In Manly and across the Northern Beaches, a surge in resident complaints about scarce kerbside parking due to long-term boat and trailer storage has prompted local officials to review its parking regulations.
Passing a motion calling for a comprehensive report on the issue, officials will soon examine the council’s current powers to restrict long-term parking in residential and industrial areas. The report will also assess the impact of parked boats, trailers, and other large vehicles on residents and businesses, with a focus on safety, traffic flow, and reduced parking availability for locals.
The council will explore setting up designated parking areas for boats and trailers. This approach could alleviate pressure on residential streets while providing safe storage options for vehicle owners.
Under existing NSW rules, registered vehicles parked in the same spot on a residential street for more than 28 days must be moved or risk a $660 fine. Once notified, owners have 15 days to relocate their vehicles.
Photo Credit: NorthernBeachesCouncil
Cr Karina Page, who moved the motion, highlighted safety risks associated with these parked vehicles. She noted that they disrupt sightlines for pedestrians and drivers, diminish neighbourhood aesthetics, and cause frustration due to reduced parking availability.
Cr Kristyn Glanville added that parking issues often lead to neighbourhood disputes, negatively affecting community wellbeing. Cr Candy Bingham pointed out that areas around Manly and Little Manly are particularly affected, with boats often left for months at a time.
The report is due at the end of 2024. Following its completion, the council may consider asking local MPs to lobby for changes to laws. These changes would allow the development and enforcement of rules that better align with residents’ needs.
A $17.6-million funding gap is jeopardising the ambitious $26-million plan to revitalise the Manly town centre, potentially delaying efforts to boost tourism and improve local liveability.
A report presented during a council meeting in early July 2024 revealed the funding shortfall. Due to budget constraints, officers were advised that the implementation of the “My Place: Manly” plan would need to be extended from 10 to 15 years.
Funding Challenges
The council report outlines that while $8.3 million has been identified from various sources, including $6.8 million from the Draft Northern Beaches Section 7.12 Contributions Plan 2024 and $1.5 million from the Manly Special Rate funded Manly Laneways program, a significant funding gap remains.
Council staff noted that no general revenue funding has been allocated for the new assets proposed in the plan, highlighting the need to secure additional funding sources to fully realise the project’s vision.
Photo Credit: My Place: Manly/NBC
Photo Credit: My Place: Manly/NBC
Proposed Improvements
Despite the financial hurdles, the “My Place: Manly” plan aims to transform key areas of the popular seaside suburb. The proposed changes include:
1. Updating and redesigning The Corso
2. Enhancing the night-time economy
3. Revitalising historic laneways and arcades
4. Creating special “gateway” areas for visitors
The plan also suggests a trial of extended trading hours, from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., for some restaurants and bars, excluding Manly’s pubs.
Photo Credit: My Place: Manly/NBC
Community Input and Support
Public feedback strongly supported improved event spaces, increased outdoor dining options, enhanced streetscapes, and more green spaces and tree canopy coverage.
Mayor Sue Heins stated that the plan aims to capture the elements people love and value most about Manly. The proposal was developed in consultation with various stakeholders, including the Manly Business Chamber, Youth Advisory Group, resident associations, and local businesses.
Jett Rocker-Graham, a 17-year-old beach volleyball sensation from the Northern Beaches Volleyball Association (NBVA) based at Manly Beach, is set to take on the world stage as he represents Australia at the upcoming U19 Beach Volleyball World Championships in China.
The championships, beginning on 27 August 2024, will mark another milestone in a journey that began on the sands of Manly, where Jett has been honing his craft since he could barely walk.
Born into the Game, Bound for Greatness
Jett’s story is one of passion, dedication, and a love for the sport that was instilled in him from the very beginning. His parents, Manuela and Carl, met on the very courts where Jett now trains. Carl, one of the founders of the NBVA in 1989, has been a guiding figure in Jett’s life, both on and off the court.
“It’s very special for me to watch Jett being so passionate about the sport,” says Carl Graham, reflecting on his son’s achievements. “He is driven and always eager to improve and learn. He has the right mental attitude for the game.”
Jett’s mother, Manuela, shares the same pride and excitement. “We can’t wait to cheer him on in China. Seeing him grow into this role has been nothing short of inspiring.”
Jett with his mum and dad, receiving the Sportperson of the Year award at his school in Bellevue Hill in 2023 Photo Credit: Supplied
Rising to the Challenge
Jett’s success shows what can be achieved through hard work and unwavering dedication. Starting his volleyball career at the tender age of five, Jett quickly outpaced his peers, playing in adult tournaments by the age of seven. His talent was undeniable, and by 16, he was already ranked 19th in Australia’s open men’s rankings, making him the youngest male player to achieve such a feat.
His list of accomplishments is nothing short of remarkable:
– Australian national champion in U17, U18, U19, and U21 categories – Gold medalist at the Sipalay National Tour Event in the Philippines – 5th place finish at the Youth Commonwealth Games in Trinidad and Tobago – 4th place at the U19 Asian Beach Volleyball Championships, earning a spot in the upcoming World Championships
Jett and Killian Australian National U18 Champions with Martin Reader Photo Credit: Supplied
A Legacy of Champions
The NBVA has long been a cradle for beach volleyball talent, producing world-class athletes who have gone on to represent Australia on the biggest stages. The association’s impact on the sport is profound, from Olympians like Mariafe Artacho del Solar and Izac Carracher to rising stars like Stefie Fejes. With eight permanent courts on the iconic Manly Beach, the NBVA has become a hub for aspiring athletes worldwide.
“It has been great to see how far the Junior Program has grown since its inception back in 2017,” says Linda Thomas, NBVA Junior Development lead and coach. “The need for a program was definitely there, and we couldn’t be prouder of the athletes we have had the privilege of supporting in their volleyball journey.”
Jett in Youth Commonwealth Games Photo Credit: Volleyball Imagery/Supplied
A Club, A Family, A Dream
The Northern Beaches Volleyball Association is more than just a club; it’s a family. A family that nurtures talent, supports dreams, and celebrates every victory, no matter how big or small. As Jett steps onto the global stage, he carries with him the hopes of his community, the lessons learned from his parents, and the legacy of those who came before him.
In the words of the NBVA’s motto: “Run for the players by the players.”
A Future Full of Promise
As Jett prepares to don the green and gold once more, his sights are set on an even bigger goal: representing Australia at the Olympic Games.
“I’m very proud and honored to wear the green and gold again to represent Australia,” says Jett. “I train hard all year round on the sand, and I’m very proud of what I have achieved so far. I have my sights set high, and my goal is to represent Australia at the Olympic Games.”
Jett playing in California Photo Credit: West Boundary Photography/Supplied
This dream is not just his own but one shared by his family and the entire Northern Beaches community. With every jump, spike, and dive, Jett is not just playing for himself but for the legacy of the NBVA and the future of Australian beach volleyball.
“Jett integrates an old-school game style with modern play,” says Manuela, reflecting on her son’s growth as an athlete. “Carl has spent many hours on the sand with Jett from a young age, and you can see that influence in his game. We are all rooting for him.”
My Funky Bags, which opened its doors on July 27, 2024, offers a unique range of bags, backpacks, and clutches made entirely from recycled plastic water bottles.
The brainchild of Molly Linton, a former corporate executive with experience at Virgin International, Microsoft, and Christian Dior, My Funky Bags represents a fusion of eco-consciousness and creative entrepreneurship. Linton’s vision was born during her time in Bangkok, where she sought to create a business that was both fun and environmentally responsible.
Molly Linton is the founder and owner of ‘My Funky Bags’ Photo Credit: My Funky Bags
“We’re taking a product that would normally have gone into landfill, or our oceans, and re-purposing it into something that will last forever,” Linton explained. “These bags will never break. They are just so strong.”
The production process begins on the Indonesian island of Java, where discarded plastic bottles are collected and transformed into plastic strips. These strips are then handwoven using traditional bamboo weaving techniques, creating a variety of bag designs conceptualised by Linton herself.
This innovative approach not only diverts plastic waste from landfills but also employs approximately 300 people involved in bottle collection, processing, and weaving. Each larger bag takes about five hours to hand-weave, with no machinery, glue, or stitching involved.
The bags serve multiple purposes, from beach totes to picnic carriers, and even as storage for firewood or dog toys. “They are perfect for boating and yachting,” Linton added, highlighting their durability and versatility.
The store’s new location on Darley Road, opposite Manly Village Public School, marks Linton’s first Sydney outlet. The concept has already seen success in England, where Linton operated pop-up shops before establishing two permanent stores on the Isle of Wight.
For 84 years, the Manly Baths stood as a cornerstone of aquatic sport, nurturing countless state, national, and international swimming and diving champions. However, its history has been turbulent, with numerous changes and storms over the years.
Manly’s founder, Henry Gilbert Smith, established the first baths at the western end of Manly Cove in 1856-57. However, by the 1870s, their condition had deteriorated, prompting the newly incorporated Manly Council to seek funds for new baths—one for men and one for women. Initially, the council planned to build the women’s baths at the original western site, and the men’s at the eastern end of Manly Cove. However, wealthy landowners successfully lobbied for the men’s baths to be relocated to Little Manly Cove.
The women’s baths were finally completed at the western end in 1885. However, the poor condition of the men’s baths at Little Manly led to a decision to build new ones at the intended initially eastern location in 1891. These new baths, designed by architect William Drake, were officially opened on March 19, 1892. Ernest Cavill, who comes from a family of accomplished swimmers, oversaw the Manly Baths and assisted in establishing the Manly Amateur Swimming Club.
The club hosted its first carnival in April 1892, featuring various events, including a captaincy race and a race in clothes and top hats. The economic depression of the early 1890s made it difficult for the men’s and ladies’ baths to remain financially viable. Despite challenges, the baths continued to innovate, introducing limited “dual bathing” evenings where men and women could swim together under certain conditions.
Tragedy, Transitions, and the Rise of Surf Bathing
In 1899, a young man tragically died after diving from the springboard into shallow water. The management of the baths changed hands several times, with Thomas Skinner taking over in 1900. Despite ongoing repairs and improvements, the baths faced increasing competition from the rising popularity of surf bathing. The early 20th century brought a series of storms that repeatedly damaged the baths, leading to costly repairs. Yet, the Manly Baths continued to host prestigious swimming events, including the Australian Ladies’ Championship carnival in 1916.
World War I impacted the Manly Baths, with many young men enlisting in the war effort. Despite these challenges, the baths continued to adapt, allowing dual bathing at certain times and hosting both men’s and women’s swimming clubs. By the 1920s, the baths were in dire need of repair and reconstruction.
1926, after extensive delays and rising costs, the reconstructed Manly Baths were finally reopened. However, the new structure soon faced criticism for its safety and required further repairs. Despite these setbacks, the baths continued hosting major events, including the Australian National Games swimming section in 1928.
Throughout the 1930s and 40s, the Manly Baths remained a hub of aquatic activity. However, by the late 1940s, the baths were again in disrepair, leading to their demolition and reconstruction in 1949. The new Manly Baths were opened in 1952 and served the community for another 22 years before being damaged beyond repair by the devastating Sygna Storm in 1974.
The Manly Baths were ultimately demolished, but their legacy lives on. The remaining building now houses the Manly Yacht Club, Manly Diggers Swimming Club, and Northern Beaches Dragon Boat Club. The Manly Swimming Club has found a new home at the Manly Aquatic Centre.
Contractors have started preparations to demolish the derelict Manly Sea Life Aquarium building, a once-popular Sydney Harbour tourist attraction that has become an eyesore and safety hazard since its closure over six years ago.
The demolition, which is expected to take about four months, weather permitting, began in early July 2024. Transport for NSW, the site’s owner, aims to return the prime waterfront land to public open space.
During the demolition, the nearby Manly Pavilion restaurant and bar will remain open, while the harbourside Federation Walk will be closed. Transport for NSW has established a Project Infoline for community inquiries and will seek public feedback on future urban design features for the site’s revitalisation.
Project Background
The aquarium, purpose-built in the 1960s, was a beloved attraction featuring sharks, giant stingrays, sea turtles, and little penguins. It closed its doors in early 2018, leaving the building vacant and unfit for reuse.
Since its closure, the site has faced several issues, including vandalism and trespassing, anti-social behaviour, and safety risks from unauthorised access. In response to these concerns, Transport Minister Jo Haylen ordered officials to expedite the removal works, describing the building as an “eyesore and dangerous.”
Photo Credit: TransportforNSW
Revised Plans for the Site
Transport for NSW has altered its original plans for the area. The new design includes retention of the aquarium’s circular footprint, creation of more space for outdoor dining, seating, and community uses, and future development of a revitalised promenade.
James Griffin, Liberal State MP for Manly, welcomed the changes, stating they would provide more open space and reduce demolition and reconstruction costs.
The treasured little penguin population in Manly has drastically declined to just 19 breeding pairs, the lowest number ever recorded, prompting urgent calls for community action to save the endangered seabirds from local extinction.
A recent report by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) revealed this alarming figure for the 2023-2024 season. This represents a significant drop from previous years, when the area boasted up to 70 breeding pairs.
History of Manly’s Little Penguins
The little penguins, also known as “fairy” penguins, were once a common sight in Manly Cove, Spring Cove, Little Manly, and Collins Flat beaches. According to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), they form the only known breeding colony on the NSW mainland.
Previously, tourists could observe the penguins waddling from the water near Manly Wharf at dusk to spend the night under the wooden walkway on West Esplanade. Volunteer penguin “wardens” protected the birds during these nightly rituals.
Threats to the Penguin Population
Several factors have contributed to the penguins’ decline:
1. Boat strikes
2. Increased human activity
3. Coastal development
4. Predator attacks
Boat propeller injuries have been a significant cause of penguin deaths. Additionally, foxes, domestic dogs and cats pose severe threats to the birds. In 2015, a single fox killed 27 penguins at Collins Flat.
Photo Credit: NSW Environment and Heritage
Call for Community Action
The Sydney Coastal Councils Group (SCCG) is urging recreational watercraft operators to adhere to boating rules designed to protect the penguins. Sarah Joyce, SCCG’s executive officer, stressed the need for urgent action to help the penguin population recover, highlighting boat strikes as a key threat.
To safeguard the remaining penguins, boaters are advised to:
1. Reduce speed to four knots or below when entering North Harbour, Manly
2. Exercise extra caution at dawn and dusk
3. Avoid anchoring in seagrass beds
4. Prohibit dogs and cats on beaches
The SCCG, in partnership with Transport for NSW, Northern Beaches Council and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, aims to increase awareness of these rules in Spring Cove.
Despite the dire situation, Erica Mahon, DCCEEW’s senior threatened species officer, remains optimistic about the penguins’ future. She emphasised that community involvement is crucial for ensuring the survival of Manly’s little penguin population.
Izac Carracher grew up on the Northern Beaches and though his junior tennis career was burgeoning, volleyball became his sport, where he represented Australia at Under 17 and Under 19 level.
It wasn’t until he had played in the NCAA in America for USC in Los Angeles and had returned to the University of Sydney that he began to play Beach Volleyball seriously.
Carracher began playing with Mark Nicolaidis in 2022 and the pair immediately won their first International tournament. The partnership has since gone from strength to strength and now find themselves representing Australia in the Paris Olympics.
The Aussie pairing will start their Olympic campaign off at 11:00 p.m. on 27 July Sydney time. They play the Swedish pairing of Ahman and Hellvig in Pool A at the incredibly iconic and telegenic Eiffel Tower Centre Court.
They play two other pairings in Pool A — the Italian pairing Cottafava and Nicolai(5:00 p.m. Sydney time on 29 July), as well as the Qatari pairing Cherif and Ahmed(6:00 p.m. Sydney time on 1 August).
The venue at Champ de Mars beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower, has a capacity of 12,000 people and will no doubt bring some of the best imagery from this Olympic games.
Stan Sport will have a dedicated Beach Volleyball channel to watch every match live.
At just 23 years old, Faith Nathan is set to take centre stage as one of Australia’s top Rugby Sevens athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her rapid ascent in the sport is a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication.
Born in Manly and raised in Berkeley Vale, Nathan’s athletic journey began with touch football. Her natural abilities quickly shone through, earning her the NSW Touch Association Junior Female Player of the Year award for the 2017-18 season while playing for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
Nathan’s prowess on the field caught the attention of the Parramatta Eels, where she continued to hone her skills in 2019.
Photo credit: Faith Nathan/Instagram
Rugby excellence runs in the family, with Nathan’s uncle Drew having represented the Cook Islands at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Following in his footsteps, Faith made her debut for Australia in Rugby Sevens at the 2019 Dubai Sevens. Her impact was immediate, scoring three tries in the tournament as Australia reached the semi-finals undefeated.
Photo credit: Faith Nathan/Instagram
The global pandemic may have delayed Nathan’s Olympic dreams, but it couldn’t dampen her spirit. When the Tokyo Games finally arrived in 2021, she seized the opportunity with both hands. Nathan’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, scoring four tries in her Olympic debut as Australia secured a respectable fifth-place finish.
Photo credit: Faith Nathan/Instagram
Since then, Nathan has cemented her place as a key player in the Australian women’s sevens setup. Under the guidance of coach Tim Walsh, her game has continued to evolve. Her recent performances at the Hong Kong and Singapore tournaments in early 2024 earned her back-to-back selections for the tournament dream team, showcasing her world-class abilities.
As Paris 2024 approaches, all eyes will be on this young talent from Manly. With her explosive speed, scoring prowess, and growing experience on the international stage, Faith Nathan is poised to be a driving force in Australia’s quest for Olympic glory in Rugby Sevens.
Did you know that Manly athlete Izac Carracher and Mark Nicolaidis have just made history as the first Australian men’s beach volleyball team to qualify for the Olympics since Athens 2004?
Izac grew up in the Northern Beaches. He started his sporting journey with indoor volleyball but eventually was drawn to beach volleyball due to his love for the surf.
Despite showing promise as a tennis player during his teenage years, Izac gravitated towards volleyball while attending Sydney Grammar School. He played in the Australian Volleyball League with the Sydney Warriors in 2016 and 2017, representing Australia at the U17 and U19 levels.
In 2019, Izac spent a year at the University of Southern California as an outside hitter for the USC Trojans. Upon returning to Australia, he completed his education at the University of Sydney and began competing in beach volleyball alongside Queenslander Marcus Ferguson.
Izac’s career took a significant turn in 2022 when he teamed up with another Queenslander, Mark Nicolaidis. The duo quickly made a name for themselves by winning gold at their first international tournament, the Gold Coast Beach Pro Tour Futures event, with a decisive victory over Canadians Jake MacNeil and Alex Russell.
This success opened doors for them to compete in various international events, including a remarkable ninth-place finish at the 2022 World Championships in Rome.
Izac and Mark’s achievements have taken them around the globe, competing in countries such as France, Italy, the Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, Qatar, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, the US, and the UAE. Izac, a bachelor of commerce/bachelor of laws student at Sydney University, regards 2022 as a pivotal year in his career.
In 2023, Izac and Mark were selected to the Australian Olympic Team for Paris, making history as the first Australian men’s beach volleyball team to qualify for the Olympics since Athens 2004. The pair secured their spot after a dramatic performance at the Asian Continental Cup finals in China, where they came from behind to win crucial matches against Chinese opponents.
The pair will join the Australian Olympic team alongside other beach volleyball athletes, including Olympic silver medallists Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho del Solar. The team announcement was made by Australian Olympic Team Deputy Chef de Mission Bronwen Knox in Brisbane, where they are finalising their preparations before heading to Europe.
Izac credits his early volleyball experiences on Manly Beach for his current success. He acknowledges the competitive nature of the Australian domestic tour, which has been instrumental in preparing them for international challenges.
Reflecting on their journey, he emphasised the importance of mental toughness and the ability to perform under pressure.
Volleyball Australia CEO Andrew Dee praised the strong pair for their determination and resilience, highlighting the difficulty of qualifying for the Olympics. He noted that their journey over the past two and a half years culminated in high-stakes matches where they demonstrated true Australian grit.
The beach volleyball competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be held from Saturday 27 July to Saturday 10 August at the Eiffel Tower Stadium in Paris.
