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Unexpected Turndown: Pink’s Manly Beach Misadventure

Global superstar Pink faced an embarrassing situation at Manly Skiff Club in the Northern Beaches when she was denied entry due to a lack of identification.

Witnesses reported that the singer, accompanied by a group of around eight people, had a reservation but was turned away at the door because she couldn’t provide an ID, as required by the Registered Clubs Act 1976.

Manly Market Manager Mark Eymes observed the awkward encounter as Pink attempted to enter the harbourside venue without proper identification. Despite explaining that she had made a booking and even secured it with a deposit, she was refused entry. Efforts to intervene by informing club directors and managers proved futile, and Pink and her group were ultimately asked to leave.

Although disappointed, Pink reportedly remained composed and did not display any diva behaviour. Mr Eymes mentioned that she handled the situation with grace, despite feeling upset about the denial.

Invitation to Sail: A Silver Lining

The club later expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and pledged to review their ID requirements to avoid similar incidents in the future.

In a statement, Matt Hazell, Secretary Manager of Manly Skiff Club, apologised for the misunderstanding and assured that they would learn from the incident to improve their processes.

Pink in Australia — *Photo Credit: Pink/Instagram*

The club also offered to take Pink for a sail on one of their skiffs, expressing regret for the misunderstanding and hoping to rectify the situation by showcasing their hospitality and the beauty of Sydney Harbour.

Pink, who is currently in Sydney for her Summer Carnival stadium tour, is set to continue her performances across Australia and New Zealand, accompanied by her husband Carey Hart and their two children, Willow and James.

Despite the hiccup at Manly Beach, Pink and her family have been making the most of their time in Australia, exploring popular tourist spots such as Bondi Beach and the Opera House.

Pink in Sydney — Photo Credit: Pink/Instagram

The singer has always cherished her connection with Australia, where she has achieved remarkable success throughout her career.

Published 16-Feb-2024

Tragic Honeymoon: Drowning at Manly’s Shelly Beach

What was supposed to be a blissful, romantic trip turned out to be a nightmare when a newlywed woman tragically lost her life while on her honeymoon at Shelly Beach in Manly.

Witnesses described how it initially appeared as if the 32-year-old woman, believed to be from South Korea, was snorkelling peacefully, blending in with other beachgoers enjoying the secluded shoreline.

After apparently encountering some trouble in the water and being brought to shore, onlookers frantically struggled to help save her life before emergency services arrived.

The husband watched in despair as first responders tried relentlessly to revive his wife. His heartbroken cries echoed across the beach, leaving everyone deeply affected.

Despite their valiant efforts, the rescuers faced challenges, including blood and foam coming from the victim’s mouth during CPR attempts.

Some locals raised concerns about the absence of lifeguards on the beach, emphasizing the need for full-time lifesavers to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The incident at Shelly Beach marks the 58th drowning death since the beginning of summer, according to the Summer Drowning Toll of Royal Life Saving Australia. The Summer Drowning Toll shows a worrying surge compared to the 46 reported cases from the previous year.

Authorities are preparing a report for the coroner to investigate the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident at Manly’s Shelley Beach.

Published 19-Jan-2024

Revitalising Manly Sea Life Sanctuary: A New Chapter Begins

Manly Beach is set to witness a significant transformation as the derelict Manly Sea Life Sanctuary, closed and abandoned since 2018, gets redeveloped.

Preliminary work, which started this December 2023, includes site investigations in the water, around the existing boardwalk, and inside the old aquarium building.

The New South Wales (NSW) Government owns the site and intends to demolish the old aquarium building.

The plan is to expand the existing promenade at the end of West Esplanade, making room for outdoor dining, seating, and recreational uses. The redevelopment will reconnect the historic Swimmers Pavilion and other heritage buildings with the beach.

The project also aims to enhance the Manly Cove area, offering new opportunities for recreation and dining while preserving the area’s heritage.

Manly Sea Life Sanctuary — *Photo Credit: Lisa Tang/Google Maps*

Part of the preliminary work also involves concrete core drilling and sea level studies to understand the impact on the Manly West Esplanade beach after the aquarium’s demolition. This process might be noisy but measures will be taken to reduce noise and dust.

During the redevelopment, the Manly Sea Life Santuary site will be inaccessible with temporary fencing and shade cloth mesh.

The community eagerly anticipates the revitalisation of this once-popular location, promising a refreshing change to the Manly Beach landscape. Recently, the site has been targeted by vandals and so-called “urban explorers”, prompting Transport for NSW to hire private security guards. Locals have also expressed concerns about anti-social behaviour and safety risks.

For more detailed information, visit the Transport for NSW website.

Community Input Needed for the Future of North Steyne Surf Club in Manly

A comprehensive public consultation process has been launched in a bid to secure the future of the iconic North Steyne Surf Club, which has stood proudly on Manly’s sandy shores since 1907.

The initiative comes as part of the Northern Beaches Council’s commitment to ensure and sustain the surf club’s enduring role as a vital surf life-saving institution. Its expansion into a versatile public space must also align with the evolving needs of the community.

Impeccable Safety Record

The historic significance of North Steyne Surf Club dates back to its formation in response to a tragic incident in 1907 when three individuals lost their lives to the unforgiving surf. Locals came together to establish the club, which has since achieved a remarkable record of zero lives lost during patrol hours for over a century.

Amidst the unfortunate statistics of beach drownings in Australia, the surf club’s impeccable safety record stands as a shining example of dedication and community service.

Now, the Northern Beaches Council invites the public to contribute their perspectives and ideas to ensure the preservation of this heritage-listed building while addressing coastal hazards and enhancing its public function.

Balancing Heritage and Coastal Hazards

Council officials have underlined the importance of striking a delicate balance between preserving the building’s heritage significance and mitigating the coastal hazards it faces. Situated seaward of the seawall, the building is susceptible to erosion, recession, and inundation hazards, particularly as sea levels continue to rise.

Furthermore, any proposed upgrades must carefully consider their potential impact on the promenade and nearby residents, including any possible view loss.

The club has put forward a conceptual proposal for improvements, which includes the use of attic space, extensions to both the north and south balconies, the enclosure of the north terrace, and the creation of a new enclosed south terrace. Additionally, plans include the provision of equitable DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) access from the Promenade to the primary building entry and reconfiguration of internal spaces and circulation to enhance access from the beach.

Community Involvement

As it currently stands, the project is without funding. Potential sources of financial support may come from Federal and State government grants, as well as future allocations from the Council’s budget. The project is anticipated to be a multi-year endeavour, encompassing various stages such as inception, planning, design, funding, construction, and post-completion, all of which hinge on securing the necessary funding.

To actively encourage community involvement, Northern Beaches Council has established a dedicated project page where residents can access additional information, share their thoughts, and participate in a brief 2-minute survey. Public input is deemed invaluable in shaping the future of this cherished institution and iconic landmark.

PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY

Moreover, Council staff will be available for face-to-face interactions during drop-in sessions at North Steyne Surf Club on Wednesday, 11 Oct 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, 21 Oct 2023, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

The consultation period is open until Sunday, 29 Oct 2023. Residents are also invited to express their views by sending an email to council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au or writing to Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655, marked “North Steyne Surf Club Masterplan.”

Published 9-Oct-2023

Manly Jazz Festival Kicks Off at the Manly Art Gallery & Museum

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council / northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

The Manly Art Gallery & Museum will host a special Opening Party to kickstart the Manly Jazz Festival’s 46th year, featuring James Valentine’s Upbeat and Amanda Suwondo.

The Manly Jazz Festival returns for its 46th year and every jazz aficionado will once again be swinging, toe-tapping and finger-snapping to the sultry melodies and harmonies as more than 50 renowned artists will be performing across four stages during this three-day festival.

MAG&M’s Opening Party to Kick off Manly Jazz Festival

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council / northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

On the 22nd of September, the Manly Art Gallery & Museum will be raising the curtains for a electrifying experience with UPBEAT featuring James Valentine, as he and his all-star band deliver hot jazz, his signature storytelling, and soulful melodies from the ’60s to the present day.

Whilst Mr Valentine has built a formidable career as a presenter, author, speaker, and the voice behind ABC 702 + Jazzman, his career dates back to the golden era of Aussie pub rock. He has lent his talent as an in-demand session and touring musician for notable artists including James Valentine’s Upbeat

This special double-bill event will also feature pianist Amanda Suwondo and her trio. Amanda Suwondo’s performance will showcase smoky vocal harmonies, distinctive improvisations, and original compositions, drawing inspiration from her Indonesian heritage and pop and R&B influences.

Here’s the program rundown for the evening:

5:00 pm: Doors open
5:30 pm: Amanda Suwondo Trio takes the stage
6:30 pm: James Valentine’s UPBEAT delivers a 60-minute set

Note: Tickets are strictly limited.The evening will also include light refreshments and wine courtesy of Little Ripples, the event sponsor for MAG&M.

The event will take place on 22 September 2023 at the Manly Art Gallery & Museum, 1a West Esplanade, Manly.

Book your seat for the Manly Jazz Opening Party here.

Visit this page for a list of Manly Jazz official venues.

Published 2-September-2023

Boardrider Backpacker Manly Enters Market for Potential Transformation

Photo Credit: CBRE Hotels / cbre.com.au

Strategically positioned at the midpoint between the pristine beachfront and the bustling Manly Wharf, Boardrider Backpacker Manly is considered a trophy location, with the potential to be repositioned as a haven for ‘flashpackers’ or a boutique hotel.

The expansive 1,158 square metres property is being offered on the market as a going concern. This arrangement grants prospective owners a notable degree of versatility in their envisioned pursuits.

Boardrider Backpacker Manly offers a diverse selection of 28 spacious accommodation rooms, enough to take in up to 120 occupants.

The assortment of lodgings encompasses four and six-bed mixed and female dormitories, private double rooms, luxurious private accommodations, and even a two-bedroom serviced apartment.

Many of these lodgings feature Juliette balconies, from which occupants may enjoy captivating vistas of the renowned Manly Beach. Moreover, the property features communal areas, a guest reception zone, a coffee establishment, a kitchen and a rooftop terrace.

Distinguished entrepreneur Peter Skerrett’s private family office, Invergowrie Properties, has engaged the services of Hayley Manvell and Raymond Tran from CBRE Hotels to spearhead the sale of the Boardrider Backpacker Manly.

Hayley Manvell, Director at CBRE Hotels, said that with its great location, the Boardrider property has the potential to be transformed into a sophisticated haven catering to the “flashpacker” demographic or an upscale boutique hotel.

“Flashpackers,” she said, bridges the gap between budget-conscious backpacker accommodations and luxury hotels. They tend to have more disposable means than conventional backpackers, exhibit a preference for lengthy trips and frequently combine work obligations with leisure activities.

Such modification would cater to travellers who seek an enriched experience with expansive social areas, co-working domains, and a range of culinary and beverage options.

Additionally, the property’s zoning configuration and existing developmental approval add prospects for repurposing as the site could be converted into a collection of luxurious one and two-bedroom residences, ranging in size from 52 square metres to 101 square metres, complemented by ground-level retail establishments.

The property is currently being sold through an Expressions of Interest campaign which closes on Thursday, 07 September 2023 at 1 pm (unless sold prior).

Published 9-August-2023

Legacy Recognised for Manly WWI Heroine Ellen Wharton-Kirke

Photo Credit: Public Domain/Raw Pixel

Did you know that “Australia Day” was once commemorated on 30th July 1915 because of a Manly World War I heroine, Ellen Wharton-Kirke MBE?

In a heartfelt tribute to an often-overlooked figure from history, a commemorative morning tea was held on in her honour on Sunday, 30 July 2023, at the office of James Griffin, Member for Manly.

The event was organised by members of Australia Remembers — Northern Beaches and North Shore Committee, which unveiled a striking bronze plaque for Ellen, a woman whose extraordinary efforts during World War I left an indelible mark on the nation.

To honour her legacy, a bronze commemorative plaque was officially unveiled at the office of Mr Griffin in 2023 in the presence of esteemed individuals such as Chris Ballantyne, Secretary of Dee Why RSL sub-Branch, Jean Hay AM, former Mayor of Manly and member of the Australia Remembers — Northern Beaches and North Shore Committee, and retired Colonel John Platt CSC, Chair of the committee.

The placement of the plaque is currently under discussion with the Northern Beaches Council, with a potential spot slated at Belgrave Street, in front of the iconic 1937 heritage-listed Manly Town Hall. The Dee Why RSL sub-Branch generously funded the cost of the plaque.

Who Was Ellen Wharton-Kirke?

Ellen, a mother of five who was originally from Queensland, was a woman of immense determination and compassion. As the Great War swept across Europe from 1914 to 1918, she watched in dismay as soldiers, including her own son Basil, returned home wounded and in need of care. Ellen was spurred into action, launching a campaign known as the “Australia Day Fund” to raise money for the wounded soldiers’ welfare.

Spurred by the enlistment of her four sons, Ellen suggested the concept of an Australia Day to Sir Charles Wade, then the Premier of New South Wales. Having observed the generosity of Australians during previous fundraising endeavours, Ellen recognised the potential of this initiative.

She aimed to harness the pride of the Australian populace in the recent achievements of their soldiers at Gallipoli. The 30th of July 1915 was designated as the chosen date, and events were orchestrated nationwide. An array of items, including ribbons, badges, handkerchiefs, buttons, and the featured matchbox, were sold to raise funds.

Catchphrases like “For Australia’s Heroes” or “Help Our Wounded Heroes” and “The Turks Struck their Match in the Australians” appealed to people’s deep sense of patriotism and pride.

Remarkably, from a population of slightly under five million, the day garnered over £311,500 in Victoria and more than £839,500 in New South Wales. In today’s currency, those figures would be worth over $125 million.

For her tireless dedication to the cause, Ellen was awarded the Australia Day gold commemorative Gallipoli medal by the Citizens of Sydney. This medalet, one of only four ever struck in solid gold, paid tribute to her selfless philanthropy.

Additionally, she received a King’s Royal Jubilee medal and, in the 1936 New Year Honours List, was appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).

She died at the age of 79 in New South Wales in 1945. A memorial in her name can be found in the sanctuary of the Mary Immaculate Church in Manly.

Published 9-Aug-2023

Manly Beach to Host First-Ever Beach Clean-Up Olympics in Australia

Get ready for the most thrilling and earth-friendly competition ever as Manly Beach proudly announces the hosting of the first-ever Beach Clean-Up Olympics, the SPOGOMI World Cup 2023!

This revolutionary sport is all about picking up rubbish, and it’s set to make history at the iconic site in Sydney on 26 Aug 2023.

Marine litter has become a pressing global issue with approximately 80% of it originating from cities. The SPOGOMI Beach Clean-Up Olympics aims to not only tackle this problem but also raise awareness within communities about the importance of keeping our beaches and oceans clean.

SPOGOMI, an abbreviation for “Sport Gomihiroi (picking up trash),” was initially invented in 2008 by Mamitsuka Kenichi from the Social Sports Initiative. Over the years, this innovative sport has grown into a global competition, attracting participants from around the world. Its goal is to create a proactive approach and a global movement that transcends national and generational boundaries, ultimately reducing litter that ends up in our oceans.

During the event, teams will compete against each other to earn points based on the amount and type of rubbish collected within a designated area and a set time limit. The winning team will be granted a prestigious invitation and sponsorship to fly to Japan, where they will represent Australia at the SPOGOMI Olympics in November 2023.

APPLY TO PARTICIPATE

“Our meditation community is regularly engaged in cleaning up our beaches and parks, so we are very excited to be part of this event,” Jason Partington, co-host and the founder of MeditationHQ, expresses his excitement about bringing the world competition to Australian shores.

The event promises to be star-studded, with the presence of well-known personalities like Layne Beachley, the 7-time world surf champion, and Takeshi Mastuda, the Japanese Olympian Swimmer. These inspiring figures will share a few words of encouragement and announce the victorious team, marking a historic moment in the fight against marine pollution.

“It’s amazing to see so much support of this important initiative not only by the local council and community but also by well-known role models who truly care about our ocean,” Franziska Iseli, co-host and the founder of Oceanlovers and Basic Bananas, emphasized the importance of the initiative and the support it has garnered.

For more about this event, visit the official SPOGOMI Olympics site.

Published 2-Aug-2023

Sydney’s Historic Manly Wharf Sold for $80 Million to Brisbane Investors

Manly Wharf, a historic landmark in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, has been sold to the owners of Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves (HSW) in a deal worth $80 million.

The sale was facilitated by TMG Developments and the negotiations were conducted by Simon Rooney and James Douglas from CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate and investment firm.

Manly Wharf, originally built in 1855 as a passenger terminal for the Sydney to Manly Ferry, has undergone a transformation in recent years and has become a popular hospitality destination. It is home to several well-known venues, including Queen Chow, Hugos, and the Manly Wharf Hotel.

Adam Flaskas and Paul Henry, the founders and directors of HSW, have a track record of revitalising historic sites. They successfully transformed the heritage-listed Howard Smith Wharves into a thriving entertainment and cultural precinct, featuring restaurants, cafes, bars, event spaces, a hotel, and the award-winning Felons Brewery.

Mr Flaskas expressed his excitement about becoming the new custodians of Manly Wharf, emphasizing the site’s rich history and iconic status. He stated that their goal is to breathe new life into the venue and create a place where the harbor meets the beach.

Mr Henry, a Sydney native, shared his fond memories of Manly and expressed his enthusiasm for the HSW team’s plans to respect the site’s history and cater to the local community and visitors.

As part of the deal, HSW also acquired the Manly Wharf Hotel business from Ben May. Mr Flaskas highlighted their commitment to staff retention and sustainability during the transition. They aim to focus on achieving landfill diversion and have already achieved a remarkable 95% landfill diversion at Howard Smith Wharves.

Former owner Robert Magid of TMG Developments reflected on the sale with fondness, describing it as one of their early property purchases. He expressed delight in selling to a group with a focused, imaginative, and competent team, and he is confident that HSW will take Manly Wharf to an international stage.

Published 6-July-2023

Northern Beaches Highway Patrol Targets E-Bike Riders in Manly Corso Crackdown

The Northern Beaches Highway Patrol initiated a targeted enforcement operation focusing on e-bike riders within Sydney’s northern beaches region, starting off with the bustling Manly Corso in May 2023.

Read: New Traffic Measures in Manly Criticised Despite Aim for Pedestrian Safety

The primary objective of the operation at the Manly Corso is to enhance public awareness regarding the traffic regulations associated with e-scooters, e-bikes, and pedestrian safety.

E-bikes are gaining immense popularity and are increasingly prevalent on the roads. These bicycles, equipped with rechargeable batteries, offer electric assistance whilst pedalling, making uphill rides and everyday journeys significantly more manageable.

In NSW, there are two types of permitted e-bikes: power-assisted pedal cycles and electrically power-assisted cycles. Individuals operating these e-bikes are subject to the same safety protocols as conventional bicycle riders, which include wearing securely fitted helmets.

Although certain e-bikes can achieve speeds of up to 100 km/h, there is a speed restriction of 25 km/h for e-bikes during regular travel. E-bikes may only exceed this limit when travelling downhill.

Transport for NSW acknowledges that bicycles that meet the necessary criteria for permitted e-bikes are allowed to be used on public roads and road-related areas.

Just like regular bicycles, personal e-bikes do not require a licence, but riders utilising public or rideshare e-bikes must be at least 14 years old.

The usage of all petrol-powered bicycles is prohibited on roads and road-related areas in NSW, including footpaths, shared paths, cycle ways, and cycle paths.

This restriction encompasses bicycles with petrol-powered engines that are either attached before or after purchase, as well as those powered by other forms of internal combustion engines.

Read: Locals Not Happy With Recommendations To Scrap Manly’s Free Bus Service

The Northern Beaches Highway Patrol have planned to carry out this operation from May to July 2023.

Published 19-May-2023