Who Was Steve Manning?
Stephen (Steve) Edward Manning was born on the 23rd of July 1953. He was adopted by Edward & June Manning shortly after his birth, at which stage he took the Manning name. The Manning family lived in King Street, Dundas, NSW, where Steve grew up. He originally attended Marist Brothers Eastwood, however after a disagreement with the school went to Macquarie Boys High to finish his schooling.
Steve’s business career started with a job at the Post Master General (PMG). After a year in the role he attempted the HSC equivalent again, and with better results he applied for and got a role with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). While at the ATO Steve completed formal training as an accountant, which would serve him well as his business career took off. Throughout the 25 years he spent with the ATO, Steve moved through various departments collecting friends and contacts which would go on to assist him in his business career. He partnered with associates whom he started property developments with, finally resulting with the purchase of his first hotel, the Family Inn in Rydalmere.
While owning and operating the Hotel, Steve in conjunction with his cousin Christopher Bregenhoj established First Equity Partners, and accounting firm specialising in boutique transactions and taxation. With a small but successful client base, Steve expanded his business interests, buying into existing retail businesses, additional hotels and other property development opportunities. In 2002 Steve was appointed a Director of Network Limited a specialist out-of-home media company listed on the ASX. Steve was a director up until his death in 2004; Network has since changed its name to oOh! Media Group Limited, however each year give an annual Diamond award for those in the business who challenge themselves the most.
