Manly Harbour Village president David Farley steps down after 35 years in the role

The man responsible for transforming a waterfront village into one of Brisbane’s ritziest suburbs has stepped down. See who his replacement is.

It used to be a quiet bayside village that most considered one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets.

But almost 40 years later, Manly has transformed into a “world-class” leisure precinct, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Queensland each year and also being considered one of the city’s ritziest suburbs.

And the man responsible for that transformation, Manly Harbour Village Chamber of Commerce president David Farley, has moved on after stepping down from his position after 35 years.

David Farley, from Manly Harbour Village. Picture: Peter Cronin

Mr Farley’s tenure finished Thursday, which was also his 78th birthday.

He has been replaced by Peta Prestidge, general manager of The Consortium Queensland, the team behind The Arsonist and Tide on the Jetty restaurants

“At 78, it’s time to encourage younger hands to step up. Peta Prestige will do a great job and keep the momentum going,” he said.

“It has been satisfying to see Manly develop as a world-class leisure precinct.

David Farley, Floranel Budziosz and Sandy McDonald at Manly’s William Gunn Jetty. Picture: Richard Walker

“But all times it has been a team effort and the team continues.”

During his time as president, Mr Farley has overseen one of the most popular suburban retail precincts with ‘for lease’ signs rarely seen in the Manly Harbour Village.

Manly has also become a hub for activity and events such as the Manly Halloween Street Party, several longstanding markets and more.

David Farley of the Manly Chamber of Commerce at the heart of Cambridge Parade in 2010.

The suburb has turned into a top destination for high-end restaurant operators as well as developers coming to the area.

“I think the turning points for Manly have been the commencement of the Manly Creative Markets, Brisbane’s longest running market, the Jan Powers Farmers Market and seeing Manly attract top end restaurant operators.

New Manly Harbour Village Chamber of Commerce president Peta Prestidge.

“Some other highlights I think include developing the vision of the Moreton Bay Discovery Centre incorporating Tide on the Jetty, Wynnum Manly Visitor Information Centre and the Moreton Bay Discovery Museum, a world-class facility sharing the wonders of Moreton Bay.

“Manly Harbour Village has developed into a unique, appealing harbour side precinct.

“There are a number of exciting ways to further develop the Manly community as it looks forward to presenting Manly as the 2032 Olympic sailing venue.