The Manningham Community Panel’s deliberations have begun, with local voices steering the way to a thriving future for Manningham.

Through a series of externally facilitated discussions and learning sessions, panel members will deliberate for over 40 hours. They will determine key priorities for the community and provide a list of recommendations to Manningham Council.

This dynamic and community-driven process will play a crucial role in ensuring that Council’s strategic plans reflect local needs, values and aspirations.

The panel recruitment started with 8,000 envelopes sent randomly to local households. Of those who accepted the invitation, a second random draw resulted in the final 40 individuals chosen.

This second draw was stratified to ensure people selected were representative of Manningham by age, gender, location, living situation and the language spoken at home.

Residents, businesses and community organisations have also contributed to the panel’s work in several ways.

In the Plan Manningham 2025+ survey (between May and July 2024), community provided their top three priority areas for Council to focus its resources for the next four years.

Council also hosted a series of ‘Targeted conversations’. These small group discussions invited people with similar backgrounds or interests together to discuss detailed information around topics that affect their needs and priorities.

Community could also share ideas on how to improve Council services through ‘Individual submissions’.

Council has committed to an open, transparent and rigorous process that puts community interests at the forefront. Community are invited to listen and watch the deliberations.

You can register to be an Observer for any of the panel sessions. Each registration segment is 90 minutes. Registration will ensure you get a spot, however you can also register upon arrival.

The final four panel sessions will be held between November 2024 and February 2025.

Find out more and stay up to date at Your Say Manningham.