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.
Nestled on the corner of Esplanade and Cambridge Parade, this fully licensed fish and chippery has been serving up a slice of coastal paradise since December 2018.
A Diverse Menu for Every Palate
Photo credit: SeaVibes Manly/Google Maps
While SeaVibes’ roots are firmly planted in the classic fish and chips tradition, their menu has expanded to cater to a wide range of tastes. Not a fan of fish? No problem! Their pizza selection ensures that non-seafood eaters have plenty to choose from.
Photo credit: SeaVibes Manly/Google Maps
But it’s not just about fish and pizza – SeaVibes has built a reputation for their mouthwatering burgers and perfectly crispy chips.
Seafood enthusiasts rave about the prawn tacos, a dish that has become a local favourite. For those with a sweet tooth, the Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich is an indulgent treat that’s not to be missed.
Beyond Dinner: Breakfast and Weekly Specials
Photo credit: Lacey Moir/Google Maps
SeaVibes goes beyond the typical fish and chip shop hours. On weekends, they open their doors for breakfast, offering a perfect start to a day of exploring the local markets. Their alfresco dining area provides a lovely setting for a leisurely morning meal.
To keep things exciting, SeaVibes offers weekly specials that showcase the chef’s creativity and the freshest local ingredients. These rotating offerings give regulars a reason to come back time and time again to try something new.
Ambiance and Location
Photo credit: Jackson Hsu/Google Maps
With its prime location adjacent to the Marina, SeaVibes offers the perfect backdrop for a relaxing lunch or a refreshing drink. The restaurant’s warm atmosphere is complemented by friendly staff, creating an inviting environment that keeps customers coming back.
Adding to the laid-back coastal vibe, SeaVibes frequently features live music, enhancing the dining experience with local talent and good tunes.
A Menu for Every Occasion
Photo credit: John Edgerton/Google Maps
Whether you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal or a quick takeaway, SeaVibes has you covered. Their casual menu is available for both dine-in and takeout, making it a versatile option for locals and visitors alike.
Community Fixture
Photo credit: Boon Hoe Chew/Google Maps
Now in its sixth year of operation, SeaVibes has solidified its place as a community favourite. It’s more than just a restaurant – it’s a gathering place where good food, great views, and positive vibes come together to create a truly memorable dining experience.
From its humble beginnings as a fish and chip shop to its current status as a diverse eatery, SeaVibes embodies the relaxed, friendly spirit of Manly Harbour Village. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite after a day at the beach, enjoying a leisurely weekend breakfast, or settling in for an evening of great food and live music, SeaVibes promises nothing but good vibes all around.
The Brisbane man secured the 1st Prize of $100,000 on Friday, 11 October 2024. In addition to the main prize, he received a $2,000 consolation prize, bringing his total winnings to $102,000.
Upon receiving confirmation of his win, the Tingalpa local expressed disbelief. He shared that he initially thought there might have been a mistake when he checked his ticket.
“I thought I was reading it wrong,” he said after an official from the agency contacted him. Once the win sank in, he said he was thrilled and grateful, stating the money would be put to good use.
“I’ve been thinking about doing some house alterations, and now I can fully commit,” he added.
The winner, who has been participating in draws for over 20 years, plans to share the news with his family and celebrate quietly.
“I’ll be having a nice quiet one in,” he said after expressing his excitement.
News of the win has excited the local Tingalpa community. Friends and neighbours have congratulated the long-time resident, who plans to use his winnings to improve his home. Local tradespeople and businesses may also see a boost as the winner prepares to spend part of his prize on home renovations.
The winning entry was purchased online, where the man chose a set of 10 consecutive numbers. This win has brought a wave of positivity to the local area, with many hoping it could inspire more good fortune in Tingalpa’s community.
The 25,059sq m site at 218 Manly Road currently provides various services, including support for children and teenagers, housing and homelessness assistance, and an early learning centre. Now, Silky Oaks Children’s Haven is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) to explore the future potential of this expansive property.
While most of the services currently operating on the site will be relocated, the existing 57-place early learning centre will remain and be expanded. The EOI campaign, managed by Knight Frank agents Christian Sandstrom and Sam Biggins, aims to attract proposals for a variety of uses, with a focus on long-term ground leases and outright sales. This includes plans for a new, purpose-built 120-place early learning centre adjacent to Manly State School.
This prime Manly West location offers significant development potential. The 25,059 sqm site is currently zoned for low-density residential and community facilities.
The EOI process is open to various possibilities, including seniors’ living, residential buildings, allied health facilities, and educational institutions. The site is particularly well-suited to medium-rise projects, which offer the advantage of shorter construction timeframes.
Mr Sandstrom anticipates significant interest from developers and potential occupiers. He highlighted the site’s suitability for medium-rise projects, offering attractive 12- to 15-month construction timelines. The need for comparable development opportunities in this sought-after bayside suburb will fuel demand further.
Mr Biggins emphasised the unique nature of the offering, noting that the property has not been on the market in over 85 years. Its elevated position provides panoramic views of Moreton Bay and the Brisbane CBD.
The site’s regular shape and dual street access offer flexibility for staged development. He believes the potential for diverse development outcomes will draw interest from various parties.
The EOI campaign closes at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 17 October.
A Tingalpa family experienced a frightening close call on Friday, October 11, 2024, when an intruder entered their home and approached a nine-year-old boy. The event has left the family shaken and prompted an ongoing police investigation.
Maraea Powell, a mother of four, reported that her son Arana, 9, encountered the stranger inside their Tingalpa residence. The incident occurred around 5:50 am when Arana went to retrieve his school shoes from the front porch. Upon returning inside, he was followed by an unfamiliar man walking a dog on a leash.
According to Powell, the man approached Arana, asking questions about the dog and encouraging the boy to pat it. Arana managed to escape the situation by running out of the house. However, the intruder allegedly attempted to re-enter the property via the side before leaving when he saw Arana with Powell’s cousin, who was working in the garage.
The situation was particularly concerning as Powell’s younger children, aged four and five, were asleep in a nearby room during the intrusion.
Queensland Police Service confirmed they are investigating the incident. A police spokeswoman stated that they received a formal report from the family on October 10, nearly a week after the event occurred. The delay in reporting was due to Arana not fully disclosing the details to his parents until the following Monday.
This incident has deeply affected the Powell family, with Maraea Powell expressing a range of emotions from anger to upset as she processes what could have happened.
Moreton Bay College in Manly West has submitted a development application for a new Creativity and Arts Centre, signalling the school’s major expansion.
This planned addition to their Wondall Road campus will support the growing educational needs of students from Pre-Prep through Year 12.
After demolishing a section of the existing car park and an internal driveway, Novum Architects will design the multi-storey building. This contemporary learning space will house various new facilities, including dedicated learning areas, specialist rooms for creative activities, and additional staff areas.
The ground floor will feature five new learning areas, four store rooms, two covered outdoor learning areas, three specialist spaces, a change room, and three viewing/meeting booths. Staff will access a dedicated staffroom with two offices and a kitchen/servery.
Students will benefit from new amenities and an external ground floor lobby with an atrium stair. The first floor will include five additional learning areas, three store rooms, and eight breakout rooms. Amenities, a laundry, and an atrium stair leading to the first-floor lobby will also be incorporated, along with internal circulation, stair, and lift access.
To accommodate the expansion, 40 additional parking spaces will be created, with vehicle and pedestrian access continuing from both Hargreaves and Wondall Roads.
Gaskell Planning Consultants, which is managing the application, believes that the new centre will improve educational opportunities for Moreton Bay College students and positively impact the learning environment of the surrounding area.
A devastating Thorneside fire has claimed the lives of an eight-year-old girl and her 31-year-old babysitter, leaving the Brisbane suburb in shock and mourning.
The tragic blaze, which engulfed a townhouse on Sunday, October 6, has left families grappling with an unimaginable loss. The young victim, known affectionately as Raven, was under the care of Stephanie Ryan, a family friend visiting from Alice Springs, when the blaze erupted in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Emergency services responded to the scene on Bayside Court around 7:15 am, finding two units already engulfed in flames.
Queensland Ambulance Service reported that the little girl had suffered life-threatening injuries. Tragically, police later confirmed that her body was discovered by emergency services. The search for Ryan’s remains was hampered by a collapsed roof, and it wasn’t until a day later, on October 7, that authorities located her body.
As investigations continue to determine the cause of the Thorneside fire, loved ones have begun to pay tribute to the victims. Thelma Cowell, Ryan’s grandmother, was visibly distraught as she visited the site of the tragedy. She described the child as loveable, her words heavy with grief.
Stephanie Ryan (Photo credit: Karen Linsley/GoFundMe)
Raven’s family shared touching memories of the young girl. They spoke of her love for shopping and socialising, describing her as a special and well-loved eight-year-old.
The impact of this tragedy has rippled through the community, prompting an outpouring of support. Ryan’s aunt has launched a GoFundMe campaign to give her niece a fitting send-off. Meanwhile, Raven’s family visited the scene to lay flowers, with her grandfather expressing a desire for the world to know how cherished the eight-year-old was.
The site of the Thorneside fire has now been declared a crime scene as police intensify their investigation, seeking to uncover the cause of the tragic blaze that claimed two lives and left a community in mourning.
