Manly West Archives - Manly Today

Moreton Bay College’s Amelia Sherrard Shines on the National Stage

Moreton Bay College’s Amelia Sherrard is quickly becoming a household name in the world of youth track and field. Her recent performances have been nothing short of extraordinary, with a string of victories that have solidified her position as one of the nation’s most promising young athletes.

Read: Moreton Bay College Alumna Dr Bronwyn Herbert, 90, Named Queensland Senior Australian of the Year

From Netball Court to Running Track

What makes her achievements even more impressive is that Sherrard’s athletic journey began just three years ago when she transitioned from netball to running. Her natural athleticism and commitment to training have allowed her to excel in her new sport, particularly in middle-distance events.

Sherrard’s path to success started at Lourdes Hill College, where she discovered her love for running after participating in school cross-country events. Having played netball throughout her childhood provided her with a strong foundation of fitness to build upon. She began her running journey three years ago, dedicating herself to training twice a week, and quickly found a passion for the sport.

Her dedication paid off, and she quickly progressed to competing at state-level championships. Seeking to further enhance her performance, Sherrard began training with renowned middle-distance coach Brian Norton at the On Track Club. Norton’s expertise in developing speed and endurance proved invaluable, contributing significantly to her improved performance.

The move to Moreton Bay College in Manly West played a massive role in her development. The school’s comprehensive athletic program and state-of-the-art facilities provided Sherrard with the resources and support she needed to thrive. The recent announcement that elite coaches Andrew Iselin and Eric Brown will be joining Moreton Bay College in 2025 is another testament to the school’s commitment to athletic excellence.

A Golden Run of Success for Amelia Sherrard

Sherrard’s string of accomplishments speak for themselves. She secured gold medals in both the 800m and 1500m events at the Queensland Representative School Sport championships and replicated this success at the All Schools Queensland competition.

Her most impressive performances, however, were at the All Schools Australia championships. Sherrard demonstrated exceptional courage and determination to win silver in the 800m, achieving a season-best time of 2:13.21—a result that puts her within reach of the national record. She continued her winning streak with a bronze medal in the 1500m, cementing her status as a force to be reckoned with in Australian athletics just three years after focusing on the sport.

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With her sights set on national and Olympic glory, Sherrard’ journey is just beginning. Keep an eye on this rising star—she is destined for greatness.

Published 14-January-2025

Moreton Bay Boys’ College Student Recognised as Distinguished Achiever at QCE Awards

Harry Naumann, a standout student from Moreton Bay Boys’ College in Manly West, has earned recognition as one of the top academic achievers at the 11th annual Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) Achievement Awards.

Read: Moreton Bay College Dominates at 2024 National Schools Challenge

Naumann is among the select few who have been recognised as Distinguished Academic Achievers, a recognition given to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement across a variety of learning areas.

Photo credit: Moreton Bay Boys’ College/Facebook

Naumann’s future is set for great achievements. He plans to pursue a vertical double degree in Engineering at The University of Queensland, enrolling in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering programs.

His career goal is to contribute to innovative research and development, specifically in the field of mechatronics engineering. He aspires to design and program robots, driven by his deep interest in the growing realm of robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT).

“My love for STEM and encouragement from my family inspired my interest in robotics,” Harry shared. His passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) has shaped his academic journey and fuelled his desire to work at the cutting edge of technological advancements.

The QCE Achievement Awards

Photo credit: Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority/Facebook

The QCE Achievement Awards celebrate the exceptional academic achievements of Year 12 graduates across Queensland. The awards reflect the flexibility, credibility, and high standards of the QCE, acknowledging the hard work and academic dedication of students.

At the celebratory event held last December 11 at Queensland’s Parliament House, Naumann was among the award recipients, an event joined by their families and dignitaries, including the Minister for Education and the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek, and officials from the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA).

The QCE Achievement Awards are not only a recognition of academic excellence but also a testament to the dedication and hard work of students like Naumann, whose achievements reflect the high standards of Queensland’s education system.

QCAA CEO Jacqueline Wilton emphasized that the QCE is designed to cater to the diverse needs of senior students, offering various pathways that allow them to explore their interests and abilities.

“It also challenges students distinguished by their academic ability, work ethic and ambition,” said Ms Wilton.

“I thank the principals and teachers who shaped the learning environments in which the Year 12 class of 2024 flourished.”

Read: Manly West School to Expand with New Creativity and Arts Centre

The upcoming QCE Achievement Awards ceremony on 15 February 2025 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre will continue to celebrate the exceptional students of 2024. It’s sponsored by Griffith University, The University of Queensland, and the University of Southern Queensland.

Published 2-January-2025

Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Welcomes Over 230 Sailors for Sail Brisbane

As summer reaches its peak, the waters off Moreton Bay have been transformed into a vibrant stage for sailing excellence with the commencement of Sail Brisbane 2024. This prestigious regatta, co-hosted by Manly’s Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron and Australian Sailing, has drawn over 230 sailors this week, solidifying its position as one of the most significant events on Australia’s sailing calendar.

Read: Former Manly Hospital Site to Become Health and Wellbeing Precinct

A unique blend of youth and experience at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron

Reflecting sailing’s inclusive spirit, Sail Brisbane has united an extraordinary range of competitors. The boat park at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron is alive with activity, as seven-year-old novices prepare their dinghies alongside seasoned Olympians. This dynamic environment fosters unique opportunities for mentorship, inspiration, and a shared passion for the sport.

Championship racing across multiple disciplines

Running from 17 to 21 December, the regatta features four distinct racing courses spread across Moreton Bay’s pristine waters. The Alpha course is home to the high-performance classes, including the 49er and 49er FX, while the Bravo course hosts traditional single-handed classes such as Finn and ILCA. On the Charlie course, junior sailors in Flying 11s and Optimists compete, while the Delta course showcases cutting-edge foiling vessels that push the boundaries of sailing technology.

Inspiring the next generation of sailors

Sail Brisbane plays a vital role in fostering the next generation of sailing champions. By racing alongside their sporting heroes, young competitors witness firsthand the dedication and skill required to excel in the sport. The regatta’s inclusive format not only inspires but also prepares aspiring athletes for future success on national and international stages.

Read: Freedom Boat Club in Manly Joins EcoMarines in Moreton Bay Cleanup Mission

As the final major sailing event of 2024, Sail Brisbane is a celebration of the strength and vitality of Australia’s sailing community. With racing continuing through to Saturday, 21 December, the waters off Moreton Bay will shine as the backdrop for intense competition and camaraderie.

Published 17-December-2024

Moreton Bay College Dominates at 2024 National Schools Challenge

Students from Moreton Bay College in Manly West have made their mark on the national stage, excelling at the prestigious 2024 Chemist Warehouse National Schools Challenge Final.

Read: Manly West School to Expand with New Creativity and Arts Centre

The event, held on Monday, December 9, at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, brought together Australia’s top school athletics programs for a day of intense competition.

Photo credit: Moreton Bay College/Facebook

Moreton Bay College’s Intermediate Girls team emerged victorious, securing the top spot in their category with an impressive score of 175.5 points. While the Junior Girls’ team didn’t claim first place, they achieved a commendable third-place finish, amassing 184 points and demonstrating the depth of talent across the school’s programs.

The school celebrated the students’ achievements with a heartfelt post on social media, highlighting their determination and resilience. “Their grit, perseverance, and passion were evident throughout the competition, showcasing their determination,” Moreton Bay College wrote. “Congratulations to our outstanding students on their remarkable achievements!”

About the National Schools Challenge

Organised by Athletics Australia, the National Schools Challenge is a team-based competition designed to foster teamwork and showcase young talent in track and field events. The event features three divisions for each gender: Junior (U15), Intermediate (U17), and Senior (U19). Teams from across the country competed fiercely, with each point hard-fought and every event carrying significant weight in the final standings.

The Intermediate Girls’ victory is a milestone for Moreton Bay College, underscoring the school’s commitment to cultivating a culture of excellence in sports. The students’ achievements not only bring pride to their school community but also inspire young athletes to aim high and embrace the values of perseverance and teamwork.

Read: Manly State School Students Roar to Life in ‘The Lion King’ Musical

As the dust settles on this year’s competition, Moreton Bay College can reflect on a job well done, with their athletes’ hard work and determination paying off on a national stage. Their success at the 2024 Chemist Warehouse National Schools Challenge Final is sure to leave a lasting legacy, both within the school and the broader athletics community.

Published 13-December-2024

Manly West Development Opportunity: Silky Oaks Children’s Haven Site Hits the Market

Photo Credit: Knight Frank

A prime piece of real estate in Manly West, which has housed the Silky Oaks Children’s Haven for nearly eight decades, is poised for redevelopment.

The 25,059sq m site at 218 Manly Road currently provides various services, including support for children and teenagers, housing and homelessness assistance, and an early learning centre. Now, Silky Oaks Children’s Haven is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) to explore the future potential of this expansive property.

While most of the services currently operating on the site will be relocated, the existing 57-place early learning centre will remain and be expanded. The EOI campaign, managed by Knight Frank agents Christian Sandstrom and Sam Biggins, aims to attract proposals for a variety of uses, with a focus on long-term ground leases and outright sales. This includes plans for a new, purpose-built 120-place early learning centre adjacent to Manly State School.

This prime Manly West location offers significant development potential. The 25,059 sqm site is currently zoned for low-density residential and community facilities.

The EOI process is open to various possibilities, including seniors’ living, residential buildings, allied health facilities, and educational institutions. The site is particularly well-suited to medium-rise projects, which offer the advantage of shorter construction timeframes.

Mr Sandstrom anticipates significant interest from developers and potential occupiers. He highlighted the site’s suitability for medium-rise projects, offering attractive 12- to 15-month construction timelines. The need for comparable development opportunities in this sought-after bayside suburb will fuel demand further.

Mr Biggins emphasised the unique nature of the offering, noting that the property has not been on the market in over 85 years. Its elevated position provides panoramic views of Moreton Bay and the Brisbane CBD.

The site’s regular shape and dual street access offer flexibility for staged development. He believes the potential for diverse development outcomes will draw interest from various parties.

The EOI campaign closes at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 17 October.

Published Date 15-October-2024

Manly West Local Sentenced to Community Service for Improper Sale of Shared Caravan

A Manly West local has been sentenced to community service for allegedly selling a jointly-owned caravan without her former partner’s consent.

Read: Cycling Incident on Manly Road Prompts Safety Concerns

The 55-year-old woman, identified as Leona Mercia McKinnon, pleaded guilty to a single charge of fraud at Maroochydore Magistrates Court last week.

The court heard that the defendant, who works as a veterinary assistant in Manly West, sold the recreational vehicle to a reputable dealer in Woombye for $27,000 in March this year. The Manly West local allegedly forged her ex-partner’s signature on sale documents and provided a copy of his driver’s licence without permission. The funds were deposited into a joint bank account.

According to the police prosecutor, the woman’s actions were “always doomed” to fail due to the lack of sophistication in the scheme. The victim, who was unaware of the sale, submitted an impact statement detailing the financial loss incurred.

The defence lawyer argued that the defendant’s actions occurred in the context of a relationship marked by domestic violence, describing her as being in a “terrible position” at the time. The lawyer requested that no conviction be recorded.

Acting Magistrate Anna Smith acknowledged the context of the offence but noted that the victim had been compensated for the caravan, a fact not disclosed in the impact statement. She gave limited weight to claims of social, psychological, or physical effects on the victim due to lack of supporting evidence.

Read: Two-Vehicle Accident at Bognor Street Intersection Leaves Driver in Critical Condition

The magistrate reportedly ordered the defendant to complete 100 hours of community service. No conviction was recorded, and no restitution orders were made.

This case highlights the complexities that can arise in property disputes following relationship breakdowns and the legal consequences of unauthorised sales of jointly-owned assets.

Published 1-October-2024

Cycling Incident on Manly Road Prompts Safety Concerns

A serious bicycle incident in Manly West has left a male cyclist fighting for his life. The event occurred on Saturday, July 20, at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Manly Road, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.

Read: Two-Vehicle Accident at Bognor Street Intersection Leaves Driver in Critical Condition

Critical care paramedics were dispatched to the scene and subsequently transported the injured cyclist to the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Medical authorities have described the man’s condition as life-threatening, underscoring the severity of the incident.

Details surrounding the circumstances of the accident remain unclear, with local authorities yet to release an official statement.

Road Safety Statistics

Recent data from the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ Weekly Road Fatality Report paints a sobering picture of road safety in Queensland.

As of the latest report, there have been a total of 161 fatalities on Queensland roads in 2024. Around four of these fatalities involved bicycle riders. These statistics underscore the ongoing challenges in ensuring road safety for all users, particularly vulnerable road users such as cyclists.

Safety Recommendations

In light of this event, safety experts are reminding cyclists of crucial measures to prevent such accidents. Key recommendations include:

Wearing high-visibility cycling gear and equipment to ensure motorists can easily spot riders, especially during early morning hours when visibility may be compromised.
Choosing the safest lane position to maintain visibility and avoid potential hazards.
Using clear hand signals to communicate intentions to other road users effectively.
Considering alternative routes to avoid high-traffic arterial roads where possible, as these often present increased risks due to higher vehicle speeds and volumes.

Read: Tragic Turn in Manly: A Storm, a Capsized Boat, and a Community in Mourning

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by cyclists on urban roads. Authorities urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.

Published 22-July-2024

Two-Vehicle Accident at Bognor Street Intersection Leaves Driver in Critical Condition

A two-vehicle collision in Manly West has left a 30-year-old man hospitalised with potentially life-threatening head injuries. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, July 6, at the intersection of Bognor Street and Wondall Road.

Read: Police Investigate Suspicious Car, Moreton Bay College Lockdown Lifted

Emergency services responded to reports of the crash at approximately 1:34 a.m. Critical care paramedics treated the injured man at Bognor Street before transporting him to Princess Alexandra Hospital. According to a Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson, the victim’s head injuries are considered potentially life-threatening.

Queensland Police Service confirmed that the injured driver was operating a Toyota RAV4 at the time of the collision. Details regarding the second vehicle involved remain unclear, with authorities unable to confirm whether it was parked or in motion during the incident.

No other injuries were reported, and no additional individuals required medical attention at the scene.

The Queensland Police Service has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. They are urging anyone with relevant information or who may have witnessed suspicious activity to come forward. Reports can be submitted through the official Policelink website or anonymously via Crime Stoppers.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety. QPS continues its efforts to reduce road fatalities and serious crashes, emphasising the need for drivers to avoid the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, and distraction.

Read: Man Dead After Jumping Into Waters at Manly Harbour

As investigations continue, authorities stress that road safety is a shared responsibility and encourage all road users to stay informed about safe driving practices.

Published 9-July-2024

Man Comes Forward as $2M Winner from Wynnum Manly Leagues Club

The mystery surrounding the recipient of a staggering $2.2 million prize has finally been dispelled, ending days of speculation at the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club in Manly West.

The massive windfall, drawn last Thursday, 14th March 2024, had remained unclaimed, igniting considerable curiosity about the lucky individual.

A Hamilton man has emerged as the fortunate winner, confirming that he had purchased the winning entry in draw 852 at the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club. The announcement came amidst intense anticipation as patrons and onlookers eagerly awaited news of the jackpot’s recipient.

The club’s manager expressed astonishment, noting that this win marked the largest prize claimed by anyone at the establishment in “years and years.” The revelation sparked significant discussions among patrons, highlighting the enduring appeal and interest in the game.

Wynnum Manly Leagues Club — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Preferring to remain anonymous, the Hamilton man still grappled with disbelief. He confessed to not having concrete plans yet but acknowledged that the windfall would undoubtedly bring about new opportunities for himself and his family.

Reflecting on the surreal nature of his newfound fortune, the winner expressed his astonishment at the realisation that his long-standing numbers had clinched the victory. Despite the initial shock, he expressed optimism about the positive impact the prize would have on his family’s future.

In 2023, players across the eastern states of mainland Australia collectively celebrated over 67.31 million wins, surpassing a cumulative worth of $1 billion. This staggering figure underscores the game’s enduring popularity and widespread success among Australians.

Published 22-March-2024

Manly West Restaurateur Fights Hefty Fine Over Outdoor Seating

The owner of Casa di Louie in Manly West is taking legal action over a hefty fine issued for setting up an outdoor dining area three years ago.

Read: Manly West Shopping Centre Looks to Grow with Expansion Plans

The owner of the popular Italian eatery is reportedly headed to the magistrates court to contest the penalty amounting to $15,480.

The controversy started in 2021 when the restaurateur was offered a 10-year lease by the landlord of a retail space on Radford Road. After signing a letter expressing his need for additional room, the owner alleges the landlord’s representative proposed utilising three of the precinct’s 95 parking spots for expanded seating.

Recognising the necessity of separating diners from vehicles, the restaurateur hired a builder, who informed him that council approval would be required for such an arrangement. When he contacted the council’s business hotline, officials stated that the proposed outdoor expansion would not be permitted.

At this point, the owner claims he informed the landlord of his willingness to terminate the lease agreement. However, he alleges the landlord’s agent advised him to proceed with the outdoor seating expansion despite the council’s stance against it.

The agent representing the landlord corroborated that he verbally relayed to the restaurateur his understanding, based on “high-level” advice from a town planner, that extending the outdoor dining area would not pose an issue.

Although it technically exceeded the precinct’s originally approved gross leasable area, the agent noted the carpark had never reached full capacity.

The agent asserted that the council had never issued the restaurateur a show-cause notice or offer to remedy the situation, which he insisted was the crux of the matter.

The restaurateur stated that for three years after the expansion, he received no communication from the council until October of the previous year when they informed him of a single complaint pertaining to “safety.” However, the council declined to disclose the complainant’s identity or provide the investigation report, only citing concerns about “manoeuvrability” in the area.

A council spokeswoman explained that they had repeatedly made it clear to the restaurateur that the infringement was a result of installing an outdoor dining area without approval and against the advice they had provided.

Read: European-style Mobile Restaurant to Roll Out Soon

Whilst acknowledging the resident’s frustration, she stated the council was obligated to investigate complaints, and the situation could have been avoided had the restaurateur followed their initial guidance.

Published 14-March-2024