The Manly Lota RSL will transform into a festive hub, showcasing the talents of local artisans and small businesses.
The market, scheduled for Sunday, 8 December, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., will feature a diverse range of handcrafted items, including stunning jewellery from Believe & Surrender Handcrafted Jewellery. Shoppers can expect to find one-of-a-kind gifts perfect for the upcoming holiday season.
Organised by a group of passionate local artisans, the market aims to promote creativity and support local businesses. Visitors enjoy festive shopping and contribute to the local economy by attending the event.
The iconic Manly Lota RSL Memorial Hall provides a charming backdrop for the market, adding to the overall festive atmosphere. By choosing this venue, the organisers also support the RSL sub-branch.
In what has become one of Brisbane’s most cherished holiday traditions, the Wakerley Carols is set to return this December, marking its impressive 11-year milestone.
From its humble beginnings in 2013, this community celebration has blossomed into a must-attend family event that captures the true spirit of an Australian Christmas.
Photo credit: Wakerley Carols/Facebook
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Wakerley Park, this year’s celebration promises to be bigger and brighter than ever. On Saturday, 7 December 2024, the park will transform into a festive wonderland, offering a perfect blend of traditional Christmas charm and modern entertainment.
A Day of Non-Stop Entertainment
Photo credit: Wakerley Carols/Facebook
The festivities kick off at 3:00 p.m, allowing families to make the most of the afternoon attractions before the evening’s main events. Children’s faces will light up with the arrival of Santa himself, while the free face painting station and animal farm offer endless entertainment for young visitors. Brisbane’s pop-up library adds an educational touch to the celebrations, promoting the joy of reading during the holiday season.
For the more adventurous, carnival rides and Vuly’s interactive games zone provide excitement and the chance to win special giveaways. The sprawling park grounds offer plenty of space for families to spread their picnic blankets and settle in for an afternoon of memory-making.
Feast and Festivities
Photo credit: Wakerley Carols/Facebook
No community celebration would be complete without delicious food options, and Wakerley Carols delivers in spades. From gourmet food trucks to classic BBQ offerings, coffee carts to refreshing ice cream and slushies, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Families are also welcome to bring their own picnic spreads, making it an affordable option for everyone.
Evening Magic
Photo credit: Wakerley Carols/Facebook
As day turns to dusk, the official opening ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m., featuring beloved Christmas carols that bring the community together in song. The evening reaches its spectacular finale at 8 PM with a dazzling fireworks display that lights up the Wakerley sky.
Practical Information
Photo credit: William Jason Sherwood/Google Maps
Located at 74 Dianthus Street, Wakerley Park is easily accessible and welcomes four-legged family members, provided they remain on leads. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets for comfort during the evening’s performances.
From its grassroots beginning to today’s grand celebration, the Wakerley Carols stands as a testament to the power of community spirit. As it enters its second decade, this beloved event continues to bring joy, creating cherished memories for generations of families.
Mark your calendars for this free community event that promises to kick off the festive season in spectacular style. The Wakerley Carols 2024 is more than just an event – it’s a celebration of community, family, and the magic of Christmas in Brisbane.
The talented young performers brought the iconic story to life, leaving a lasting impression on everyone attending.
The show, which took place on Thursday, October 31st, and Friday, November 1st, was a resounding success. The students’ dedication and hard work were evident in every aspect of the production, from the powerful vocals to the energetic choreography.
Audience members were particularly impressed by the students’ commitment to their roles and ability to convey the characters’ emotions in The Lion King musical. The vibrant costumes, stunning set design, and captivating music enhanced the experience.
Cr Alex Givney emphasised the importance of community feedback in shaping the enhancement project. “We’ve heard from many of you, and we want to gather even more input. Whether you’re thinking about new equipment, enhanced facilities, or additional shaded areas, this is your opportunity to influence the park’s development to better serve our community,” Cr Givney said.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The existing outdoor gym, situated within Lota Camping Reserve, currently features callisthenics and exercise equipment designed for strength and mobility training. The upgrade initiative aims to enhance these facilities to better align with community needs and preferences.
About Lota Camping Reserve
Photo credit: Trevor Poulsen/Google Maps
Lota Camping Reserve, located at 710 Esplanade in Lota, has already established itself as a popular recreational destination, boasting white rustic timber picnic shelters, modern barbecue facilities, and an extensive network of bike and walking paths.
Photo credit: Ben Vella/Google Maps
The park is particularly well-known for its sand-based playground, which includes features such as forts, slides, climbing nets, and various play equipment suitable for both toddlers and older children.
The spacious grounds feature ample parking facilities surrounding the park, making it easily accessible for families and fitness enthusiasts alike. The park’s serene setting by the water creates an ideal environment for relaxation, whether you’re exercising at the outdoor gym, enjoying a family picnic, or simply soaking in the coastal atmosphere.
Residents interested in contributing their ideas can visit the park to scan the QR code or complete the feedback form. The feedback will help guide decisions about the fitness equipment upgrades.
Catch “Scotland Road,” a thought-provoking play about a woman who emerges from the North Atlantic, claiming to be a survivor of the ill-fated Titanic, on a limited run at the Mercury Theatre Wynnum.
Mercury Theatre Wynnum will present “Scotland Road,” a thought-provoking play about a woman who emerges from the North Atlantic, claiming to be a survivor of the ill-fated ship.
The title, “Scotland Road,” refers to a long corridor on the Titanic’s lower decks, a passageway that significantly impacted the ship’s rapid sinking. As her story unfolds, intrigue and questions arise, challenging the audience to discern fact from fiction.
The production, which runs from 1 to 17 November, delves into a tale of mystery, identity, and the enduring impact of historical events. The play follows a woman who emerges from the North Atlantic, asserting to be a survivor of the tragic sinking. As her story unfolds, intrigue and questions arise, leaving the audience to ponder the truth behind her claims.
The Mercury Theatre Wynnum is renowned for its commitment to bringing high-quality theatre to the local community. This production promises to be no exception, featuring talented actors and a captivating script.
By attending this show, audiences can support local theatre and experience a powerful performance that will stay with them long after the curtain falls.
Brisbane residents will soon see the return of familiar orange e-scooters to the city streets, including an expansion into the bayside suburbs of Wynnum, Manly, Sandgate, and Shorncliffe.
This comes after the Brisbane City Council terminated its contract with Singapore-based company Beam Mobility amidst allegations of exceeding its device limit and underreporting revenue.
Neuron Mobility operated in Brisbane from 2019 until July of this year and will rejoin Lime as the city’s e-scooter and e-bike provider. The company’s distinctive orange vehicles will return to the streets on December 3rd, following a new agreement with the Council. This development follows the Council’s recent cancellation of Beam Mobility’s contract, which lasted two months.
Beam was accused of deploying an average of 500 extra devices daily across the city, exceeding the agreed-upon cap by over 27 per cent.
In July, a Brisbane City Council spokesperson confirmed the allowable limit of 5,000 shared e-scooters citywide, which was later increased to 6,000. While Beam expressed disappointment over the contract termination and refuted the Council’s claims, the Council remained tight-lipped on its monitoring strategies to prevent future breaches.
However, Councillor Ryan Murphy, Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport, emphasised the importance of the shared e-mobility scheme in reducing traffic congestion by encouraging people to opt for alternative modes of transport. He highlighted the benefits of having multiple operators to foster market competition, ensure the availability of the latest and safest devices, and maintain competitive pricing.
Neuron Mobility’s Australian and New Zealand General Manager, Jayden Bryant, expressed enthusiasm for the company’s return to Brisbane, acknowledging the city’s pioneering role in adopting micromobility in Australia. He also emphasised Neuron’s commitment to safety and innovation, citing the example of their app-controlled helmet lock, which was first launched in Brisbane and is now implemented globally.
With the summer season approaching, expanding the e-scooter riding area to include the bayside suburbs will provide residents and tourists with enhanced transport options. This expansion will grant access to popular destinations such as Manly’s scenic beachfront path, the Waterloo Bay Hotel, the Wynnum Wading Pool, various cafes, and the Shorncliffe scenic path and jetty.
Since their initial launch in Brisbane in 2019, Neuron’s e-scooters have gained considerable popularity, covering over 5.5 million kilometres.
The expanded riding area is anticipated to boost tourism further, improve connections to public transport, and benefit businesses in the newly included zones.
A missing Toowoomba man has been found alive in bushland near the Belmont Shooting Complex on Old Cleveland Road. Police located the 43-year-old father on Monday afternoon and transported him to a Brisbane hospital.
The discovery ended a major two-day search that began when the man was reported missing after leaving a Cambooya property on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Saturday. The search intensified Monday morning after his motorcycle was found abandoned on Chelsea Road in Ransome, a relatively secluded area.
The search operation included police helicopters scanning Tingalpa Creek areas and dense bushland. Emergency services conducted extensive ground searches around Chelsea Road, an upscale area characterised by acreage properties.
Police had requested CCTV footage from the area over the weekend. According to Facebook posts, surveillance cameras had reportedly captured images of the man at several locations around Wynnum, including a pizza restaurant.
Belmont healthcare worker Claire Lee is turning her personal struggle with chronic illness into a mission to address Queensland’s youth mental health crisis, with a particular focus on eco-grief.
Recent findings from a YouGov survey paint a concerning picture of youth mental health in Queensland. Two-thirds of young adults between 16 and 25 report struggling with eco-grief, also known as climate anxiety or climate doom. The survey reveals that 30 percent of respondents express serious concerns about extreme weather events, while psychological distress among 15–24 year-olds has more than doubled since 2011, now affecting 42 percent of this age group.
Claire Lee brings unique perspective
Claire Lee, who serves at the Mater Hospital Young Adult Health Centre Brisbane, brings a unique perspective shaped by her own health journey. Living with developmental hip dysplasia and Ehlers Danlos syndrome, Lee’s experience managing chronic pain has deepened her understanding of the mental health challenges young people face.
The centre, which assists more than 200 young patients annually, has seen a significant increase in climate-related anxiety cases. “I am hoping to help other young people and encourage medical professionals to take the time to listen and understand their patients,” Lee says, drawing from both her professional experience and personal health journey.
On Wednesday, 13 November, Lee will join Professor Brett McDermott of the University of Tasmania at the Connecting to our Future Youth Health Conference. Professor McDermott, known for his work in post-disaster mental health programs, emphasises that climate-change anxiety significantly impacts educational outcomes and life decisions among youth. His research advocates for proactive solutions through counselling and community engagement.
Photo Credit: Australian Association for Adolescent Health
The Connecting to our Future Youth Health Conference runs from 11 to 13 November at the Brisbane State Library. The Climate Impacts on Youth Health session (Session 7A) takes place on 13 November at 10:30 AM, featuring Lifecycles Director Timothy Grant opening with a talk on “Climate Crisis and Climate Courage,” followed by presentations from Claire Lee and Professor Brett McDermott. Designer Charlotte Adams will conclude the session with a talk about what she calls the “eco-anxiety toolkit.”
Interested community members can access registration information through the 2024 Youth Health Conference website. While the current program is confirmed, attendees should note that session details are subject to change.
The Village Manly, a retirement community planned for Brisbane’s eastern coastal suburb, will be relaunched with new designs featuring two six-storey buildings, providing increased housing options for retirees in the local area.
In 2021, Anglicare Southern Queensland and the Village Retirement Group announced the initial plans for The Village Manly, proposing two medium-rise buildings. These were to be located alongside the E.M. Tooth Residential Aged Care home and the heritage-listed Lota House, adding historical significance to the development site. However, updated plans now include 76 three-bedroom apartments across the two buildings, with construction expected to commence by January 2025 and a completion date set for June 2026.
Community Impact
The project, located in Manly, roughly 20 kilometres from Brisbane’s central business district, aims to provide housing solutions for an ageing population in a well-connected coastal suburb.
The Village Manly is designed to offer modern housing while promoting a strong community ethos by including shared spaces on the ground floor. These community spaces are intended to foster social connection among residents, ensuring the village offers independent living options and supports residents in maintaining an active and engaged lifestyle.
The development’s proximity to the historic Lota House adds a unique connection to the area’s heritage, offering future residents the opportunity to live near one of the region’s important historical landmarks. In addition to providing more retirement living options, the project is expected to bring economic and social benefits to the Manly area by drawing new residents into the community and creating local job opportunities during construction and beyond.
Photo Credit: BCC
Revised Plans and Local Input
In October 2023, the Village Retirement Group sought amendments to the original approval granted by the Queensland Planning and Environment Court in December 2019. The revised plans now include six-storey buildings instead of the previously proposed four-storey design, accommodating more residents.
Local residents and stakeholders have raised both concerns and support for the revised plans. Some in the community have expressed concerns about the scale of the development, while others recognise the importance of providing more housing options for older residents in Manly.
Anglicare Southern Queensland emphasised that the new design aims to balance the need for more residential units with maintaining the character and environment of the local area, including the preservation of nearby Lota House.
Photo Credit: BCC
Partnership History and Future Prospects
This marks the second partnership between Anglicare Southern Queensland and The Village Retirement Group. Their first joint project, The Village Taigum, is located in Brisbane’s northern suburbs. Both organisations have expressed their commitment to delivering high-quality retirement living options that benefit not only residents but also the broader community.
Anglicare Southern Queensland has also been involved in a separate retirement village development in Nundah, consisting of detached and attached units. The project highlights their long-term goal of providing housing and aged care options across various Brisbane suburbs.
The Village Manly, anticipated to start in early 2025, aims to address the increasing demand for retirement living in coastal Brisbane. It will offer future residents a balance of independence, community, and access to nearby services while maintaining a connection to the area’s historical roots through Lota House.
August 2021: Initial plans for The Village Manly were announced by Anglicare Southern Queensland and the Village Retirement Group. The original design included two medium-rise buildings of four storeys each.
December 2019: The Queensland Planning and Environment Court granted approval for the project.
Late 2021: The original expected start date for construction, which was delayed.
October 2023: The Village Retirement Group sought to modify the approved plans to increase the size of the buildings from four storeys to six storeys.
October 2024: Announcement of the project’s relaunch, with updated plans for two six-storey buildings featuring 76 three-bedroom apartments.
January 2025: Anticipated commencement of construction for the revised project.
June 2026: Expected completion date for the construction of The Village Manly.
Throughout Brisbane, an innovative community art program is transforming the mundane into the magnificent. Artforce Brisbane empowers local residents to unleash their creativity on an unconventional canvas: traffic signal boxes.
One standout piece in this citywide gallery is the vibrant “Cosmic Girl” located at the corner of Wynnum Road and Stanton Road in Tingalpa. Created by Kimberly Engwicht, a proud Bundjalung and South Sea Islander woman, this artwork embodies the spirit of joy and positivity that Artforce Brisbane aims to spread.
Photo credit: artforcebrisbane.com.au
Painted in July 2022, “Cosmic Girl” quickly captured the hearts of locals, earning it the People’s Choice award for that year. Engwicht’s creation is more than just a pretty picture; it’s a daily dose of encouragement for passersby.
“My artwork is purely made to bring people joy,” Engwicht stated. “I want to put a smile on people’s faces as they drive by on their way to and from work/school. I’ve included some positive sayings at the top of the artwork so that people can read it, believe it and then take it on throughout their day.”
Photo credit: artforcebrisbane.com.au
The traffic signal box features bright colours and carries two simple yet powerful messages: “You are loved” and “You are enough.” These affirmations serve as a gentle reminder to the community of their inherent worth and the love that surrounds them.
The Artist Behind the Art
Photo credit: artforcebrisbane.com.au
Kimberly Engwicht is no stranger to making a big impact with her art. As a Brisbane-based artist and the Creative Director of K-Rae Designs, a digital illustration business, she has already left her mark on the city. Many may remember her striking “Deadly Icons” artwork, which was projected onto the William Jolly Bridge, turning the structure into a temporary canvas for Indigenous art.
A Program for Everyone
Artforce Brisbane is more than just a beautification project; it’s a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. The program encourages participation from Brisbane residents of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. This approach ensures that the public artworks truly represent the rich tapestry of perspectives within the community.
By transforming everyday objects into works of art, Artforce Brisbane does more than just add colour to the streets. It builds stronger, more inclusive communities, inspires creativity, and provides a platform for local artists to showcase their talents.
As you travel through Brisbane, from Tingalpa to the city centre and beyond, keep an eye out for these painted traffic signal boxes. Each one tells a story, shares a message, or simply adds a splash of colour to brighten your day. And who knows? The next masterpiece you see might inspire you to pick up a brush and add your own voice to Brisbane’s ever-growing outdoor gallery.
