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Community Survey to Shape Theatre in Manly

Mercury Theatre Wynnum is calling on the Manly community to help shape the future of local theatre, inviting public feedback through a newly launched survey.

A Legacy Staged in the Bayside

Mercury Theatre Wynnum Incorporated, a volunteer-led community theatre and registered charity, has been a fixture in the bayside communities of Wynnum and Manly since 1949.

Founded by Winifred Davson MBE, Mercury Theatre Wynnum was established to enrich the Waterloo Bay area through the performing arts, providing a cultural platform in a district once distant from Brisbane city opportunities.

The first production, Milestones by Arnold Bennett-Edward Knoblock, was staged on 7 July 1949 at the Star Theatre in Wynnum Central. Although the Star Theatre was later destroyed by fire in 1959, Mercury Theatre Wynnum continued to thrive, finding a new performance home at the heritage-listed Manly-Lota RSL Memorial Hall.

*Caption: Scotland Road (2024)*
*Photo Credit: Mercury Theatre Wynnum*

The Stage Is Yours, Manly

Mercury Theatre Wynnum’s mission remains focused on providing an inclusive space for amateur performers. It also creates productions that inspire audiences. The organisation, entirely powered by volunteers, produces live theatre shows, events, and workshops throughout the year, aiming to foster local talent and community spirit.

The latest initiative invites Manly residents to complete a short online survey. The theatre seeks community views on the types of shows locals want to see, what would encourage greater attendance, and any additional ideas to help shape future productions.

Mercury Theatre Wynnum public voice — *Caption: Ladies of Spirit*
*Photo Credit: Mercury Theatre Wynnum*

Hearing the Bayside’s Backstage Voices

Mercury Theatre Wynnum acknowledges that not every resident may be familiar with the group’s longstanding presence. By engaging directly with the public, the organisation aims to strengthen community ties and ensure that future productions reflect the interests and desires of the wider bayside community.

The survey, which only takes around two minutes to complete, forms part of broader efforts to maintain Mercury Theatre Wynnum’s relevance and accessibility in a changing entertainment landscape.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Keeping the Curtain Rising

With over 75 years of history behind it, Mercury Theatre Wynnum continues to look ahead, seeking direct input from the Manly community to guide its future direction. The theatre remains committed to being a central part of bayside cultural life, offering opportunities for both seasoned performers and newcomers to contribute to its next chapter.

Published 30-Apr-2025

Manly West Man Faces Serious Drug Charges After Newstead Bust

Photo Credit: Australian Federal Police

A Manly West man is facing multiple serious drug charges after police uncovered a significant cache of illegal substances during a dramatic arrest in Newstead earlier this week.

The 50-year-old man appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday following his arrest, which was captured on video showing officers swarming and restraining him in a carpark while he was pushing a trolley.

According to police, the arrest was the culmination of an investigation by Taskforce Venator, a joint operation between federal and state police agencies targeting drug trafficking in Queensland.

During searches of a commercial property in Newstead, officers allegedly discovered approximately 20 kg of illegal drugs, including 15.9 kg of methamphetamine, 2.4 kg of cocaine, and 1.5 kg of heroin. The search also reportedly uncovered 200 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, fireworks, a small quantity of anabolic steroids, and drug packaging materials.

The Manly West resident has been charged with four counts of possessing dangerous drugs and single counts of drug trafficking, possessing items connected to criminal activity, possessing explosives, and contravening an order related to digital device information.

Australian Federal Police Detective Inspector Tim Puchala said the operation was crucial for public safety.

“The AFP is focused on preventing drugs entering the Australian community and causing widespread harm,” Inspector Puchala said. “Even in small amounts, drugs cause immense harm to users, their loved ones, and the community around them, through the impact on the health care system and associated crime.”

Queensland Police Service Detective Acting Superintendent Tim Leadbetter stated that Taskforce Venator had caused significant disruption to organised criminal syndicates and investigations would continue.

“The QPS works closely with the AFP and law enforcement partners in relentlessly pursuing criminal groups involved in serious and organised crime with the goal of eliminating the threat in Queensland,” Superintendent Leadbetter said.

Published 28-April-2025

Housing Supply Stalls in Wakerley, Other Suburbs, as Empty Nesters Stay Put

Residents in Wakerley are pushing back against new housing developments at a time when thousands of Queenslanders are struggling to find a home. Despite the state’s growing housing shortage, some of Queensland’s most sought-after suburbs are barely adding any new dwellings, creating a bottleneck that experts say is worsening the crisis.

New figures released in April 2025 show that Wakerley is among 65 suburbs across Queensland where housing stock increased by less than 1% over two years. MCG Quantity Surveyors found that these suburbs each recorded fewer than 5,000 new building approvals during that period, indicating a significant slowdown in supply.

Areas like Wakerley, with strong infrastructure and community appeal, are under pressure but still resist new developments.

Communities Holding the Line

For instance, a proposal to build 44 affordable townhouses by the Archdiocese of Brisbane faced intense opposition from residents. Over 3,400 people signed a petition arguing that the development would change the character of the neighbourhood and attract lower-income groups.

Although the proposal was eventually approved, the widespread resistance highlights a trend seen in many Queensland suburbs where locals are reluctant to embrace higher-density living, even when it would address broader housing needs.

Across Queensland, particularly in Brisbane’s middle and inner suburbs, similar battles are playing out. Suburbs like Carindale, Mansfield, and Boondall show little movement in their housing stocks, despite being equipped with schools, transport links and community facilities suited to growing populations.

Analysts point out that this refusal to build upward or outward is one of the factors making it harder for first-home buyers and renters to find affordable options.

Brisbane's east — *Photo Credit: Supplied/Aerial Views*

The Downsizing Challenge

Adding to the supply strain is the reluctance of empty nesters to move out of their larger homes. Research reveals that just 19% of Queenslanders who have seen their children leave home have downsized to smaller properties, while 68% continue to live in houses larger than they now need. Emotional attachments, financial penalties linked to pensions, and a lack of appealing downsized housing options are major reasons for staying put.

Industry groups warn that if even a portion of these homeowners downsized, it could free up tens of thousands of homes across the country, including over 22,000 in Queensland alone. However, many seniors find the idea overwhelming, given the effort involved in moving and the shortage of smaller, affordable dwellings that meet their needs within familiar communities.

Housing Affordability at Risk

Experts such as Mike Mortlock from MCG Quantity Surveyors and Natalie Rayment from YIMBY Queensland argue that both resistance to new housing and the downsizing dilemma are major barriers to solving the crisis. They stress that unless there is a shift in attitudes, both toward new developments and toward mobility within the housing market, prices will continue to climb, and more families will struggle to secure suitable housing.

The conversation around development, particularly in established suburbs like Wakerley, is increasingly focused on balancing the preservation of community character with the urgent need for more housing. Without a broader acceptance of change, many fear that Queensland will continue to mirror the affordability struggles already seen in Australia’s largest cities.

Published 28-April-2025

New Fitness Cartel Gym Gets Green Light for Tingalpa

Photo Credit: DA A006220147

A development application for a state-of-the-art Fitness Cartel gym has gained approval, paving the way for a significant recreation facility rebuild on Wynnum Road in Tingalpa.

Project Overview

The proposal involves the complete redevelopment of the property located at 1604 Wynnum Road. The existing structures on the site, including a gym, a swim school, and a dwelling, are set for demolition to accommodate the new gym. The new facility will operate under the management of Fitness Cartel.

Building and Site Design

Designed by architecture firm KALER, the planned building will be two storeys tall and over 10 metres in height. It will offer a substantial 1655 square metres of gross floor area, encompassing five distinct activity rooms and featuring a rooftop deck.

The design covers 24 per cent of the site area and incorporates landscaped boundaries. Additionally, the development includes provisions for 87 car parking spaces to service the facility.

Gym Facilities

Inside, the Fitness Cartel gym is planned to offer members a range of dedicated spaces. These include a group fitness studio for classes, separate changing rooms and amenities for men and women, a specialised Pilates studio, and areas designated as a cardio deck and comfort zone for various workout types.

Published Date 17-April-2025

War Stories Unearthed in Shoebox Inspire Brisbane Author

At Manly RSL this May, a Brisbane writer will share the hidden story of his grandfather’s role in a forgotten WWI scene — one that hung on his wall all his life.

Manly Book Launch to Share Lost Family War Stories Unearthed in a Shoebox

A family war story buried for decades is set to be shared at the Manly-Lota RSL, where Brisbane writer Paul Dobbyn will launch a book that traces his grandfather’s forgotten role in one of World War I’s most haunting moments.

The event will take place on Friday, 9 May, at the Manly-Lota RSL Sub Branch Hall. The date is meaningful to Dobbyn’s family. It marks the anniversary of both his grandfather’s survival at the Battle of Aubers Ridge in 1915 and his uncle’s death during a 1944 Royal Air Force mission in France.

A Personal Discovery Leads to Public Sharing

Wynnum journalist and poet Paul Dobbyn found the heart of War Spoils in a leather-bound journal left by his grandfather, Captain Henry Dobbyn, a World War I veteran of the Indian Royal Munster Fusiliers. Discovered after his father’s death in 1991, the journal detailed frontline injuries, including wounds at the Somme, and the hardship of raising five children alone in Toowoomba.

A childhood memory of a painting gained new meaning when Dobbyn realised his grandfather was among the soldiers shown receiving a battlefield blessing in The Last General Absolution of the Munsters at Rue du Bois. Though the image hung in family homes, the connection had never been spoken of. It is a quiet discovery that became the book’s emotional centre.

Wartime Sacrifices Across Generations

The book follows Henry Dobbyn’s sons, Denis, who served in Papua New Guinea, and Robert, a Pathfinder pilot killed in 1944, with their stories rebuilt from family records and a blog that retraced Robert’s final flight.

War Spoils blends family history with poetry, drawing on Dobbyn’s public readings from the 1990s, enriched by archival images and wartime music.

Local Reflections for Anzac Day

With a foreword by RSL President Major General Greg Melick and praise from historian Dr Greg Poulgrain, the book is recognised as a moving tribute across three generations.

For Dobbyn, sharing these stories in Manly and Wynnum is about honouring those who served and highlighting the personal side of Australia’s wartime history.

Published 16-April-2025

Wynnum Manly Juniors Picked for City Team in Under-17 State Clash

Photo Credit: Wynnum Manly Seagulls/Facebook

Manly’s footy pride steps up to the state stage, with five Wynnum Manly Seagulls named in the Under-17 City squad for the City vs. Country clash. Selected for their standout junior form, they’ll represent Brisbane’s southeast on April 16 at Totally Workwear Stadium.

A Big Day for Local Footy

The Under-17 City vs. Country matches are part of Queensland Rugby League’s development program, featuring top young talent from across the state. Boys and girls take part in a four-day camp with training and high-performance education ahead of the games.

*Photo Credit: Wynnum Manly Seagulls/Facebook*

The Manly-based Seagulls club has made its presence known this year with five boys chosen for the City team. Representing Wynnum Manly are:

Lachlan Hooker
Franck Iraguha
Ezekiel Jones
Koby McGarrity
Dean Tauaa

All five have stood out through their junior competitions, showing strong skills, teamwork, and leadership on the field. Their selection is not just a personal achievement, but a moment of pride for their families, schools, and the wider Bayside community.

Recognition for the Club

Wynnum Manly Seagulls’ strong junior program continues to produce top talent, with this year’s City selections showcasing players who’ve risen through the club’s youth system, backed by dedicated coaches and staff.

Coaches Shayne Boyd, Will Pei, and Steve Crawford will lead the boys’ camp, with past support from Manly club staff helping build a strong culture of growth and community in rep rugby league.

Looking Ahead to Game Day

The City vs. Country match is more than just a curtain-raiser for bigger competitions, it’s a crucial step in the representative pathway. Many past players have gone on to wear the Maroons jersey or sign with NRL clubs after taking part in this level of play.

For the five Wynnum Manly players, this is a milestone worth celebrating. It recognises years of training, dedication, and passion. It also offers a chance to grow, learn, and play alongside other top-tier juniors from around the state.

Kickoff for the boys’ match is at 1:00pm, following the girls’ match at 11:30am. Both games will be held at Totally Workwear Stadium in Brisbane.

A Community Moment

This selection is not only a personal win for the boys and their families, but a reminder of how strong grassroots footy remains in Manly. The support from the club and local community plays a big part in shaping these young players. With continued encouragement, these five may soon be household names in the sport.

Congratulations to Lachlan, Franck, Ezekiel, Koby, and Dean — your community is proud, and all of Manly is behind you.

Published 9-April-2025

Chandler Gymnastics Facility Faces Uncertain Olympic Future

Photo Credit: Gymnastics Australia/Facebook

The future of gymnastics at Chandler remains uncertain. Queensland Gymnastics raises concerns over the sport’s exclusion from Brisbane 2032 venue announcements despite planned upgrades to the Chandler Sports Precinct.

Gymnastics Queensland has expressed concerns about the future of gymnastics at Chandler. This is following the Brisbane 2032 venue announcement. The recent unveiling of Olympic venues did not include the Sleeman Sports Complex at Chandler. This left Queensland Gymnastics feeling overlooked. The complex recently faced issues with leaking roofs during heavy rainfall. These issues highlight the need for urgent upgrades.

Chris Rushton, head of Queensland Gymnastics, plans to meet with Queensland’s Minister for the Olympics and Paralympics, Tim Mander. Mr Rushton intends to seek clarity on whether the Chandler facility will receive the necessary upgrades or be replaced. He has voiced disappointment at the sport’s omission from the venue list, considering gymnastics has a significant following in the state.

Upgrades Planned for Chandler Sports Precinct

Despite the uncertainty, the State previously announced a $257 million upgrade for the Chandler Sports Precinct. The upgrade aims to transform it into a modern multi-sports hub ahead of Brisbane 2032. Plans include a new indoor sports centre, upgrades to the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, and improvements to site accessibility and connectivity.

The new indoor facility is set to include 10,000 spectator seats and two halls—one with 10 multi-sport courts and the other dedicated to gymnastics, measuring 2,400 square metres. The project, funded through the Minor Venues Program, is expected to create 210 construction jobs and provide community access well before the Games.

State Response and Community Sentiment

Mr Mander acknowledged that the Chandler gymnastics centre requires improvements, stating that not all Olympic sports were mentioned during the initial venue announcement. He reassured the community that discussions on the future of the gymnastics facility are ongoing.

Local athletes and coaches hope the planned upgrades will secure gymnastics’ place in the 2032 Olympics. Many believe the proposed improvements will benefit the sport but remain concerned about the lack of official confirmation.

Next Steps and Ongoing Concerns

Construction at the Chandler Sports Precinct is slated to begin in 2025 and finish by 2027, ensuring the upgraded facilities will be used well before the Games. However, Queensland Gymnastics remains uncertain whether the planned facilities will meet the sport’s requirements for Olympic competition.

Gymnastics stakeholders are keen to see official confirmation of the sport’s future at Chandler. Discussions between the State and gymnastics representatives will continue in the coming weeks.

Published 8-Apr-2025

Maritime Safety Queensland Targets Manly Waters in Easter Boating Safety Checks

Photo Credit: Maritime Safety Queensland

Maritime Safety Queensland is strongly reminding Manly boaties and others across state waters to follow important safety rules, especially new lifejacket laws, following the worrying fact that 59 out of 64 people who drowned in recent Queensland boating accidents were not wearing a lifejacket.

Easter Safety Campaign Underway

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) officers are conducting an intensive safety campaign on the state’s waterways, including areas around Manly. This safety focus runs from 5 April to 21 April, covering the busy Easter school holiday period. MSQ officers will be out on the water checking boats and talking to people. The main goals are to ensure people follow the rules for wearing lifejackets and travelling at safe speeds, as these are the two biggest factors in boating deaths.

New Lifejacket Rules Explained

New rules for wearing lifejackets were enacted on 1 December 2024 to help keep people safer in risky situations. Wearing a lifejacket is now required by law when crossing designated coastal bars in open boats or the open area of any boat. It’s also required when boating alone in an open boat under 4.8 metres long or in a vessel between sunset and sunrise.

Furthermore, all children aged between one and twelve years must wear a lifejacket while in an open boat or the open area of any underway boat. An open boat generally means one without a permanent rigid cabin or deckhouse.

Lifejacket Standards and Conditions

Boaties are reminded that lifejackets must be kept in good condition to work properly. This means checking that the material colour is still bright, the stitching is intact, and the straps are not worn out. Inflatable lifejackets need regular servicing according to the maker’s instructions, which might involve professional or careful self-servicing following specific steps.

It is also important for boat owners to know that all lifejackets must meet the current Australian Standard AS 4758 by 1 September 2025, as older types are being phased out. Different types of lifejackets are available, rated for different water conditions, such as open or smooth waters.

Enforcement and Penalties

While MSQ officers focus on educating boaters about the new lifejacket rules, they will begin enforcing compliance with fines from 1 July 2025. However, officers can issue fines immediately to boaties caught speeding. Speeding is a major risk because it gives boat operators less time to react to unexpected situations or dangers on the water.

Official Safety Message

Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon emphasised that a lifejacket can only save someone’s life if they are wearing it. He stated that the new laws aim to ensure that lifejackets are worn during high-risk times, such as boating alone, at night, crossing bars, or when children are onboard.

Mr Dillon urged all boaties to make wearing lifejackets a normal part of their boating routine. He also warned that speeding reduces reaction time and increases the risk of serious accidents. The core message for boaties this Easter is straightforward: wear your lifejacket, slow down, and ensure a safe return home.

Published Date 07-April-2025

Affordable Housing Fast-Tracked on Church Land in Wakerley

Photo Credit: SFD-01021

A build-to-rent housing project on church-owned land in Wakerley has been fast-tracked for approval. This is despite protests from residents concerned about the impact on the community.

The State has approved a new build-to-rent development (SFD-01021) on church-owned land in Wakerley to address the state’s affordable housing crisis. The project, managed by a registered Community Housing Provider, will deliver 44 homes on land owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane. The site, located at 652 New Cleveland Road, is close to public transport, shopping precincts, schools, and parks.

The project has been prioritised as a State Facilitated Development (SFD). It is designed to accelerate the approval of essential housing initiatives. Local official Jarrod Bleijie stated that the approval aligns with the State’s commitment to increasing the housing supply in Queensland. The approval provides more accessible homes for residents just 16 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD.

build-to-rent housing project — *Photo Credit: SFD-01021*

The State’s Stance on Housing Initiatives

The State has been actively pursuing strategies to address the housing shortage. The goal is to deliver one million new homes over the next two decades. The approval in Wakerley is seen as a step towards achieving this. The authorities have also introduced measures like axing stamp duty on new builds for first-time home buyers.

The project’s classification as an SFD means it bypasses some community consultation steps, a move intended to reduce bureaucratic delays. This has sparked controversy, as residents cannot appeal decisions through planning tribunals.

Wakerley housing project — *Photo Credit: SFD-01021*

Community Reaction

Despite the State’s support, the development has drawn mixed reactions from Wakerley residents. Concerns about potential traffic congestion, infrastructure strain, and changes to the suburb’s character have been raised. A petition circulating among local homeowners warns that the development could negatively impact property values and attract undesirable elements.

Some residents have labelled the project as “inappropriate.” They cite fears of reduced liveability.

In contrast, housing advocates and church representatives defend the development. They emphasised the urgent need for affordable rental options in South East Queensland.

Archbishop Mark Coleridge of the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane has supported the project. He stated that it reflects the church’s commitment to addressing social challenges through faith-based land use. The church plans to collaborate with a Community Housing Provider to manage the site.

Wakerley development — *Photo Credit: SFD-01021*

Challenges and Future Considerations

Urban planners and economists have noted that community consultation can sometimes hinder necessary developments. Critics argue that long-term homeowners who resist change often dominate these sessions, overshadowing the needs of younger or lower-income residents.

The Wakerley project’s fast-tracking highlights ongoing tensions between community involvement and the State’s need for rapid housing solutions.

Next Steps

The project was approved. However, discussions continue, and the outcome of this development could shape future approaches to affordable housing projects in suburban Brisbane.

Published 3-Apr-2025

Have Your Say on the 20-Year Master Plan for Wynnum, Manly, and Lota Foreshores

A 20-year Master Plan is in the works to transform and rejuvenate the Wynnum, Manly, and Lota foreshores. The project will explore possibilities to enhance connectivity and create more opportunities for recreation and relaxation, ensuring these beloved coastal areas continue to thrive for future generations.

Read: Set Sail for Brisbane Race Week 2025: Thrilling Races and Festivities Await

A Vision for the Future

The foreshores of Wynnum, Manly, and Lota have long been cherished for their scenic views, recreational spaces, and strong community presence. Stretching from the mangrove-lined edges of Elanora Park in Wynnum to the tidal wetlands at the mouth of Lota Creek, the Wynnum, Manly, and Lota foreshores offer a diverse coastal landscape.

Along the shoreline, key landmarks include Elanora Park, Oyster Point, Greene Park, Pandanus Beach, Wynnum Jetty, Wynnum Wading Pool, Darling Point, Manly Beach, Norfolk Point, Manly Boat Harbour, and Fig Tree Point.

Photo credit: Leeanne Axelsen/Google Maps

The initiative is designed to build upon these qualities, ensuring that the area continues to thrive while addressing the evolving needs of the community.

In the first stage of the community consultation, more than 1,400 surveys were submitted, highlighting how people use the foreshores and what improvements they would like to see. The top three reasons for visiting the area included walking, picnicking and socialising, and simply enjoying the natural surroundings.

Key Findings from the Community

Lota foreshores — Photo credit: Jessicatheneonkitten/Google Maps

Through early community engagement, several priorities emerged:

Upgraded walking paths to improve accessibility and enhance the experience for walkers and cyclists.
Improved amenities such as seating, rubbish bins, and playground facilities.
More shaded areas to provide relief from the sun and create comfortable gathering spaces.
Informational signage detailing the history and biodiversity of the region.
Preservation of natural beauty, ensuring that development does not come at the cost of the environment.

How to Get Involved

Residents are encouraged to have their say and shape the future of these iconic foreshores. Feedback is open until Sunday, 27 April 2025, and community members can participate in multiple ways:

Drop a pin on the interactive maps to provide location-specific feedback.
Share aspirations for how they envision the foreshores in the coming years.
Attend in-person consultation kiosks at various locations, including George Clayton Park (Saturday 29 March, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.); Manly Markets (Saturday 5 April, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.); and Wynnum Wading Pool Park (Wednesday 9 April, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

Project Timeline

The Master Plan is set to unfold in three phases:

Early to mid-2025 – Community and stakeholder engagement.
Mid-2025 to early 2026 – Drafting and refining the Master Plan.
Mid to late 2026 – Finalisation of the plan and implementation strategies

Read: Brisbane Bayside Warning: Manly’s Melanoma Rates Among Highest in the City

Preserving and Enhancing a Coastal Treasure

As Brisbane grows, so does the importance of maintaining and improving its outdoor spaces. The Wynnum Manly Lota Foreshores Master Plan is a step towards ensuring that this coastal haven remains a vibrant, accessible, and well-preserved destination for all.

To contribute your ideas and feedback, visit Council’s website or attend one of the upcoming engagement sessions. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of Brisbane’s eastern foreshores for generations to come.

Published 27-March-2025