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Michelle Martin’s Push Wins New Squash Courts for North Manly

Photo Credit: DA2024/1171

Squash legend Michelle Martin’s long-standing campaign has secured the inclusion of new squash courts at the redeveloped Warringah Recreation Centre in North Manly.

Squash Revival for North Manly

The Warringah Recreation Centre in North Manly will feature new squash courts as part of its multi-million dollar redevelopment, marking a significant win for squash enthusiasts and the local community. The decision follows a successful campaign led by Michelle Martin, a three-time world champion, who advocated for the sport’s continued presence amid redevelopment plans.

Background and Context

Caption: Ms Michelle Martin (1998)
Photo Credit: PSA Squash Tour/Facebook

The original squash facility at the Warringah Recreation Centre was demolished in late 2024 as part of a $6-million upgrade. Squash legend Michelle Martin, formerly a coach at the ageing North Manly Squash Club, voiced her concerns as the demolition raised fears that the sport might be excluded from the new centre. Ms Martin had called for at least six courts to accommodate local, social, and competitive squash events, pointing out that the sport’s decline in the area was due to a lack of facilities, not a lack of interest.

Securing Squash in the New Hub

After years of lobbying and community engagement, the NBC lodged a development application for three new squash courts, part of a broader plan to revitalise the Warringah Recreation Centre. The new facility will also include five synthetic tennis courts with lighting, better parking, improved accessibility, and pedestrian connections. The squash court building, designed to be expandable to five courts, will also provide spectator seating, making it suitable for national and international competitions.

Warringah Recreation Centre — *Photo Credit: DA2024/1171*

Community Support and Sentiment

Throughout the planning process, NBC engaged with community members, sporting organisations, and key stakeholders. Feedback gathered during public consultations revealed strong local support for maintaining squash facilities. Of the 32 submissions in favour of the development, 19 specifically requested increasing the number of squash courts from three to five.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite securing the new squash courts, some community members remain hopeful for a more extensive facility. Michelle Martin highlighted the need to cater to younger generations, emphasising that an appealing, modern environment could help attract new players to the sport. NBC officials acknowledged these concerns, indicating that the project’s staged implementation could allow for further expansions if additional funding is secured.

Broader Redevelopment Features

In addition to the squash and tennis facilities, the redevelopment plan includes enhanced safety measures such as a 12.5-metre golf barrier net, upgraded landscaping, and improved stormwater management. Accessibility upgrades feature a new western car park, increased EV charging stations, and a pedestrian bridge over Brookvale Creek, linking the facility to Warringah Golf Club and surrounding recreational areas.

Next Steps

Construction of the new Warringah Recreation Centre began in December 2024 and is ongoing. The new squash and tennis courts are expected to open after redevelopment. NBC remains committed to balancing community needs with funding constraints, and further updates will be provided as the project progresses.

Published 1-Apr-2025

Manly Skiff Club’s Final Showdown: Three Boats, One Crown

Photo Credit: Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club/Instagram

The Manly Skiff Club championship is set for a thrilling conclusion as three top contenders battle for the title in the final heats on 5 April. One point separated each of the leading boats, making it one of the closest finishes in the club’s history.

Final Heats to Decide the Champion

The Manly Skiff Club championship has come down to the final day, with three boats competing neck and neck for the title. The standings could not be tighter, with Modern Concept Constructions (MCC) on 12 points, followed closely by Moonen Yachts with 13 points and Imagine Signage with 14 points.

The intense competition resulted from a closely contested sixth heat, where Imagine Signage managed to secure a narrow win over Moonen Yachts, while MCC finished just seconds behind in third place. This result kept all three contenders within striking distance, making the final two heats crucial for deciding the championship.

sailing club — *Photo Credit: Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club/Instagram*

Strategies and Expectations

With such a narrow margin separating the top boats, strategy will play a key role on the final day. MCC will be focused on maintaining consistency after previous challenges, while Moonen Yachts aims to leverage its steady performance throughout the series. Imagine Signage, having recovered from a slow start earlier in the championship, will be looking to continue their recent strong form.

The skippers are aware of the high stakes and the need to avoid mistakes. The final day will test their ability to balance caution with the drive to secure a win, as any error could hand the advantage to one of the other contenders.

sailing yachts — *Photo Credit: Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club/Instagram*

Other Divisions in Focus

While the main championship remains undecided, the handicap division seems more clear-cut. Red Pumps Red, led by Zoe Dransfield, holds a significant lead over Red Pumps, skippered by Tyler Dransfield. This advantage makes Red Pumps Red the likely winner, barring any major upset.

In the 13-foot skiff division, Harken, sailed by Heidi Bates and Orlando Sadlik, has dominated with four wins from six heats. They are expected to secure their second consecutive title after the final race.

Looking Ahead

The final day at the Manly Skiff Club promises high stakes and intense competition, as the championship title remains within reach for all three top contenders. Spectators are expected to gather at the club or follow the action live via Sail Media’s livestream.

Published 31-Mar-2025

Australian-Made Revamp Gives Manly Fast Ferry a Stylish Upgrade

Photo Credit: My Fast Ferry

Every morning, from 6:10 a.m., locals stream down the gangway at Manly Wharf, coffee in one hand — and sometimes a cold drink in the other — with a short but scenic ride ahead. The Manly Fast Ferry now offers more than just a view. With a new onboard bar serving wine, beer and soft drinks, it’s become a uniquely refreshing part of the daily commute. For many, it’s the best part of the workday — the familiar hum of the engines, the salty air, and the Manly Fast Ferry, a familiar ride that now feels brand new.

A Familiar Journey, Made Better

Manly Fast Ferry passengers are noticing the difference the moment they step onboard. New timber-look floors, sleek navy seats with extra legroom, and the soft lighting that fills the cabin all signal a major change. But it’s not just a visual upgrade — it’s a shift in the whole experience.

The first two ferries to receive the overhaul, Ocean Rider and Ocean Adventurer, are already carrying passengers between Manly and Circular Quay. The remaining vessels in the fleet are scheduled to be completed by June 2025. The 20-minute service, long regarded as one of Sydney’s most picturesque commutes, now offers a smoother, more comfortable ride with features that make the journey easier for everyone on board.

Made in Australia, Made for Locals

While the new interiors look sharp, it’s the story behind them that gives the update a sense of community value. Every seat, panel, and finish has been designed and built in Australia. The NRMA, which operates the service, focused on using local suppliers and manufacturers to keep the work close to home.

Nigel Ellsmore, the NRMA’s Chief Operating Officer Marine, says the upgrades weren’t just about looks. They were about creating a ferry experience that reflected the city and its people. That local focus extends to what’s on tap, too. The ferry’s bar is now stocked with Northern Beaches favourites like Four Pines beer and Manly Spirits, alongside a range of wines, soft drinks and non-alcoholic drinks.

drinks aboard Manly Fast Ferry — *Photo Credit: My Fast Ferry*

For many regulars, the ability to unwind with a local drink on the ride home has added a fresh layer of enjoyment to an already-loved route.

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Small Touches with Big Impact

Beyond aesthetics, the refurbishments were designed with accessibility and comfort in mind. Wider aisles and doorways make it easier for wheelchair users and parents with prams to move through the ferry. Priority seating is clearly marked, and USB and power outlets at select seats mean commuters can charge their devices en route.

Restrooms have also been updated with modern finishes, and new window treatments help control glare while framing the harbour views that have always defined this route.

Though the upgrades may seem subtle at first glance, they’ve already made an impression on locals. As the peak summer crowd heads to the beach and office workers return from the city, the ferry now feels more like a lounge than public transport.

Passengers can also continue to tap on and off using their Opal cards, with standard Opal fares and caps applying to the Manly Fast Ferry service. The convenience of Opal integration means locals and visitors alike can enjoy the upgraded ride without needing separate tickets or payment systems.

A Community Ride, Reimagined

For long-time ferry riders, these changes have been a welcome surprise — a sign that even a daily routine can be improved without losing what makes it special. The decision to keep the design and manufacturing process local has added a layer of pride to the commute, too.

The ferry still leaves on time. Check the schedule:

The view of the Opera House as you glide into Circular Quay is still breathtaking. But now, there’s more space to move, a place to grab a drink, and a sense that the journey matters just as much as the destination.

Published 31-March-2025

The Iconic Manly Hydrofoil: A Look Back 60 Years Later

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

The Hydrofoil Manly, Australia’s first commercial hydrofoil, began its service between Circular Quay and Manly 60 years ago. Operated initially by the Port Jackson and Manly Steamship Company, it marked the dawn of high-speed ferry travel on Sydney Harbour.

A Leap into the Future: The Birth of the Hydrofoil Manly

The Hydrofoil Manly was a Supramar PT20 type hydrofoil. It was introduced to Sydney Harbour in January 1965. Built by Hitachi in Japan under licence from Sachsenberg Supramar, it was the first high-speed ferry of its kind in Australia. It aimed to revitalise ferry patronage when traditional ferry use was declining.

Sydney's first hydrofoil "Manly" — Caption: Sydney’s first hydrofoil “Manly” (1970)
Photo Credit: Mark Faviell/Flickr

The vessel used to carry 72 passengers and reach 35 knots. It reduced the travel time between Circular Quay and Manly. Its arrival was seen as a modern marvel. Its sleek design and cutting-edge speed captured the public’s imagination. The cost to build the Manly was £140,000, a substantial investment at the time.

Speeding Through the Harbour: The Manly Experience

The first regular passenger service commenced on 7 January 1965. The journey, which once took over half an hour, was cut down to just 17 minutes. The travel time made it an attractive option for commuters and tourists alike. However, the hydrofoil’s early years were not without challenges.

The propellers were identified as having a notable design flaw, which led to their replacement in 1968. Despite this, the Manly continued to serve as a symbol of speed and innovation on the harbour. Its distinctive green and white colour scheme later changed to red and white and then to shades of off-white and cream. This reflected changes in ownership and branding.

*Caption: One of the last pair of Hydrofoils built for Sydney Harbour*.
*Photo Credit: Geoff Eastwood/Flickr*

Challenges and Changes

Despite its promising start, the vessel faced ongoing challenges. The hydrofoil’s capacity was limited to just 72 passengers. It was far fewer than the conventional ferries of the time. Additionally, operating costs proved high, and mechanical issues often disrupted services.

In 1973, after introducing larger hydrofoils, Manly briefly operated a new service between Circular Quay and Gladesville. However, excessive noise when navigating the Parramatta River led to its withdrawal after just six months.

As more advanced models joined the fleet, the original Manly hydrofoil became a backup vessel. It slowly faded into the background of Sydney’s evolving ferry network.

*Caption: Hydrofoil Manly at Manly after a tandem commissioning ceremony with Narrabeen, August 1984.*
*Photo Credit: Geoff Eastwood/Flickr*

From Speed to Scrap: The Final Voyage of Manly

By 1980, the Hydrofoil Manly was officially retired from service. It was sold to Hydrofoil Seaflight Services in Queensland. Renamed as Enterprise, it was used between Rosslyn Bay and Great Keppel Island.

Unfortunately, the venture did not succeed. The vessel was laid up for several years. Later, the foils and engine were removed, and the hull was repurposed as a floating restaurant. In 1995, it was moved to a private property north of Sydney for conversion into a private cruise boat.

Caption: The first MV Manly at a chicken farm in Kulnura, NSW, photographed in 2012.
Photo Credit: Geoff Eastwood/Flickr

Ultimately, the iconic vessel’s journey ended when the hull was scrapped. Its alloy body is taken for recycling.

Manly’s Legacy: Remembering the Iconic Hydrofoil

Though the Hydrofoil Manly no longer glides across Sydney Harbour, it remains a symbol of innovation and ambition. It set the pace for modern ferry services and challenged the traditional methods of public transport on the harbour. Today, its legacy lives on in the stories and memories of those who witnessed its impactful era of speed and style.

Published 29-Mar-2025

Manly Wharf Brawl: New Details Emerge in Court About Teen Attack

Photo Credit: Google Maps

In a Sydney court hearing Wednesday, disturbing new details came to light regarding a violent January brawl where approximately 20 young males pursued a 13-year-old boy who sought refuge in Fratelli Fresh, a popular family restaurant near Manly Wharf.

The Manly Local Court heard that frightened diners abandoned their meals as the group attempted to force entry into the Italian eatery located at the corner of Belgrave Street and West Esplanade. Several patrons reported being spat on while fleeing the establishment.

According to police statements, members of the public intervened to protect the teenager, “charging through the pack” to help him to his feet and escorting him to safety inside the restaurant. A woman who assisted in blocking the restaurant door was allegedly assaulted during the confrontation. Police later discovered a knife hidden among pot plants near the entrance.

Royce Trevor Jensen, a 20-year-old from Wyong, has pleaded guilty to affray and common assault charges. Court documents indicate Jensen was charged with assault for spitting on the woman who attempted to prevent the group from entering the restaurant. Police noted there was no suggestion that Jensen directly assaulted the 13-year-old victim, who eventually escaped through the restaurant’s back door.

Jensen is one of three individuals charged as part of Strike Force Crookhaven, an investigation established by Northern Beaches Police following the January 6 incident. A rioting charge against Jensen has been withdrawn, according to court proceedings.

Also appearing in court was 18-year-old Emillio Martinez from Bonnyrigg Heights, who has pleaded guilty to affray. His Legal Aid solicitor indicated they are seeking to have an additional rioting charge against Martinez dropped.

A third suspect, a 15-year-old male charged with common assault, riot, and affray, has appeared separately in Surry Hills Children’s Court.

Jensen, who appeared via video link from the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre at Silverwater, did not apply for bail and is scheduled to return to court on April 3. Martinez, currently on bail, will next appear on May 7.

Published 26-March-2025

NRL Shake-Up: Daly Cherry-Evans Confirms Departure from Sea Eagles

The Manly Sea Eagles have made a surprising last-minute attempt to keep veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans by offering a two-year contract extension worth nearly $1.5 million. However, the veteran halfback has confirmed that he will be departing the club at the end of the season, a decision that was made months ago.

Read: Manly Sea Eagles and Des Hasler Settle Legal Dispute

Manly’s latest offer came just hours after reports surfaced that Cherry-Evans had informed the club of his intention to leave at the end of the season. The 36-year-old has been a key figure at the Sea Eagles since 2011, and his departure is expected to be a major blow to the team.

Photo credit: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles/Facebook

While Manly remains hopeful of keeping their long-serving captain, Cherry-Evans has been clear in his stance, stating that he does not intend to reconsider his decision. Despite ongoing speculation about his next destination, he is in no rush to engage in discussions with rival clubs and prefers to take his time before making a commitment for 2026.

With Cherry-Evans coming off contract at the end of the year, interest from multiple NRL clubs is expected. The Dolphins, St George Illawarra, and the Sydney Roosters are among those reportedly considering making a move for the experienced halfback.

Currently earning around $1 million per year, Cherry-Evans remains focused on his final campaign with Manly. While the club may seek a quicker resolution regarding his future, he has indicated that he is comfortable waiting before making a decision on his next move. He has yet to decide whether he will retire, continue his career with another Sydney club, or return to Queensland, where a reunion with his junior club, the Dolphins, remains a possibility. His strong family ties to Redcliffe add to speculation that the Dolphins could be a potential landing spot.

Read: Manly Sea Eagles’ Jake Trbojevic Weds Alix Waddell in Stunning Ceremony

Manly has long regarded Daly Cherry-Evans as a one-club player, and losing him will mark the end of an era for the Sea Eagles. The coming months will determine where he continues his illustrious career, but for now, his focus remains on finishing the season strongly with Manly.

Published 26-March-2025

North Head Volunteers Rebuild Colonial-Era Gun Carriage in Manly

Photo Credit: Harbour Trust/Instagram

A team of skilled heritage restoration volunteers in Manly has successfully reconstructed a replica wooden gun carriage for a rare 6-pounder bronze cannon dating back to the early NSW colony. The project, completed in collaboration with the Australian War Memorial, highlights the dedication of the North Head-based Harbour Trust volunteers in preserving Australia’s military history.

A Cannon from the Early Days of the NSW Colony

A group of volunteers from the Sydney Harbour Trust’s North Head Heritage Restoration team has completed an intricate project. They recreated a historically accurate gun carriage for a rare 6-pounder bronze field gun. This cannon, believed to have been manufactured around 1795, was among the first artillery pieces used in the New South Wales colony. It supplemented the two guns brought to Sydney Cove aboard the HMS Sirius in 1788.

The Australian War Memorial approached the Harbour Trust with the request to manufacture a replica wooden carriage for the cannon, ensuring its preservation as part of the National Collection in Canberra.

Harbour Trust North Head — Photo Credit: *Harbour Trust/Facebook*

Restoration Effort at North Head

Over 16 months, 12 highly skilled volunteers, including retired woodworkers and metal engineers, meticulously reconstructed the gun carriage. They based the details on historical references. The volunteers relied on technical drawings from the book British Napoleonic Field Artillery, The First Complete Illustrated Guide to Equipment and Uniforms (2012), ensuring the accuracy of their work.

Led by former Royal Australian Artillery officer Peter Lawrence, the team faced several challenges in replicating the 18th-century construction techniques. The project required the creation of custom-made tools to tighten bolts in difficult-to-reach areas and specially designed drill bits to bore through the timber components.

wooden gun carriage — *Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only*
*Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons*

Preserving Military Heritage for Future Generations

The Harbour Trust’s Executive Director, Janet Carding, emphasised the project’s significance, highlighting the ongoing collaboration with the Australian War Memorial to preserve and showcase historical artefacts.

Retired Major General Brian Dawson, Assistant Director of the National Collection at the Australian War Memorial, expressed his appreciation for the volunteers’ efforts, stating that the newly built carriage would be a valuable addition to the collection.

Future of the Project

With the restoration now complete, the cannon and its newly built carriage will be transported to Canberra, where it will be displayed at the Australian War Memorial as a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of the Manly-based restoration volunteers.

The Harbour Trust volunteers continue to work on new heritage projects, contributing to preserving Australia’s colonial and military history.

Published 15-Mar-2025

Manly Powerball Winner Keeps Routine After Massive Jackpot

Photo Credit: Markus Winkler/Pexels

Imagine waking up $10 million richer—would you still go to work? That’s exactly what a Manly tradesman did after his massive Powerball win.

Manly Tradie Stuns Community with $10 Million Powerball Win—Still Turns Up to Work

A Manly tradesman has walked away with a staggering $10 million Powerball jackpot, yet despite his newfound wealth, he still showed up to work the next morning. The local winner, who discovered his win just before bedtime, was so overwhelmed he barely slept—but that didn’t stop him from keeping his routine.

Life-Changing Win, But No Days Off

The lucky tradesman, who remains anonymous, held the only division one winning ticket in Powerball draw 1504, drawn on Thursday, 13 March 2025. Instead of immediately making grand plans, he decided to stick to his usual work schedule. Speaking about the moment he realised his windfall, he admitted it left him stunned, making it nearly impossible to sleep.

Despite the life-changing sum, the Manly local said he wasn’t making any rushed decisions. His immediate plan is to seek financial advice to secure his future and support his family. He acknowledged that a win of this scale comes with responsibility and intends to manage it wisely.

Community Reactions and Next Steps

News of the win has sparked conversation in the Manly community, with many locals celebrating the idea that a hard-working tradie hit the jackpot. While some joked about what they’d do with such a windfall, others admired his dedication to work, calling it a “true-blue” move.

The Lott has confirmed the win, reminding players to check their tickets and play responsibly. While it’s unclear if the Manly winner will continue working long-term, his decision to turn up the day after his win has already made him a local legend.

Published 14-March-2025

Manly Baby Battles Rare Heart Condition with Family and Charity Support

Photo Credit: Facebook/HeartKids

When their newborn daughter was diagnosed with a serious heart condition, a Manly couple turned to HeartKids for support, finding guidance from those who had walked the same path.

Manly Baby Faces Rare Heart Condition with Community Support

A life-saving open-heart surgery on a Manly baby highlights the struggles of families facing childhood-onset heart disease. Born with Alfi’s Syndrome and a congenital heart defect, Hunter Graham underwent surgery at four months to repair two holes in her heart.

As they work through the intricacies of her situation, her mother, Georgia, and her father, Nathan, have sought support relentlessly from the nonprofit organization HeartKids.

A Difficult Start for Hunter Graham

Doctors identified Hunter’s condition early, diagnosing her with CoHD, which affects up to one in 100 newborns in Australia. In addition, Alfi’s Syndrome, a rare chromosomal disorder, has brought further developmental and health challenges. Managing these conditions has required constant medical attention, specialist consultations, and planned future surgeries.

HeartKids has greatly supported Hunter’s family. As the only Australian organisation dedicated to CoHD, the charity provides emotional and practical assistance to affected families. Georgia and Nathan have found reassurance in speaking with HeartKids representatives who have faced similar experiences with their own children.

Ongoing Medical Needs and Community Support

Since her surgery, Hunter requires periodic medical checkups and ongoing therapy. The unknown of future surgeries looms above the family but they are set on providing the best possible treatment for her. HeartKids helped them connect to resources, interpret medical systems, and build up a network of families with identical issues.

Georgia has encouraged others to give to HeartKids, appreciating the impact of the organisation on families like hers. Fundraising and community activities enable HeartKids to offer a sense of reassurance for no child and family with CoHD to face the experience by themselves.

Raising Awareness and Assistance for Families

HeartKids is a national charity that offers services such as hospital visits, financial support, and mental health services for families living with CoHD. In addition to direct service provision, the charity has been championing greater awareness and research funding to improve treatment outcomes.

While Hunter makes her way through life, her family is devoted to her health and development, knowing that the support of HeartKids’ and the Manly community will be invaluable in the years ahead.

Published 12-March-2025

Get Sashimi Expands to Manly: Japanese Raw Fish Eatery Plans New Outlet

Photo Credit: DA2025/0155

A development application for Japanese seafood chain Get Sashimi has been submitted to open a new outlet on The Corso, Manly. The proposed venue would be the brand’s third Sydney location, following successful openings in Bondi and Coogee.

Expansion Plans for Popular Japanese Seafood Chain

Get Sashimi, founded by seafood entrepreneur Antonio Muollo, is seeking approval to establish a two-level eatery in the former Billabong store at 63-67 The Corso, Manly. The proposal includes building alterations, new fit-out works across the ground and mezzanine levels, and signage replacement. Plans also detail the demolition of existing structures and the construction of a rear doorway to enclose a relocated sprinkler booster.

According to the submitted development application (DA2025/0155), the project is estimated to cost $505,450. The public exhibition period for the application runs from 5 March to 19 March 2025.

Manly new development — *Photo Credit: DA2025/0155*

What to Expect at Get Sashimi Manly

If approved, the Manly outlet will offer a similar experience to its Eastern Suburbs counterparts. The ground floor will feature a counter and display cases showcasing more than 90 sushi and sashimi options, with limited seating for four diners. A mezzanine level will provide dine-in space for 16 guests.

The menu is expected to include 20 fresh sashimi options such as snapper, scallops, tuna, toothfish, and abalone. Patrons can also expect popular offerings like fresh salmon and tuna “sandwiches,” mixed sashimi bowls, and salmon poke bowls.

Like its Bondi and Coogee locations, the Manly branch is anticipated to serve unique flavour combinations, including sashimi topped with strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Sushi options such as chicken katsu and avocado rolls, along with miso soup and fresh oysters, will also be available.

Trading hours for the new location are proposed to be between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., and it will open seven days a week.

The Growth of Get Sashimi in Sydney

Mr Muollo, 25, launched Get Sashimi in 2023 as an extension of his seafood delivery business, GetFish. Established in 2018, GetFish supplies fresh seafood to Sydney homes and restaurants from De Costi at the Sydney Fish Market, generating an annual turnover of approximately $30 million.

Mr Muollo has stated that Get Sashimi was created to meet the demand for quick, health-conscious seafood options. Following the success of his Bondi and Coogee stores, the entrepreneur has been eyeing expansion into the northern beaches.

Next Steps for the Manly Proposal

With the DA now open for public submissions, NBC will review feedback before making a determination. If approved, Get Sashimi Manly could open later this year, further expanding its footprint in Sydney’s coastal dining scene.

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Published 7-Mar-2025