Intro
Issue 2
Hey Manly (and the Northern Beaches!) — can you believe summer’s only a few weeks away? The days are getting longer, the ocean’s warming up, and yep… I won’t say the C-word just yet (Christmas), but it’s creeping up fast!
In this week’s issue:
- Manly’s face of fish and chips hangs up the apron
- A decade-long project finally kicks off
- The community reflects with heartfelt Remembrance Day ceremonies
- Award-winning breads and pastries straight to Manly.
- Plus — events, comedy, markets and more!
Let’s dive in 🌊
Nathan C
News
A cherished Manly fishmonger, Joe Alagich, retired after 61 years of serving the community. Locals shared fond memories of his friendly service and longstanding presence, marking the end of an era and a celebration of a valued local business. Some well wish from locals...
Sally wrote: Always a delight to know Joe was in the shop. Happy retirement & successful fishing!
Panda wrote: Wishing you a happy retirement Joe, you definitely had the best fish and chips. The smile still there!
And finally from Stewart: A legend in Manly for so many years, and great fish and chips!! wish you well.
⸻ Remembrance Day
The community came together for moving Remembrance Day ceremonies on November 11 at the Manly War Memorial and Manly Dam. The events honoured veterans with heartfelt tributes and strong attendance, reflecting deep local respect for service and history.
⸻ Centre of Excellence
Construction officially began on the long-awaited Manly Warringah Gymnastic Club’s Centre for Excellence, a project ten years in the making. This centre is set to become a major boost for local athletes and families, providing new facilities to the community and celebrating a milestone for grassroots sports.
⸻ Beach Monitoring
Significant state funding was confirmed to keep important beach pollution monitoring going, thanks to successful community advocacy. The news was welcomed as a victory for local environmental efforts and public health.
⸻ Local Artists
Local artists and creative groups have been active, with new exhibitions and community art events at venues like Curl Curl Creative Space and the Manly Art Gallery drawing support and participation from residents.
New Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridge
Northern Beaches Council is starting construction last week on a new pedestrian and cycling bridge over Manly Lagoon, linking Aitken Avenue to Hinkler Park in Queenscliff.
The bridge will offer a safer, wider alternative to the narrow path along Pittwater Road and improve connections for walkers and cyclists all the way to Brookvale and Manly. It’ll also make getting around locally easier, with better access to shops, schools, playgrounds, and other community spots.
Construction will start early-November 2025 and is expected to be complete by early 2026, weather permitting.
Northern Beaches Council Mayor, Sue Heins said,
“This new bridge is a significant step forward in our efforts to create a safer and more connected community.
Local Business
Wholegreen Bakery is coming to Manly!
Sydney’s beloved 100% gluten-free, Coeliac-accredited bakery is opening its newest store on the Northern Beaches, bringing its award-winning breads and pastries straight to Manly.
Founded in 2014 by Cherie Lyden, a former nutritionist turned baker, Wholegreen was born from a personal journey. After being diagnosed with hypothyroidism and latent coeliac disease — and discovering her youngest daughter also had coeliac and Hashimoto’s — Cherie set out to create gluten-free treats that taste just as good as the real thing.
We are a gluten-free bakery fiercely passionate about providing gluten-free food that is delicious and innovative. An offering that can be enjoyed by coeliacs and gluten-lovers alike. So good, you wouldn’t even know.
The new Manly store marks Wholegreen Bakery’s first North Shore location, serving up its gluten-free delights for takeaway seven days a week.
“The shop is small with limited seating,” Cherie says, “so I expect lots of takeaway. Luckily, there are plenty of spots to sit along The Corso — and the beach is just around the corner.”
Wholegreen Bakery
📍 Shop 7, 8-28 The Corso (next door to Coles Local)
🕛 Hours going forward: 6.30am–4pm Monday–Sunday
Local Small Business Spotlight: Manly Handyman Services
Run by local handyman Chris, Manly Handyman Services is a trusted name across Manly and the Northern Beaches for all things home repair and maintenance.
From small plumbing and painting jobs to carpentry, furniture assembly, and garden fixes, Chris tackles it all with skill and reliability.
Known for his clear communication, quick turnaround, and quality workmanship, Chris has built a loyal local following through word of mouth and repeat customers.
Whether it’s a minor repair or a bigger project you’ve been putting off, Manly Handyman Services makes home maintenance easy, affordable, and stress-free.
Phone : 0449 852 546
Food & Drink
Hidden Gem - Manly Eat-Well Chinese
Tucked away from the busy beachfront, Manly Eat-Well Chinese is a local favourite known for its fresh, authentic and healthy Chinese food.
This humble spot dishes up everything from classic stir-fries and dumplings to regional specialties—all cooked with less oil and salt but full of flavour.
Friendly staff, great service and a welcoming vibe make it a go-to for relaxed dinners. If you’re after genuine Chinese flavours with a lighter, wholesome twist, this hidden gem in Manly is well worth a visit.
📍 153 Pittwater Rd, Manly NSW 2095
🕛 5:30pm–4pm Tuesday–Sunday
Phone: (02) 9977 1757
Hungry, Manly?
Here are three tasty local deals to check out around Manly this weekend (Nov 14–16, 2025):
Garfish Manly Bottomless lunch every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm with endless pours of prosecco paired with your favourite dishes. Also, happy hour Monday to Saturday from 4pm to 6pm.
The Ivanhoe Hotel Friday all-day special: $12 wings and beer, plus $20 Parma & pint deal. Saturday afternoon: $20 Brisket or Pork Belly with beer, or both for $30. Members only deals apply.
Manly Leagues Club Friday to Sunday from 5pm, enjoy Spring Specials including a $20 & UNDER menu and $6.50 selected house beverages. These specials run until the end of November.
These specials offer delicious food and drinks with great value for a weekend meal or social outing in Manly. Bookings are recommended where possible.
Nightlife
Thursday, November 13
- Comedy Night with Canned Laughter, Bonsai Izakaya, Manly, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Free entry
- Trivia Night, The Beach Club, Collaroy, 7:30 PM start, Free entry, prizes worth $300+
Friday, November 14
- Live music: Tim Conlon, Harbord Diggers, Freshwater, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Free entry
- Big Night Out Pub Crawl | GLOW PARTY, Sydney CBD (nearby nightlife event), Evening, 8 hours, Ticket prices vary; booking required
- Celebration Mix (Band), The Beach Club, Manly, 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM, Free entry
Saturday, November 15
- Manly Crafts Market evening vibes (possible live music) Market times 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, some venues have night entertainment too
Friday, November 21
- Kings of Comedy’s Manly Showcase Special, Ivanhoe Hotel, Manly 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Ticket required (price not listed, booking recommended)
Markets
Upcoming Markets
These market events showcase the best local produce, crafts, food, and holiday shopping in the Northern Beaches over the coming days.
Friday, November 14
- Organic Food Market, Warriewood Pittwater Rd, Warriewood 1pm – 6pm
- The Beaches Market Rat Park, North Narrabeen 8am – 2pm
Saturday, November 15
- Manly Crafts Market, Sydney Rd Plaza, Manly, 9am – 5pm
Sunday, November 16
- Manly Fresh Produce Market, Sydney Rd & Short St Plaza, Manly, 8am – 2pm
- Manly Crafts Market, Sydney Rd Plaza, Manly, 9am – 5pm
- Berry Reserve Market, 1395 Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen, 9am – 3pm
- Mona Vale Market, Village Park, Mona Vale, 8am – 2pm
- Palm Beach Market, Governor Philip Park, Palm Beach, 9am – 3pm
- Elanora Heights Village Xmas Market, Kalang Rd, Elanora Heights, 3pm – 7:30pm (special event)
- FANS French Market, Killarney Heights Public School, 9am – 4pm (special event)
For the kids
Kids Aussie Animal Trail
November 21 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Explore the wonders of Australian wildlife with the free Kids Aussie Animal Trail at Q Station!
This exciting adventure invites young explorers and their families to wander through the beautiful grounds, following a trail that reveals a variety of fascinating animal figurines native to Australia.
Before you embark on your journey, be sure to pick up your handy trail printout from the Visitor Centre between 10:00am – 4:00pm, filled with fun facts and activities related to the animals you’ll encounter.
As you walk, you’ll have the opportunity to discover unique habitats and learn about the diverse species that call this area home. It’s a perfect way to connect with nature while enjoying a delightful outdoor experience!
Weather and Surf
Here is the 7-day surf and weather report for Manly Beach from November 13 to November 19, 2025:
Thursday, Nov 13: Surf: Wave height 2.5–3.5 ft, swell period 7–8 seconds, light offshore winds in the morning Weather: Mostly sunny, high 24°C, light breeze
Friday, Nov 14: Surf: Wave height 3–4 ft, swell period 7–9 seconds, mostly offshore winds Weather: Sunny, high 25°C, light winds
Saturday, Nov 15: Surf: Wave height 3–4.5 ft, swell period 7–9 seconds, light offshore winds Weather: Partly cloudy, high 23°C, mild breeze
Sunday, Nov 16: Surf: Wave height around 2–3 ft, swell period 6–8 seconds, mild cross-offshore winds Weather: Mostly sunny, high 24°C, gentle breeze
Monday, Nov 17: Surf: Wave height 2–3 ft, swell period 7–8 seconds, offshore winds expected Weather: Sunny intervals, high 25°C, light winds
Tuesday, Nov 18: Surf: Wave height 2–3.5 ft, swell period 7–9 seconds, gentle offshore winds Weather: Partly cloudy, high 24°C, mild breeze
Wednesday, Nov 19: Surf: Wave height 2.5–3.5 ft, swell period 7–9 seconds, light to moderate offshore winds Weather: Mostly sunny, high 25°C, light breeze
Overall, expect consistent small to moderate surf with mostly offshore winds, paired with warm, mostly sunny weather ideal for beach at Manly this week.
That's a wrap
Edition #2 of Manly Locals is in the books!
Another week of local stories, community highlights, and good vibes from the Northern Beaches. From heartfelt Remembrance Day moments to exciting new projects and local legends making a difference, there’s so much happening right here in our backyard.
Thanks for reading, sharing, and supporting Manly Locals — this newsletter is all about celebrating the people, places, and stories that make our community shine.
Have a tip, event, or story to share? I’d love to hear from you — just hit reply or drop me a message.
See you next week — enjoy the sunshine, support local, and catch you around Manly! 🌴
Nathan C
Editor,