.

A Veteran’s Path to Business Leadership

Chester’s journey to business recognition follows over two decades of service in aviation, defence and resources. In 2022, he was named Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year, acknowledging his efforts to build a successful enterprise after military service while also supporting other veterans into civilian careers.

*Photo Credit:* *Matt Thistlethwaite MP*/Facebook

His career has included leading billion-dollar cost-saving programs, supporting start-ups and expanding international market reach. With Valenhold, Chester has focused on delivering practical solutions that combine global supply chains with skilled Australian service providers.

Valenhold’s Role in Industry

Operating from Tingalpa, Valenhold was founded in 2015 and has become known for bridging the gap between overseas manufacturers and local industries in mining, infrastructure, renewables and civil construction.

By offering cost-efficient, high-quality solutions, the company not only supports national industries but also strengthens opportunities for employment within the community.

Community Pride in Tingalpa

Having both a local company and a local business leader recognised at the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards puts Tingalpa firmly on the map as a hub of innovation and leadership.

Chester has said in past public statements that his work is about more than building a successful company, it is also about delivering value to communities and supporting the next generation of veterans as they enter civilian careers.

Published 30-September-2025

Unexpected Encounters: Koalas Found in the Strangest of Places in Mansfield

It was a still weekend morning in Mansfield when passersby noticed a small grey figure perched awkwardly inside the Belmont substation on Wecker Road. What looked at first like a shadow on the fence turned out to be a young koala. He was stranded in the restricted zone, sitting motionless among the humming towers and wires.

For almost an hour, that Saturday, 31 August, rescuers and bystanders watched as the koala barely stirred. He looked worn out, his head low and body slumped.

Volunteers from Koala Rescue Brisbane South Inc. arrived quickly, but strict safety rules meant they couldn’t step inside with their usual long-handled nets. This was not the kind of place anyone expected to find wildlife, and it was far from safe.

Help came from an unlikely source. An Energex worker, familiar with koala handling, stepped forward. With a smaller net supplied by the rescue team, he gently scooped the animal into safety. The koala did not resist. His rescuers later described him as lethargic and disoriented, a far cry from the lively tree-dwellers locals are used to seeing.

The koala, soon given the name Sparky, was taken to the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital at Wacol for treatment.

A Visitor at the Warehouse

Only three days later, koala eyes were on Mansfield again — this time for a very different reason.

At around 4:00 a.m. on Monday, 4 September, Kerry Krebs arrived for an early start at MJS Floorcoverings, a warehouse tucked into the industrial side of the suburb. Switching on the lights, Krebs noticed movement near the roller door.

There, padding across the concrete, was another koala. Unlike Sparky, this one showed no sign of distress. She followed Krebs with surprising ease and soon wandered straight through the open roller door, curious about her new surroundings. Before long she found herself in the samples room, nose twitching as she inspected the stacked flooring displays.

Krebs, calm but cautious, closed the door to keep the animal safe and rang Koala Rescue Brisbane South just after 5:30 a.m. Within minutes, volunteers arrived to guide the visitor back into her natural setting. By sunrise, she was climbing trees in the nearby bushland, leaving behind little more than paw prints on the warehouse floor and a story that staff will not soon forget.

Koalas in Unexpected Places

The two rescues — one somber, one light-hearted — show how koalas continue to navigate the built environment around Brisbane. Substations, warehouses, backyards and fences are not where most people expect to find them, yet each year rescuers respond to calls just like these.

Category: Homepage Latest News