Beyond Fish and Chips: SeaVibes’ Culinary Journey in Manly Harbour Village

SeaVibes Manly has become a beloved fixture in Manly Harbour Village, offering much more than your traditional seafood fare. 


Read: Inside SeaVibes Manly, The Esplanade’s Go-To For Fresh Seafood


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

SeaVibes
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

SeaVibes
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.


Read: The Manly Hotel Unveils Transformed Spaces After Reopening


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.

Published 18-October-2024

Tingalpa Man Wins $102,000, Plans House Renovations

A Tingalpa resident has won $102,000 in a recent jackpot draw, giving him the funds to pursue long-awaited home renovations.



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.

Published 17-Oct-2024

Manly West Development Opportunity: Silky Oaks Children’s Haven Site Hits the Market

A prime piece of real estate in Manly West, which has housed the Silky Oaks Children’s Haven for nearly eight decades, is poised for redevelopment.



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.

 Silky Oaks Children’s Haven
Photo Credit: Knight Frank

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.  

 Silky Oaks Children’s Haven
Photo Credit: Knight Frank

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.

 Silky Oaks Children’s Haven
Photo Credit: Knight Frank

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. 

Published Date 15-October-2024

Tingalpa Child’s Close Call with Home Intruder

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.

Photo Credit: Queensland Police Service

The police have indicated that initial inquiries are ongoing, but there is no ongoing threat to public safety.



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.

Published 15-October-2024

Manly West School to Expand with New Creativity and Arts Centre

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.

Photo Credit: DA A006563913

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.  

Moreton Bay College
Photo Credit: DA A006563913

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.

Published Date 09-October-2024

Thorneside Fire Leaves Community in Mourning: Two Lives Lost in Tragic Blaze

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. 


Read: Fire Mitigation Works at Scribbly Gums Conservation Area, Alexandra Hills


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.

Thorneside Fire
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.


Read: Manly Mourns the Passing of Jan Power, Iconic Farmers Market Founder


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.

Published 8-October-2024

Wynnum Manly Seagulls Prepare for a Stronger 2025

The Wynnum Manly Seagulls have wrapped up their 2024 season following a hard-fought elimination final against the PNG Hunters in Port Moresby.

Read: From Brisbane to Italy: Manly Dragon Boat Club Takes on World Championship

Wynnum Manly Seagulls end season in PNG

After getting the 8th spot on the ladder with a Round 23 loss to the Brisbane Tigers, the Seagulls faced the tough challenge of playing away at the Santos National Football Stadium.

Despite starting strong with an 8th-minute try from Connor Broadhurst, followed by a conversion and penalty kick by Bryce Donovan, the Seagulls trailed 16-8 at halftime.

The second half was a battle for possession, but a 59th-minute try by the Hunters and a late field goal secured a 23-8 victory for the home side.

2024 in review

The Seagulls finished the 2024 season with a 10-9-1 record, falling just one point shy of last year’s total. Their home form was particularly strong, with an impressive 5-3-1 record at BMD Kougari Oval. The team kicked off the season with four consecutive wins on home turf, giving fans plenty to cheer about.

Though the season ended earlier than hoped, the club highlighted several key improvements both on and off the field, laying a solid foundation for future success.

Looking ahead to 2025

As the Seagulls look towards the 2025 season, they are excited to announce the opening of applications for their TAFE at School Program.

Based at the Kougari Oval, this initiative allows high school students to combine their passion for rugby league with education, offering them a unique pathway to both personal and professional growth.

Visit here for more details.

Read: Manly Mourns the Passing of Jan Power, Iconic Farmers Market Founder

As the Wynnum Manly Seagulls reflect on their 2024 season and gear up for 2025, the club remains committed to excellence both on the field and in developing the next generation of rugby league professionals.

Published 06-October-2024

Manly West Local Sentenced to Community Service for Improper Sale of Shared Caravan

A Manly West local has been sentenced to community service for allegedly selling a jointly-owned caravan without her former partner’s consent. 


Read: Cycling Incident on Manly Road Prompts Safety Concerns


The 55-year-old woman, identified as Leona Mercia McKinnon, pleaded guilty to a single charge of fraud at Maroochydore Magistrates Court last week.

The court heard that the defendant, who works as a veterinary assistant in Manly West, sold the recreational vehicle to a reputable dealer in Woombye for $27,000 in March this year. The Manly West local allegedly forged her ex-partner’s signature on sale documents and provided a copy of his driver’s licence without permission. The funds were deposited into a joint bank account.

Photo credit: Google Street View

According to the police prosecutor, the woman’s actions were “always doomed” to fail due to the lack of sophistication in the scheme. The victim, who was unaware of the sale, submitted an impact statement detailing the financial loss incurred.

The defence lawyer argued that the defendant’s actions occurred in the context of a relationship marked by domestic violence, describing her as being in a “terrible position” at the time. The lawyer requested that no conviction be recorded.

Acting Magistrate Anna Smith acknowledged the context of the offence but noted that the victim had been compensated for the caravan, a fact not disclosed in the impact statement. She gave limited weight to claims of social, psychological, or physical effects on the victim due to lack of supporting evidence.


Read: Two-Vehicle Accident at Bognor Street Intersection Leaves Driver in Critical Condition


The magistrate reportedly ordered the defendant to complete 100 hours of community service. No conviction was recorded, and no restitution orders were made.

This case highlights the complexities that can arise in property disputes following relationship breakdowns and the legal consequences of unauthorised sales of jointly-owned assets.

Published 1-October-2024

Man Charged with Dangerous Driving in Manly

A 25-year-old Hillcrest man has been charged with dangerous driving offences following incidents in Manly on Friday, September 20, 2024.



Between 12:30 AM and 2 AM, police received multiple reports from members of the public about a black Ford Falcon driving dangerously in the area, including performing burnouts.

The suspect was located and apprehended at a Carlton Terrace address around 2 PM on Saturday, September 21. He has been issued a Notice to Appear for Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle and is scheduled to face the Wynnum Magistrates Court on December 16.

Law enforcement officials are now appealing to the public for additional evidence. They are requesting anyone in the Manly area who may have captured vision of the vehicle, including dashcam or CCTV footage, to contact the police.



Individuals with information are encouraged to contact Policelink by using the online suspicious activity form available 24/7 at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

The police have assigned the reference number QP2401620669 to this case for all related inquiries and information submissions.

Published 21-September-2024

Community Input Sought on Concept Plans for Cambridge Parade Intersection Upgrade

Two new concept plans for improvements to the intersection of Cambridge Parade, Melville Terrace, and Arnold Street have been released for community feedback.


Read: Safety and Visibility Upgrade Proposed for Manly’s Cambridge Parade Intersection


These designs, developed based on community feedback received in late 2023, aim to enhance safety and traffic flow in the area. An online survey has been launched to gather public input, opening on September 6 and set to close at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, 6 October 2024.

Residents are now encouraged to review the proposed designs and share their opinions on the features and benefits of each plan.

Photo credit: Google Street View

Both designs propose replacing Stop signs with Give Way signs on Melville Terrace and Arnold Street at their intersections with Cambridge Parade. They also include plans to reconstruct and extend kerb buildouts, install new footpath sections, and implement minor landscaping improvements.

Design A

Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au

Design A features a new raised speed platform on Cambridge Parade, designed to accommodate boat trailers, with coloured road markings indicating the 40km/h speed limit. This plan would introduce 30 formal on-street parking spaces along Cambridge Parade while removing 5 informal spaces.

Design B

Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au

Design B, on the other hand, proposes new coloured road markings for the 40km/h speed zone with a garden bed island to the north and a new traffic island to the south on Cambridge Parade. This design would also add 30 formal parking spaces but remove 8 informal ones.

Both concepts aim to improve safety and traffic management in the area while considering parking needs and aesthetic enhancements.

Brisbane City Council has provided additional considerations for residents to keep in mind when evaluating the proposed designs. One key difference between the two plans relates to parking and visibility.

Design A, which incorporates a raised speed platform, is expected to be more effective in ensuring motorists comply with the 40km/h speed limit. As a result, this design requires less parking removal to achieve adequate sightlines for drivers exiting Arnold Street or Melville Terrace onto Cambridge Parade.

In contrast, Design B relies on coloured road markings to promote adherence to the speed limit. While these markings can encourage slower speeds, they are not as effective as physical speed platforms in ensuring compliance. Consequently, Design B necessitates the removal of more parking spaces to provide sufficient visibility for drivers at the intersections.


Read: Cycling Incident on Manly Road Prompts Safety Concerns


Residents are urged to participate in the survey to help shape the final decision on these important local infrastructure improvements. Visit Council’s website to have your say about the plans.

Published 19-September-2024