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The Grand Manly House That Changed Its Purpose

A grand historic residence in Manly that began as an exclusive seaside retreat for a wealthy banker now functions as a vital home for the Presentation Sisters.

An Exclusive Bayside Retreat

The house, originally named ‘Culterfel’, was built around 1885. It was constructed for James Gibson, a bank manager, as a holiday home. It was one of the very first holiday houses to be built in the area, which was being developed as the ‘Manly Beach Estate’.

The home was described in an advertisement from 1887 as a “mansion worthy of the site,” positioned to take advantage of the extensive views over Moreton Bay. Mr. Gibson and his family used the house for holidays until he retired in the early 1890s and moved in permanently.

After Mr Gibson, the property was sold in 1911 to a grazier named John Henry Hart. Mr. Hart also used the home as a holiday and retirement residence. During his ownership, the house was a centre for the local community, hosting fetes and meetings.

A New Community Role

The property’s purpose changed completely when it was purchased by Brisbane’s Roman Catholic Archbishop, James Duhig, in 1935. The Archbishop was working to establish more churches and schools in the growing suburbs.

He had already established the St John Vianney parish on nearby land where the ‘Wyvernleigh’ residence once stood. ‘Culterfel’ was immediately put to use, becoming the home for the parish priest, Rev. Father Butler. The lower level of the house was even used as a temporary mass centre for the local community.

In 1940, the house was remodelled to serve a new and lasting purpose: to become a seaside convent. The building was officially blessed and opened in January 1941 as the St Philomena’s Convent and School.

It became the home of the Presentation Sisters, an order focused on education and community outreach. The Sisters started the school from the convent building, opening with just over 80 students.

The school was later renamed St John Vianney’s Catholic Primary School and moved into a new, purpose-built schoolhouse across the road in 1953. The original ‘Culterfel’ building was formally transferred to the Sisters in 1959 and continues to serve as their convent to this day, a landmark of community service.

Published Date 18-December-2025

Porsche Centre Brisbane Named Major Partner For Manly Finn Championships

Photo Credit: RQYS/Facebook

The 2026 Finn World Sailing Championships in Manly will be backed by Porsche Centre Brisbane, with the partnership supporting a February regatta series hosted at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.

Partnership Announcement In Manly

Porsche Centre Brisbane has been confirmed as a major event partner for the 2026 Finn World Sailing Championships. The partnership is linked to a February 2026 program hosted by Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Manly, Queensland.

The partnership involves Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron and the International Finn Association of Australia, with the regattas scheduled across several consecutive events during the month.

February 2026 Regatta Schedule

The Manly program includes the Australian Finn National Championships, the Finn Gold Cup and the Finn World Masters.

Provided information lists different start and finish dates for the Australian Finn National Championships and the Finn Gold Cup. The partnership announcement lists the Nationals running 7–12 February 2026 and the Gold Cup running 13–19 February 2026, while the event information page lists the Nationals as 7–10 February 2026 and the Gold Cup as 12–19 February 2026.

The Finn World Masters is listed consistently as 20–27 February 2026.

Event Context And Significance

The Finn is a single-handed dinghy that previously competed as an Olympic class, debuting at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952. The class is known for demanding on-water competition at high performance levels.

The February series is expected to attract more than 500 competitors and supporters, according to the partnership announcement. The same source states the Finn Gold Cup will return to Brisbane for the first time in 50 years, and the Finn World Masters will be contested in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time, running back-to-back with the Gold Cup.

Manly Finn Championships — *Photo Credit: RQYS/Facebook*

Host Venue Background

Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron is based on the waterfront in Manly and was formed in 1885. The club hosts regular championship racing for members and also stages national and international regattas on Moreton Bay.

Community Response Online

Social media responses to the announcement indicate positive anticipation for the February 2026 schedule. Comments referenced hosting and servicing multiple Finn events across the month and described the period as a major sailing month for Manly.

What Happens Next

Event updates, official notices, volunteer information and entry links are being managed through the event channels listed for each regatta. Organisers are continuing preparations ahead of the February 2026 series in Manly.

Published 18-Dec-2025

Moreton Bay College Athlete Makes U.S. College Track Dreams a Reality

For student-athlete Kobi Walker, long-distance running has proven far more than a local pursuit. The Moreton Bay College student has spent several years progressing through school, regional and state representative levels in cross country and track and field, ultimately being selected for a college running scholarship in the United States with the Mizzou Tigers at the University of Missouri.

Read: Moreton Bay College Students Recognised in Brisbane Portrait Prize Next Gen Awards

Kobi’s journey illustrates how involvement in school sport pathways such as Queensland Representative School Sport (QRSS) can help nurture athletic talent and open up competitive opportunities beyond traditional school competition.

Queensland Representative School Sport is a long-standing program that provides competitive sporting pathways for students across the state. It supports participation in 21 different representative sports for students aged around 10–19 years, offering structured competition from school level to district, regional and state championships.

The program is coordinated across 12 regional school sport committees and oversees development and selection processes for Queensland teams. QRSS highlights the positive impact that school sport participation has on students, volunteers and officials, and underscores the community involvement that makes the program possible.

In recent years, Kobi has distinguished herself in both cross country and track and field, earning gold medals in the state championships for both the 1500m and the 5000m. Her performances at state level helped position her as an athlete capable of competing internationally and were linked to her acceptance into the NCAA system in the United States where she now competes for the University of Missouri’s cross country and track programmes.

Alongside her sporting commitments, Kobi has developed an entrepreneurial side. She established Foodie Spread, a catering and grazing platter business, in her mid-teens, and later expanded into Kobi’s Kitchen, which offers healthy meal sachets intended to encourage balanced nutrition. These ventures have become part of her broader focus on wellbeing and healthy lifestyle promotion.

Moreton Bay College supports a broad range of sports and competitive opportunities, emphasising participation and achievement across diverse activities including cross country, team sports and championship events, with many students progressing through school and external competitive pathways.

Queensland Representative School Sport itself has a rich competitive history. For more than a century, students who participated in the programme have gone on to national and international success.

Among those who progressed through Queensland’s representative system are Olympic champions in athletics and swimming, as well as world champions and elite performers in a range of sports. These include standout athletes such as Cathy Freeman and Sally Pearson in athletics, Grant Hackett in swimming, Emma Snowsill in triathlon, and elite golfers and surfers who competed at the highest level. The programme also recognises the contributions of volunteer officials, referees, umpires, and teachers who support young athletes in competition.

For young athletes in Manly West and throughout Queensland, Kobi’s achievements reinforce the value of school sporting pathways. Her progression from local competition to international collegiate sport highlights the opportunities that structured representative sport can create for committed students. It also underscores how participation, resilience and community support contribute to broader personal development.

Read: Manly’s Strategy: Why 34 School Teams Took Video Game Seriously

As Kobi continues her athletic and academic journey overseas, her story serves as a reminder of how Queensland Representative School Sport can provide a foundation for future success — on tracks, in classrooms and within wider communities.

Published 17-December-2025

Manly and Manly West included in Brisbane Hailstorm Hardship Assistance

For some households in Manly and Manly West, the November 2025 severe hailstorms caused significant disruption, damaging homes and cutting power. In response, targeted hardship assistance has now been activated to help eligible, uninsured residents meet essential recovery needs and begin restoring their properties.

Read: Manly Pummelled by 11cm-Hail as Storms Rip Across SEQ

The income-tested support extends beyond Manly and Manly West to other bayside and eastern suburbs impacted by the storms, including Gumdale, Lota, Ransome, Wakerley, Wynnum and Wynnum West. These suburbs are among 15 across Brisbane that have been included in the assistance package following property damage and service disruptions linked to the hailstorms.

The financial assistance is being delivered under the joint Commonwealth–state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). It is available to uninsured residents who meet income eligibility requirements and whose primary place of residence was damaged during the storm event. The measures are intended to help residents address essential recovery costs and return affected homes to a safe and liveable condition.

Photo credit: Facebook/Queensland Reconstruction Authority

For Manly and Manly West residents, the assistance comes as clean-up and repair efforts continue across the community. While some damage was immediately visible, other issues have emerged over time as residents assess the full impact of the hail and power outages. For households without insurance, managing these recovery costs can be particularly challenging.

Three forms of Personal Hardship Assistance are available, depending on individual circumstances.

Structural Assistance Grants provide the highest level of support. Eligible, uninsured owner-occupiers may receive up to $80,000 to help repair or replace a disaster-damaged dwelling. The aim of this funding is to ensure homes can be returned to a condition that is safe and fit to live in, rather than to fund non-essential improvements.

Essential Household Contents Grants are also available to help residents replace basic household items that were destroyed as a result of the storms. This income-tested assistance can be used to replace items such as refrigerators, washing machines and beds. Payments are available up to $1,765 for individuals, or up to $5,300 for couples and families.

A third measure, the Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme, offers grants of up to $5,000 per household. This assistance is for uninsured homeowners who need support to reconnect essential services such as electricity, gas, water or sewerage where storm damage has affected safety or access.

While Manly and Manly West are among the bayside suburbs included, the assistance package also applies to other parts of Brisbane impacted by the hailstorms. Suburbs covered by the activation include Ashgrove, Bardon, Boondall, Ferny Grove, Keperra, Mount Crosby and The Gap, highlighting the wide reach of the storm system as it moved across the city.

Government representatives have noted that severe weather events are increasing in strength and frequency, placing greater pressure on households and communities. The hardship assistance has been introduced to ensure support is available for residents most affected by the storms, particularly those without insurance who meet the eligibility criteria.

Affected residents are encouraged to check their eligibility and seek information about the assistance available to them. Details about the grants, including eligibility requirements and application processes, are available through the Queensland Government’s disaster assistance website.

Support is also available through the 24-hour Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349, which can provide guidance on applications and information about other recovery services.

Read: How Manly West Homeowners Can Protect Themselves From Roof Repair Scams

As Manly and Manly West continue the recovery process, the hardship assistance offers a practical form of support for eligible households working to restore their homes and essential services after last month’s hailstorms.

Published 16-December-2025

Manly to Host Top Sailors at Sail Brisbane 2025

Manly’s Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) is gearing up to host The Yacht Sales Co. Sail Brisbane 2025, bringing a large field of Australia’s sailors together for five days of racing on Moreton Bay.

Read: Sail Brisbane 2025 Heads to Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron With Strong Local Focus

Scheduled from 16 to 20 December 2025, Sail Brisbane will take place from the squadron’s base in Manly, Queensland. The regatta forms part of the broader summer sailing circuit and attracts competitors from around Australia and the Asia‑Pacific region.

Racing at Sail Brisbane will span a broad range of classes, from junior and youth fleets to Olympic and invited divisions. The event’s multi‑class format ensures sailors of differing experience levels can compete and grow, with diverse fleets on multiple race courses.

Photo credit: Facebook/Australian Sailing

This year’s regatta is presented in partnership with Australian Sailing, underlining the joint commitment to developing sailing pathways across the sport. The collaboration between RQYS and the national body supports consistent competition standards and fosters participation for sailors at all stages of their development.

Included within the regatta programme is the Queensland WingFoil State Championship, adding another layer of competition for foiling athletes. Sail Brisbane also serves as a lead‑in event to several major championships scheduled at RQYS in the months ahead, providing valuable racing experience for participants.

Competitors heading to Manly can find detailed information, such as the Notice of Race, safety requirements, accommodation, and logistics via the RQYS regatta page. Pre‑regatta coaching clinics are available for sailors seeking extra preparation, offering structured guidance for junior, youth and adult participants.

For spectators and supporters ashore, daily updates, results and event information will be shared through the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron’s channels and affiliated media. Live result services and summaries help keep the community connected to the action out on the bay throughout the week.

The event’s location at Moreton Bay offers a scenic setting for competitive sailing, with courses laid out against the backdrop of the bay’s waters and Queensland’s coastal fringe. Local sailing families, visitors and enthusiasts are encouraged to follow the regatta and support the sailors in their classes.

Read: Over 1,400 People Have Their Say on Manly and Lota Master Plan

As Sail Brisbane 2025 approaches, Manly and surrounding communities can look forward to welcoming a lively week of racing as athletes from across the region vie for honours and sharpen their skills on the water.

Published 15-December-2025

How Manly West Homeowners Can Protect Themselves From Roof Repair Scams

When a Manly West homeowner opened their door to a man offering a cheap roof repair, the visitor claimed to represent a roofing service. The resident declined the unsolicited offer, and the man left without approaching neighbours. He was a passenger in a white Nissan Navara, a vehicle police say is linked to earlier reports of similar scams across Queensland.

Read: Roof Repair Scam Reports Emerge After Manly West Approach

Queensland Police have warned that a network of travelling roof restoration scammers has been active in multiple suburbs including Caboolture, Strathpine, Svensson Heights, Capalaba and Woolloongabba. According to investigators, the group targets elderly and vulnerable residents by offering unusually cheap roof maintenance, tile replacement or cleaning services. Several incidents across the state have resulted in significant financial losses.

The Manly West report reflects the pattern police are now monitoring. The individuals involved move between suburbs, making it difficult for residents to quickly recognise the scam. Police say signs the group may be operating in an area include flyers, temporary signage and door-to-door promotions advertising low-cost work.

As activity continues across Queensland, authorities are urging residents — particularly older community members — to remain cautious when approached with unexpected offers of repair work.

How Residents Can Safeguard Themselves

Police have issued several key recommendations to help residents protect themselves from travelling scammers.

Verify business credentials
Before agreeing to any work, residents should check business credentials and contact details independently. Police advise confirming legitimacy through trusted channels rather than relying on brochures or information presented at the door.

Be cautious of unsolicited offers
Uninvited visits from people offering roof repairs, upgrades or inspections should be treated with caution. Police warn that low-cost or on-the-spot offers are commonly used by the scam network.

Avoid opening the door to unknown callers
If unsure about the identity of a visitor, residents are encouraged not to open the door. Declining engagement and reporting suspicious activity can help protect both individuals and the wider community.

Never agree to work immediately
Reputable tradespeople do not pressure homeowners into making decisions straight away. Taking time to compare quotes, research businesses and speak with known service providers is a safer approach.

Report suspicious activity
Police stress the importance of reporting any information that may assist investigations. This includes vehicle descriptions, unsolicited offers, or the appearance of unusual signage in neighbourhoods. Even small details can help authorities track movements and warn nearby suburbs.

Read: Man Charged Over Late-Night Fireworks at Lota Jetty

Anyone with information about the individuals involved or the white Nissan Navara linked to the incidents is encouraged to contact Policelink and quote reference QI2502095926. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

As the scam network continues to travel between suburbs, authorities hope increased awareness will help prevent further financial losses across Queensland communities.

Published 11-December-2025

Sail Brisbane 2025 Heads to Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron With Strong Local Focus

Photo Credit: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron/Facebook

Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron is set to host a major multi-class sailing event that brings young sailors, elite athletes and local families together in Manly for a week of racing on Moreton Bay.

Growing Local Participation

Sail Brisbane 2025 runs from 16 to 20 December at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron grounds in Manly, with competitors launching from the Manly Boat Harbour into the bay. Sail Brisbane draws sailors from across Australia and the Asia Pacific region. This year’s partnership with Australian Sailing strengthens its role as a development event.

*Photo Credit: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron/Facebook*

Young sailors, club members and visiting athletes share the same racing space across youth dinghies, Olympic classes and foiling fleets. The event supports pathways for emerging sailors through planning, coaching and community involvement. Organisers stated the regatta continues to evolve through cooperation among clubs and community participants.

Partnership With Australian Sailing

The partnership places the national authority alongside Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron throughout the competition. Australian Sailing supports coaching pathways, club access and consistent standards across the country.

Organisers noted that the collaboration supports coaching and development, helping younger sailors move into higher classes. The timing of the regatta also helps local and visiting athletes prepare for the broader summer racing season.

Wide Range Of Classes

The regatta includes junior, youth and Olympic level classes such as ILCA, 29er, 49er, 49er FX, 420, 470, Flying Eleven, Optimist, Open Skiff, Sabot, Tasar, RS Feva, Nacra classes, Hobie 16, and foiling divisions including iQFoil, Windfoil and Wingfoil.

This mix allows families to attend and support a wide range of competitors while experienced sailors use the event for summer preparation. Sailing instructions, safety details and support boat registration are managed through the squadron noticeboard.

Community And Visitor Impact

Manly’s harbour precinct and nearby accommodation are likely to see increased activity as sailors and supporters travel to the area. The waterfront setting gives competitors direct access to the bay and keeps families, volunteers and visitors close to the action.

Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron encourages early accommodation planning for travelling teams and provides resources to help visiting groups prepare before racing. At the time of reporting, entries remain open through the regatta page.

Published 03-December-2025

Roof Repair Scam Reports Emerge After Manly West Approach

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Police have issued an alert after a Manly West resident reported an unsolicited offer for roof work linked to a series of similar approaches across Queensland.

Initial Report in Manly West

On 19 November, a man claiming to be from a roofing service attended a home in Manly West and offered roof upgrades. The resident declined, and the man left as a passenger in a white Nissan Navara. Police later connected the vehicle to similar reports from other Queensland suburbs.

Activity Reported Across Queensland

Investigations show the same vehicle and associated individuals linked to incidents in Svensson Heights, Bundaberg, Caboolture, Strathpine, Capalaba, and Woolloongabba. The group is described as offering low-cost roof maintenance, tile replacement, or cleaning services, resulting in financial losses for targeted residents.

Manly West roof scam — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

How the Approaches Occur

Police said signs of activity include flyers, signage, or door-to-door offers promoting unusually cheap roof work. These approaches are unsolicited and are believed to focus on elderly and vulnerable community members. Police confirmed the Manly West caller was not the only resident to receive this style of uninvited offer.

Community Reports

Residents across several suburbs have described similar experiences. Comments referenced door-knocking, offers linked to supposed cancellations, and individuals with accents. Reports came from Wynnum, Murgon, Tweed Heads and other areas, indicating the behaviour is being observed in multiple locations. These accounts were shared publicly and reflect community experiences alongside official reports.

Police Guidance

Police have urged residents to verify business credentials, ask for proper licences, be wary of unsolicited offers, and avoid opening the door to unknown visitors. Officers also encouraged reporting any suspicious activity linked to the white Nissan Navara or related individuals.

Queensland scam alert — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Reporting Information

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Policelink and quote reference QI2502095926, or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers. Police continue monitoring reports and caution residents to remain alert, particularly after the Manly West approach.

Published 3-Dec-2025

Plans For The Gopher Outline Next Step For The Old Manly Boatshed Location

The Old Manly Boatshed on The Corso, a local favourite for 38 years, is now the focus of a formal proposal to create a new basement venue called The Gopher in its long-time location.

Development Application On Exhibition

The development application was placed on public exhibition from 10 November to 24 November 2025. Council records show the proposal covers shopfront and signage works at 7, 38 to 42 The Corso, the former Boatshed address. The work is valued at 27,500 dollars. The application was lodged by The Gopher Manly, a company registered earlier this year.

The documents show this DA deals with exterior changes only. Internal alterations fall under a separate Complying Development Certificate submitted on 19 September. That certificate allows demolition of the old interior and a new fit out. The papers list the intended use of the space as a restaurant, bar and nightclub.

Planned Changes To The Entrance

Design plans outline new fabric awnings, new timber mouldings shaped to match the building’s existing arches and new solid timber doors. The proposal includes the removal of older timber reveals and tiles so the entrance can be rebuilt with mouldings and finishes that match the building’s style.

The lower section of both walls beside the doorway will receive new feature tiles. A bronze nameplate will show the venue’s name, and a new exterior wall light will sit above the entry. The sketches also show bullnose detailing, decorative timber panels and new tiling at the entry floor. The design uses cornice moulding and matching architraves to align with the building’s existing architectural features.

Closure Of A Long-Time Venue

The Old Manly Boatshed closed in September after almost four decades as a known spot for live music and comedy. Former owner Goff Burgess told the community the closure happened due to circumstances outside the venue’s control.

He noted the decision came as a shock because of the venue’s long history and the support it received from locals. The building has remained vacant since the shutdown. The site’s future has continued to interest residents who followed the Boatshed’s long run as a community venue.

Operator Linked To Local Hospitality Group

Public records link the proposal to director Matt Clifton through The Gopher Manly. Clifton heads the Saga Group, which runs several local hospitality venues including Donny’s Bar, Henry G’s, InSitu and The Hold.

These venues already operate in Manly, and residents are aware of the group’s presence on The Corso.

Published 01-December-2025

Manly Pummelled by 11cm-Hail as Storms Rip Across SEQ

Photo Credit: Reddit

Residents in bayside Manly and nearby suburbs say they watched their street turn white in minutes as giant hailstones punched into roofs and cars, part of a ferocious storm front that tore across South East Queensland and left tens of thousands of homes in the dark.

On Monday, 24 November, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) reported hail measuring up to 11 centimetres at Manly and suburbs like Ferny Hills and Alexandra Hills at about 3:30 p.m., as supercell thunderstorms flared from the New South Wales border through Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay.

Giant hail, destructive winds and intense lightning cut power to more than 150,000 customers, with Moreton Bay, Ipswich and the Sunshine Coast among the hardest hit.

Community Left Picking Up the Pieces

By early evening, Manly locals were out with torches, tarps and brooms, checking on neighbours and sweeping hail from driveways as the last rumbles of thunder moved north over the bay. On social media, some families in Manly described watching the sky “go green” before the hail hit, while others said they had never seen stones that size in their street. The weather was so violent that Brisbane Airport briefly halted flights after a 107 kilometres per hour wind gust was recorded.

Photos shared with media outlets showed hailstones larger than cricket balls sitting in residents’ hands, with the Bureau confirming the 11-centimetre readings that put Manly among the worst-hit suburbs.

Across Brisbane’s bayside, residents reported damaged roofs, smashed skylights and dented cars as the storm cell swept in off the water. Emergency crews said they had been inundated with calls from the city’s eastern suburbs, including Manly, with the State Emergency Service logging more than 2,200 requests for help across the south-east once the system passed. Brisbane City, Logan and Moreton Bay generated the highest number of SES call-outs.

The damage came after hours of warnings that large and even “giant” hail was likely. BoM and private weather services had flagged “super-cellular” thunderstorms capable of producing hail up to 10 centimetres, as well as damaging winds and heavy rain across the south-east.

Local Resilience and What Comes Next

Despite the scale of the damage, the response in Manly and the surrounding suburbs was swift. SES crews moved from street to street to clear debris and secure damaged roofs, while community groups used social media to match volunteers with residents needing help. Some families in Manly who escaped with only minor damage offered spare rooms and hot showers to friends whose homes had been hit harder, further inland.

BoM indicated that the atmosphere over Queensland remained unstable, meaning more storms were possible in the days following Monday’s outbreak. Residents have been urged to keep an eye on official updates and follow SES advice about securing loose items, moving cars under cover, and staying indoors if new warnings are issued.

Published 25-Nov-2025