Clay Lewis has autism and couldn’t find an after-school job so he created one, his own bin-cleaning business.
One year ago, the eager 16-year-old offered his neighbours a free bin clean on New Year’s Day. When he did a fantastic job, his mother put the word out on Facebook and that is how Clay’s Bin Cleaning started.
Photo credit: Clay Needs No Moulding/Facebook
Clay’s mum, Laura Lewis, wanted him to
find a part-time job so he could build his resume while he was still at school.
She wanted him to build his references.
Laura says that Clay has dreams of living down the Gold Coast, owning a car, finding a wife, and having his own family. These are simple, perfectly reasonable dreams for most people. But for someone who has been diagnosed with autism at the age of 2, some of those dreams may be unattainable, and the way to those dreams, getting and keeping a job, may be particularly challenging.
Finding a part-time job was tough for Clay. He managed to get a trial position at a fish-and-chip shop. However, the owner told Laura that his business could just not afford to provide the on-the-job training that the boy needed.
Today, the industrious teen does bin cleaning after school, every Monday and Tuesday. It costs $10 for Clay to clean one bin, $15 for him to tidy up two bins and then an extra $5 per bin after that.
Photo credit: Clay Needs No Moulding/Facebook
Initially, Clay took one employee, a friend from school, to work with him. When the demand increased, two other kids were trained to be backup.
The bin cleaning business has given Clay a newfound confidence. Whilst his mom used to speak out for him, Clay is now advocating for himself. She is delighted that Clay’s business is teaching him to become more independent.
A more confident Clay
Clay at work with friend
Laura believes that Clay’s story should send the message to employers to be more considerate when interviewing neurodiverse teenagers. She asserts that the limitations of people with autism spectrum disorder are set on them by others. They actually have lots of potential and the capability to spread their wings, with the proper support.
With mum Laura behind him, Clay is all set to test his wings and learn to fly.
A parcel of land with approved development
for multiple-unit townhomes is up for sale in Manly West.
Located
at 378 Manly Road, Manly West, the site measures approximately 1.62 hectares
and is merely 3.2 km away from Manly Boat Harbour. At the front side of the
site is a bus stop, whilst the Lota Railway Station is 2.5 km away. It is
surrounded by a good mix of amenities such as shops, public transport, schools
and recreational facilities.
Photo credit: www.raywhitespecialprojects.com
The site has also been designated Emerging
Communities under Brisbane City Plan 2014.
Along with the property comes a Development
Permit to build 36 generously sized dwelling units, comprising 32 3-bedroom
units and four 4-bedroom townhomes. The project was designed by renowned
architects Rothelowman.
Approved plans for the development site. (Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)
Aside from the multiple dwelling units, the approval also allows one 4-bedroom house to be built on a separate freehold lot. The permit also includes the possibility of reconfiguring the land from one lot into two.
Artist’s rendition of approved plans. (Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)
Ray White expects to attract interest from diverse
types of buyers considering the potential of the site and the development
approval. The design by Rothelowman is also suited for buyers looking to own
and occupy the units.
The approved development site is being
marketed by Ray White Special Projects, for sale by Expressions of Interest
until Thursday, 21 March 2019, 4:00 p.m.
One of the most awaited days of the year, the Australia Day is just around the corner. To celebrate this special day, several events will be up in and around Manly.
From free breakfasts to family-friendly events plus Australia’s ‘biggest barbecue party’, there will be something for everyone to enjoy on the day.
Australia Day Community Breakfast 2019
Saturday, 26 January 2019 (7:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon)
Photo credit: Cr Peter Cumming – for Wynnum Manly Ward/Facebook
To start the day right, Manly will be having a free community breakfast to celebrate Australia Day. Simply bring a chair and head over to the Wynnum Manly Bandstand Park for free entertainment, rides, and food.
There will be a sausage sizzle, pancakes, tea, and damper available in the event. Kids can also enjoy some rides and face painting.
Saturday, 26 January 2019 (12:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m.)
Photo credit: Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club/Facebook
Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club (MBTBC) is having a free Australia Day celebration on the Seaside Greens with lots of food, entertainment, and fun activities.
MBTBC’s Australia Day By The Bay activities will include Aussie snodog snowcones, face painting, jumping castle, live music, and more.
For lunch, a selection of delicious food will be available outdoors. Their lunch menu includes slow-cooked beef brisket and slaw roll, slow-cooked pork and slaw roll, fish and chips, calamari and chips, hot chips, bucket fresh prawns, and fresh oysters.
The day’s main event highlights the return of the famous Crab-Races. Auctions will be available onsite and proceeds from the crab racing will go to local charities.
The Waterloo Bay Hotel will be hosting the ultimate Aussie barbecue party to celebrate Australia Day.
Teaming up with Stone & Wood Brewing, the first 50 people to arrive at the Stone and Wood pop-up bar at 11:00 a.m. will receive a free gift. More gifts and giveaways will also be available throughout the day.
Activities on the day include cricket on the big screen plus several competitions such as Thong Toss, Catch for Cash, and Pie Eating contests. Guests will also enjoy live music by Brad & Kylie from 1:00 p.m. which will be perfect with some Aussie smoked meats and drinks.
Manly Harbour Village is making it easy for you to avoid the busy streets of the City in celebrating the New Year’s Eve 2018. The Village is having a free movie in the park, great food options, and two sessions of fireworks displays to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Free movies at the Park. Photo credit: Manly Harbour Village/Facebook
This year, Manly Harbour Village‘s NYE celebration kicks off with a free screening of Mama Mia at the Little Bayside Park, Manly. Starting at 7:00 p.m., visitors can sing along to all the popular songs of the 1970s group ABBA.
Mama Mia is PG-13 rated and will run for one hour and 48 minutes.
You may also come with your family and friends earlier and take a walk along Cambridge Parade to view the twinkling lights and great takeaway options.
Following the free movie screening, an early fireworks display will light up the sky. The first fireworks display will be on at 9:00 p.m. from the new northern arm of the Boat Harbour. This is perfect for those families who want to see the fireworks without having to stay up late in the night.
Photo credit: Manly Harbour Village/Facebook
Another fireworks display will welcome the New Year at exactly 12 midnight. Take note that both displays can be viewed from the Esplanade, Darling Point to Davenport Drive, and from several restaurants in the Village and around the Harbour. You can even comfortably view the fireworks from your best friend’s house if it’s on the rise overlooking the Harbour.
Remember, you don’t have to go far just to have fun on the New Year’s Eve.
Thousands of seats will be added to Cleveland Line servicing Manly, Wynnum and other East Brisbane suburbs with the rollout of new six-car units on 193 Queensland Rail services.
From Monday, 3 December 2018, new six-car services are replacing three-car trains, increasing the rail service capacity by more than 46,000 seats a week across the network.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said that commuters will immediately see the difference on Cleveland, Beenleigh, Shorncliffe, Ferny Grove, Northgate and Doomben lines.
“Queensland Rail has focused on upgrading Monday to Friday services rather than at weekends when fewer people travel,” he said.
“Of the 193 services where capacity will be doubled, 40 are classified as high patronage where average seated capacity occupancy rates are more than 80%.”
The Cleveland Line, which passes through the eastern suburbs and heads to Bowen Hills, Doomben and Shorncliffe, will have 36 services upgraded from three-car to six-car units from Monday to Thursday.
Mr Bailey hopes that the additional 46,000 train seats across the Southeast Queensland network will lead to better comfort for the passengers during weekdays.
Around 6% of the weekday services use three-car units, but with the upgrades, only 3.21% or 171 three-car trains will remain.
“The popular 6.54am Shorncliffe to Central, 6.55am Ferny Grove to Park Road and 4.18pm Bowen Hills to Cleveland services will be upgraded, doubling the number of seats on these services,” Mr Bailey said.
The minister also noted that a few three-car units will still be required to run during morning and afternoon peaks due to existing operational restrictions. However, each three-car trains will be preceded and followed by a six-carriage train to assist with customer loading.
Services to be upgraded from three-car to six-car trains.
This year, the Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly is celebrating 65 years of continuous service to the local, national, and international community.
The Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly has over sixty members, of which many come from leading businesses, government, academic, and not for profit organisations. Formed in 1953, the Club has a long and proud history of serving its community and has been actively participating in Rotary International’s humanitarian programs.
The Club has served the community and supported the youth through youth exchange and training programs, vocational visits, and fundraisers such as the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Primary Schools Public Speaking Competition, Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and Science Experience.
Katelin Shiels (Wynnum and Manly Exchange Student to Sweden)
Photo Credit: Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly/rotaryclubofwynnumandmanly.asn.au
Joel Bulow (Centre) from Cannon Hill Anglican College—The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) participant
Photo Credit: Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly/rotaryclubofwynnumandmanly.asn.au
Primary Schools Public Speaking Competition
Photo Credit: Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly/rotaryclubofwynnumandmanly.asn.au
The Club has also participated in many international projects in Cambodia, India, Philippines, and Nepal, as well as reconstruction projects: Vanuatu, Polio Plus, and Donations in Kind.
At DIK Durack Warehouse
Photo Credit: Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly/rotaryclubofwynnumandmanly.asn.au
Photo Credit: Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly/rotaryclubofwynnumandmanly.asn.au
“Young Mothers Health Summit” Marikina, Philippines
Photo Credit: Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly/rotaryclubofwynnumandmanly.asn.au
Shelter Boxes
Photo Credit: Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly/rotaryclubofwynnumandmanly.asn.au
About the Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation has been around for over 100 years doing humanitarian service serving and improving the lives of communities from all over the world. To date, the Foundation has spent more than $3 billion on programs and projects that helped transform the lives of people such as fighting diseases, eradicating polio, providing clean drinking water, and promoting peace.
The Rotary International, the world’s first service club organisation, has more than 33,000 clubs worldwide composed of more than 1.2 million members sharing a common passion to help and make a difference in the lives in communities the world over.
To celebrate the Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly’s 65 years of making a difference, the club will be holding an anniversary dinner on Friday, 23 November. If you have any documents or old photos of former or current club members in action that you would like to share with the Club, you may visit their website or Facebook page.
This could be good news for fur-parents as Brisbane City Council prepares to trial a number of off-leash beaches in Manly, Wynnym, and other seaside suburbs across Brisbane.
Come mid-2019, a number of beaches and foreshores will be designated as off-leash areas for a year.
Currently, there are a number of off-leash beaches where Brisbane dogs can go. Some of the best beaches for pooches include the North Shore off-leash beach in the Sunshine Coast, Coolum Beach and Nudgee Beach.
Under the council’s plan, selected beaches and foreshores in Manly, Wynnum, Lota, Sandgate, Nudgee Beach, Shorncliffe, and Brighton will allow dogs, small and big, to run free within a designated area. However, dog owners will be warned that they can be fined if they unleash their pets outside the off-leash area.
The off-leash beaches trial is in response to public clamour for more freedom for their fur babies. But a possible hindrance to making beaches off-leash are the birds that treat the beaches as their temporary home.
The council plans to conduct the trial during the non-migratory period. That way, they can strike a balance in providing freedom areas for dogs, whilst still protecting the birds.
Should the trial be successful, it could lead to more off-leash beaches and foreshores in Queensland.
Airbnb rentals have recorded a spike in various parts of the country, including Moreton Bay Region. The records are based on a study by the University of Sydney as sponsored by the Australian Coastal Councils Association (ACCA) wherein 12 councils across the country have participated. The increase in growth also sheds light on its potential risks following several accidents that happened at Airbnb properties.
The councils that participated in the study are:
Bass Coast Shire Council (Vic)
City of Busselton (WA)
Byron Shire Council (NSW)
Douglas Shire Council (QLD)
Eurobodalla Shire Council (NSW)
Kiama Municipal Council (NSW)
Moreton Bay Regional Council (QLD)
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council (Victoria)
Moyne Shire Council (Victoria)
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (NSW)
Shoalhaven City Council (NSW)
Sunshine Coast Council (QLD)
The housing rental platform was launched in the country in 2011 where over 130,000 properties were listed following its launch. Coastal communities show an even higher rate of short-term rental properties.
The research also shows that in just over 18 months from April 2016 to December 2017, the numbers of Airbnb properties have doubled in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, and WA.
Airbnb Risks
This alerted the ACCA. According to Barry Samels, the Chair of ACCA, “Traditional holiday accommodation providers are required to meet minimum fire and safety standards. As matters stand, these requirements do not apply to properties listed in Airbnb and similar platforms, posing a potential risk to guests,” he said.
There have been several accidents that happened over the years whilst guests were staying at Airbnb properties.
Last month, a four-year-old boy died whilst staying at an Airbnb rental in the Sunshine Coast. The child suffered head injuries after a swing set topped over and landed on him. The death of the child has raised questions on the liability when things like that happen at an Airbnb.
Apparently, a residential property listed on the platform is considered a commercial business thus its insurance coverage changes. Its insurance may cover storm, fire, and cyclone but it doesn’t cover legal liability portion of the home. Airbnb has free Host Protection Insurance, which has a coverage of up to $US1 million that involves third-party claims of physical injuries or property damage.
Better Council Standards
The study also showed that there are some areas that exceed existing tourism accommodation. With this, Professor Nicole Gurran, who headed the research said that the councils should set baseline standards for short-term rentals in residential areas. Data on short-term holiday rental platforms may also be helpful for local planning and management responses.
Ms Sammels also said that aside from the insurance risk, some of the councils also reported a spike in resident complaints and disruptions caused by Airbnb renters.
“Some permanent residents felt their community had been invaded by tourism and spoke of the stress involved in not knowing when a new party of visitors was likely to arrive next door and how they were going to behave within residential neighbourhood,” he said.
A Tax To Make Things Better?
Also last month, Airbnb expressed its desire to implement a “bed tax” for their clients who will be staying overnight in Queensland properties. This tax will deliver a 5% charge that will help boost local infrastructure and help cities with their revenue without sacrificing tourism.
However, the Palaszcuk government remains firm on their decision that they will not support this kind of tax in the state.
The REIQ recently reported the latest housing market statistics which showed Manly median house price at $728,375, a slight decrease of -4.8% over the last 12 months but an increase of 30.9% over the last 5 years. In the 2nd quarter of 2018, there were 15 homes sold in the suburb.
“The Manly area is in high demand with a number of properties being under contract within a month compared to this time last year with the average days on market at 50. I was able to sell 42 Wellington Street for $1.6mil in just 36 days after being on the market with another agent for over 400 days” says Justin Marsden of Ray White Wynnum Manly.
A modern Tingalpa recycling depot will be developed in time for the “Go Live” date of the Container Refund Scheme on 1 November. TOMRA has lodged a development application for a recycling and deposit refund depot located at 302-308 New Cleveland Road, Tingalpa.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
TOMRA has taken lease of the subject property for the re-use and fit-out of the existing building tenancy of the purpose of Container Refund Depot. The depot will be used for receiving and transferring eligible drink containers between 150mL and 3L in size for a refund of 10 cents. The project is in line with Queensland Government’s Container Refund Scheme (CRS).
As stated in TOMRA’s application letter, the depot will operate based on the following:
Monday to Sunday 7am to 7pm, excluding deliveries / collection on Sunday.
Collection of containers by MRV or similar industrial standard collection truck to occur Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm.
The use is conducted wholly indoors, with the loading of containers onto the collection truck to occur within the building with roll-door shut.
Collection trucks will service each depot approximately four times a day (excluding Sunday) outside of the hours 7pm to 7am.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
About the Container Refund Scheme
By incentivizing consumers to return their empty beverage containers, the Container Refund Schemeor “Containers for Change,” aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste from container litter through recycling.
“The Container Refund Scheme will encourage recycling while also reducing the amount of plastic we see in the environment,” The Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said in a media statement in August 2018.
Video credit: Containers for Change QLD/YouTube
“There will be a range of different type of refund point options such as permanent depot-style points, bag drops and reverse vending machines.
“Some container refund points will be mobile and use the ‘pop up’ concept to ensure the reach of our scheme extends into regional and remote areas.
“By providing a range of convenient and accessible refund point solutions more Queenslanders will be able to participate in and benefit from the scheme,” Ms Enoch said.
Implementing Organisation and Operator
Container Exchange (CoEx), the Government appointed Product Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for the CRS, will implement a total of 230 refund points across the state by November 1st.
The refund points are the sites where residents can return their eligible empty beverage containers for a refund of ten cents for each container. The returned beverage containers are then collected for recycling.
TOMRA, Global sensor-based solutions provider and reverse vending leader, is one of the official operators of the Container Refund Scheme. They are expected to operate a total of 10 refund points which will be located in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba areas.
“Each depot will be equipped with 9-12 TOMRA reverse vending machines, a bag-drop option and TOMRA’s Bulk Collection Systems to handle returns of large numbers of containers. The popular myTOMRA app will also provide opportunity for electronic payout of recycling refunds and details on depot locations and opening hours,” TOMRA’s website said.
The Tingalpa depot, along with other TOMRA modern depots, will be a clean and convenient location for consumers to return their empty containers. The “front of house”, a clean and air-conditioned area, is where the customers will enter and complete their returns.
How to Participate in Containers for Change
To participate, consumers should follow four key steps:
Collect eligible containers
Create your scheme account
Take your containers to a refund point
Collect your refund or make a donation
Excluded Beverage Containers:
Generally excluded containers are those that are less than 150ml and greater than 3L. Other excluded containers include:
Any plain milk containers
Any glass containers which have contained wine or pure spirits
Containers 1L or more which have contained flavoured milk, pure fruit or vegetable juice, cask wine or cask water
Concentrated/undiluted cordial or syrup containers
Sachets above 250ml which have contained wine
Registered health tonics
Plain milk bottles, glass wine bottles, and other excluded containers that can still be recycled may be dropped at existing kerbside collection or drop-off services.
