Dough It for a Cause: OMG! Decadent Donuts Turn Orange to Support Orange Sky

A truly delicious and meaningful occasion happens this June as World Donut Day brings together Salvation Army and OMG! Decadent Donuts, in Manly and in around 70 other locations around Australia, in support of Orange Sky.



From unexpected bills to medical emergencies or relationship breakdowns, financial hardships can strike anyone. It is crucial to remember that among Australians experiencing homelessness, five per cent are “sleeping rough,” whilst the majority seek shelter in temporary accommodations, boarding houses, or severely crowded homes.

Recognised by their vibrant aqua colour, OMG! Donuts can usually be found in various locations, including shops, farmers’ markets, and community events throughout Australia. However, from 2 to 4 June, they will don a striking shade of orange, symbolising their support for Orange Sky and their dedication to a worthy cause.

OMG! Decadent Donuts aims to raise much-needed funds and awareness for Orange Sky, an admirable Australian charity that provides essential services to people experiencing homelessness.

During the three days, OMG! will donate $5 for every box of 12 doughnuts sold, and they are also encouraging their customers to contribute to this noble cause. By savouring their scrumptious doughnuts, you can indulge your taste buds whilst making a difference in the lives of others.

Dough for It a Cause: OMG! Decadent Donuts Turn Orange to Support Orange Sky
Nic Marchesi OAM, David Moore, Andrew Clarke, Lucas Patchett OAM | Photo Credit: supplied

OMG! Decadent Donuts takes pride in crafting delectable doughnuts that are free from gluten, dairy, egg, wheat, nuts, yeast, and sulphites. Their commitment to inclusivity extends beyond dietary restrictions, as their offerings are also suitable for vegans.

Whilst OMG! Decadent Donuts are typically dusted with unique blends of natural fruit, vegetables, and spices, the Orange Sky event introduces a special flavour,”Orange Sky” doughnut, which is a freshly made doughnut dusted with a delightful blend of orange and cinnamon sugar.

Dough for It a Cause: OMG! Decadent Donuts Turn Orange to Support Orange Sky
Donut lover Olive at OMG! Donuts for World Donut Day | Photo Credit: supplied

Recent statistics from the 2021 ABS Census reveal a 5.2 per cent increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness across Australia since 2016. Orange Sky’s services have become more crucial than ever, as they strive to assist those in need.

The Census identified a staggering 122,494 Australians as being homeless, emphasising the pressing need to support organisations like Orange Sky.

Dough for It a Cause: OMG! Decadent Donuts Turn Orange to Support Orange Sky
Orange Sky’s Nic Marchesi OAM and Lucas Patchett OAM with donut lover Olive for World Donut Day |Photo Credit: supplied

Nic Marchesi, Co-Founder of Orange Sky, highlights the relatability of their cause, stating, “A lot of us don’t know what it’s like to spend a night on the street, but nearly all of us can relate to being cash-strapped at one point or another.”

Lucas Patchett, CEO and Co-Founder of Orange Sky, further emphasises the challenging circumstances faced by many Australians today. Rising costs of living and the housing crisis have pushed an increasing number of individuals into dire situations they never imagined.

“We know Aussies are doing it really tough right now. With the cost of living continuing to increase and the housing crisis, we have seen that a lot of people over the past two years are finding themselves in really tough situations, which they never thought they would be in,” he said.

“In addition to experiencing homelessness, for some Australians, needing the help of Orange Sky has been due to natural disasters such as floods, bush fires, or cyclones.  When these disasters occur, we’ve often been amongst the first responders helping people who, in some cases, have been left only with the clothes on their backs. 

“When a disaster has struck, our amazing volunteers were there, on the ground where possible, providing warm showers, laundry facilities to wash salvageable items for those who needed it, or simply just a friendly face ready for a chat. At these times of extreme duress, this simple service gave hope and comfort to the many people who had lost so much.”

“When OMG came to us and suggested this collaboration, we couldn’t have been happier, we love that OMG Donuts are inclusive as this really resonates with the core values of Orange Sky”.



“We’re a family owned Australian business, our licensees throughout Australia, are all locals to their region, and there is not one region in Australia that is exempt from needing the support of Orange Sky, ” Director and spokesperson of OMG!, David Moore, said .  

“We want to draw attention at a community level to the need to support people who are either homeless, experiencing hardship or in need due to a natural disaster.”

To find out where you can get a fix of the highly addictive OMG! Decadent Donuts go to www.omgdecadentdonuts.com

Published 24 May

Wakerley Local Mathew Townsend Advocates for Inclusivity in Sports Ahead of the 2032 Paralympic Games

Mathew Townsend, a Wakerley local and the CEO of Nature Freedom, is advocating for inclusion for people with a disability ahead of the 2032 Paralympic Games through his participation in the Inclusive Sport and Recreation Communities project of Carers Queensland.



Mathew, who has hearing loss and autism, is one of nine members of the project’s Beyond the Sidelines Reference Group, which aims to boost the representation and participation of people with disability in sports and recreation, both on and off the playing field. 

Part of the group’s task is to raise awareness and help identify best practices in sports and recreation for people with disability. The group is also tasked to develop strategies to stimulate social change towards new and better outcomes through inclusive practices.

His life experiences and background with Nature Freedom, a start-up organisation supporting outdoor recreation and tourism, have prompted him to become involved with Carers Queensland’s latest initiative. The timing has been ripe since Brisbane is preparing for the Olympics and the 2032 Paralympic Games. 

“My passions and involvement with my start-up organisation with lived experiences with a disability in this area of activities and engagements will be hugely important and beneficial for the group to learn from.” 

“I am hoping to see the group recognised with our intentions and support in increasing awareness of inclusion and accessibility in outdoor activities for people with disabilities. 

“It is critical for our work to be recognised so we can contribute to change ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Games.”

Mathew believes that Nature Freedom aligns with the goals of Beyond the Sidelines Reference Group and that he and his company could reach out to more people about inclusivity and accessibility. He discovered the project as a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participant through Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program for the Brisbane region.

Mathew uses NDIS support, not only for his business but also as part of the Beyond the Sidelines Reference group.

“I use captions, for example, if I need a caption for my board meeting when the team is virtual or sometimes in person, but it has been virtual a lot lately,” he said.

“At a conference, I have a support (worker) with me to take notes; it’s like when I used to be at university I’d have a note taker in the class for me, so I have access for that. It’s helped me to not miss out the information so I can learn from more. So it’s a lot about communication.

“I also receive capacity building support around my journey of being an employee and accessing the community with that resource as well.”

Mathew said accessing the NDIS has made a big difference to his life as it is helping him to “keep the ball rolling forwards.”

“It gets me going, because if I feel like I’m missing out something, I don’t feel like I’m moving to something,” he said.

“And it makes me feel like I’m not left out as well; it makes me feel included, involved and more engaged, making me feel more productive.”



Carers Queensland can support you to find out more about the NDIS, to apply for funding and to help you get started with the NDIS.

If you have a disability but are not eligible for the NDIS, Carers Queensland can help you identify and link to options for support in your community. You can also contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au

Find out more about Carers Queensland’s Inclusive Sport and Recreation Communities project and Beyond the Sidelines Reference group at the official site.

Published 30 March 2023

Manly Road Vet Offers Discounted Desexing for a Limited Period

Did you know that desexing your pet could give it a healthier life? Here’s a good deal for pet parents in Manly West and nearby suburbs! A 24-hr veterinary hospital, Manly Road Vet, is offering a discounted rate for desexing pets for a limited time only. 



From March to 28 April 2023, Manly Road Vet will cut 20 per cent off the standard desexing fee to help households manage their budget and avail of this much-needed procedure for their furry family members.

Desexing cats or dogs prevents unwanted litter which makes caring for pets a lot more challenging. The procedure has also been proven to change the behaviour of the animal, reducing issues like running away that may lead to accidents, especially among male pets, or developing uterine or ovarian tumours in female pets. 

Manly Road Vet
Photo Credit: Supplied

A desexed pet may also become less aggressive towards people and other animals and lessen their tendency to mark spots with their urine, which can be stressful for a lot of pet parents. 

Manly Road Vet will ensure that your pet will comfortable throughout the procedure, especially with post-surgery pain management. Phone the hospital’s Customer Support Team via 3396 9733 for questions. 

Whilst you’re there with your dog or cat, try out the new lactose-free puppaccinos from the Kaldi Coffee Cart located at the hospital’s verandah. 

Manly Road Vet
Photo Credit: Supplied

Follow Manly Road Vet on Instagram for more updates on the latest deals. 



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

Whether you’re hungry for oysters for lunch or fancy some smoked salmon bagel for breakfast, you will find an ocean of goodness at SeaVibes Manly, the Esplanade’s go-to for fresh seafood dishes.


Read: A Pair of Yachtsmen Saved the Life of Fellow Sailor in Manly


Many of the menu items are ideal for sharing and are family-friendly. Long-time favourites here include the beer-battered Barramundi served with chips and salad, char-grilled Tiger Prawns, and the beer-battered Snapper Slider.

Aside from an array of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, the restaurant also does offer takeaways with kid-friendly choices, in case you don’t have so much time to spend in the kitchen or when you don’t feel like cooking, but still want to have a full meal for the family.

SeaVibes Manly
Photo credit: SeaVibes Manly/Google Maps

They have a separate takeaway menu, which includes options like salads, burgers, battered, crumbled or grilled fish, and snacks such as chips, potato scallop, and fried dim sim. 

Photo credit: SeaVibes Manly/Facebook

With a decent selection of drinks (wines, beers, spirits and liquors, and more), paired with stunning views of Manly Harbour waterfront, SeaVibes Manly can be the perfect location for a milestone celebration. 

SeaVibes Manly
Photo credit: Jackson Hsu/Google Maps

SeaVibes opened in December 2018 on the corner of Esplanade and Cambridge Parade, a site once occupied by another seafood restaurant, Barramundi Boys.

Photo credit: Gerrit Rian Cloete/Google Maps

SeaVibes Manly is open daily as early as 7:30 a.m. and until late. Visit the restaurant’s Facebook page for more details.


Read: What’s The Latest At Manly Creative Market?


We came here a few times because we love their seafood. Lovely location with a view of the Marina or Market on the weekend. Great service.

Boon Hoe Chew

Great place for a date. Great place to chill with some live music and a generous serve of fish and chips. Great place for some sea vibes. Go there!

Joel Hillier

Published 8-March-2023

A Pair of Yachtsmen Saved the Life of Fellow Sailor in Manly

Did you know that a pair of yachtsmen saved the life of a fellow competitor who was knocked off his boat, falling unconscious in the water during a national competition in Manly?



Matt Visser, a seasoned yachtsman, was performing a 360-degree turn on his yacht after reaching the last mark of a national championship event in Manly last January 2023 when the wind caught his sail that caused the boom to hit his head. The boat tipped over and left him unconscious, face down in the water.

Seeing their fellow sailor knocked off his boat, Mike Middleton and Mark Dingley from the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, who happened to be filming from a support boat at the time of the accident, immediately dove in and pulled Matt back to the media boat to perform CPR on him.

Mr Middleton said that Matt’s eyes were glazed, and he had no pulse, so they did CPR again until he started breathing again. After regaining consciousness, Mr Visser was immediately taken to intensive care.

After recovering from the experience, the 57-year-old was thankful that his rescuers were trained in CPR. He said that it took 14 minutes to have him resuscitated.



Mr Visser fell in love with sailing at the tender age of five and was trained by his father who was an Olympics veteran. He said it was not the first time that he encountered bad weather whilst sailing with no one who is proficient in CPR nearby. Luckily, he wasn’t knocked out in any of those instances. 

He underscored the importance of having at least three individuals on a course who are well-trained to perform CPR in case of an emergency. He said he plans to learn CPR once he is fully recovered.

Published 19-February-2023

BMD Engineering Company, Founded in Manly, Launches the 2023 Community Assistance Program

A company that started in the study of a house in Manly four decades ago and now employs over 1,700 people has committed to give back by allocating $100,000 in grants and scholarships to local organisations through its Community Assistance Program.



When Mick and Denise Power started BMD on the back of some relatively low value civil engineering tenders in 1979, they could not have imagined that it would become the billion-dollar monolith it has turned into.

Now the organisation is giving back by opening grants and one-off sponsorships for community groups, sporting clubs, schools, social enterprises, not-for-profit organisations and Public Benevolent Institutions through its 2023 Community Assistance Program. 

Initially established to help local communities recover post-COVID-19, the assistance program was able to support 36 grassroots and groups across the country and BDM provided cumulative assistance of $160,000 to several initiatives hatched in South East Queensland. 

The 2023 program will continue BMD’s commitment to boosting and strengthening local communities. 

Funding of $5,000 per beneficiary will be provided in two application periods from 10 January to 31 March 2023 for the first batch and 10 June to 31 August 2023 for the second batch of beneficiaries.

“BMD is renowned for its relationship-based and collaborative approach to business, which means putting our people, partners and importantly, the community, first,” BMD CEO Scott Power said.

“We’re proud to be able to give back to local communities in south-east Queensland through funding events, activities or projects that enhance sports and recreation, arts and culture, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, health and wellbeing, the environment, education and community.



“It is these key areas that help to build social capacity and community resilience, and we look forward to supporting incredible initiatives that promote these areas in 2023 — contributing to our annual investment of more than $1 million in community partners across Australia.”

To learn more or apply for the BMD Community Assistance Program, visit this official site.

What’s The Latest At Manly Creative Market?

The Manly Creative Market returns with more great finds from local makers every Sunday beginning mid-January 2023 at the Little Bayside Park. Here are some great finds.


Read: Get To Know These 5 Women Making a Splash in Wynnum and Manly


School Supplies 

Manly Creative Market
Photo credit: Himalayan Connection /Facebook

It’s back to school time again and if you’re looking for pencil cases, padded laptop cases and backpacks, Himalayan Connection gets you covered! This business supports local artisans, Fair Trade Organisations and Women’s Project Groups which work to empower local women by providing skills and employment and in turn a better way of life. 

Pet Accessories

Manly Creative Market
Photo credit: Handmade Pet Accessories

One of the best things about Manly creative Market is that it’s a dog-friendly market. You can bring along your fur baby with you, as long as it’s on a lead. There, you will find some stalls dedicated to dogs, including Handmade Pet Accessories, a store that specialises in harnesses, dog coats, leads, and collars. 

Stylish sleep shorts

Photo credit: Jimmy Jammys/Facebook

If you’re a man or thinking of buying something for the man in your life, you may want to check out Jimmy Jammys, which is the place to go for stylish yet comfortable sleep shorts.

Crystals

Photo credit: Delia Spry – Clairvoyant/Facebook

Fans of crystals and jewelry should check out Delia Spry – Clairvoyant. As the name suggests, the stall also offers clairvoyant readings. Other items you can find here include Australian incense, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

Children’s clothes

Photo credit: Charlie ‘n’ Rose/Facebook

Charlie ‘n’ Rose is a business with focus on babies, toddlers & children’s wear. You can find many options here, from everyday clothes to dresses that can be used for special occasions. You can find them at the market this Sunday, until 2:00 p.m.


Read: Wyvernleigh: One of the First Houses in the Manly District


Don’t forget to follow Manly Creative Market on Facebook to stay updated about the stalls joining this January and further details about upcoming events.

Introduce Kids To Fishing At The Fish Wise Class In Lota

Do you want to introduce your kids to fishing? Let them join Fish Wise, a fun and engaging three-hour program that will take place in Lota in January 2023. 


Read: St Helena Island: Colonial Prison Island Where Escape Is Almost Impossible


This free event, to be facilitated by 2 Bent Rods, will teach the basics of fishing, such as learning to tie a fishing knot, gather bait, cast a rod and probably even land a fish. All fishing equipment and bait needed for the session will be provided.

2 Bent Rods, founded by husband and wife duo Samantha and Jeremy Beckmann in December 2004, is an award-winning fishing school based in Victoria Point. Besides running their own fishing lessons, they work with Councils to teach the basics of fishing to young ones.

Fish Wise
Photo credit: 2 Bent Rods/Facebook

One of their popular programs, the Kids Classes, involve teaching kids bait gathering and introducing them to using a yabby pump. Most of the kids who enroll in the program learn everything quickly and others even return to complete a more advanced program at 2 Bent Rods.

Fish Wise is one of the programs of Brisbane City Council, under the Active & Healthy Lifestyle and Chillout Program and is recommended for people ages 10-17 years. Chillout was created by the Council to help young people beat the school holiday boredom, make new friends and develop new skills by taking part in free or low-cost activities.

Meeting point for this event will be at the gazebo near the waterfront. Visit Council’s website for more details. Please note that bookings are essential. 

Benefits of Fishing for Kids

Photo credit: cottonbro studio/Pexels

Fishing is usually seen as an activity for adults, but children can benefit from this hobby, too. It helps improve their dexterity and coordination and even have better concentration and focus.

Besides these personal benefits, fishing can teach kids a deeper appreciation of the environment and knowledge of wildlife.


Read: Inside Shucks Bar, One Of Brisbane’s Leading Oyster Restaurants


Mark your calendars!

WhatFish Wise
WhereLota Camping Reserve, 710 Esplanade, Lota
WhenSat 21 Jan 2023, 7:30am to 10:30am

St Helena Island: Colonial Prison Island Where Escape Is Almost Impossible

Thirty minutes away via boat ride from Manly’s bayside lies the infamous former high-security colonial prison. Queensland’s first penal settlement, St Helena Island, was considered Brisbane’s version of Alcatraz where escape is almost impossible.



Much like the notorious Alcatraz, St Helena was meant to be an escape-proof prison for the worst of offenders from 1867 to 1932. Although today, little is left of the prisoner-built original structures – approximately 7 per cent remains – the stone ruins offer a glimpse into the former prison’s dark past and 19th-century prison life.

During the prison island’s early years, several construction works were undertaken using building materials quarried from the island and bricks made from clay sourced onsite. Some of the structures built include two cell blocks, a kitchen, a bakehouse, a hospital, underground tanks, and the Superintendent’s house. 

Then a lime kiln and a sugar mill were also added and soon after workshops were built where prisoners engaged in bootmaking, tailoring, candle making, and bookbinding, among others, whilst the trustees kept themselves busy with animal husbandry and agriculture.

Prisoners making boots on St Helena Island
Prisoners making boots on St Helena Island | Photo Credit: See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Also known as ‘Noogoon’ by local Australian Aboriginals, St Helena Island flourished as a prison during its lifetime which at one point was considered the world’s best prison of its kind. Despite the limited area of just 166 hectares, the prison has been well-managed, self-sufficient and profitable primarily due to its established enterprises.

Its Ayrshire dairy cattle, at the time, won awards at the RNA show whilst the olive groves produce award-winning oil at shows in Italy. The residence of the Superintendent of the prison is known to have had expansive gardens surrounding it, and for many years have been considered among the state’s best gardens.

Prisoners making boots on St Helena Island
Prisoners making boots on St Helena Island | See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

However, prison life wasn’t as ideal with stories of constant floggings, torturous isolation in solitary confinement and mistreatment particularly for the Aboriginal prisoners, earning St Helena Island the reputation as “Queensland’s inferno”.

Despite being a secure prison, there have been several attempts to escape the iron rule at the penal establishment. Most of the about 50 men who attempted escape were recaptured, some drowned whilst others were caught years later.

There is one particular prisoner, though, that was never recaptured: a notorious gunman by the name of Charles Leslie who, with help of accomplices, escaped the prison island in 1924 using a motorboat.

By the 1920s, the island prison began showing signs of deterioration. And during its final years, many of the prisoners were moved to the Boggo Road Gaol and buildings were demolished, with the work also done by the prisoners themselves. The prison ceased operation in 1932.



In October 1979, St Helena Island was established as a national park, becoming Queensland’s first historic national park although the idea was originally put forward as early as 1910 by the then Mayor of Brisbane.

Wayne Weekes Assumes New Role With Wynnum Manly Seagulls

Onto “better and bigger things.” Wayne Weekes has been appointed Wynnum Manly Seagulls CEO.  He will take over from Hanan Laban who recently stepped down to assume a new role with the Dolphins NRL.




Weekes joins the Seagulls, based at Kougari Oval in Manly West, bringing his extensive experience in rugby league as a player, coach, manager and administrator. He worked with the Brisbane Broncos as Coaching Director/Operations Manager in the Western Corridor as a member of the Brisbane Broncos Game Development Department and also oversaw West Arana Hills RLFC which is a core feeder club for the Broncos.

Wayne joined the Panthers in 2016 as the coaching director as a partnership with the Brisbane Broncos, His efforts around the club to develop a culture and mold young players were second to none,” West Arana Hills Rugby League Football Club’s social media post reads.

Wayne Weekes oversaw West Arana Hills RLFC which is a core feeder club for the Broncos
Wayne Weekes oversaw West Arana Hills RLFC which is a core feeder club for the Broncos. Photo credit: Facebook / West Arana Hills Rugby League Football Club

“Wayne’s work in establishing our development programs and coaching education at the club are just 2 of his many achievements during his tenure. 

“Wayne will be missed at the club and there some big shoes to fill moving forward.” 

Weekes likewise held key administration and development roles with the Newcastle Knights, National Rugby League, Queensland Rugby League, NSW Rugby League, and NSW Country Rugby League.

“Rugby league has been my life and I have been fortunate enough to admire Wynnum-Manly from outside the walls for many years,” Weekes said.

“It is a great club, steeped in tradition. Many times, I have been with clubs or teams in the away dressing shed and usually on the losing end of the scoreline.



“I have always admired the passion of the fan and sponsor base and the culture of the playing group. When the opportunity arose to help lead the Seagulls into the next chapter, I was very keen to get involved and be part of it.” 

As for his immediate plans for the club, that would be to land in the top four next year and said he is looking forward to the new and young players and everyone else involved in the club as they move forward building on their previous successes.