Manly Archives - Page 3 of 12

Land Secured in Manly for New Special School Planning

Land has been purchased in Manly West to begin planning new special education facilities aimed at easing enrolment pressure at Darling Point Special School.

Background and Site Constraints

Darling Point Special School, located on Upper Esplanade in Manly, has seen rising enrolments. Operating on a site smaller than one hectare, the school faces physical limitations due to its location beside Moreton Bay and surrounding parkland. To manage enrolment growth, a temporary satellite campus has operated at Iona College since 2022.

Planning Underway Following Land Acquisition

To address these constraints, the Department of Education has purchased a 2.5-hectare site at 218 Manly Road, adjacent to Manly West State School. This land acquisition marks the beginning of early-stage planning, which will include technical site investigations, a concept master plan, and a detailed business case.

The planning aims to provide long-term relief for Darling Point Special School. These plans will be informed by input from nearby schools and the broader community.

Educational Need and Program Overview

Darling Point Special School delivers a broad range of programs for students from Prep to Year 12. The school is known for its co-teaching model, where curriculum specialists collaborate with special educators. Students access diverse subjects including literacy, numeracy, science, arts, music, hydrotherapy, and vocational education.

The school has a sensory room, therapy services using a transdisciplinary approach, and registered training programs delivering certificate outcomes. It also maintains an international partnership with Denmark and is supported by expert consultants in behaviour analysis.

Manly special school — *Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only*
*Photo Credit: Pexels*

Next Steps and Community Engagement

The concept master plan is due by the end of 2025. Public consultation will follow to guide future planning approvals. Construction will depend on funding and formal approvals. Local families, educators and stakeholders are encouraged to take part in the early discussions. Questions can be emailed to BuildingFutureSchools@qed.qld.gov.au.

Published 31-May-2025

Street Spotlight: Benalla St, Manly

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Benalla Street in Manly stands as more than just another suburban thoroughfare – it serves as a lasting tribute to Australia’s maritime military history and the brave souls who served during the Great War. This street of remembrance carries the legacy of HMAT A24 Benalla, one of His Majesty’s Australian Transport ships that played a crucial role in ferrying Australian Imperial Forces to overseas battlefields.

With 70% of properties being owner-occupied and residents staying an average of 16 years and 4 months, Benalla Street demonstrates strong community attachment and stability. This commitment to the area is reflected in the fact that 52% of residents have called Benalla Street home for more than a decade. The street’s property transaction history reveals the remarkable transformation of Manly’s real estate landscape, with 38 Benalla Street selling for $49,800 in January 1981 – a testament to the area’s evolution over the decades.

Remembrance: HMAT A24 Benalla

Benalla Street honours the memory of HMAT A24 Benalla, a vital component of Australia’s Great War naval transport fleet. This 11,118-tonne vessel, capable of cruising at 14 knots (26 kilometres per hour), was owned by the prestigious P&O Steam Navigation Company in London and leased by the Commonwealth government until 6 August 1917.

The HMAT fleet represented a crucial lifeline for Australian forces, with ships like the Benalla specifically leased to transport various Australian Imperial Force formations to their overseas destinations. When not engaged in military duties, these vessels carried commodity exports to Britain and France, supporting the war effort on multiple fronts. The fleet comprised both British ships and captured German vessels, symbolising the comprehensive nature of the Allied naval effort.

By naming this street after HMAT A24 Benalla, Manly ensures that the sacrifice and service of those who sailed aboard these transport ships – and the strategic importance of Australia’s maritime contribution to the Great War – remains forever etched in the community’s memory.

Benalla St, Manly Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 42 (1 townhouse, 23 houses, 18 others)
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 70%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 16 years, 4 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 52%

Benalla St, Manly – As It Looked in 1936

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON BENALLA ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
38 Benalla Street, Manly	$49,800	Jan 1981
2 Benalla Street, Manly	$45,000	Mar 1985
8 Benalla Street, Manly	$110,000	Jan 1989

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Manly in 2025 was $1,300,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Manly in 2021 was $660,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM HOUSE IN MANLY SINCE 2021: $640,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Manly in 2025 was $1,875,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Manly in 2021 was $1,013,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4-BEDROOM HOUSE IN MANLY SINCE 2021: $862,000

If you know Benalla St, Manly well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Manly to Host Trio of Major Finn Regattas

Photo Credit: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron

Manly has been selected to stage three significant international Finn class sailing events in 2026, with the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron named as the host venue.

Major Regattas Scheduled for Brisbane’s Manly

Three consecutive Finn class championships will take place in Manly, Brisbane in February 2026, with entry now open for international competitors. The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) will host the Australian Finn Nationals, the Finn Gold Cup, and the Finn World Masters across a three-week program.

Background and Significance

The 2026 series will see the Finn Gold Cup return to the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron for the first time since it was last held there in 1976, marking a 50-year milestone. It will also be only the third instance in which both the Gold Cup and World Masters are hosted at the same venue, following events in La Rochelle in 1996 and Weymouth in 2000.

Hosting rights were secured through a formal proposal by the International Finn Association of Australia and RQYS. The bid outlined Brisbane’s strong local fleet, previous hosting experience, and established infrastructure as reasons for selection.

Event Structure and Expectations

The event schedule will begin with the Australian Finn Nationals on 7 February. It will be followed by the Finn Gold Cup and conclude with the World Masters on 27 February. Organisers expect a fleet of 140 to 150 boats across the three events.

Racing will occur on Waterloo Bay. Depending on conditions, there’s an option to shift the Finn Gold Cup outside Green Island. The events are expected to draw participation from Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, with up to seven shipping containers already booked for boats from overseas.

RQYS and Manly as Host Venue

RQYS in Manly is considered one of Australia’s top sailing clubs, recently completing new facility upgrades. The site includes four launching ramps, five rigging lawns, marina access, and support vessels. Previous regattas at the club, including the 2023 Ronstan International Finn Australian Championships, received positive feedback for race management.

Manly offers proximity to Brisbane Airport, accommodation at Manly Marina Cove Motel, and low-cost camping options on-site. Tourist access to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Moreton Bay Islands is also a draw for visiting competitors and supporters.

Finn championships Manly — *Photo Credit: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron/Facebook*

Growth of the Australian Fleet

The Australian Finn class has grown substantially in recent years, aided by national committee efforts and event initiatives. In 2023, twelve Australian boats competed internationally, including three from RQYS. Queensland currently leads the country with 34 Finn-class boats based in Manly.

Future Opportunities

The events will take place during the European winter and are expected to attract long-term stays from international sailors. The hosting aligns with Brisbane’s broader positioning as a sports event destination ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games, presenting potential for increased sponsorship and visibility.

All relevant entry information, notices of race, and updates are available via the RQYS website and the International Finn Association portal.

Published 6-May-2025

Community Survey to Shape Theatre in Manly

Photo Credit: Mercury Theatre Wynnum

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

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

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

Mansfield State High Draws Families From Across Brisbane

Photo Credit: Mansfield State High

Mansfield State High, a large state school in Brisbane, attracts families from far and wide. Nearly a third of its students travel outside the local area to attend.

High Demand for State Schools

The popularity of state schools like Mansfield State High and Brisbane State High School (BSHS) is changing the property market in certain Brisbane suburbs. In West End, the area linked to BSHS, real estate agents often highlight the school’s catchment zone in property advertisements.

This demand has pushed housing prices, with the median house price in West End reaching $1.65 million. Families are renting in the area simply to gain access to the school, despite the strict enrolment policies in place to prevent those who do not live within the catchment from enrolling. These policies require substantial proof of residency, including lease agreements and utility bills.

Capacity and Overcrowding

Despite having a maximum capacity of 3,000 students, BSHS had 3,521 students enrolled last year. Mansfield State High, which can hold 3,252 students, also exceeds its capacity with 3,651 students. This overcrowding concerns local community groups, who worry that planned high-density developments in areas like the Kurilpa peninsula will put even more pressure on schools and local infrastructure.

The P&C groups from both BSHS and West End State School have raised concerns about the impact of increased residents on schools, green spaces, and transport.

Alternative Schooling Options

While state schools are popular in areas like West End and Mansfield, other suburbs prefer private education. Suburbs such as Sandgate, Ashgrove, Kedron, and Camp Hill have more students attending Catholic high schools. Ascot, Gumdale, Chelmer, Bulimba, and East Brisbane have more students attending independent schools.

Interestingly, the median income of families in West End, who prefer state schools, is higher than that of some of the suburbs, which favour private schools. This shows that school choice is not solely based on income.

Planning for the Future

The Queensland school planning reference committee has indicated that a new primary school may be required in the South Brisbane, West End, Highgate Hill area within the next ten years. The government opened Brisbane South State Secondary College in Dutton Park in 2021 to relieve pressure on BSHS.

This new school has a capacity of 1,524 and currently has 968 students. 62% of its students live outside its catchment area. Brisbane’s ongoing population growth means careful planning is needed to ensure all students have access to quality education.

Published Date 25-March-2025

Manly and Nearby Suburbs Eligible for Cyclone Alfred Relief Payments

Photo Credit: Kara Cook/Facebook

Residents of Manly and surrounding suburbs (Manly West, Lota, Lytton, Belmont, Gumdale, Tingalpa & Wakerley) are now eligible for disaster relief payments following the devastating impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. This includes direct payments, hardship grants, and income support measures.

Cyclone Alfred’s Impact

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred swept through south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales. It caused widespread damage, loss of essential services, and economic hardship for many residents. In response, the local officials and the State have announced financial aid programs to assist individuals and businesses affected by the disaster.

*Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only*
*Photo Credit: Kara Cook/Facebook*

Types of Financial Assistance Available

Residents in Manly and surrounding areas (Manly West, Lota, Lytton, Belmont, Gumdale, Tingalpa & Wakerley) impacted by Cyclone Alfred can access several forms of financial support, including:

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP): It is a one-off, non-means-tested payment worth $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child for individuals significantly affected by the disaster.
Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA): Up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders who have experienced a loss of income due to the cyclone. Paid up to $1,007 per fortnight.
Queensland Government Personal Hardship Grants: Covering immediate needs such as food, clothing, and temporary accommodation. Payments of $180 per individual and up to $900 per family.
Essential Household Contents Grant: Up to $1,765 for individuals and $5,300 for families. It can be used to replace essential items lost in the cyclone.
Structural Assistance Grant: Providing up to $80,000 for uninsured low-income homeowners needing to repair their homes to make them safe and habitable.

CHECK AGDRP ELIGIBILITY

How to Apply for Assistance

Residents can apply for financial aid through official government channels:

AGDRP and DRA applications: Via myGov account.
Queensland Government grants: Through the Community Recovery Hub or online.

CHECK QLD GRANTS ELIGIBILITY

Community Recovery Efforts in Manly and Surrounding Suburbs

Community Recovery Hubs have been established in several affected areas, including Manly, Gumdale, Tingalpa, and Wakerley, to provide residents with in-person assistance. These hubs offer support with applications and referrals to other relief programs.

LOCATE THE NEAREST COMMUNITY RECOVERY HUB

Looking Ahead: The Road to Recovery

Emergency financial support is now available. Residents of Manly and neighbouring areas can begin the process of rebuilding. However, challenges remain, particularly for those who have suffered significant property damage or income loss. Authorities continue to assess the long-term needs of affected communities to provide ongoing support.

Published 13-Mar-2025

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.

Read: Premium Gumdale Estate Features Five-Pavilion Design

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