Latest news with #AmandaButler
7NEWS
04-07-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Queenslander gets luxe makeover - two years in the making
A humble, unrenovated Queenslander that has been transformed into an impressive family entertainer in Brisbane's inner north has been listed for sale, less than two years after the stunning renovation was completed. A collaboration between MP3 Design, Bretherton Builders and the current owners, the spectacular six-bedroom, five-bathroom home at 38 Bonney Avenue, Clayfield, took two years to build. The owners bought the home in June 2021 for $2 million before undertaking the luxurious makeover. "It was a lovely collaboration. They worked really closely to achieve this incredible outcome together," said listing agent Amanda Butler from Butler & Co Estate Agents. Butler said the owners have been living in the home since it was completed in September 2023. The resort-style Queenslander features a 17-metre magnesium pool with infinity edge and a pool house equipped with a commercial-style bar, perfect for a game of pool or for watching multiple sports at any one time on a big screen TV. Other highlights include an acoustically advanced, gold class-style theatre and a temperature-controlled cellar, which seats 10 and accommodates 3,500 bottles, immaculately finished with specially designed French oak lighting and flooring. However, Butler says the house's biggest drawcard is that despite its size, bespoke design and luxurious finishes, it still feels like a home. "Whilst it is beautifully appointed, it still has this warmth and character. It feels like a home," she says. "I also love that they have put most of the bedrooms upstairs and focussed on open living spaces downstairs to create this continuous flow out to the garden, so that you have this real indoors-outdoors living," Butler adds. While the home is located just seven kilometres from Brisbane's CBD, Butler says once inside the gated entrance, which features striking timber, natural stone, and archways to mirror the home's interior, you could be a world away from a thriving capital city. "It is so private and quiet inside that you're not even aware of what's happening outside. It's like you're inside your own haven and yet there is transport on your doorstep, and you can even walk into the city if you want," she says. Butler says the current owners enjoyed the renovation project so much they plan to do it again. "They created this beautiful family home and now their kids have grown up and left home. "They loved the whole process and so they are now looking for their next opportunity," Butler says. The home is open for private inspections and Butler & Co Estate Agents will host their first open for inspection on Saturday, July 5 from 4.30-5pm.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Major shortage sees critical road cost hiked across Australia: 'Prices likely to stay high'
With automatic cars now dominating Australian roads, manual driving instructors are getting harder to find — and pricier by the hour. As the popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles grows, manufacturers are increasingly moving away from the stick. While most drivers across the country opt to learn to drive in automatics, manuals are still common in trades, agriculture, and regional settings — including among drivers of utes, trucks, and older fleet vehicles in particular. Some say it gives them more control behind the wheel, others argue it keeps their car-buying options more open, and many just prefer the experience. Does a shrinking pool of manual-licensed drivers make it harder for businesses to find suitable staff? Potentially, yes. Experts warn that as lesson prices climb and access to instructors dwindles, it could deter learners who might otherwise pursue the skill, leaving fewer people qualified to drive manual vehicles. Speaking to Yahoo News, auto expert Amanda Butler pointed to data that shows manual lessons are not only becoming more expensive but also harder to access. "This combination of cost and availability could certainly be influencing learner preferences. While some still seek the added flexibility of a manual licence, rising prices — especially in cities like Adelaide — may be a deterrent, particularly for younger Australians or those on tighter budgets," she said. Butler, of driving school EzLicence, said the company's latest analysis found that Adelaide is by far the most expensive city for manual learners, with an average hourly lesson rate of $271.20 — more than double that of the second-most expensive city, Canberra, at $92.90. Newcastle ($89.20) followed, with Sydney ($87.70) trailing behind, and Geelong ($87.50) rounding out the top five. The data also revealed that learning to drive a manual is now more expensive than automatic, marking a reversal from the previous year. In 2023–24, manual lessons averaged $77.65, slightly cheaper than automatic at $80.16. But by 2024–25, manual prices had jumped to $83.87, while automatic lessons saw only a modest increase to $80.61. Automatic learners still copped price hikes, with Adelaide topping the charts at $112.93 per lesson, according to the data. Wollongong ($84.52) and Canberra ($84.32) followed close behind. On the more affordable end, Bendigo offered the cheapest automatic lessons at $74.79, with Hobart ($76.17) and Sydney ($77.81) also below the national average. "While automatics are becoming more common, manual licensing still has a place, especially in regional areas or certain industries where manual cars remain prevalent," Butler said. "Learners will ideally continue to have the freedom to choose what suits them best, whether that's manual or automatic. It makes sense to keep encouraging them where there's demand. But we also need to think about the supply side. 💡 Aussie roads dark for months as sinister $100 million trend escalates 🚘 Push for major road rule change affecting hundreds of thousands 🛞 Major road rule changes coming into effect on July 1 "Without enough qualified instructors offering manual lessons, prices are likely to stay high, and accessibility will remain limited. Supporting instructors to continue teaching manual, whether through incentives or easing operational costs, could help keep this option viable in the years ahead." Overall, South Australia emerged as the most expensive state for manual licence instructors, with lesson prices rising 10.7 per cent since 2023. Tasmania remains the most affordable, averaging $76.17 per hour. On the cheaper end, Wollongong topped the list, with manual lessons averaging just $75.90 per hour, followed by Bendigo ($76.10), the Gold Coast ($78.90), Perth ($81.90), and Cairns ($83.20). Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
All the photos as creativity, good humour, and excellence is celebrated by CBS New Ross students
Both teachers, Mr John Halligan and Ms Eleanor Tighe, coordinated the awards programme with great care and attention, while the smooth running of the event on the day was ensured by organisational expertise of Ms Amanda Butler, Ms Mag Rowe and Mr Jim Kavanagh. The Principal of the school, Ms Sarah Rice extended 'special congratulations to three major award winners' on the night. Ellie O'Connell was recognised for her 'outstanding sporting talent and commitment', being crowned the Sports Person of the Year; Head Girl, Niamh Doyle Maher, was presented with the Sixth Year Academic Award as her 'exceptional academic performance and leadership were rightly celebrated'; and Aidan Douglas was presented with the Edmund Rice Spirit Award 'for living out the values of compassion, service and integrity at the heart of our Edmund Rice tradition.' Another special mention and presentation was made to Sean Royce on receiving the LCA 1 Student of the Year Award, which recognises a student who has 'demonstrated outstanding commitment, growth and excellence' throughout the Fifth Year Leaving Certificate Applied programme. The Transition Year students were also celebrated on the night, commemorating 'a year of growth, experience and leadership,' according to Ms Rice. 'Our Transition Year students marked the conclusion of a dynamic and memorable year at their Graduation Ceremony. The event reflected the breadth of experiences undertaken by the TYs, and the personal growth they each achieved along the way,' she continued. The programme was led 'with great energy and vision' by Ms Aoife Codd, TY Coordinator, along with Ms Amanda Butler, TY Year Head, whose 'dedication and support ensured a rich and varied TY programme'. The two standout awardees from TY are Hannchen Van Der Merwe, for the Leadership Award as she was recognised for her 'initiative, maturity and positive influence among her peers'; and Logan Venn Keane upon winning the TY Spirit Award, 'whose enthusiasm, creativity and good humour embodied the true spirit of Transition Year.' 'We are proud of all our TY students and look forward to seeing what they go on to achieve in the Senior Cycle and beyond,' concluded Ms Rice.
