An exciting new festival is coming to Manningham in 2025, celebrating our diverse community and unique local businesses.

The Manningham Asian Cultural Festival will be held on Sunday 9 March at Doncaster Reserve, next to the Jackson Court activity centre.

Manningham Council is a proud major sponsor of this new event, which was officially launched last week by the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse (ABAW).

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said Council was pleased to work with the association to bring such an exciting opportunity to Manningham.

“Manningham is a proud multicultural community. Forty-four per cent of our population is born overseas, coming from an incredible 99 different countries including China, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Vietnam,” Cr Diamante said.

“It’s events such as these that really bring us together to celebrate what makes our diverse community so special. 

"We thank the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse for bringing the festival to Manningham.

“This will also highlight our fantastic local traders at Jackson Court and is just one of the many ways Council is working to support businesses and build a strong local economy.”

The not-for-profit Asian Business Association of Whitehorse (ABAW) is a strong advocate for the Asian business community and is responsible for the highly successful Lunar New Year Festival in neighbouring Box Hill, which attracts more than 100,000 people every year.

It is anticipated the new Manningham festival will be a drawcard for up to 10,000 people and will feature cultural performances, street food and family friendly activities.

ABAW President Bihong Wang said, “The ABAW is thrilled to present the inaugural Manningham Asian Cultural Festival, a vibrant celebration of our shared multicultural values.

“Join us as we come together to embrace diversity, culture and community. We can’t wait to see everyone there,” she said.

President of the Jackson Court Traders Association, Con Valsamis, said the festival would be the biggest event held in the activity centre.

“Our association, along with all Jackson Court traders, are excited to be part of such a major event and have an incredible opportunity to showcase the offerings of our unique businesses.”