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Tingalpa’s Valenhold and Garth Chester Named Brisbane Business Awards Finalists

Tingalpa will take the spotlight at this year’s Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards, with local company Valenhold and its co-founder and managing director Garth Chester announced as 2025 finalists.

Recognising Local Excellence

The Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards celebrate organisations and individuals making a significant impact across the city. Tingalpa-based Valenhold is a finalist in the ISPT Investment in Brisbane Award. Chester is also shortlisted for The Courier-Mail Business Person of the Year.

Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on Thursday, November 6 at Brisbane City Hall.

A Veteran’s Path to Business Leadership

Chester’s journey to business recognition follows over two decades of service in aviation, defence and resources. In 2022, he was named Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year, acknowledging his efforts to build a successful enterprise after military service while also supporting other veterans into civilian careers.

*Photo Credit:* *Matt Thistlethwaite MP*/Facebook

His career has included leading billion-dollar cost-saving programs, supporting start-ups and expanding international market reach. With Valenhold, Chester has focused on delivering practical solutions that combine global supply chains with skilled Australian service providers.

Valenhold’s Role in Industry

Operating from Tingalpa, Valenhold was founded in 2015 and has become known for bridging the gap between overseas manufacturers and local industries in mining, infrastructure, renewables and civil construction.

By offering cost-efficient, high-quality solutions, the company not only supports national industries but also strengthens opportunities for employment within the community.

Community Pride in Tingalpa

Having both a local company and a local business leader recognised at the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards puts Tingalpa firmly on the map as a hub of innovation and leadership.

Chester has said in past public statements that his work is about more than building a successful company, it is also about delivering value to communities and supporting the next generation of veterans as they enter civilian careers.

Published 30-September-2025

Unexpected Encounters: Koalas Found in the Strangest of Places in Mansfield

It was a still weekend morning in Mansfield when passersby noticed a small grey figure perched awkwardly inside the Belmont substation on Wecker Road. What looked at first like a shadow on the fence turned out to be a young koala. He was stranded in the restricted zone, sitting motionless among the humming towers and wires.

For almost an hour, that Saturday, 31 August, rescuers and bystanders watched as the koala barely stirred. He looked worn out, his head low and body slumped.

Volunteers from Koala Rescue Brisbane South Inc. arrived quickly, but strict safety rules meant they couldn’t step inside with their usual long-handled nets. This was not the kind of place anyone expected to find wildlife, and it was far from safe.

Help came from an unlikely source. An Energex worker, familiar with koala handling, stepped forward. With a smaller net supplied by the rescue team, he gently scooped the animal into safety. The koala did not resist. His rescuers later described him as lethargic and disoriented, a far cry from the lively tree-dwellers locals are used to seeing.

The koala, soon given the name Sparky, was taken to the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital at Wacol for treatment.

A Visitor at the Warehouse

Only three days later, koala eyes were on Mansfield again — this time for a very different reason.

At around 4:00 a.m. on Monday, 4 September, Kerry Krebs arrived for an early start at MJS Floorcoverings, a warehouse tucked into the industrial side of the suburb. Switching on the lights, Krebs noticed movement near the roller door.

There, padding across the concrete, was another koala. Unlike Sparky, this one showed no sign of distress. She followed Krebs with surprising ease and soon wandered straight through the open roller door, curious about her new surroundings. Before long she found herself in the samples room, nose twitching as she inspected the stacked flooring displays.

Krebs, calm but cautious, closed the door to keep the animal safe and rang Koala Rescue Brisbane South just after 5:30 a.m. Within minutes, volunteers arrived to guide the visitor back into her natural setting. By sunrise, she was climbing trees in the nearby bushland, leaving behind little more than paw prints on the warehouse floor and a story that staff will not soon forget.

Koalas in Unexpected Places

The two rescues — one somber, one light-hearted — show how koalas continue to navigate the built environment around Brisbane. Substations, warehouses, backyards and fences are not where most people expect to find them, yet each year rescuers respond to calls just like these.

Man Charged With Murder Following Manly Heights Shopping Village Attack

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

A 45-year-old man has been charged with murder following the death of a 44-year-old local man at Manly Heights Shopping Village in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Read: Diving Success for Kiarra Milligan in Manly Spotlight

Emergency services were called to the shopping centre on Trevally Crescent around 1:00am on 28 September after a member of the public discovered a man with critical stab wounds in the carpark. Despite the rapid response from paramedics, the man was declared deceased at the scene.

Queensland Police established a crime scene at the shopping village, which remained active throughout Sunday as forensic officers conducted their examination and detectives canvassed the neighbourhood.

Detective Inspector Wayne Francis, speaking to media on Sunday afternoon, described the incident as involving a “brutal and violent attack”. He confirmed that investigators believed the victim had been on foot prior to the assault.

The investigation took on additional complexity when officers revealed that a 45-year-old man had been taken into custody near the scene in relation to separate matters. According to police, the man allegedly fled the initial incident on foot before allegedly approaching an 18-year-old woman on Miles Crescent around 2:00am. Police allege he attempted to sexually assault the woman, who was unknown to him. A witness reportedly intervened and contacted police, leading to the man’s arrest.

The young woman received treatment at Redlands Hospital following the alleged attack.

The accused now faces multiple charges, including one count of murder, one count of assault with intent to commit rape, indecent act in any place to which the public are permitted access, and obstructing a police officer. He appeared before Cleveland Magistrates Court on Monday.

Detective Inspector Francis told reporters that determining whether the two men knew each other formed an active line of investigation. Police are also working to establish any connection between the two separate incidents.

“It is an active line of investigation for us to compare that event, for which he was taken into custody for, as well as the murder investigation,” Detective Inspector Francis said on Sunday.

Officers spent Sunday afternoon conducting door-knocks throughout Manly West, speaking with residents and requesting any available security camera footage. A substantial police presence remained in the area as detectives from both the Homicide Investigation Unit and Bayside Criminal Investigation Branch worked the case.

The shopping village, located at the corner of Trevally Crescent and Caloundra Street, houses several local businesses including a bakery, real estate agency and Indian restaurant. The centre serves as a local hub for the Manly West community.

Police have confirmed the victim was local to the Manly West area and were working to notify his family as of Sunday afternoon.

Investigators are appealing for anyone who was in the vicinity of Trevally Crescent, Radford Road or Miles Crescent between midnight and 3:00am on Sunday morning to come forward. They are particularly interested in CCTV or dashcam footage from the area during this timeframe.

Detective Inspector Francis emphasised that even footage that may seem inconsequential could prove valuable to the investigation. “You might not think it shows anything, but it could be compelling to us,” he said.

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

Anyone with information is urged to contact Queensland Police.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Published 28-September-2025

Can The Broncos End the 18-year Drought and Win the NRL Telstra Premiership?

It was 1992 when the Brisbane Broncos won their first Premiership, led by Alfie Langer who had taken over as skipper when Gene Miles retired. Going back-to-back in 1993 and winning the Super League in 1997. Following up again with a Premiership in 1998 and another at the turn of the millenium in 2000 and again in 2006.

That’s 18 seasons ago. Time flies. Let’s not forget Kevvie put together the majority of the current Broncos side including bringing Reece Walsh from the Warriors, and Walters led them to a Grand Final in 2023.

Then he passed the baton to Madge.

Madge, aka “enemy numero uno” having led the Blues in a massive comeback win against the Maroons, in the 2024 Origin Series. Plenty of locals could not forget that and surely Madge kept his head down for that very reason.

The decision to appoint Maguire was brilliant! A masterclass move by the Broncos Board.

So now after quite a rollercoaster season, where at times the Broncos looked dire yet have far more often looked unbeatable. It’s only in recent weeks though that we have fully understood the resilience and sheer determination of this group.

The Broncos beat the Storm in the final game of the regular season to make the 4, 30-14, at Suncorp and after the game, skipper Paddy Carrigan spoke about the deluge of goal-line defence they had practiced in training.

That’s where their backbone has been developed, the layers of determination, and now the belief that no matter how high the mountain, it can always be climbed.

The “Mission Impossible” of coming back from 14-0 against the 4 time Premiers, now seems a walk in the park compared to the hole the Broncos were in against the Minor Premiers, but in reality both comebacks were miracles of belief and determination.

How much was Paddy Carrigan missed last week (and Billy Walters), and how much fresher will he be as a result? At the same time Payne Haas desperately needs a week off, but give us one more big one, Payne!

King & Loiero vs Carrigan & Haas – Broncos win.

In that final regular season game at Suncorp, Jahrome Hughes was coming off an injury break, and it would be fair to assume he’s now back to full capacity.

Munster & Hughes vs Hunt & Reynolds – Tough call.

Papenhuyzen + Howarth + Meaney vs Walsh + Staggs + Shibabsaki – Broncos win

Warbrick + Coates vs Karapani + Mariner – Broncos win

Grant Atkins did a great job of the Broncos-Panthers last week and is given the honours in the middle for the Grand Final.

18 seasons is a long time. It’s time to put that to bed, boys!

The Grand Final of the NRL Telstra Premiership kicks off at 6.30pm Brisbane Time, this Sunday, October 5. BE VERY CAREFUL AS DAYLIGHT SAVING STARTS ON SUNDAY!
The game will be broadcast live on Nine, Foxtel and Kayo.

Published 2-October-2025

Diving Success for Kiarra Milligan in Manly Spotlight

Photo Credit: Moreton Bay College/Facebook

Manly diver Kiarra Milligan, a Moreton Bay College graduate, has continued her rise on the international stage while balancing a scholarship career at the University of Michigan.

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

Strong Roots in Manly

Kiarra Milligan, who completed her schooling at Moreton Bay College in Manly in 2021, has gone on to combine academic and sporting success overseas. She remains connected to her school community through the Old Girls’ network, which highlights the journeys of past students.

Photo Credit: Moreton Bay College/Facebook

Achievements at Michigan

Since joining the University of Michigan on a scholarship, Milligan has competed across major collegiate competitions in the United States. At the NCAA Division I Women’s Championships from 19 to 21 March 2025, she placed 16th in the three-metre dive, earning All-America Second Team honours. Earlier in her career, she was part of the 2023 Big Ten Championships, finishing second in the one-metre event.

She has also recorded multiple first-place finishes in dual meets, including top results against Ohio State in January 2025 and at the Notre Dame and Wisconsin meet in October 2024. She added further podium placings at competitions such as Indiana.

Her consistent performances have seen her recognised as Michigan’s Diver of the Year in 2025. She has twice been named Academic All-Big Ten and also earned Scholar All-American status.

Photo Credit: Moreton Bay College/Facebook

International Representation

In 2025, Milligan represented Australia at the FISU World University Games in Berlin. She reached the finals in both the one-metre and three-metre springboard events, competing against some of the strongest university athletes in the world.

Before her college career, she was part of the Australian Elite International Divers program and competed at events including the 2019 FINA Diving Grand Prix and the World Junior Diving Championships in Kiev.

Photo Credit: Moreton Bay College/Facebook

Community Support

Her achievements continue to draw messages of support from her former school community in Manly, where peers and teachers celebrate her sporting and academic accomplishments. Social media tributes from the Moreton Bay College community have commended her dedication, both in and out of the pool.

Continuing Commitments

Read: Community Consultation Opens for Wynnum Manly Safer School Precinct

Milligan continues to balance international competition with her academic studies and collegiate career, while maintaining strong ties to Manly and Moreton Bay College.

Published 25-Sep-2025

Community Consultation Opens for Wynnum Manly Safer School Precinct

Parents, students, residents, and local businesses will soon have their chance to help shape the future of safer, smoother travel around the Wynnum and Manly school community.

Read: Land Secured in Manly for New Special School Planning

Community consultation opens on Monday, 15 September, as part of the Wynnum Manly Safer School Precinct project. The initiative covers Manly State School, Wynnum State High School, and St John Vianney’s Primary School, as well as surrounding residents and businesses.

Safer School precinct map (Photo credit: BCC)

For six weeks, the consultation period will gather feedback on everyday experiences of moving around the precinct, from driving and cycling to walking and public transport. Locals are encouraged to share their expectations, challenges and ideas to improve safety and ease congestion, particularly during busy school drop-off and pick-up times.

Photo credit: Google Street View

The insights collected will help develop a plan to address issues such as traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and accessibility. With three schools and a mix of residential and commercial areas in close proximity, the precinct is a focal point for daily travel, making community input critical to shaping practical and lasting solutions.

Community members can have their say through surveys and engagement sessions, ensuring their voices contribute to creating a precinct that is safer and more efficient for everyone.

HAVE YOUR SAY

About Brisbane’s Safer School Precincts

Photo credit: BCC

The Safer School Precincts program is designed to support Brisbane’s growing suburbs while creating lasting benefits for local communities.

The program places its focus on road safety upgrades, stronger pedestrian connections and better opportunities for active travel. These improvements are intended to make it safer for students on their journeys to and from school.

Read: Mansfield State High Draws Families From Across Brisbane

Planned improvements aim to strengthen connections to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venues, with upgraded pathways and public transport options making it easier for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to move within precincts and access key destinations.

Published 11-September-2025

Thousands Flock to Minnippi Parklands for Brisbane Kite Festival

The skies above Tingalpa Model Aero Club came alive on Sunday as thousands flocked to the Brisbane Kite Festival, filling Minnippi Parklands with a kaleidoscope of colour, laughter, and community spirit.

Read: Mr Jeebus: Tingalpa Burger Named Best in Queensland

From giant creatures soaring overhead to homemade kites wobbling skyward, the annual event once again proved why it has become one of Brisbane’s most beloved family days out. Organisers estimated crowds of more than 7,000, with families travelling from across the city to join in the fun.

Photo credit: Cr Lisa Atwood/Facebook

While the kites were the main attraction, the festival offered something for everyone. The grounds were dotted with food trucks, a sausage sizzle, rides and a magic show, while the Carina Men’s Shed added a touch of local flair. For those without a kite in hand, the professional displays by Kites Queensland drew eyes skyward, with vibrant designs dancing against the clear blue sky.

Photo credit: Cr Lisa Atwood/Facebook

The Rotary Clubs of Balmoral and Carindale, together with support from Council, once again took the lead in delivering the festival, backed by a small army of volunteers. From dawn set-ups to late-afternoon pack-downs, their efforts ensured the day ran smoothly. Local scouts and school volunteers also pitched in, reinforcing the community-first spirit that has become the hallmark of the event.

Photo credit: Cr Lisa Atwood/Facebook

First held in 2011 at Murarrie Recreation Reserve, the festival shifted to its current home at Tingalpa in 2023. Since then, it has only grown in scale and popularity, bouncing back stronger than ever after the Covid years.

For many families, the appeal lies in the simple joy of flying a kite. “There’s something magical about it, kids running, parents laughing, and bright kites filling the sky,” one festival-goer said while helping their child untangle string from the grass.

Cr Lisa Atwood, who attended on Sunday, described the atmosphere as “a wonderful day out for families, kite lovers and anyone who wants to enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere.” She also praised the Rotary volunteers and community groups who made the festival possible.

Read: The Beginnings of Collins Estate, the ‘Most Cheerful’ Address in Annerley

With perfect weather, a safe family-friendly set-up, and endless skies for flying, this year’s Brisbane Kite Festival was a reminder that sometimes the best days out are built on the simplest of joys — good food, good company, and a kite soaring high.

Published 25-August-2025

Wynnum-Manly Knights Mark 81 years with Fundraising Dinner

The Wynnum-Manly Knights of the Southern Cross will host a fundraising dinner next month to continue their long tradition of supporting charities at home and abroad.

Read: Warm Response in Manly for Paul Dobbyn’s Launch of ‘War Spoils’

The dinner will be held on Saturday, September 13, at Club Manly in Faine Street, with all proceeds going towards local community groups and international aid projects.

Branch chairman Arend de Weger said the evening would be a chance for the community to come together.
“It’s going to be a fun and entertaining evening with a three-course meal, music, trivia and raffles,” he said.

Photo Credit: Supplied

“Guest speaker is Paul Dobbyn, a local retired journalist, writer and poet, whose latest book War Spoils will be on sale and personally signed on the night.”

Eight decades of service

Mr de Weger said the Wynnum-Manly Knights were proud of their history.

“As a branch of the organization, we’re 81-years-young, still ready and willing to serve the Wynnum-Manly community and far beyond,” he said.

That work includes support for Rosies, Vinnies, the Emmanuel City Mission, and annual educational scholarships for students of Guardian Angels and St John Vianney’s Primary Schools.

“We recently donated $1000 to help Rosies in its important work with the marginalized in our society,” Mr de Weger said.

The branch has also extended support to the Veterans Care Association, along with overseas projects in Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Vietnam.

National reach

The Knights of the Southern Cross is a nationwide charitable order of Catholic men.

“The Order founded Southern Cross Care, which supports and assists the aged and infirm by providing aged care facilities and support services in various locations throughout Australia,” Mr de Weger said.

“We also support the work of Military Chaplaincy and our military.”

Internationally, the organisation has contributed to initiatives such as the building of a maternity wing at Minova Hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Event details

Those wishing to attend the dinner are asked to contact branch treasurer Les Vickers by September 5 with expected attendance numbers and dietary requirements at treasbr46kscq@gmail.com.

Read: War Stories Unearthed in Shoebox Inspire Brisbane Author

More information on the Knights of the Southern Cross is available at qld.ksca.org.au.

Published 20-August-2025

Lota Creek Catchment Properties Among Thousands Affected by Flood Risk Map Update

Residents in Lota, Manly, and neighbouring bayside suburbs are among thousands across Brisbane set to appear on a newly updated flood risk map to be released next month.

Read: Manly and Nearby Suburbs Eligible for Cyclone Alfred Relief Payments

From 19 September, the council will incorporate revised flood modelling into its planning scheme, reflecting the latest studies conducted in the Lota Creek, Breakfast Creek, and Jindalee catchments. City-wide, 17,246 properties will be affected: 10,129 properties will be included for the first time, more than 2,000 properties will shift into a higher risk category, and about 400 properties will be removed.

Photo credit: Brisbane Flood Awareness Map

For the bayside, the Lota Creek catchment spans parts of Lota, Manly, Manly West, Ransome, Wakerley, Gumdale, and Chandler. The updated modelling focuses solely on creek and waterway flooding, meaning it does not apply to Brisbane River or overland flooding. The mapping reflects recent flood events, advances in technology, and new national guidelines that account for greater climate change impacts, raising projected rainfall allowances in modelling by as much as 60 percent.

Photo credit: Marissa Jackson/Google Maps

Council says the revised flood awareness tool is intended to help residents better understand potential risks, make informed property decisions, and plan for resilience. Some affected properties may face only a very low likelihood of flooding, such as a one-in-2,000-year event, but will still be included for awareness and planning purposes.

While the council has urged insurers not to use the new mapping to impose excessive premium increases, it has acknowledged it cannot control how insurance companies respond. Residents concerned about potential financial impacts are encouraged to contact their insurer and, if necessary, seek competitive quotes.

For those in the Lota Creek catchment, especially low-lying streets near the creek mouth and adjacent wetlands, the update is an opportunity to review flood preparation plans, consider property modifications, and understand the level of risk, however small, that may now apply.

Resident Checklist: Lota & Manly Flood Risk Map Update

1. Check your property’s updated flood risk

Visit Brisbane’s Flood Awareness Map online.

Enter your address, select the Creek/Waterway Flooding layer, and review your property’s category.

2. Read your council letter carefully

Look out for an official letter from Council explaining your flood category change.

Keep this for insurance and property records.

3. Contact your insurer

Inform your insurer of your current risk category and request confirmation of any premium changes.

If your premiums rise, compare quotes from other providers.

4. Review your flood preparation plan

Identify evacuation routes and nearby safe areas.

Keep an emergency kit with essentials such as bottled water, non-perishable food, important documents, and a torch.

5. Consider property upgrades

For homes in higher risk zones, explore flood-resilient building materials, raised electrical outlets, and improved drainage.

Seek professional advice for cost-effective flood mitigation.

Read: Cyclone Alfred Aftermath: Road Closures and Recovery in Tingalpa

6. Stay informed

Subscribe to council alerts for severe weather warnings.

Attend any community information sessions if announced for the Lota Creek catchment.

7. Keep communication open

Talk to neighbours, especially if they’re elderly or new to the area, so they’re aware of the changes.

Share reliable information, not rumours, about the flood map update.

Published 14-August-2025

Manly Residents First To Get Green Waste Bins In New Citywide Rollout

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

Manly households are the very first in Brisbane to receive green-lidded garden waste bins, marking the start of a major push to turn garden clippings into mulch rather than landfill.

Read: Bayside Photographers Shine in Prestigious Brisbane Competition

A Broader Effort For Cleaner Neighbourhoods

Green-waste bins were delivered to Manly and nearby suburbs on 4 August 2025, with fortnightly collections starting two weeks later. The service, funded through Queensland’s Grow FOGO program, will alternate with recycling and is standard for all standalone homes unless residents opt out.

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

It aims to make garden waste disposal easier and reduce landfill by diverting tens of thousands of tonnes each year.

What It Means For Manly Households

Residents of standalone homes in Manly without a green bin will get one automatically between 4 and 15 August. Collections start fortnightly after delivery. Apartment and townhouse residents can request a bin at no charge, assessed case by case.

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

Those who don’t want a bin must submit an online opt-out request by 1 December 2025, citing valid reasons such as limited garden space or established composting, but fees won’t be reduced even if they opt out.

Simple Fees, Shared Benefits

All ratepayers in Brisbane now pay a universal waste charge of $512.96 a year, which includes the green-waste service. That’s around $49.60 more annually than before. Households that already had a green bin won’t see extra charges, and anyone wanting an additional bin can request one for about $49.52 a year.

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

Fundamentally, this system means cleaner streets and less waste, with residents in Manly helping transform garden refuse into useful mulch for local green spaces.

Keeping Neighbours Informed

The council has urged residents to check their rollout schedule to know when their bin will arrive. Staying informed helps keep footpaths clear and ensures green waste is sorted correctly.

Read: Chandler’s Lincoln Wearing Sets New Marks in 800m and 1500m Freestyle

In Manly, sharing details with neighbours through notice boards or social media can help everyone use the service effectively. As the rollout continues through December, residents can support each other with reminders and adapt to the more sustainable system together.

Published 13-August-2025

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