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Local Community Mourns After Fatal Workplace Incident in Tingalpa

A local civil construction firm and the Brisbane Irish community are grieving the loss of a well-loved site manager following a fatal vehicle accident in Tingalpa.

The tragic event occurred shortly before 7 am on Friday, 17 April, at the Wynnum Road premises of Allstar Infrastructure. Chris Kelly, an experienced construction professional, sustained critical injuries when he was caught between two vehicles on the industrial site.

Paramedics arrived quickly to provide emergency medical care, but they were unable to save him, and he passed away at the scene. This loss was part of a difficult week for the region, as another man died just days later during a separate forklift accident at a quarry in Sheldon.

A Journey From Ireland to Brisbane

Mr Kelly was a highly respected member of the local workforce who moved to Australia after building a career in his home country. Before his time in Queensland, he attended Athy College in Kildare and spent years working as a civil contractor in County Dublin.

His professional history on LinkedIn showed a man dedicated to his trade, eventually rising to the position of site construction manager for the Tingalpa-based company. Colleagues and those who worked alongside him remembered him as a person who brought both skill and a kind presence to the job site every day.

Tributes to a Gentle Giant

The impact of his death has been felt deeply by his partner, family, and a wide circle of friends who described him as a man of immense character. His partner, Cheyne Sellwood, expressed her deep affection for him and noted that they had been looking forward to a long future together. Friends like Edwina Mahon-Curtis spoke of him as a true gentleman who was devoted to his family and well-liked by everyone who knew him.

Others, including Mel Darque and Jason Kelly, shared that they felt fortunate to have had such a close friend and stated they would always hold onto the happy memories and laughter they shared with the man they called a gentle giant.

Ongoing Safety Investigations

While the community focuses on supporting those left behind, authorities are working to understand how the tragedy happened. Inspectors from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland have started a formal investigation into the specific movements of the vehicles and the site conditions at the time of the accident. Paul O’Brien, another friend of the deceased, mentioned how much he valued the simple moments spent chatting with Mr Kelly, reflecting the quiet void his absence leaves in the lives of many Brisbane residents.

Published Date 25-April-2026

July 2026 BMX World Championships Bring Global Field To Chandler Track

Photo Credit: Sleeman Sports Complex

Upgrades are ongoing at Chandler’s Brisbane SX International BMX Centre as preparations continue for the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships, with the venue being readied for international competition.

A Venue Under Construction For International Racing

Within the Sleeman Sports Complex, the Brisbane SX International BMX Centre is continuing to undergo precinct upgrades aimed at meeting international BMX racing standards. The works are focused on preparing the site for a large international field set to compete in July 2026.

The 400-metre BMX Supercross track remains central to these upgrades, with refinements underway in line with global design requirements. The course is set to feature both 5-metre and 8-metre start ramps, along with timing systems installed across the track to monitor performance.

UCI World Championships 2026 — *Photo Credit: Sleeman Sports Complex*

Brisbane SX International BMX Centre Builds Towards July 2026

The 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships will run from 17 to 25 July, with all competition scheduled at the Chandler venue. The event will include Championship racing across Elite, Under 23 and Junior categories, followed by Challenge and Masters competitions later in the program.

This format places higher-level racing at the beginning of the event, before transitioning into broader participation categories across the remaining days. Practice sessions and qualification rounds will precede finals throughout the nine-day schedule.

Chandler BMX Centre — *Photo Credit: Sleeman Sports Complex*

Activity Continues As Works Progress

Despite ongoing upgrades, the Brisbane SX International BMX Centre continues to operate as a training venue. Weekly gate practice sessions take place on Thursday evenings, allowing riders to use the start ramps and timing systems during preparation.

The broader Sleeman Sports Complex supports this activity with accommodation, gymnasiums, recovery facilities and additional sporting spaces. Its proximity to Brisbane International Airport also allows for ongoing training camps in the lead-up to the championships.

Focus Shifts Towards The Event

With July 2026 approaching, attention in Chandler is gradually turning from construction to readiness. The track is continuing to take shape as works progress, with preparations aimed at hosting a large international BMX racing event.

By the time competition begins, the Brisbane SX International BMX Centre is expected to bring together thousands of riders on a single course, placing Chandler at the centre of BMX racing during the championship period.

Published 23-Apr-2026

Brisbane SX BMX Centre and Anna Meares Velodrome Set for UCI World Cup Action in 2028

Brisbane is gearing up for a landmark moment in international cycling, with the Chandler precinct confirmed as the home of two major UCI World Cup events in February 2028. The Anna Meares Velodrome will host a round of the UCI Track World Cup, while the Brisbane SX International BMX Centre next door will welcome elite competitors and fans for two rounds of the UCI BMX Racing World Cup.

Read: Next Wave: Chandler Trio Poised for Olympic Futures

AusCycling confirmed that Brisbane will host both rounds, with the full backing of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The timing is deliberate, with both rounds scheduled just five months out from the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics, making Brisbane a key stop for athletes chasing form and preparation ahead of the Games.

Track cycling fans can mark 4 to 6 February 2028 in their calendars for the Velodrome action, while BMX Racing fans will want to head to Chandler on 12 and 13 February for what promises to be a high-octane weekend at the Brisbane SX International BMX Centre.

A springboard for Olympic hopefuls

Photo credit: Facebook/Brisbane SX International BMX Centre

The proximity of these events to the LA 2028 Games means the world’s leading cyclists are expected to make the trip to Brisbane as part of their Olympic preparation. AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner welcomed the news, saying the growing number of elite events coming to Australia in the build-up to both the 2028 and 2032 Olympics was a tremendous opportunity to put Brisbane and the country on the global cycling map. She added that the benefits would extend beyond elite competition, reaching emerging riders and supporters who would have the chance to see the world’s finest in action.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said landing multiple UCI World Cup events was a genuine coup for Brisbane, reinforcing its reputation as a city that can attract and deliver top-tier international sport. Schrinner noted that as one of only two Australian cities to hold the UCI Bike City label, Brisbane was well placed to capitalise on the growing global appetite for cycling competition, with real economic and community dividends expected in the lead-up to 2032.

UCI Bike City recognition for Brisbane

Brisbane SX BMX Centre — Photo credit: uci.org

The UCI Bike City designation, announced alongside the event news, acknowledges Brisbane’s sustained commitment to cycling across infrastructure, grassroots participation and major event delivery. It places Brisbane among a select group of cities worldwide recognised for making cycling central to urban life and sporting ambition. The Anna Meares Velodrome, a world-class facility in the city’s southern suburbs, stands as one of the clearest expressions of that commitment.

Queensland’s Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the announcement was another step forward in the state’s Destination 2045 strategy, which aims to attract globally significant events that generate lasting tourism and economic value for Queensland.

Part of a bigger picture

The February 2028 World Cup events sit within a much broader period of cycling activity for South East Queensland. Brisbane is already preparing to host the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships this coming July, with strong ticket demand reported. Further afield, the Sunshine Coast has been named as the venue for the 2028 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships, adding another major international event to the region’s calendar.

Hosting multiple World Cup rounds within a single month is expected to generate significant international broadcast coverage, drive tourism and deliver economic benefits across the city. The events will also contribute to the Brisbane Cycling Festival, a growing celebration of the sport that encompasses more than 60 events annually.

Read: Going Car-Free in Brisbane? UQ Study Says the City Just Won’t Let You

For cycling fans across Brisbane’s bayside and beyond, the Chandler precinct is shaping up as one of Australia’s most important cycling hubs, and February 2028 is shaping up as a month well worth the drive.

Published 23-April-2026

Cambridge Parade Proposal Includes Six Homes and Commercial Space

A development application for a mixed-use residential and commercial project on Cambridge Parade, Manly, is currently under assessment, proposing six new dwellings alongside a small ground-floor business space in the bayside suburb.

Read: Community Engagement Wraps Up on Planned Cambridge Parade Intersection Upgrades

Project details

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006923929

The proposal, lodged under development application A006923929, relates to 75 Cambridge Parade, Manly and outlines plans for an integrated development comprising a 74sqm commercial tenancy and six residential units. The residential component includes four two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units.

The design also includes a total of 14 on-site car parking spaces. These consist of 11 tandem spaces allocated for residents, two visitor spaces for residential use, and one space designated for commercial visitors. Vehicle access is proposed via a single crossover at the western end of the site’s Cambridge Parade frontage.

Submissions received

The proposal has received two formal submissions opposing the development, with concerns largely centred on parking provision and potential impacts on surrounding streets.

One submission argued the revised design does not provide sufficient parking to meet expected demand, highlighting concerns about the practicality of the layout and the limited provision of smaller car spaces. It suggests the arrangement could result in vehicles spilling onto nearby streets and calls for a more functional parking solution.

The second submission raises concerns about the design’s impact on the local streetscape and heritage character of Cambridge Parade. It states that the proposed development is “the antithesis of the current ‘heritage’ streetscape,” arguing that this existing character is a key contributor to the area’s commercial and entertainment appeal.

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

In response, the applicant maintains that the shared parking model between residential and commercial uses will help balance demand throughout the day. The transport report also notes that nearby on-street parking can accommodate overflow, reducing pressure on the site itself.

The application remains under assessment, with Brisbane’s local officials yet to make a final decision.

Published 21-April-2026

Man Dies In Tingalpa Workplace Incident After Early-Morning Call-Out

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

A workplace incident in Tingalpa has resulted in the death of a man after emergency services were called to a site on Wynnum Road.

Fatal Incident At Tingalpa Worksite

Emergency services responded to a workplace along Wynnum Road in Tingalpa early on April 17 following reports of an incident involving two vehicles.

At the scene, paramedics treated a man in his 40s who had suffered critical injuries. He died despite efforts to save him.

Tingalpa workplace incident — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Worker Crushed Between Vehicles

The incident involved two trucks, with the man crushed between the vehicles during the workplace event. No other injuries were reported.

Details about how the incident unfolded have not been outlined, with the sequence of events still under review.

Authorities Begin Workplace Investigation

The death is being treated as a workplace incident, with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland investigating the circumstances.

Police attended the site and are assisting with inquiries as part of the ongoing process.

Ongoing Examination Of Circumstances

The Tingalpa workplace incident on April 17 remains under investigation as authorities continue to examine the conditions and events surrounding the fatal outcome.

Further clarification is expected as the investigation progresses.

Published 19-Apr-2026

Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Club Receives Equipment Funding Boost

Photo Credit: Brisbane Airport

Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Club in Manly has received funding through Brisbane Airport’s Community Giving Fund, supporting equipment upgrades for young athletes at the local club.

Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Club At Centre Of Funding Boost

Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Club is among sixteen organisations across Brisbane to share in a $125,000 funding pool through Brisbane Airport’s Community Giving Fund, marking the largest round since the program began. The increase follows last year’s $100,000 allocation.

The Manly-based club will use its funding to purchase new javelins and covers for its long jump pits. The equipment will support children participating in athletics activities at the club, particularly across throwing and jumping events.

A new community sport category was introduced in this round, recognising the role local clubs such as Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Club play in supporting health and wellbeing through grassroots sport.

Brisbane funding — *Photo Credit: Wynnum Manly Little Athletics/Facebook*

Building Skills Through Athletics In Manly

Operating in Manly, Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Club provides athletics programs for children aged five to 16, with a focus on track and field events. Activities include sprints, distance running, hurdles, long jump, high jump, and throwing disciplines such as shot put, discus and javelin.

Competitions are held weekly, allowing participants to engage in a structured program suited to their age and ability. Events are designed to support skill development while maintaining an accessible and inclusive format for all participants.

The club is supported by volunteers, with parents playing an active role in assisting with event operations. This includes helping with setup, officiating, and guiding children through different activities during competition days.

grassroots sport — *Photo Credit: Wynnum Manly Little Athletics/Facebook*

Family, Fun And Fitness Driving Participation

Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Club follows a philosophy centred on family, fun and fitness, encouraging participation in a supportive environment. The program promotes positive attitudes and a healthy lifestyle through involvement in athletics activities.

Younger children are introduced to athletics through a play-based program focused on participation and enjoyment. These sessions build fundamental movement skills through activities involving running, jumping and throwing.

*Photo Credit: Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Centre*

Community Support Extends Beyond Manly

The Community Giving Fund supports organisations delivering programs across education, environment, health and inclusion throughout Brisbane. This includes initiatives focused on youth mentorship, creative arts, financial literacy, and support for families and communities.

Since its launch in 2015, the program has contributed more than $655,000 to community groups and non-profit organisations across Brisbane, supporting a wide range of grassroots initiatives.

Published 17-Apr-2026

Going Car-Free in Brisbane? UQ Study Says the City Just Won’t Let You

Photo credit: Public Domain Pictures

A University of Queensland study has found life in Brisbane is increasingly difficult without a car, with even a small group of participants largely clustered near the CBD, while those living in outer areas like Manly faced greater challenges getting around.

Read: New Design Released for Parking and Safety Changes at Manly State Boat Harbour

The study, led by Associate Professor Dorina Pojani from UQ’s School of Architecture, Design and Planning alongside PhD scholar Sufian Almubarak and researcher Sara Alidoust, recruited five men and five women to go completely car-free for 20 days.

Most participants lived within two kilometres of the Brisbane CBD, but three came from further afield: one from Manly in the east, one from Indooroopilly in the inner-west, and one from Oxley in the south-west. The inclusion of participants from outer suburbs like Manly made the study’s findings relevant beyond the inner city.

Participants were asked to stick to their normal daily routines using only public transport, cycling, walking, and micro-mobility devices like e-scooters. Taxis and ride-share services were available as a last resort in genuine emergencies.

Despite the range of alternatives on offer, every single participant was relieved when the trial ended and none were willing to make the switch permanent.

Dr Pojani said the overwhelming feedback from participants was that living without a car in Brisbane was simply too difficult. She attributed this to the city’s sprawling, low-density layout and its lack of integrated transport options, barriers she said were the product of longstanding planning decisions.

Initial enthusiasm among participants gave way to frustration, with most finding the experience disorienting. Public transport performed reasonably well in the inner city but fell short once participants ventured further out.

Particular difficulties

Parents in the group also faced particular difficulties. Getting children to school or after-school activities without a car meant relying on other people who still had one. Family day trips and out-of-town travel had to be cancelled altogether.

There was some financial relief. Participants saved around $300 in car-running costs over the trial, though they still spent an average of $125 on alternative transport. One participant noted surprise at how much money their car had been costing them. Queensland’s 50-cent public transport fares made a difference, with Dr Pojani noting that patronage has risen in response to the policy, but she said cheaper fares alone were not enough to shift people’s reliance on private vehicles.

Four participants did pledge to use public transport for short trips within the inner city after the trial, but all stressed that fully surrendering the car was out of the question.

Read: Teenagers Charged Over Alleged Break-Ins And Car Thefts In Manly

The research, conducted across two comparable low-density cities, Brisbane and Al-Ahsa in Saudi Arabia, was published in the journal Transportation. Dr Pojani concluded that in sprawling cities like Brisbane, people cannot reasonably be expected to give up driving without significant investment in public transport.

For Manly residents already familiar with the gaps in eastern suburbs connectivity, that message will land without much argument.

Published 24-March-2026

Teenagers Charged Over Alleged Break-Ins And Car Thefts In Manly

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Several teenagers have been charged over alleged break-ins and vehicle thefts linked to Manly and Manly West.

Early Morning Theft In Manly West

Police have charged multiple teenagers following investigations into incidents reported on 16 March in Manly and Manly West.

During the early morning, a group of teenagers allegedly stole a white Toyota Fortuner from a Raeburn Street address in Manly West. The vehicle was later located at about 12.30 p.m. near a railway crossing on Pritchard Street in Wynnum.

A 12-year-old girl from Manly and a 15-year-old girl from Wynnum West were each charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and one count of stealing. Both are scheduled to appear before Wynnum Children’s Court on 2 April.

A 13-year-old girl from Wynnum was also arrested at the scene and charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle. She will be dealt with under the Youth Justice Act.

A 14-year-old boy from Wynnum West was later located and charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and one count of enter dwelling and commit. He is also due to appear before Wynnum Children’s Court on 2 April.

Second Break-In Allegedly Linked In Manly

Police will further allege the incident is linked to a second break-in in Manly on the same morning.

At about 4 a.m., two teenagers allegedly entered a New Road residence and made verbal threats towards an 87-year-old woman while armed with a knife. The pair allegedly stole the woman’s white Toyota LandCruiser before leaving the scene.

The vehicle was later recovered abandoned on Gwynne Street in Wynnum West. The woman was not physically injured.

Manly West incidents — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Further Charges And Court Proceedings

On 17 March, police charged a 15-year-old boy from Manly West with two counts each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and enter dwelling and commit, along with one count of fraud – dishonest application of property of another. He is expected to appear before Wynnum Children’s Court on 2 April.

On 18 March, a 16-year-old boy from Keperra was arrested at a Coralie Avenue address in Wynnum West. He has been charged with two counts each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and enter dwelling and commit, and one count of wilful damage.

Police bail was refused and he was expected to appear before Wynnum Children’s Court on 19 March.

Manly break-ins — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Ongoing Investigations In Manly Area

Investigations remain ongoing.

Police have indicated that targeted and visible activity will continue over the next six months under Operation Yankee Forge, aimed at reducing victimisation and addressing offending behaviour across affected communities.

Published 20-Mar-2026

Tributes Flow for Brisbane Spearfisher and Martial Arts Instructor After Batt Reef Tragedy

Britannica

Brisbane spearfisher and martial arts instructor Louie McHugh, 23, died near Batt Reef off Port Douglas on Saturday after failing to resurface during a diving trip with friends.

McHugh had travelled to Port Douglas for a weekend away and was diving from a boat near Batt Reef, approximately 11 kilometres north-east of Port Douglas, when the incident occurred around 11.30am. After he did not resurface, friends searched the water before calling emergency services. Marine and aerial assets, including rescue helicopter 510, were deployed in a search and rescue operation that continued for nearly three hours. Authorities located McHugh unresponsive in the water just after 2.20pm.

Police have not confirmed the cause of death. A suspected shallow water blackout, a sudden and potentially fatal loss of consciousness during breath-hold diving caused by oxygen depletion, is being investigated as a possible factor.

A Proud Iona Old Boy

McHugh attended Iona College, the all-boys Catholic school in Wynnum West that draws students from across the bayside suburbs including Manly, Wynnum and surrounding areas. The Iona College Old Boys Association paid tribute to McHugh, joining its community in offering prayers and sympathy to his family. Friends who had trained alongside him, including fellow Iona old boys, shared their grief publicly in the days following the incident.

One parent of a former student recalled McHugh as a generous and humble young man who had formed a genuine friendship with her son, also an Iona old boy, while training him in Muay Thai at Progressive Martial Arts in Tingalpa. Under McHugh’s guidance, the young fighter won his most recent bout. The mother described McHugh as an exceptional trainer who left a lasting impression on all who trained with him.

Martial Arts Career Cut Short

McHugh had built a respected profile in Brisbane’s martial arts scene after more than 15 years of training at Progressive Martial Arts in Tingalpa. He trained under head coach Cookie Vassiliou and held rankings under Ajarn Chai and Professor Jean Jacques Machado, with connections to the lineage of Guro Dan Inosanto. He worked as an instructor at the school, mentoring younger students and competing as a ring fighter.

Vassiliou remembered McHugh as a go-getter and a talented instructor who gave himself fully to his students and the sport. She noted the community found some comfort in knowing he had died doing something he loved. Progressive Martial Arts has launched a fundraiser to assist his family with ongoing costs, available through the school’s social media pages.

McHugh is survived by his mother Sue, father Mark, and sisters Niamph, Freya and Immy.

Why This Matters to the Manly and Bayside Community

For families across Manly, Wynnum, and the broader bayside area, Louie McHugh was not a distant figure. He was the kind of young man many residents knew personally, through Iona College, through the martial arts community centred in nearby Tingalpa, or through the tight social networks that connect bayside suburbs. His loss resonates because he represented something many local families recognise: a young person who grew up in this community, stayed connected to it, and gave back through his work as a coach and mentor.

For those in the bayside community who fish, dive or spend time on the water, this story also carries an important safety message. Shallow water blackout can affect experienced divers without warning, and understanding its risks is something every water-loving household in the area can benefit from knowing. The Cairns Spearfishing Club‘s call for awareness and education is a message that applies just as much to Queensland’s south-east coast as it does to Far North Queensland.

Batt Reef and Spearfishing Risks

Batt Reef, where McHugh was diving, is among the largest sections of the Great Barrier Reef system, covering an area 18 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide. The reef is a popular destination for snorkelling and diving, with tourist vessels regularly departing from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas. It is also the site where Australian conservationist and zookeeper Steve Irwin died in September 2006 after a stingray barb struck him during an underwater filming session.

The Cairns Spearfishing Club encouraged anyone affected to reach out to its committee for support or to learn more about safe diving practices.

Those wishing to contribute to the family fundraiser can find the details here.

Published 4-March-2026.

Manly Gets First-of-Its-Kind Dementia Care Unit as Anglicare Opens New SDCP Facility

For families in Manly and across Brisbane’s bayside who have been searching for appropriate care for a loved one living with severe dementia, help is now much closer to home. Anglicare Southern Queensland has officially opened its third Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP) unit at the E.M. Tooth Residential Aged Care Home in Manly.

Read: Did You Know This Oceana Terrace Property is the Oldest Surviving House in the Manly-Lota Area?

The new unit is the first of its kind for the area, filling a gap in specialist dementia care for the region. It is also the 27th unit under the federal Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Specialist Dementia Care Program, a national initiative that provides care for those who cannot be supported in mainstream aged care settings.

The unit will provide highly tailored care for eight residents who experience severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and are unable to be effectively supported in mainstream aged care settings.

Anglicare SQ chief executive officer Sue Cooke welcomed the opening, describing it as a vital development for the region. She said the E.M. Tooth facility was now equipped to offer a program that was a first for south Brisbane — one that would provide a supportive, safe environment where residents could be treated with dignity and respect.

The numbers underpinning that need are significant. In 2025, an estimated 85,200 Australians were living with all forms of dementia, a figure projected to rise to 168,300 by 2054.

The design of the unit has been carefully considered. The purpose-built facility features a small, cottage-style living environment with open-plan layouts, homely furnishings, secure outdoor areas and calming colour schemes, all designed to promote comfort, safety and independence.

Anglicare SQ is not starting from scratch here. The organisation already runs SDCP units at Abri Residential Aged Care Home on the Gold Coast and St Martin’s Residential Aged Care Home in North Brisbane, the latter of which has been recognised by external stakeholders as the gold standard for SDCP delivery.

That track record has directly shaped what’s been built at Manly. Ms Cooke said the experience of running two established SDCP units had given the organisation critical insight into what works, and that those learnings had shaped every aspect of the new facility.

The program’s clinical model is built around stabilisation and transition. Ms Cooke said the goal was to reduce or stabilise each resident’s dementia symptoms through individual behaviour support and care plans, with an average expected length of stay of six to 12 months, after which residents may be able to move to a less intensive care setting. She emphasised, however, that the program takes a personalised approach, with the duration of each resident’s stay tailored to their unique needs.

Read: Retirement Development Progresses in Manly as Sales Pass 50%

The unit employs specialist nurses and works with geriatricians and other practitioners to deliver best-practice care. Ms Cooke also noted that the accommodation plays a broader role in helping to free up acute hospital beds for those who need them.

For the Manly community, the message is a reassuring one. When dementia becomes severe and complex, residents and their families now have access to specialist care, right here in the neighbourhood.

Published14-March-2026