September is almost over! This week will be full of exciting events, from family fun days to concerts and festivals. Here are some of the events you should watch for this week.
Lah-Lah and her Big Live Band will be celebrating the release of their 2017 SONY Music album, Having Fun, with a concert tour across Australia. More than just a concert, this will be an interactive and educational music tour featuring live music, singing, and dancing.
The event is general admission and the venue will be a flat-floor room with a large space for the kids and parents to sit together. This setup will provide an interactive environment for the children to stand up and participate during the show.
Due to the organiser’s occupational health and safety policy, prams and pushers are not allowed inside the auditorium. There will be a designated “pram parking area” in the foyer of the auditorium.
Trendell & Turner Travel Associates will host a free travel information evening with drinks and nibbles throughout the event. Guest speaker Camille Moore of APT & Travelmarvel will talk about the personalised cruise trips that will explore the diverse regions of South America and Antarctica.
Attendees will also get a chance to win a lucky door prize. Bookings are essential as slots are limited.
Photo credit: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron – Social/Facebook
Oktoberfest hits Manly this Friday! It will be an “all-German” fest with German beer on tap such as Lowenbrau and Carlsberg, German meal specials, and live German music. Watch out and listen closely for the Chicken Dance music. When played, you need to stop whatever you’re doing and do the Chicken Dance. Patrons who will never fail to dance the Chicken Dance will get an exciting prize.
Dress to impress! Don’t forget to wear your Lederhosen and Dirndls.
Every Sunday, the Tide is celebrating tapa specials; great selection of wines, beers and ciders; and live music. This is a kid-friendly event, so bring them along and have an afternoon of chilled out music, while enjoying the best view in Manly.
“Have you any idea why a raven is like a writing desk?” — Mad Hatter
Go down the rabbit hole and enter the mini Wonderland of The Mad Hatters Bookshop. This is a wonderland of books and toys for kids (and adults, too!). Their shelves are full of books written and illustrated by local authors and illustrators. If you can’t find the book you want in their shelves, they can even order it for you.
Photo credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook
Ann-Marie, an artist and illustrator, created a “children’s reading nook” with a rolling hill, forest, and a fairy castle background. This area is even decorated with log cushions, mushrooms, and some forest friends like White Rabbit. This section entices a lot of kids to read and play.
Photo credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook
Aside from books, The Mad Hatters Bookshop is also a haven full of handmade cards, toys, puzzles, puppets, and other gift ideas. The books, gift items, and the wonderland ambiance invite not only the kids, but also the adults to have a “wonder-full” shopping experience.
Of course, one of the exciting features of the little bookshop are the activities for the kids that they have lined up. Following the activity-packed first week of the Spring Holiday, here are the other activities and workshops you don’t want your kids to miss.
Fairy House Workshop
Date: Tuesday, 26 September
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Age: 6 years+
Price: $25
Photo credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook
This Fairy House Workshop is an extra holiday class, because the first class was fully-booked. Kids can create and design their very own fairy house using twigs, barks, glitters, and some sprinkle of fairy dust. This can boost their creativity and imagination.
Monopoly Party
Date: Wednesday, 27 September
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Price: $50
Photo credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook
The Mad Hatters Bookshop will also host a special monopoly class this Spring Holiday. You can leave the big kids and they’ll be entertained in playing the monopoly. They’ll learn the real rules of the game. Also,the children will take home their own copy of Monopoly and these are special editions.
If you don’t want a copy of the Monopoly game, you can just book a class for $20. Little kids can also join a dedicated workshop for younger kids.
Aleesah Darlison Junior Writing Class
Date: Thursday, 28 September
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Age: 6-9 years
Price: $30
Photo credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook
Guest author Aleesah Darlison will host a mini workshop for little kids to explore the world of storytelling and basic writing. They will learn some fundamental skills on how to develop a good story. Kids will surely have fun, because they’ll also get a $10 Voucher for one of Aleesah’s books.
Book Launch: Fox and Moonbeam by Aleesah Darlison
Date: Thursday, 28 September
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Age: ALL
Price: FREE
Photo credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook
After the Junior Writing Workshop, Aleesah will launch her book “Fox and Moonbeam”, a story about a fox and a rabbit who don’t fit in. It’s an enchanting tale of friendship and courage. Aleesah will also read the book and sign everyone’s copy. There are activities and prizes that includes a “Prize Book Pack” of Aleesah’s titles.
Aleesah Darlison Picture Book Writing Class
Date: Thursday, 28 September
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Age: 9 years+
Price: $45
Photo credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook
This is a more comprehensive writing class for the bigger kids. They will learn how to write a picture book from beginning to end. This is a great opportunity for the kids to channel their inner writer and craft an amazing story. They’ll also get a $10 Voucher for one of Aleesah’s books.
Pokemon Party
Date: Friday, 29 September
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Price: $35
Photo credit: The Mad Hatters Bookshop/Facebook
This is the second and the LAST Pokemon Party for the kids this Spring Holiday. Children will learn how to play Pokemon games and Pokemon monopoly. They’ll also be able to participate in the Pokemon Quiz. Kids will be able to take home a Pokemon full card pack and they’ll receive a $5 Gift Voucher for all the Pokemon products on the day.
The Wynnum Manly Bandstand Park will witness a day full of action as the Volkswagen Drivers Club of QLD (VWDCQ) hosts their 31st Action Day this year. It’s happening on Sunday, 10th of September 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
What is VWDCQ?
Photo credit: Volkswagen Drivers Club of QLD Inc./Facebook
The VWDCQ is a community of Volkswagen enthusiasts that is dedicated to promote the newest generation of Volkswagen and the classic older models whose distinct VW look will never go out of style. They aim to foster good fellowship among Volkswagen owners and drivers through meetings and get-togethers. VWDCQ also cooperates with other motor vehicle clubs to further the interests of owners and drivers of these classic cars.
Rev Up and Have Fun
Photo credit: Volkswagen Drivers Club of QLD Inc./Facebook
The gates will open at 9:00 a.m. Do not show off early or make excessive noises as the event moved the start time back as per the Brisbane City Council’s condition. The presentation will start at 1:30 p.m. and the event will officially close at 2:00 p.m.
The Queensland Cartel will be back this year. It is also a community of car enthusiasts that loves old school vehicles like Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes Benz. Just like last year, they will showcase their old and new models of Volkswagen.
Photo credit: Volkswagen Drivers Club of QLD Inc./Facebook
Aside from the cars, there will be plenty of picnic food such as sausage sizzles, BBQs, cold drinks, and a coffee van. The playground and the picnic shelters will be open for the whole family to witness the action on the park. The site is disabled access; prams and wheelchairs can access the site.
Registration
Photo credit: Volkswagen Drivers Club of QLD Inc./Facebook
The VWDCQ Action Club 2017 is open to the public. Marvel at the gorgeous line up of VW classic beauties. Those who are interested to display their cars at the show can still register. The entry form can be downloaded on their website or you can register your cars on the day of the event from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The Show and Shine entry is $15 per car.
Bookings are also accepted for trade stalls and sites. The cost of registration is $50 for trade stall, $100 for a trade site and $150 for a trade site, a sponsor category name on trophy, and an advertisement on the club’s magazine for 12 months.
Gear up and rev up your engines for the VWDCQ Action Day 2017. Visit the event page or the VWDCQ website.
The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron will host a fundraising night on Thursday, the 31st of August, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. This is a cocktail party event that will offer live entertainment, inspirational talks, raffles, and a round of complimentary drinks and food platters throughout the night.
Photo credit: José Toussaint/Facebook
Cabaret performers Crazy Bear, all female band Mama Juju, and magicians Jo and Drew of Drace Illusionists will be there to bring live music, entertainment, and add more magic to the fundraising event.
Photo credit: José Toussaint/Facebook
Vicki McClifty, one of the guest speakers, will talk about guiding and nurturing oneself through grief. She is the TV Host and producer of AM Healing my Soul TV.
Beks Thompson of Zen Physi-Yoga is also one of the guest speakers. Her specialty is informing people on how to effectively transform pain and stress into relief, freedom, and happiness.
The Media Queen Aldwyn Altuney will be there, too. Her big passions are promoting positive media and taking positive actions for animals and environment. This has led her to found the Animal Action Day in 2007, an advocacy to raise awareness and respect to animals.
Party for a Cause
José Toussaint, local business owner of Creative Treasures at Wynnum Market, organised the fundraising event. One of his goals is to help the charities that support learning difficulties and disabilities.
Sailability Bayside Inc.
Photo credit: Nanetta McKeiver/Facebook
Sailability Bayside Inc. is a non-profit organisation affiliated with Sailability Queensland and Sailability Australia. They provide sailing opportunities to people with disabilities. Through these experiences, they aim to bring happiness to and encourage the personal development of the disabled community.
Sailability is an all-volunteer organisation. They get their funds from fundraising events, grants from the government, and donations from clients, businesses and private organisations.
The Sycamore School
The Sycamore School is a not-for-profit school based in Alexandra Hills. It provides a safe and healthy environment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). They have educational programs for learners from Prep to Year 6. The school also provides allied health support services including therapy sessions and language practice.
ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how a person acts and interacts with others. There are over 10,000 school-aged children diagnosed with ASD in Queensland.
Tickets
Photo credit: José Toussaint/Facebook
Tickets cost $29 per person and $49 for double. They can be pre-purchased online or by contacting José Toussaint. There are no kiddie tickets, as this is a 13+ event.
Transport & Parking
Public transport is available in the area. The Stop 82 of Manly is just a 5-minute walk to the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. Visit the Translink Journey Planner for detailed info about the public transport schedule available on the day.
The venue has a lot of parking spaces, but only vehicles driven by Class C (car) license holders can be parked at the event area. See the parking policy here.
Dress Code
Smart-casual attire is highly recommended. Clothes that are comfortable yet suitable for an informal cocktail party are de rigeur for the night.
Entrance to the event (Photo credit: José Toussaint/Facebook)
Visit the event page for further details and updates on the raffle prizes.
José Toussaint, local business owner of Creative Treasures at Wynnum Market, organised a fundraising cocktail party event for the Sailability Bayside and Sycamore School.
There will be live entertainment, inspirational talks, raffles, and complimentary drinks and food platters throughout the night.
The Fabulous Fashion Fundraiser is back this year. It will be another day filled with fashion design bargains, raffles, goodie bags, lucky door prizes, and lucky seat prizes.
You can shop directly from the catwalk designer fashion show at a whopping 90% off. Tickets already include complimentary drink, nibbles, and the show.
Apart from the tickets, they will ask for a $5 donation for the Nourish the Children foundation.
The Muravah Foundation partnered with Parkwood Rotary to bring a masquerade party as a charity evening. Their goal is to raise funds to support the mission of the Muravah Foundation.
It will be an evening of raffles, silent auctions, a live auction, music, gourmet food, and entertainment. Tickets will already include a complimentary drink and a three course meal.
Photo credit: Manly Deck Bar & Restaurant/Facebook
Manly Deck is inviting everyone to join this carnival of music. For two days, different bands will be playing different genres of music. There will be beers, wines, and other spirits to keep your party spirits up.
The students of the Manly West State School and the Bunnings Warehouse Manly West community will roll up their sleeves to celebrate Planet Ark’s Schools Tree Day. The Tree Day will be held on Friday, the 11th of August, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Planet Ark’s Tree Day
Photo credit: www.treeday.planetark.org
Planet Ark Environmental Foundation is a non-profit organisation that was established in 1992. The goal of the foundation is to promote sustainable resource use, to encourage people make positive environmental actions, and to connect the people and the community to nature.
As one of the programs of Planet Ark which started in 1996, National Tree Day/Schools Tree Day is an opportunity to do something beneficial to the environment and reconnect with nature. With more than 3.8 million participants and 23 million trees planted in 21 years, this is the largest tree planting and nature care community project in Australia.
Photo credit: National Tree Day/Facebook
Traditionally, Tree Day is held every July. According to the experts and national green groups, July is the best time to plant trees due to the great degrees of climatic variations in Australia. However, there are areas that do not suit this time of the year for planting.
Although the National Tree Day is on the 30th of July and the Schools Tree Day is on the 28th of July, Planet Ark believes that “every day is Tree Day”. Schools, businesses, organisations, and communities can organise their own Tree Day throughout the year.
Why are Trees Important?
Photo credit: www.treeday.planetark.org
Planting trees has a huge positive impact on our environment. Trees provide both health and environmental benefits that every people needs. A mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen as 10 people inhale in a year. Forests and vegetation act as a giant filter that clean the air that we breathe.
Trees help combat climate change by locking up carbon dioxide, a global warming suspect, to produce its food and the oxygen we need. They “store” carbon as wood and not as a greenhouse gas.
The roots of trees can also prevent soil erosion as it bind the soil. The leaves break the force of wind and rain impacts on the soil. Trees can also conserve rainwater and reduce water runoff after a rainfall or a storm. Trees also provide shade and habitat to wildlife.
The Manly Hotel is inviting everyone to celebrate food and wine in style. Delicious cuisine prepared by their Sails Bistro Head Chef and fine wines from Pernod Ricard provide the perfect pairing for a memorable dinner date a deux.
Ambar Maddox of Pernod Ricard will also be there to share her expertise and knowledge about wines.
Draws and exclusive discounts and promos are also a part of the dining experience.
The Mercury Theatre will proudly present the play “Presumed Guilty” by Margaret Dakin. This is the story of Ellen Thomson and her controversial case. Ellen Thomson is the only woman who was legally hanged 130 years ago.
The Luncheon is back this year with special guests “Fletch and Hindy” of Fox Sports. Other guests are Danny Buderus, Andrew Ryan, and Fox Sports Robert “Crash” Craddock.
The Table Tickets include two course meal and drinks package, while the Dry Bar Tickets include appetizers with the drinks package.
For your seafood cravings, head on down to The Fish Café in Manly’s 461 The Esplanade. This food hub, brought to you by the Barramundi Boys, has a 90-year tradition of serving quality seafood, shared with Brisbane since 1999. What better way is there to eat great seafood than to feel each scrumptious bite by the beautiful marina harbour? This establishment takes pride in letting you choose fish and then preparing it just the way you want it. An ideal place indeed for every seafood lover out there!
Step into the slick, maritime-themed food hub that’s complemented by bifold windows and polished floors. They’ve got outdoor seating options overlooking the Esplanade. This licensed café is contemporary, child-friendly, and very accessible to persons with disabilities. They also have a secure parking area.
The Menu
Eat your heart out at this food hub by the bay. Photo Credit: The Fish Cafe, Manly/Facebook
Manly’s The Fish Café serves traditional quality seafood. They also serve wine and beer. Gluten-free food and vegetarian options are available, too. Meanwhile, those who are not fond of seafood dishes don’t have to fret as there are other items on the menu that are no less enticing. For instance, they can have the equally tasty duck confit or Kingaroy beef eye fillet. Also, the children have their own special menu that includes chicken calamari, steak, fish with veggies, and salad & chips.
If you’re craving for Fish ‘n’ Chips with a twist, you’ve found the right place. Photo Credit: The Fish Cafe, Manly/Facebook
The mouth-watering seafood at this cafe is sure to increase any craving you may have. Among their best-selling specials are the Cone Bay barramundi, Moreton Bay bugs, golden band snapper, whiting and sand crab lasagna, salmon cake, smoked mussels, snapper dumplings, and white bait fritters. If you’re looking for everyone’s all-time favourite fish ‘n’ chips, they serve an upscale version that’s guaranteed to surprise your tastebuds.
Nothing beats a good seafood meal than eating it down at the beautiful harbour! Photo Credit: The Fish Cafe, Manly/Facebook
“A great place by the beach and marina. The quality of fish and other seafood is really good. Great feed, good portions and filling. Takeaway is great too and the prices are decent. One of the better fish and chip shops in the area.” [ Foodie, visitor review ]
“Came across this café and just felt like to have a cup of coffee so chose to go around its Take-Away section instead of the main dining area. Ordered a flat white in a cup and took a seat at the dedicated al fresco area. It was a nice sunny day and it made me so relaxing to enjoy my cup of Grassroots Expresso (first time to have this bean) while I was overlooking those yachts at near water. What a nice day!” [ Ronnielui2003, visitor review ]
The Fish Café at Manly opens seven days a week. Their specific opening days and times on weekdays are Mondays to Fridays at 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for lunch and 5:30 p.m. to late for dinner. On weekends, they’re open at 8:00 a.m. to 10:45 for breakfast, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (lunch), and 5:30 p.m. to late (dinner). For inquiries, bookings or reservations, contact them via Facebook or call on (+61) 7 3893 0195. You may also send an email to fishcafe461@gmail.com.
If you’ve got time to spare, check out the Barramundi Boys Fresh Seafood Market, too. It’s just right next-door to the café. It is there that you can buy nutritious fresh fish and shellfish. They sell freshly-prepared salads and also have other complimentary delicacies.
Kids and teens up to 17-years-old can head over to the picnic shelter this 25 June at Manly’s Bayside Park in 450 Esplanade. It’s time to get active this school holiday at the Fitness Bootcamp. This is a FREE event for Manly’s youths, sponsored by the Brisbane City Council (BCC). Indeed, a healthy and fit lifestyle should start at a young age.
The Fitness Bootcamp, apart from being a good event for the already active youth, will also serve as a good avenue for those who are yet to be active. The hour-long session, which starts at 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., will involve “high and low intensity interval training.” There will be “bootcamp type” activities that are guaranteed to keep everyone pumped all day long.
During the short and worthwhile camp, kids and teens will get to exercise in a fun and social manner. And when the day is over, you might never look at those fries (or fish n’ chips) the same way again. They say “once you start getting active, you start counting calories, too.” Truly, a fit and healthy lifestyle involves effort and a bit of sacrifice. The result, however, is all the more physically, mentally, and emotionally rewarding.
BCC highly advises possible bootcampers to wear appropriate “exercise clothes and shoes,” put on sun protection, and bring individual water bottles. Bookings are essential in this FREE event. To confirm your attendance, contact Nadia, the organiser, on 0487 070 174.
BCC’s “Chill Out” Program
Count on the BCC to host fun school holiday activities for your kids and teens. Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook
The Fitness Bootcamp in Manly is just one of the various activities under the BCC’s “Chill Out” program. “Chill Out” is among the “most popular youth programs” in Brisbane. Through it, the BCC sponsors a number of “free and low-cost recreation activities” that are age-appropriate for today’s young generation. Kids and teens up to 17 years of age are welcome to join the activities covered in the program.
For this school holiday, the active youths won’t have to worry about getting bored because they can choose from a wide variety of “Chill Out” events like skateboarding, water sports, and rock climbing. Certainly, there are also events dedicated to those who literally want to just “Chill Out” until school season is back.
Step into the enchanting world of The Mad Hatters Bookshop. They’re conveniently located in Shop 3 of Manly’s 7 Day Markets at 50 Cambridge Parade. Opened in June of 2015, Ann-Marie Finn’s one-of-a-kind bookshop takes bookworms, young and old alike, into a wonderful nook that even Alice in Wonderland won’t be able to resist. An Instagram-worthy interior and irresistibly affordable books are just a couple of the reasons why this hub is a must-explore for any adventurous book shopper.
The Mad Hatters Bookshop, contrary to popular fairy tale belief, cannot be found in any rabbit hole. However, it sure feels like being in one once you get inside the shop. Their well-stocked shelves seem like treasure troves of enthralling tomes for “visitors of all ages.” They’ve got an impressive variety of books, cards, stationeries, gifts, toys, unicorns, games, and even homewares.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, simply tell the friendly staff and they’ll order it in for you. This way, you can have what you want by the next time you visit.
A Wonderland of a bookshop, Ms Finn’s lovely establishment isn’t just a hub of books for sale. It’s also a spot often filled with laughter and positive vibes. Events and games are constantly held inside. Some of the fun sessions their craft and activity room have seen include storytime on Monday mornings, junior book club sessions (Wednesday afternoons), and writing club sessions (Tuesday afternoons).
Meanwhile, their adult book club session is held at 7:00 p.m. every first Tuesday of the month. This 6th June, the club’s focus will be on Oscar Wilde’s book entitled “A Picture of Dorian Grey”. Don’t worry, if you haven’t read it yet. Everyone is welcome to join the session.
Another great thing about this fantastic book hub is that they deeply support local authors and illustrators through book launches, book signings, and reading sessions. Be prepared to scour through a wide array of books by these local talents. You can even get to meet them, too. Last 3rd June, Emily Larkin and Helene Magisson launched their new book entitled “The Whirlpool” at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. On 10th June, Michelle Worthington and Andrew Plant will be launching theirs entitled “Glitch” at 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
This not-so-ordinary bookshop has its own dedicated children’s nook at the rear. In the nook, there are games, children’s books, and stuffed forest animals that would keep children entertained for hours. There are mini log cushions, cute mushrooms, and some other nifty furniture pieces that would delight the young ones.
A big, captivating wall painting serves as the best attraction for the nook. Ms Finn, an artist and illustrator herself, painted this “trompe-l’oeil” mural. Merely looking at it causes one to believe that a magical mouse or a rabbit might pass by any minute. Who knows? Even the Gruffalo might come out. The realistic artistry is sure to make one’s imagination go to Fantasyland.
The Mad Hatters Bookshop is one spot any bookworm must go and check out. It’s readily accessible in the heart of Manly. They’re open Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), and Sundays (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). For inquiries, you may contact them via email (info@madhattersbookshop.com) or phone (07 3393 5130). For a sneak peak about what’s currently on, check their website, Facebook, or Instagram.
