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New on the Menu! Ice Cream and Desserts at this Manly West Cafe

Photo credit: Banter Ice-Cream & Desserts / Facebook

This Manly West cafe proudly reveals its sweet side from Thursday to Sunday evenings with the launch of its Banter Ice-Cream & Desserts bar.

Anyone who has been to Banter Coffee House would swear by its impressive selection of food, kid-friendly environment, and of course, great coffee. This gem of a cafe certainly doesn’t disappoint with its great line-up of fresh and creative dishes.

Now, there is more to Banter Coffee House than their hearty breakfast and amazing coffee. Did you know they now serve Banter Ice-Cream & Desserts, some of the best sweet treats this side of Brisbane?

From Thursday to Sunday, from 5.30 to 9:00 p.m., this cafe transforms into a sugar heaven with their special menu of ice cream and desserts. They also accept orders online and deliver via UberEats.

Photo credit: Banter Ice-Cream & Desserts / Facebook

Give in to your sweet desires with their Smash-up Ice Cream – premium ice cream smashed with your choice of confectionery. Or try the Smash-up Supershake with your choice of add-ons: m&m’s, maltesers, crunchie, mars bar, Oreo, mini marshmallows, mint slice biscuit, Nutella, cookie dough, sour worms, nerds, gummi bears, wizz fizz and sprinkles. Well, I’d say, “Yummy!” to that.

But don’t stop there. They also have House-Made Sweets — chocolate brownie, caramilk muffin, and caramel slice — and Retail Gelato to tickle your sweet senses.

Now pair any of that with a refreshing cold drink like a fresh juice, frappe, or a sparkling iced tea. Er…not your cup of tea, though? Then try out a smoothie instead. Choose from a banana or mango smoothie, banoffee smoothie (banana smoothie + coffee shot), super green smoothie (banana, kale, spinach, apple, orange, lime + ginger), protein smoothie (banana, vanilla protein powder, blueberries, chia seeds + milk), or acai smoothie (banana, mango, raspberries, chia seed + coconut water).

But if you fancy something warm to hose down those sweet goodness, you can grab a fresh cup of coffee, chai latte, turmeric latte, or hot chocolate.

But don’t forget, Banter Coffee House is also available to serve you breakfast and lunch from 6am to 2pm. Just drop by their restaurant located at 190 Radford Road Manly West.

Darling Point Special School To Get a Major Makeover

Photo Credit: Google Street View

Did you know that Darling Point Special School is about to have a major makeover?

To enable the school to keep up with rising enrollment, Darling Point Special school is up for a much-needed revamp. The school has submitted a development application to conduct a major makeover.

Funded by the state government to the tune of $15.8 million, the project aims to upgrade outdated facilities and deliver a new learning facility.

The new building will house not just new classrooms but will also include outdoor learning areas, a collaborative space for the staff, amenities, an undercroft, multi-purpose areas, and storage rooms. A new play area is also included in the redevelopment plan.

Barring any delays, the redevelopment should be completed by 2022.

Meanwhile, in May 2021, another state government-funded project for the special school was completed which delivered two new learning spaces. The first learning space was the former chillout room and bathroom while the second learning area used to be a vacant area.

In 2020-2021, with its Renewing Our Schools program, the State Government has invested a total of $1.9 billion, delivering refurbished and new learning spaces. Of the 1,254 state schools that received these funds for new learning spaces and support facilities, 45 were special schools.

About Darling Point Special School

Founded in 1958 as the Darling Point Opportunity School, the school was demolished in 1985 to give way to the construction of a new school. It then re-opened in 1986 as Darling Point Special School.

Located at 368 Upper Esplanade, Manly, the school serves the suburbs of Manly, Cannon Hill, Chandler, Gumdale, Hemmant, Lindu, Lota, Murarrie, Ransome, Thorneside, Tingalpa, Wakerly, and Wynnum, as well as parts of Bulimba, Birkdales and Wellington.

The school provides special educational programs catering to students aged 5 to 18 who have intellectual disabilities, or significant delays in cognitive and physical development.

Watch a Melbourne Cup Movie for FREE in Manly!

To mark the return of the Melbourne Cup for 2021, Manly Harbour Village is hosting a FREE movie event at the Little Bayside Park Royal Esplanade. This Manly screening will feature “Ride Like a Girl,” a 2019 film about the life of Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to participate in the Melbourne Cup.

Happening on Saturday, 6 November 2021, the showcase will run at 7:00 p.m. Prior to the screening, however, there will be a parade of lights and a chance to partake in a few takeaway options, including some delicious fish and chips from Moreton Bay.

Visitors to the esplanade can expect a wonderful evening of entertainment with the gorgeous Manly Harbour in the background. Pack a picnic and bring chairs, cushions, and rugs to get settled for the movie.

Ride Like A Girl Manly Movie — Photo Credit: Manly Harbour Village

“Ride Like a Girl” stars Teresa Palmer as Michelle Payne, the youngest of 10 kids, who was trained to ride by her single dad, Paddy Payne, played by Sam Neill. Payne grew up in Miners Rest in Victoria and won the Melbourne Cup in 2015, riding Prince of Penzance.

The film was originally released in September 2019, where Palmer was recognized for her acting at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards (ACCTA). The film is written by Andrew Knight and Elise McCredie and directed by Rachel Griffiths.

The movie also features Steve Payne, Brooke Satchwell, Sullivan Stapleton, Zara Zoe, Sophie Forrest, Shane Bourne and Magda Szubanski.

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Manly West Tradeswoman, Lauren Campbell, Wins Apprentice of the Year

Lauren Campbell, a young tradeswoman from Manly West, has received top recognition as the Apprentice of the Year during the 2021 Queensland Training Awards virtual ceremony.

A budding leader in her industry, Ms Campbell was honoured for her skills as an air-conditioning and refrigeration tradeswoman. Showing interest as a Year 12 student, Ms Campbell was able to land a job as the very first female apprentice of AG Coombs Queensland, a leading specialist in building services.

“As a fully qualified tradesperson with the company, Lauren is recognised as a future industry leader, who has already promoted careers in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration to other young women,” Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said.

“Lauren is a deserving recipient of the 2021 Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year award.”

The annual Queensland Training Awards significantly boosts an industry where labour shortages are a reality and acknowledging the apprentices, trainees, students, employers, teachers and training providers could help fill the gaps, according to Ms Farmer.

Also recognised at this year’s awards is Kasey Hardy from Chinchilla, who was named the 2021 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year. She works under the Western Downs Indigenous Traineeship program for Harness Energy Services and Shell QGC and has earned her Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety. She is currently mentoring new Indigenous trainees.

Danielle Dixon from Lota was named 2021 VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year.

“As Executive Chef and Head of School at The Institute of Culinary Excellence (ICE), Danielle was instrumental in transforming ICE’s teaching methods through COVID-19, migrating to online learning, saving countless apprenticeships and careers,” Ms Farmer said.

“Danielle is passionate about addressing mental health and wellbeing issues within the hospitality sector, having created a program for her students with industry links that she’s looking to grow and expand.

“ICE took out the 2021 Small Training Provider of the Year title in recognition of providing apprentices and trainees with training delivered by some of the best chef teachers in the industry, in purpose-built training kitchens at Coorparoo and Kelvin Grove.”

Here’s the full list of winners of the 2021 Queensland Training Awards:

1. Lauren Campbell – Metropolitan – Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year

2. Mitchell Pogan – Darling Downs South West – Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year

3. Helen Millen – Tropical North Queensland – Vocational Student of the Year

4. Kasey Hardy – Darling Downs South West – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

5. Bree Connell – South East – School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

6. Mary Chol – Metropolitan – Equity VET Student of the Year

7. Danielle Dixon – Metropolitan – VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year

8. The Migrant Centre Organisation Inc. (trading as TMC) – South East – Community Training Initiative of the Year

9. Core Developments NQ – North Queensland – Small Employer of the Year

10. Robinson Civil Group (RCG) – Tropical North Queensland – Medium Employer of the Year

11. Frizelle Sunshine Automotive – South East – Large Employer of the Year

12. The Institute of Culinary Excellence – State direct entry – Small Training Provider of the Year

13. TAFE Queensland – State direct entry – Large Training Provider of the Year

14. Queensland Water Skills Partnership – State direct entry – Premier’s Industry Collaboration Award

New Learning Centre, Outdoor Centre Coming To Manly State School

Photo credit: Google Street View

Manly State School is set to have a new $11.6-million, multi-storey learning centre and an outdoor centre to cater to the school’s enrolment growth, brought by the housing boom in the bayside suburb.

Read: Manly Median House Price Grows By 16% As Buyers Seek the Sea Amidst Lockdown Lifestyle Changes

Manly State School’s enrollment surged from 2019 onwards, as many young families relocated to the suburb in hopes of seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. From 657 students in 2019, the school’s enrolment increased to 701 in 2021.

Photo credit: Manly State School/Facebook

Because of the trend, the State Government has allocated $11.6 million for the construction of a multistorey learning centre which consists of six general learning areas, a music centre and an outdoor learning area.

Besides the learning centre, a new $550,000 outdoor learning area is currently being planned for Manly State School. Now in the design phase, it will allow students to engage and learn in an outdoor environment whilst providing to various learning needs of all students.

Manly’s Median House Price Growth

Photo credit: Peter Mines/Google Street View

Based on data from Property Market Updates, Manly’s property values grew by 16.01 per cent from July 2020 to June 2021, compared to $844,750 in the previous year.

What attracts families and downsizers to Manly is its relaxing and quiet seaside vibes as many buyers are seeking lifestyle changes.

Another factor that brings people close to Manly is the continued growth of residential projects in the area. Two of the biggest developments coming to Manly are 191 Stratton Tce, a residential complex with 42-units and retail space and The Village Manly, a 100-unit luxury retirement village with two four-storey and two six-storey buildings.

Here Are The New Developments Coming To Manly

Photo credit: Google Street View

The future looks bright for Manly, with four developments currently underway that will help boost tourism in the bayside suburb. Here are the new residential developments as well as long-standing community landmarks with major upgrades underway, set to transform Manly in the near future.

Read: Manly Median House Price Grows By 16% As Buyers Seek the Sea Amidst Lockdown Lifestyle Changes

The Manly Hotel

The Endeavour Group, the company that owns BWS, ALH Hotels, Dan Murphy’s and more, has taken over the hotel in October 2021 and signed a 50-year lease to manage the venue. Endeavour Group revealed its plans to expand its hotel operations following its split from Woolworths.

Established in 1955, The Manly Hotel has changed hands for the first time this year, after the original owners, the McDonald family, announced that they will no longer renew the lease to the hotel.

It will undergo extensive renovations and upgrades, though there is no exact date yet as to when the works would begin. Endeavour Group has big plans for the iconic hotel and sees it as a jewel in their extensive hotel holding.

Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club

Artist’s impression of the new club (Photo credit: https://mbtbc.com.au/)

Known as one of the most popular venues in the bayside, Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club is currently in its biggest facelift yet in its 56-year history. Major upgrades include an extension of the clubhouse and adding a deck overlooking the harbour. Award-winning construction team Ashley Cooper Construction was tasked to do the refurbishment for the club.

Photo credit: Ashley Cooper Construction/Facebook

The revamp was needed to cater for the club’s significant growth and development over the past two years. Now, the club’s membership has reached more than 11,000. As the venue itself expands, the club is also planning to double its staff.

191 Stratton

DeMartini Fletcher’s residential development at 191 Stratton Tce, Manly is a four-storey residential complex with 42-units and retail space. Amenities include a resort-style pool, BBQ area and wellness gym. A rooftop recreation deck boasting stunning bay views is also available for all residents.

Works have been delayed following issues with some locals, but the developer agreed to tweak certain elements of the designs and lower down the number of units and retail space. The construction of 191 Stratton is now in full swing as construction officially started in July 2021.

The Village Manly

A project of The Village Retirement Group and Anglicare Southern Queensland, The Village Manly is a 100-unit luxury retirement village in two four-storey and two six-storey buildings.

Located next to the Edwin Marsden Tooth Memorial Home (Lota House), The Village Manly will be done in two stages. Stage 1 will be for the 46 apartments (23 apartments for each building) and Stage 2 for the communal facilities for residents.

Brisbane City Council initially rejected the project in late 2019 but the Planning and Environment Court overturned the decision after the developers made a few changes in their proposal and reduced the number of units.

Works on Stage 1 of The Village Manly is set to be complete between September 2022 and March 2023.

Whites Rd Residents Oppose Plans For New Childcare Centre In The Area

Photo credit: Google Street View

Some residents in Lota are opposing the proposal to build a 109-place childcare centre along Whites Road, citing safety issues and the added traffic it may bring to the area.

Read: New Look For Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club As Major Renovations Finally Begin

Public submissions continue to pour on the development application (A005612652), which is currently being assessed by the Brisbane City Council.

The developer seeks to build an 871-sqm childcare centre with 22 carparks at 215 Whites Rd, Lota. It will be two storeys in height and will have a dedicated play area.

Artist’s impression of proposed childcare centre in Lota (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Designed by Raunik Architects, the childcare centre would feature gardens suitable for deep planting to soften the aspect of car park entry and deliver an aesthetic suitable for a residential setting.

If given the green light, the childcare centre will have 17 full-time staff and will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Safety concerns

One resident in particular mentioned that Whites Rd is already heavily congested with obstructed views making it a dangerous place to be dropping off and picking up children.

“Currently there is no high demand for another childcare center when there is multiple in a less than 1 kilometer radius of Lota, and within the suburb itself,” said one resident, in a submission opposing the proposal.

In response to the submissions, the developer highlighted that the 22 parking spaces are compliant with Council’s Transport, Access, Parking and Servicing Planning Scheme Policy (TAPS PSP) which outlines a minimum requirement for one car parking space per every five children.

Regarding pedestrian safety, the developer noted that the proposal incorporates a dedicated pedestrian access point and pathway which is separated from the vehicle access to the site, to ensure no safety issues arise between vehicles and pedestrians accessing the site.

Manly Median House Price Grows By 16% As Buyers Seek the Sea Amidst Lockdown Lifestyle Changes

The median house price for the 12-month period ending June 2021 shows Manly just under the million-dollar mark, as double-digit growth in the bayside suburb is fuelled by the Brisbane property boom, a favourable investment climate, and a shift in buyer preferences.

From July 2020 to June 2021, Manly’s property values grew by 16.01 percent, setting the median price at $980,000 compared to $844,750 in the previous year, per data from Property Market Updates. Some 97 properties were sold during this 12-month period with the most expensive property going for $2,550,000.

The said house on Gordon Parade encompasses a 270-degree view of the bayside enclave with five oversized bedrooms, its own cinema and gym, and flowing indoor-outdoor living space. More buyers are keen on paying a premium on lifestyle assets or homes with a view of the natural beauty around the property, something that Manly could deliver.

The suburb’s relaxing and quiet seaside vibes with its quaint village-style shops have been very attractive for families and downsizers as everything the residents need is within a block of each other.

Distinct sea-change and tree-change trends have been observed, particularly in regional and coastal Queensland, as buyers seek lifestyle changes and move interstate, escape the city, or come back to Australia.

“A coastal lifestyle has become extremely important. There’s been a significant uplift in some coastal towns. We’ve seen those lifestyle properties really kick up in value,” JPM Valuers director Jason Matigian said.

Unit Price Growth

Most affluent property owners would love a lifestyle apartment in idyllic Manly despite the shortage of stocks. From July 2020 to June 2021, Manly units took an average of 88 days to sell with 37 unit properties sold, pushing the median price by 0.55 percent at $550,000.

Three years ago, Manly’s unit median price was at $800,000 amidst a buying frenzy for waterfront properties from investors who want to take advantage of high rental yields.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Manly West is currently among 11 Brisbane suburbs with the tightest rental vacancy markets, according to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).

According to REIQ CEO Antonia Marcorella, whilst low vacancy rates would be positive for landlords and investors, demand for housing from tenants could spur a crisis, leading to homelessness, that the Queensland housing system should address.

New Look For Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club As Major Renovations Finally Begin

Photo credit: Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club/Facebook

After more than two years of planning, the major renovation and expansion of the bar and restaurant facility at the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club in Manly have finally started.

Read: Endeavour Group Takes Over The Manly Hotel

It’s the biggest makeover yet for the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club, which has been around for nearly six decades. The last redevelopment happened in 2005 when the clubhouse was extended and a deck overlooking the harbour was added. The latest plan is a much-needed upgrade as the club’s membership continues to grow, having over 11,000 members to date.

Construction on the project was delayed after it was originally scheduled to begin in March 2021. In addition to funds coming from MBTBC, the project is being funded by the $1 million grant from State Member for Lytton (ALP) Joan Pease, as part of her commitment to back bayside clubs.

Luke and Zoran from the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club checking in on the progress of the refurbishment (Photo credit: Ashley Cooper Construction/Facebook)

Award-winning construction team Ashley Cooper Construction was tasked to do the refurbishment for the club. There are big plans for the club once the major renovation is complete, including hiring more workers to double their current staff number.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to work with such a time-honoured Brisbane venue, in undertaking the most significant refurbishment of the Club in 56 years which includes a complete refurbishment, constructing a spectacular new facade and implementing a significant building extension,” said Ashley Cooper Construction.

The club will remain open throughout the construction, which is estimated to last for 24 weeks. The management also advised visitors regarding the temporary entrance as the club undergoes renovations. You can visit MBTBC’s website for more details and further announcements regarding the construction.

Endeavour Group Takes Over The Manly Hotel

Endeavour Group, the company behind ALH Hotels, Dan Murphy’s, and BWS, is set to run The Manly Hotel beginning October 2021. They will hold a 50-year lease on the venue that used to be managed by the McDonald family.

Under the new management, The Manly Hotel will undergo renovations and upgrades that will see the longstanding venue revitalised to its former glory. The company will also retain the existing staff.

In early 2021, the McDonald family, who has been the steward of hotel since the 1970s, announced that they will not renew their lease after more than a year of mulling over their opportunities.

Sandy McDonald, who inherited the stewardship of the Cambridge Parade venue from his parents, Stewart and Dulcie McDonald, took The Manly Hotel to greater heights as an award-winning venue.

Highlights

Endeavour Group now holds a 50-year lease to The Manly Hotel in Cambridge Parade.
Endeavour Group has major plans to expand its hotel operations after splitting with Woolworths.
The McDonald family, which used to run the hotel, will continue to be a presence in the bayside hotel business at the Manly Marina Cove Hotel.

In 2013, Mr McDonald won the prestigious Queensland Hotels Association Hotelier of the Year. Three years later, his name entered into the association as a life member in 2016.

However, the McDonald family will remain a presence in the bayside as they manage the Manly Marina Cove Hotel at the Royal Esplanade.

Meanwhile, the Endeavour Group’s acquisition of the hotel and pub comes as the company finalised its separation from Woolworths. Bruce Mathieson, the company’s major shareholder, said that they will no longer be constrained to expand following the changes to their business.

Endeavour’s new chief executive Steve Donohue said that they will be focusing on the growth of their hotels division in the coming years.