Image courtesy of Wendy Klein
On New Years Eve, 10,000 plus of the Wynnum Manly Community came to the Manly Foreshore to celebrate the passing of the 2018 year and to welcome 2019. The foreshore from Darling Point to Devonport Drive Beach was populated with families and couples, picnic tables and camp chairs, rugs and eskies. It was an endorsement of people’s commitment to their local area and the natural beauty of the Bay. Resisting the hype of the mega presentation being put on in the Brisbane CBD, locals preferred to stay local and enjoyed their own community.
The 2,000 young and old that packed Little Bayside Park sang along to all the ABBA hit songs as they watched the original Mamma Mia movie. As the movie ended, the count down for the family friendly 9pm fireworks started. The spectacle was fired from the end of the northern arm of the Harbour entrance wall. Great viewing from Darling Point, Rose Bay, MBTBC, Tide Wine Bar, William Gunn Jetty, The Royal Esplanade Harbour wall, RQYS, Devonport Drive beach and all the houses on the Manly Hill.
A few of the social media comments:
“I have lived in Manly for six years, best event so far.” Billy J.
“Brilliant night. Fantastic atmosphere.” Alan S.
“It was awesome. Thanks for the organization.” Lindsay J.
This performance was followed by a repeat at midnight for the stayers and players. There were still significant numbers on the foreshore for the first sunrise of 2019. What a night.
It was great to see so many family and friends support this local endeavor. The investment for this community event was funded by the traders of Manly Harbour Village as a thank you to the Manly community for its support through the year. The Manly Harbour Village Chamber of Commerce will continue bringing activities to Manly Village in 2019 with the aim of increasing our sense of community cohesion and vitality.
A special thank you to Joan Pease MP and Cr Peter Cumming for assisting with cutting through the inevitable red tape to obtain the required permits.
Manly Harbour Village- A world away from the everyday!
