News and other stories about real people, places, and events in Manly and nearby suburbs.
Chris Ansley met Luc Longley in 1997. Chris is a basketball legend. who was also once #2 in the Australian U15s tennis rankings, playing doubles with Mark Philippoussis before he started playing basketball in his late teens. Read about how Luc Longley, who went on to collect three NBA rings, mentored Chris Ansley on his arrival into the NBA, playing for the Mavericks.
Now, Brisbane fans can look forward to seeing Luc, who is coming to Wynnum to tell the story of his NBA journey. Happening soon!
For more than 25 years, Bayside locals have been looking forward to the annual Manly Halloween Parade but the festival has been called off due to the pandemic restrictions in the last two years and it’s still the case for the third year, post-pandemic, as the organisers have chosen not to do the parade for 2022.
Former Manly Harbour Village president, David Farley, who has been the head organiser of the Halloween street party, said that they have decided since February to defer the parade as COVID-19 remains uncertain despite the loosening restrictions.
Instead, Wynnum will be taking over and hosting their inaugural Ampol Wynnum Halloween Parade on 29 October 2022 along Bay Terrace. It is expected to be smaller than the Manly event, which attracted over 20,000 people during the 2019 Halloween party.
The Wynnum festivities, organised by Wynnum Commerce with the help of Council and local businesses, will likely have over 5,000 guests. The celebration will run from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. There will be no fireworks as well but the group said it will still be a fun community event for the locals.
Here’s what the guests can look forward to at the Wynnum event
The Wynnum Commerce group said they have an agreement to host the Halloween party for the next three years.
Meanwhile, Mr Farley said that he doesn’t know if Manly will resume hosting a Halloween festival by 2023 or 2024.
Katherine McKay, principal at St John Vianney’s Primary School in Manly, is a proud New South Wales supporter but she did not mind putting on a Maroons jersey during Game 3 of the State of Origin series, for a great cause.
Read: Manly West Mum Shares Life-Saving Experience with Royal Flying Doctor Service
Mrs McKay challenged the school community to raise more than $5,000 for the medical treatment of Lachlan or simply ‘Lachie,’ a Year 5 student who was diagnosed with a series of medical conditions including Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy.
Lachie’s condition caused him to have stiff, tight muscles in all four limbs, but worse in his legs. Whilst he’s receiving treatment and therapies for his condition, his muscles are continuing to tighten.
The school succeeded with this cause and was able to raise $20,000, which will assist with surgery to help Lachie stand and walk and prevent pain associated with muscle tightness.
“Lachie is such an important part of our school community, he brings joy everywhere he goes. I am so proud of our students who have come together to support a fellow student receive SPML surgery, a life changing operation for one of our much-loved students,” Mrs McKay said.
The NSW-born principal proudly traded her Blues jersey for Game 3 of the State of Origin, which took place on 13 July at the Suncorp Stadium.
Lachie himself loves Rugby League, and one day, hopes to kick a football like his hero, Jonathan Thurston.
Lachie’s family, especially his parents Nigel and Victoria, thanked the St John Vianney’s Primary School community for their generosity in supporting their son.
All donations will help fund Lachie’s SPML (Selective Percutaneous Myofascia Lengthening) Surgery, a minimally invasive and non-traditional operation, which they are aiming to undertake this September.
Dr. David A. Yngve, one of two pediatric orthopedic surgeons who are regularly doing SPML in the United States, called Lachie’s mum and said he can help them. His family quickly jumped at the opportunity and launched their fundraising efforts via GoFundMe so that Lachie could receive a life-changing surgery.
You can learn more about Lachie’s story by visiting https://www.lachieslegendarysteps.com.
Ransome couple Amanda and Matt McKay proved that “Great things come from hard work and perseverance” when they turned their home-based play mat business into a million-dollar empire while staying home at the height of the pandemic.
Amanda opened Freddy & Co, her online business, soon after giving birth to her son, Freddy in 2016. She had the idea to supply play mats that were fun, safe, and educational (and adult-friendly!) when she noticed a gap in the market. Her husband, a former Socceroo, gave his full support and helped Amanda launch the Freddy Co online site in 2017.
“When Freddy & Co launched there were no safety standards for baby play mats in Australia. Although there were mats that claimed to be non-toxic they didn’t have the testing to back it up,” the couple said on their official site.
“Then there were the baby play mats that were non-toxic but not stylish. Some were educational and others looked pretty – Freddy & Co wanted all these things! This was the problem we hope to solve not just for ourselves, but for other families too.”
After sourcing non-toxic polyurethane, which has been tested for its quality and high standards in the U.S. and Europe, the pair then worked on designs and touch-based with a manufacturer in China.
Their business started slowly as Amanda was still working as a maths/science teacher. While Matt retired from professional football, his focus on Freddy & Co was as a side hustle.
But when the pandemic hit, the couple changed course and worked on their home business full time from their home in Ransome. The side hustle then became full-time work that paid off quite substantially as they experienced an 82 per cent growth for 2020/21.
After more than 17,000 orders across the country, the play mat business is now a staple in many Australian homes with kids. However, Amanda and Matt still maintain their business as a fully online endeavour though they plan to participate in expos by 2023.
The couple said they worked hard to build Freddy & Co’s online marketing and SEO. Running a business from home has been rewarding, as they have more time to be with their kids. After Freddy, the couple also welcomed Patrick and Ruby.
Get connected to Freddy & Co on Instagram.
Council recently announced its record $4-billion 2022-23 Budget, along with an average rates hike of 4.93 per cent, the highest since 2010. Did you know that Lota residents will be paying the least rate increase among Brisbane’s suburbs, at 1.49 per cent?
Out of the 184 Brisbane suburbs, Lota’s rate increase is the lowest, followed by Manly (2.03 per cent) and Wynnum (2.12 per cent). Lake Manchester residents will experience the highest rate bill hike with 7.3 per cent. Grange and Burbank follow with a 7.19 per cent and 7.17 per cent rate increase, respectively.
Under the Budget, Council will prioritise flood-recovery projects, investing around $500 million over the next three years to support 23,000 households across Brisbane’s 177 suburbs. Included in that allocation is $166.2 million that will go towards flood-impacted community clubs.
“Brisbane already has the cheapest residential rates in south east Queensland thanks to our years of sensible financial management,” Cr Adrian Schrinner explained, adding that the budget is “sensible and affordable” and is lower than the city’s 6 per cent inflation rate.
Moreover, the Lord Mayor said that the budget guarantees Brisbane residents will get more whilst paying less compared to all the other southeast councils. The 4.93 per cent rates hike, however, is the highest rise in 12 years and is considerably higher than last year’s jump of 3.75 per cent.
“For just $1.63 a week extra, we will undertake Brisbane’s biggest-ever flood rebuild, deliver game-changing infrastructure projects for our future and guarantee record spending in our suburbs.
“Last month I announced we would pause and cancel a number of projects and trim spending in some areas to ensure we can prioritise Brisbane’s biggest ever rebuild,” Cr Schrinner said.
“This budget delivers on that commitment, ensuring we fast-track this recovery while keeping costs under control.”
On top of the $7 million that was spent on flood relief initiatives, which include the $250 rate rebates offered to flood-affected homeowners and the $5,000 cash payments to clubs for their clean-up efforts, a new $1,000 rates rebate will be offered to owner-occupiers who are yet to return to their flood-impacted homes.
“This measure will go to those flood victims who have been impacted the most, ensuring they don’t pay full rates while their home is uninhabitable,” Cr Schrinner said.
Meanwhile, property owners who are renting out their homes for short-term accommodation for more than sixty days a year will see a 50 per cent rate hike. Council will implement the hike in the hope that homeowners will be pressured to return their property to the long-term rental market which will help solve Brisbane’s housing crisis.
Marlene Antonovich, a mum from Manly West, once experienced first-hand the life-saving care provided by the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Recently, the RFDS held an aircraft simulator showcase at Woolworths Manly West, where she currently works, and the grateful mum is pleased and proud to share her experience with everyone,
Marlene had some complications and developed HELLP syndrome in the 34th week of her pregnancy. This life-threatening condition, which refers to Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets, is a variant of preeclampsia. This meant that mum and baby were at risk of losing their lives unless they get medical attention right away.
At that time, the mother was still living in the port city of Bunbury in Western Australia with no access to a neo-natal unit. However, RFDS was able to help with her transfer to a specialised facility in Perth, where she was able to safely deliver her daughter.
On the RFDS flight, Marlene feared for her baby’s life but was comforted by the experienced team on board. “The nurse was really reassuring, she said ‘it’s ok, it’s just the medication,’” Marlene said. “The nurse made eye contact during the flight which was really good – just a look was enough to say that I was going to be okay.”
Today, Marlene’s daughter is all grown up and has been enjoying her life in Brisbane. She is also greatful that Woolsworth has initiated a fundraiser to support RFDS, as this will give families like Marlene’s better access to healthcare services across the country.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service has been around for more than 90 years to help people in rural and remote areas. Reverend John Flynn established the initiative in 1928 to grow into the world’s largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisation.
RFDS provides 24-hour aeromedical emergency services that can reach anywhere, no matter how remote, within hours. They also offer telehealth consultations, fly-in fly-out GP and Nurse clinics, mobile dental services, patient transfers, and other health services.
The organisation has nearly 2,200 staff and volunteers. While RFDS receives government support, they also rely on private donations that go to purchasing and upgrading medical supplies and equipment, as well as maintenance and replacement of the air ambulance services.
In early June, the RFDS brought their flight simulator to Woolworths Manly West at the corner of Manly And Hargreaves roads as part of the donation drive.
To learn more about RFDS, visit their official site.
St Paul’s Parish will be moving to Anglicare SQ Chapel at Edwin Marsden Tooth Memorial Home (also known as Lota House) after selling its church premises to the Education Department. The decision was made in consideration of the planned expansion of the Manly State School.
“The Parish of St Paul’s has voluntarily opted to sell the site of our current church to enable the expansion of Manly State School,” St Paul’s Anglican Church March 2022 Notice of Public Meeting said.
The notice furthered that the decision was a proactive response to the church’s “ministry context” and for the benefit of the Manly community. Despite the sale, the parish, however, will continue to service the local community.
“While this is a sensitive subject, everyone from the Bishop to the local MP and many others have expressed how impressed they were with our professional approach, community culture and Christian love,” St Paul’s Parish Priest, Daniel Hobbs wrote in his May 2022 Pastoral Message.
“I was truly gobsmacked by how well the Public Meeting went! With this important piece of work behind us, we move now to two tasks that require input from our whole parish: 1) Lota House Chapel restoration and 2) Our model of ministry for when we get there.”
Manly State School is set for major expansion with a new multi-storey building to enable the school to keep up with its enrolment growth. The $11.6-million learning centre will contain general learning spaces plus a music centre and an outdoor learning space.
Currently, the Manly SS has a maximum capacity of 707 students. Last year, enrolments have risen to 701 from 657 the year before. The expansion project has been welcomed by bayside locals including Councillor Peter Cumming who recognised the need for more learning spaces and play areas at the school.
Manly State School’s neighbouring place of worship, St Paul’s Parish Church on 99 Ernest Street, had its timber hall constructed in 1914 with succeeding developments in 1932 which saw the addition of a sanctuary, an altar and chancel as well as the construction of the vicarage. It was not until 1964 that the church was built on the same site.
Mercury Theatre Wynnum, which has been playing in the bay since the 1940s, is presenting “Steel Magnolias” featuring Toni Griffin, Darsha Hockings, Anwen Jones, Helen Haberland, and Liz Hull at the Manly-Lota RSL.
Beginning Friday, 3 June 2022, until Saturday, 18 June 2022, “Steel Magnolias” will play for six nights between 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
The show is set in the Chinquapin, a fictional location in Louisiana, and follows Truvy (Griffin), who owns a beauty parlor, and her female friends. The plot centres on the upcoming wedding of Shelby (Jones) who has Type 1 diabetes, and her relationship with her mother, M’Lynn (Hull). The story also revolves around Truvy’s relationships with the men in her life, Annelle’s (Hockings) transformation, and Ousier’s (Haberland) friendship with Claire.
“Steel Magnolias” is directed by Ric Medlin, who has been part of the Mercury Theatre Wynnum since his childhood. He received his Lifetime Membership in 2021.
Mercury Theatre was founded by Win Davson and Arnold Bennett-Edward Knoblock. It is a community-based (amateur) company run by volunteers that produce at least three shows a year.
The theatre also conducts an Improvisation for Acting class with Anne Pensalfini as the instructor.
Learn more about the theatre and its membership here. Follow their Facebook page.
Do you have a penchant for woodworking? Take part in Bayside Woodturners and Woodcrafters Club’s Open Day in Manly this May 2022 and check out the incredible products that will be on display.
Read: New Learning Centre, Outdoor Centre Coming To Manly State School
If you feel like joining, mark your calendars on Saturday, 7 May 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The event will take place at 15 Harman St, Manly, their club house which is located on the opposite side of the rail line and behind Manly State School.
This six-hour annual event will be presented by the Bayside Woodturners and Woodcrafters Club, a club which encourages people to express themselves through the art of woodwork.
To express your interest in joining the upcoming event, visit the club’s Events Page.
Originally founded as a turning group in 1989, the club has grown as a multi-faceted organization. From its humble beginnings, the club now has over 100 members.
The club conducts instruction in Woodturning, Machinery /Box-making, Pyrography, Carving, Scroll saw and Intarsia. Individual members pursue various extensions of Clock-making, Ornamental Turning, Model-making and Weather-wall/clock combinations.
Facilities include a workshop of approximate 100sqm that was built in 2003 to accommodate the Machinery and Woodturning groups. In 2007 an extension was constructed to give storage room and a permanent place for the club trailer.
Club members have attended and demonstrated their talents at many local and charitable events, such as Working With Wood Show, Strawberry Festival, Spring Parade, and Birkdale Scout Fair, Morningside School of Arts Fair, and Jondaryan Woolshed Heritage Festival to name a few.
Two new lifestyle shops, Style + Error and Sandy Lane Hair Studio, join established stores like Apothecary Botanical, Ebb + Flow Boutique, Bella Botiqo, Flowers on Cambridge, and Mad Hatters Bookshop at Manly Harbour Village.
Style + Error is a home decor and furniture store founded Haidee, a breast cancer survivor. Whilst she has been doing the finishing touches to her lifestyle store, Haidee has also pledged her support for 100 Squats a Day for Breast Cancer by Project Pink.
Haidee’s new business has yet to kick off as she and her staff have been waiting for deliveries and doing the inventory of the stocks. Keep tabs of Style + Error’s opening day on their social media.
Sandy Lane Hair Studio had its opening night on 1 April 2022. The salon has a small team of dedicated professionals who are best known for their unique balayage technique. The Manly shop is led by Karlee Kumar, an award-winning stylist with more than a decade of experience under her belt.
In November 2021, Manly Harbour Village changed hands after 35 years. Former president David Farley, who has been credited for transforming this precinct, handed over his role to the new president, Peta Prestidge.
Mr Farley has chosen to retire at 78 years old and has confidence that the new leadership will be able to step up and do more great things for the site as a lifestyle destination. More initiatives and changes will be underway as Manly prepares to become the 2032 Olympic sailing venue.
