The Manly Lota RSL will transform into a festive hub, showcasing the talents of local artisans and small businesses.
The market, scheduled for Sunday, 8 December, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., will feature a diverse range of handcrafted items, including stunning jewellery from Believe & Surrender Handcrafted Jewellery. Shoppers can expect to find one-of-a-kind gifts perfect for the upcoming holiday season.
Organised by a group of passionate local artisans, the market aims to promote creativity and support local businesses. Visitors enjoy festive shopping and contribute to the local economy by attending the event.
The iconic Manly Lota RSL Memorial Hall provides a charming backdrop for the market, adding to the overall festive atmosphere. By choosing this venue, the organisers also support the RSL sub-branch.
Brisbane residents will soon see the return of familiar orange e-scooters to the city streets, including an expansion into the bayside suburbs of Wynnum, Manly, Sandgate, and Shorncliffe.
This comes after the Brisbane City Council terminated its contract with Singapore-based company Beam Mobility amidst allegations of exceeding its device limit and underreporting revenue.
Neuron Mobility operated in Brisbane from 2019 until July of this year and will rejoin Lime as the city’s e-scooter and e-bike provider. The company’s distinctive orange vehicles will return to the streets on December 3rd, following a new agreement with the Council. This development follows the Council’s recent cancellation of Beam Mobility’s contract, which lasted two months.
Beam was accused of deploying an average of 500 extra devices daily across the city, exceeding the agreed-upon cap by over 27 per cent.
In July, a Brisbane City Council spokesperson confirmed the allowable limit of 5,000 shared e-scooters citywide, which was later increased to 6,000. While Beam expressed disappointment over the contract termination and refuted the Council’s claims, the Council remained tight-lipped on its monitoring strategies to prevent future breaches.
However, Councillor Ryan Murphy, Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport, emphasised the importance of the shared e-mobility scheme in reducing traffic congestion by encouraging people to opt for alternative modes of transport. He highlighted the benefits of having multiple operators to foster market competition, ensure the availability of the latest and safest devices, and maintain competitive pricing.
Neuron Mobility’s Australian and New Zealand General Manager, Jayden Bryant, expressed enthusiasm for the company’s return to Brisbane, acknowledging the city’s pioneering role in adopting micromobility in Australia. He also emphasised Neuron’s commitment to safety and innovation, citing the example of their app-controlled helmet lock, which was first launched in Brisbane and is now implemented globally.
With the summer season approaching, expanding the e-scooter riding area to include the bayside suburbs will provide residents and tourists with enhanced transport options. This expansion will grant access to popular destinations such as Manly’s scenic beachfront path, the Waterloo Bay Hotel, the Wynnum Wading Pool, various cafes, and the Shorncliffe scenic path and jetty.
Since their initial launch in Brisbane in 2019, Neuron’s e-scooters have gained considerable popularity, covering over 5.5 million kilometres.
The expanded riding area is anticipated to boost tourism further, improve connections to public transport, and benefit businesses in the newly included zones.
Belmont healthcare worker Claire Lee is turning her personal struggle with chronic illness into a mission to address Queensland’s youth mental health crisis, with a particular focus on eco-grief.
Recent findings from a YouGov survey paint a concerning picture of youth mental health in Queensland. Two-thirds of young adults between 16 and 25 report struggling with eco-grief, also known as climate anxiety or climate doom. The survey reveals that 30 percent of respondents express serious concerns about extreme weather events, while psychological distress among 15–24 year-olds has more than doubled since 2011, now affecting 42 percent of this age group.
Claire Lee brings unique perspective
Claire Lee, who serves at the Mater Hospital Young Adult Health Centre Brisbane, brings a unique perspective shaped by her own health journey. Living with developmental hip dysplasia and Ehlers Danlos syndrome, Lee’s experience managing chronic pain has deepened her understanding of the mental health challenges young people face.
The centre, which assists more than 200 young patients annually, has seen a significant increase in climate-related anxiety cases. “I am hoping to help other young people and encourage medical professionals to take the time to listen and understand their patients,” Lee says, drawing from both her professional experience and personal health journey.
On Wednesday, 13 November, Lee will join Professor Brett McDermott of the University of Tasmania at the Connecting to our Future Youth Health Conference. Professor McDermott, known for his work in post-disaster mental health programs, emphasises that climate-change anxiety significantly impacts educational outcomes and life decisions among youth. His research advocates for proactive solutions through counselling and community engagement.
Photo Credit: Australian Association for Adolescent Health
The Connecting to our Future Youth Health Conference runs from 11 to 13 November at the Brisbane State Library. The Climate Impacts on Youth Health session (Session 7A) takes place on 13 November at 10:30 AM, featuring Lifecycles Director Timothy Grant opening with a talk on “Climate Crisis and Climate Courage,” followed by presentations from Claire Lee and Professor Brett McDermott. Designer Charlotte Adams will conclude the session with a talk about what she calls the “eco-anxiety toolkit.”
Interested community members can access registration information through the 2024 Youth Health Conference website. While the current program is confirmed, attendees should note that session details are subject to change.
The Village Manly, a retirement community planned for Brisbane’s eastern coastal suburb, will be relaunched with new designs featuring two six-storey buildings, providing increased housing options for retirees in the local area.
In 2021, Anglicare Southern Queensland and the Village Retirement Group announced the initial plans for The Village Manly, proposing two medium-rise buildings. These were to be located alongside the E.M. Tooth Residential Aged Care home and the heritage-listed Lota House, adding historical significance to the development site. However, updated plans now include 76 three-bedroom apartments across the two buildings, with construction expected to commence by January 2025 and a completion date set for June 2026.
Community Impact
The project, located in Manly, roughly 20 kilometres from Brisbane’s central business district, aims to provide housing solutions for an ageing population in a well-connected coastal suburb.
The Village Manly is designed to offer modern housing while promoting a strong community ethos by including shared spaces on the ground floor. These community spaces are intended to foster social connection among residents, ensuring the village offers independent living options and supports residents in maintaining an active and engaged lifestyle.
The development’s proximity to the historic Lota House adds a unique connection to the area’s heritage, offering future residents the opportunity to live near one of the region’s important historical landmarks. In addition to providing more retirement living options, the project is expected to bring economic and social benefits to the Manly area by drawing new residents into the community and creating local job opportunities during construction and beyond.
Photo Credit: BCC
Revised Plans and Local Input
In October 2023, the Village Retirement Group sought amendments to the original approval granted by the Queensland Planning and Environment Court in December 2019. The revised plans now include six-storey buildings instead of the previously proposed four-storey design, accommodating more residents.
Local residents and stakeholders have raised both concerns and support for the revised plans. Some in the community have expressed concerns about the scale of the development, while others recognise the importance of providing more housing options for older residents in Manly.
Anglicare Southern Queensland emphasised that the new design aims to balance the need for more residential units with maintaining the character and environment of the local area, including the preservation of nearby Lota House.
Photo Credit: BCC
Partnership History and Future Prospects
This marks the second partnership between Anglicare Southern Queensland and The Village Retirement Group. Their first joint project, The Village Taigum, is located in Brisbane’s northern suburbs. Both organisations have expressed their commitment to delivering high-quality retirement living options that benefit not only residents but also the broader community.
Anglicare Southern Queensland has also been involved in a separate retirement village development in Nundah, consisting of detached and attached units. The project highlights their long-term goal of providing housing and aged care options across various Brisbane suburbs.
The Village Manly, anticipated to start in early 2025, aims to address the increasing demand for retirement living in coastal Brisbane. It will offer future residents a balance of independence, community, and access to nearby services while maintaining a connection to the area’s historical roots through Lota House.
August 2021: Initial plans for The Village Manly were announced by Anglicare Southern Queensland and the Village Retirement Group. The original design included two medium-rise buildings of four storeys each.
December 2019: The Queensland Planning and Environment Court granted approval for the project.
Late 2021: The original expected start date for construction, which was delayed.
October 2023: The Village Retirement Group sought to modify the approved plans to increase the size of the buildings from four storeys to six storeys.
October 2024: Announcement of the project’s relaunch, with updated plans for two six-storey buildings featuring 76 three-bedroom apartments.
January 2025: Anticipated commencement of construction for the revised project.
June 2026: Expected completion date for the construction of The Village Manly.
Nestled on the corner of Esplanade and Cambridge Parade, this fully licensed fish and chippery has been serving up a slice of coastal paradise since December 2018.
A Diverse Menu for Every Palate
Photo credit: SeaVibes Manly/Google Maps
While SeaVibes’ roots are firmly planted in the classic fish and chips tradition, their menu has expanded to cater to a wide range of tastes. Not a fan of fish? No problem! Their pizza selection ensures that non-seafood eaters have plenty to choose from.
Photo credit: SeaVibes Manly/Google Maps
But it’s not just about fish and pizza – SeaVibes has built a reputation for their mouthwatering burgers and perfectly crispy chips.
Seafood enthusiasts rave about the prawn tacos, a dish that has become a local favourite. For those with a sweet tooth, the Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich is an indulgent treat that’s not to be missed.
Beyond Dinner: Breakfast and Weekly Specials
Photo credit: Lacey Moir/Google Maps
SeaVibes goes beyond the typical fish and chip shop hours. On weekends, they open their doors for breakfast, offering a perfect start to a day of exploring the local markets. Their alfresco dining area provides a lovely setting for a leisurely morning meal.
To keep things exciting, SeaVibes offers weekly specials that showcase the chef’s creativity and the freshest local ingredients. These rotating offerings give regulars a reason to come back time and time again to try something new.
Ambiance and Location
Photo credit: Jackson Hsu/Google Maps
With its prime location adjacent to the Marina, SeaVibes offers the perfect backdrop for a relaxing lunch or a refreshing drink. The restaurant’s warm atmosphere is complemented by friendly staff, creating an inviting environment that keeps customers coming back.
Adding to the laid-back coastal vibe, SeaVibes frequently features live music, enhancing the dining experience with local talent and good tunes.
A Menu for Every Occasion
Photo credit: John Edgerton/Google Maps
Whether you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal or a quick takeaway, SeaVibes has you covered. Their casual menu is available for both dine-in and takeout, making it a versatile option for locals and visitors alike.
Community Fixture
Photo credit: Boon Hoe Chew/Google Maps
Now in its sixth year of operation, SeaVibes has solidified its place as a community favourite. It’s more than just a restaurant – it’s a gathering place where good food, great views, and positive vibes come together to create a truly memorable dining experience.
From its humble beginnings as a fish and chip shop to its current status as a diverse eatery, SeaVibes embodies the relaxed, friendly spirit of Manly Harbour Village. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite after a day at the beach, enjoying a leisurely weekend breakfast, or settling in for an evening of great food and live music, SeaVibes promises nothing but good vibes all around.
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.
After getting the 8th spot on the ladder with a Round 23 loss to the Brisbane Tigers, the Seagulls faced the tough challenge of playing away at the Santos National Football Stadium.
Despite starting strong with an 8th-minute try from Connor Broadhurst, followed by a conversion and penalty kick by Bryce Donovan, the Seagulls trailed 16-8 at halftime.
The second half was a battle for possession, but a 59th-minute try by the Hunters and a late field goal secured a 23-8 victory for the home side.
2024 in review
The Seagulls finished the 2024 season with a 10-9-1 record, falling just one point shy of last year’s total. Their home form was particularly strong, with an impressive 5-3-1 record at BMD Kougari Oval. The team kicked off the season with four consecutive wins on home turf, giving fans plenty to cheer about.
Though the season ended earlier than hoped, the club highlighted several key improvements both on and off the field, laying a solid foundation for future success.
Looking ahead to 2025
As the Seagulls look towards the 2025 season, they are excited to announce the opening of applications for their TAFE at School Program.
Based at the Kougari Oval, this initiative allows high school students to combine their passion for rugby league with education, offering them a unique pathway to both personal and professional growth.
As the Wynnum Manly Seagulls reflect on their 2024 season and gear up for 2025, the club remains committed to excellence both on the field and in developing the next generation of rugby league professionals.
Between 12:30 AM and 2 AM, police received multiple reports from members of the public about a black Ford Falcon driving dangerously in the area, including performing burnouts.
The suspect was located and apprehended at a Carlton Terrace address around 2 PM on Saturday, September 21. He has been issued a Notice to Appear for Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle and is scheduled to face the Wynnum Magistrates Court on December 16.
Law enforcement officials are now appealing to the public for additional evidence. They are requesting anyone in the Manly area who may have captured vision of the vehicle, including dashcam or CCTV footage, to contact the police.
The Manly Dragon Boat Club recently showcased their skills at the 14th International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) Club Crew World Championships held in Ravenna, Italy. This prestigious event attracted teams from around the globe, highlighting the growing popularity of dragon boat racing.
The championships took place from 3 September to 8 September at the Standiana Regatta Course, a renowned venue for water sports. Crews competed in various categories and distances. This year, the event featured 163 clubs from 30 countries, making it one of history’s largest gatherings of dragon boat teams.
The IDBF Club Crew World Championships transcends mere competition. It celebrates the sport’s rich cultural heritage, rooted in ancient Chinese traditions. The event fosters international camaraderie, uniting paddlers from diverse backgrounds in a shared passion for dragon boat racing. For clubs like Manly, it’s a chance to showcase their training, teamwork, and dedication globally.
The Manly Dragon Boat Club, known for its competitive spirit and dedication, was among the clubs representing Australia. The team trained rigorously in preparation for the championships, focusing on teamwork, technique, and endurance. Their participation reflects their commitment to the sport and aims to elevate the profile of dragon boat racing in Australia.
Throughout the competition, teams raced in traditional dragon boats, accommodating 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steerer. Participants’ camaraderie and fierce competition were the races’ defining characteristics. The Manly Dragon Boat Club’s athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and sportsmanship, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the championships.
The event served as a platform for cultural exchange, bringing together diverse communities united by a shared passion for dragon boat racing. The Manly Dragon Boat Club’s involvement highlights the importance of sports in fostering international friendships and promoting cultural understanding.
Australian Sailing has embarked on a passionate campaign to reintroduce sailing to the Paralympic Games in Brisbane 2032, spotlighting inclusivity and community engagement. The campaign centers around the vibrant sailing community of Manly, a suburb with a rich maritime heritage and a natural fit for this cause.
In a decisive move, World Sailing, the sport’s international governing body, unveiled its Para Inclusive Strategy, aiming to make sailing more accessible to athletes with disabilities.
Australian Sailing’s CEO, Ben Houston, emphasized the significance of this initiative, expressing that past Paralympic sailors have been a source of immense national pride. He lamented the sailing’s exclusion from the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, calling it a setback for the next generation of Australian para Sailors.
A Legacy Interrupted
Para Sailing boasts a proud history within the Paralympic movement, first appearing in the 1996 Atlanta Games and continuing for five consecutive Games until its last appearance in Rio 2016. The sport’s removal from subsequent Paralympics was met with widespread disappointment, not least in Australia, where the sailing community has long embraced diversity and inclusion.
Undeterred, Australian Sailing has made it a cornerstone of its SAILING 2032 Strategy to advocate for the sport’s return, particularly for the Brisbane 2032 Games. Mr Houston reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to collaborating with World Sailing, aiming to bring the sport back to the Paralympic stage. By promoting sailing as a sport for all, the campaign seeks to inspire a new generation of sailors and build a more diverse and inclusive sailing community.
Manly’s Role and Community Impact
Manly, with its strong sailing traditions, is poised to play a crucial role in the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics. The Manly Boat Harbour, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and ideal sailing conditions, is being positioned as a prime venue for both competitive and recreational sailing events.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The campaign to reinstate sailing in the Paralympics is driven not only by competitive ambitions but also by a strong desire to foster community involvement and ensure sailing remains accessible, particularly to those with disabilities.
Sailing is woven into the fabric of Australian culture, and the Brisbane 2032 Games offer a unique opportunity to showcase this heritage on the global stage. The efforts to make the sport more inclusive are not just about growth and sustainability; they are about celebrating and preserving the country’s rich maritime traditions.
