POSTPONED: Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for later in the year.

Disability Sports Australia and Manningham Council invite children living with disabilities to our free Variety Abilities Unleashed Kids event. 

Proudly supported by Variety Victoria - The Children's Charity and Matchworks, this multi-sport come and try day marks the initial steps in the active journey of children living with disabilities.

Each event enables and empowers participants to discover local active opportunities within a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. 

Participants will be split into smaller groups upon registration. After a welcome at 10.00am, they will rotate across 4 to 6 stations. These activities will consist of modified  sport and active recreation with the use of adaptive equipment to suit the participants. The stations will be facilitated by specialised coaches with the support of students and community organisations.

Places are expected to fill quickly, register today!

Join us for an exclusive after-hours event celebrating the captivating exhibition I Fall to Pieces as we explore artworks by Naarm based First Nations artists Matthew Harris and Nicholas Currie. 

Drop in anytime between 4.00pm to 8.00pm.

• hear from our Mayor Cr Carli Lange and Nicholas Currie at 5.00pm and meet the artists.
• dive into themes of mental health and healing through painting and sculpture
• enjoy curated music by Dr Suzi Hutchings, Arrernte Nation 
• sample delicious food by Mabu Mabu

To find out more about this exhibition, visit I Fall to Pieces or for information on the event email gallery@manningham.vic.gov.au or call (03) 9840 9367.

No bookings required. This is a free public event. 

Image credit: Matthew Harris, Bad Vibes, 2022, rose quartz and mixed media, 140 x 120 x 60 cm. Photo by Christian Capurro.

Do you want to learn to skate but don’t know where to start?

Come along to an All Aboard skateboarding session to learn skate skill basics and build confidence in a fun and inclusive environment! 

What you'll learn

You’ll learn about skate skill development, injury prevention, skate park etiquette, equipment maintenance and lots more.

Workshops are led by experienced instructors focusing on building skills in a fun and social environment.

Who can attend

All Aboard skate sessions are open to school-aged children and young people of all genders and abilities. No prior experience is needed.

Come to as many or as few workshops as you like. 

What to bring

Nothing! Skateboards, helmets and padding are all provided. If you have your own equipment and prefer to use that, you can bring it along.

Registrations are required.

These workshops are made possible thanks to Victorian Skateboard Association, and a Manningham Community Partnership Grant.

Do you want to learn to skate but don’t know where to start?

Come along to an All Aboard skateboarding session to learn skate skill basics and build confidence in a fun and inclusive environment! 

What you'll learn

You’ll learn about skate skill development, injury prevention, skate park etiquette, equipment maintenance and lots more.

Workshops are led by experienced instructors focusing on building skills in a fun and social environment.

Who can attend

All Aboard skate sessions are open to school-aged children and young people of all genders and abilities. No prior experience is needed.

Come to as many or as few workshops as you like. 

What to bring

Nothing! Skateboards, helmets and padding are all provided. If you have your own equipment and prefer to use that, you can bring it along.

Registration is recommended but not essential.

These are the sessions for Lawford Reserve Skate Park. Looking for something closer to home? More locations are listed below.

These workshops are made possible thanks to Victorian Skateboard Association and a Manningham Community Partnership Grant.

Manningham City Council has partnered with Richmond Institute to deliver Mental Health First Aid training to volunteers of Manningham sport and recreation clubs.

Using practical, evidence-based action plan, this mental health first aid (MHFA) course equips people with the knowledge and skills to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, and assist someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

This opportunity is available for two people per club.

The Blended Face to Face course is made up of two components:

1. eLearning online modules (3-4 hours completed prior to workshop)
2. Face-to-face workshop (4 hours)

It is strongly encouraged to have completed the e-Learning modules prior to the face-to-face session as this session will present scenarios and activities that apply these learnings.

Topics include:

• Mental Health in the Community
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Psychosis
• Substance use

To register, speak to your club and then get in touch with our Recreation Participation Officer.

Modern all-electric homes use clean energy and have lower energy bills. They can also be more comfortable and healthy to live in.

Solar Savers is a local government initiative set up to help you electrify your home simply with quality appliances.

Join us at this in person session with the Solar Savers installer Specialized Solar and Electrical. Learn how modern efficient electric hot water, heating and cooling systems work and how you can power them with a home solar and battery system.

Hear how Solar Savers can make your home upgrades easy by providing free support, advice and a trusted supplier. The session will cover quality products on offer, Council subsidies and other rebates available to residents, and much more.

This event is part of our Inspired Living Series. This series showcases an exciting range of fun and sustainable activities and events for all ages, supporting sustainability at home, in the community and at work. 

Registration is essential. 

Skate Park Leagues (SPL) is coming to Warrandyte! Locals will battle it out in the skate, scoot and BMX competitions to decide the winner. 

Athletes can compete to be crowned the winner of not only Warrandyte, but also the Victorian Melbourne Metro. Points from each round accumulate throughout the year to decide the best of 2023.

Entry is free and people of all ages and abilities can have a go.

Those still finding their feet get the opportunity to have a go, improve skills and confidence and interact with the pros.

Prizes will be raffled off between competitors so everyone has a chance at taking something home.

Event schedule:

• Scoot - 11.00am
• BMX - 12.30pm
• Skate - 1.30pm

SPL competitions give the community the opportunity to come together, watch and support the talent, get involved and cheer on their own.

The Warrandyte round of SPL has been brought to life through a partnership between Manningham Council, The Y, Victorian Skateboarding Association (VSA), AusCycling and Skate Australia.  

It can be fun to plan an overseas holiday where you set your itinerary. Sometimes you don't want to be stuck on a bus and herded like cattle when you travel. You want to be free and tailor your own schedule. 

These two 2.5 hour informal sessions will explore how to plan, book and enjoy an overseas vacation when you want to do your own thing. 

We will explore how to go about this complicated exercise including:

• what to plan
• how to estimate the cost, and zoom in on the actual cost through the process
• when to use a travel agent and when not to use a travel agent
• economy versus premium economy versus business class – air travel
• fly/drive versus bus tours
• consideration of train travel versus car versus bus for medium distances
• travel insurance
• difference between travelling to Europe, USA and Asia – language, culture and cost
• using money overseas
• internet and phone access
• planning for medication
• and much more depending on where the discussion and questions take us.

The session will be guided by an experienced overseas traveller and is not commercially motivated. 

The main focus of the sessions will be to answer questions in advance of your proposed planning and travel – especially if you have not travelled internationally or not travelled for many years.

UPDATE: Due to the circuit breaker lockdown restrictions, this event has been cancelled. If you have already booked into this session, we will contact you with information on how to reschedule.

As part of Manningham Council's Community Training Program, we invite members of community organisations including community and children’s services, sports clubs, recreation, leisure, arts and cultural groups to attend this free session.

Learn how to write proposals to get a better chance of having your application selected.

The session will cover the following topics:

• Understanding the key application requirements and how your project will align with these
• How to define the project and the benefit it will have for the community
• Formulating your project plan to deliver the project
• Preparing the budget (including supplying quotes)
• Adhering to the grant conditions and responsibilities

Bookings: Bookings are essential and limited to 2 people per organisation. All bookings must be made through Eventbrite.

More information: Please contact the Grants Team for more information or for help with your booking.

We will be running multiple grant writing workshops. If you would like to attend but can't make this session, please view the full list of available dates on our Community Training Program page. 

Over a four-week program, participants will alternate between a Pilates Mat class and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) classes.

Both sessions are suitable for beginners and advanced participants. Classes are run by a qualified Aquarena instructor.

These sessions are being run in partnership with Serenity for Women, Aquarena and Manningham Council.

Spots are limited so registrations are essential.

What to bring: Exercise mat, water bottle, towel 

What to wear: Comfortable clothes to work out in

Benefits of Pilates

• Increased muscle strength and tone particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks (the core muscles of your body)
• Balanced muscle strength on both sides of your body
• Improved posture
• Better mobility

Benefits of HIIT training

• Tabata is one of the most popular forms of HIIT style classes
• Full body HIIT, a full body workout is great for anyone no matter your level of fitness
• HIIT incorporating small weights to help tone and strengthen the muscles of your body

The Manningham Junior Ranger Program is designed to get young environmentalists out and active in our local environment.

Go on a bush park discovery walk with Environment Officers as they explore why Currawong Bush Park is known as the best little wilderness in town.

Survive a live wildlife show presented by Wild Action, the Zoo that comes to you.

Experience nature as a place to play, imagine, relax and explore.

Important information:

• Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to start time.
• Come prepared and dress for the weather on the day. Please wear closed-toed footwear.
• Don’t forget to bring a snack and water bottle for morning tea.
• In the event of extreme weather, this event will be cancelled.
• Currawong Bush Park is protected habitat, dogs are not permitted in the park at any time.

Meeting place:

Currawong Bush Park, Environment Education Centre. 

This event is part our Manningham Spring Outdoors Series, where we offer a range of fun outdoor activities across Manningham.

You can also check what’s happening across other Councils by visiting the Spring Outdoors website.

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Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.

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Discover the pathway to taking your club to new heights with our exclusive club development workshop - Planning for success (strategic planning). Learn the art of setting clear objectives, making informed decisions, and creating a roadmap for long-term success.

This session will be facilitated by Michael King from MK Consulting. Michael will share actionable strategies and real-world examples tailored to clubs of all sizes and backgrounds.

Whether you're an experienced club leader or just starting, this workshop equips you with the tools to drive your club toward greatness. It's also a great networking opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and build valuable connections.

What will be covered on the night?

This session will focus on key drivers behind planning for your clubs success, including:

• current state of play
• key market trends
• innovation and doing things different
• areas of development and further investment.

This is the third session of Manningham Council's club development workshop series.

Don't miss this chance to empower your club and make it stand out. Secure your spot today, and together, let's embark on the journey to club success!

Join local ecologist John Harris as he takes you on a journey through Warrandyte State Park’s Fourth Hill.

John will undertake a bird survey and help you identify birds found in the Warrandyte area. 

Walk rating: 3km moderate walk, includes steep and narrow sections, creek crossing, slippery sections and tripping hazards.

Food and snacks

A light breakfast will be provided at the end of the walk. 

If you have any special dietary requirements, we recommend bringing your own food and snacks. 

What to bring and wear 

Bring a water bottle, wear solid shoes, weather appropriate clothing and bring your own binoculars so you don't miss a thing!

Download the Aussie Bird Count Smartphone Application on Android and Apple before the walk and bring your smartphone on the day.

Where to meet

The meeting place will be at Gold Memorial Drive Picnic Ground. 10 minutes before the walk starts.

Please note: the nature walk could be cancelled due to extreme weather.

This event is part our Manningham Spring Outdoors Series, where we offer a range of fun outdoor activities across Manningham.

You can also check what’s happening across other Councils by visiting the Spring Outdoors website.

Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter

Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.

Subscribe now

As gas prices increase and more people are looking at ways to reduce their carbon footprint, the transition to an all-electric home is both financially appealing and a sure way to take action against climate change.

This information session will help you understand:

• economic and environmental benefits of reducing your household gas (and fuel) consumption
• steps to creating an efficient, all-electric home that can accommodate electric vehicles in the future
• ways to power your home with renewables, if your household is not able to have solar
• your eligibility for the wide range of rebates

All Manningham residents who attend on the night will go into the draw to win a Virtual Home Energy Assessment worth $225!

This phone assessment will be tailored to your household, helping you to plan for a cost-effective and comfortable transition away from gas. We may contact the winner to check on progress in both reducing bills and making the home more energy efficient.

To attend this event, you must have an internet enabled PC or device and be able to download Zoom. Don’t have Zoom? Download it for free. You’ll be provided with the Zoom meeting link when you book.

This free information session is brought to you by Manningham and the Australian Energy Foundation. If you're unable to make the session, you can still learn more about how to keep your home cool while saving energy on the Australian Energy Foundation website.

If you have rooftop solar and are starting to consider a battery and/or electric vehicle (EV), you need to 'future-proof' your existing solar to ensure that you have capacity for these new technologies as they become more common and attainable.

This free information session will help you:

• understand how solar and batteries work
• find out whether your existing solar has capacity to add a battery and charge an EV
• understand how to 'future-proof' your household by upsizing your solar and/or adding a battery
• calculate expected savings and payback
• understand how to claim government rebates

All Manningham residents who attend on the night will go into the draw to win a Virtual Home Energy Assessment worth $225!

This phone assessment will be tailored to your household, helping you to plan for a cost-effective and comfortable transition away from gas. We may contact the winner to check on progress in both reducing bills and making the home more energy efficient.

To attend this event, you must have an internet enabled PC or device and be able to download Zoom. Don’t have Zoom? Download it for free. You’ll be provided with the Zoom meeting link when you book.

This free information session is brought to you by Manningham and the Australian Energy Foundation. If you're unable to make the session, you can still learn more about how to keep your home cool while saving energy on the Australian Energy Foundation website.

It takes a village to raise a child, and the role of a grandparent is more important than ever.

Join our free seminar on grandparenting with special guest speaker, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg at the Manningham Function Centre on Wednesday 14 May 2025.

This seminar will provide practical advice and tips about grandparenting and there will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end. This event is suitable grandparents, parents and carers.

Free, but registrations essential.

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

Dr Carr-Gregg is a distinguished Australian psychologist, author, and broadcaster, renowned for his expertise in adolescent and family psychology. He has authored 18 books on topics including parenting, mental health, and adolescent wellbeing, including Grandparents and the Grandparenting Code. His 19th book is currently in progress. 

In 1985, Dr Carr-Gregg co-founded CanTeen, the world's first national support group for teenage cancer patients, alongside a group of young cancer patients. He has held significant roles in academia and research, including serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Melbourne. In 2018, he led the enquiry for the NSW Government that led to the nationwide ban on mobile phones in state and territory schools.

Beyond the Table: The Dinner Party Reimagined  is an interactive reimagining of a traditional dinner party, with a nod to 1970s nostalgia and celebrating one of the key gathering spaces in our homes, the humble dining table.

The installation is on display at Manningham Art Gallery as part of Melbourne Design Week, Australia's premier design festival featuring events across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Emerging Manningham artist Isobel Goodman responds to and selects works from Manningham Council’s ‘Potters Cottage Collection,’ a grouping of vessels created by the Potters Cottage co-operative. The co-operative was founded in Warrandyte in 1958 to advocate for and sell handmade functional Australian pottery.

Goodman hand builds her signature papier mâché and plaster sculptures – organic and abstracted forms to reference a dinner party table setting – vases, cutlery, plates, and candlesticks that play off and create a contemporary juxtaposition against the Potters Cottage vessels from the 1970s. 

Visitors can view the installation  or even pull up a chair and join the dinner party. Goodman encourages the viewer to interact with her artworks, take a moment to rest or choose a fresh flower to take home from one of her handmade vases. 

Surrounding the central dining table presentation is a display of paintings from local Manningham artist Jade Plitz. These works depict bright, layered and abstract domestic objects that encapsulate the exhibition’s celebration of communal gathering and ritual. 

Artist Bios: 
Isobel Goodman was recently awarded a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Melbourne. Her practice focuses on sculptural exploration and the body’s navigation of space and environment through the perspective of APD (Auditory Processing Disorder). She invites audiences to examine their relationship between the physical self and how we navigate the world around us.

Jade Piltz is a Warrandyte painter and ceramist. She is fascinated by our innate search for belonging, our desire for meaning and relationships to change and transition. Using mark making, she explores the ways our interactions with surrounding spaces and objects, narrate and inform our lives.

This Exhibition was supported by Gabriela Mello, owner and director of Warrandyte Pottery, through artist mentorship and technical and conceptual support and curated by Lucy Beattie Hughes, Manningham Council’s Creative Industries Officer.

Jade Plitz, Alone, Together (detail), 2024,  acrylic on canvas, 168 x 122cm. Image courtesy of the artist. Photo by: Emily Brookfield.
 

 
Melbourne Design Week is Australia’s largest and leading annual design festival and takes place from 15 to 25 May 2025.

The 2025 program spans 11 days of 350+ events, exhibitions, talks, and installations throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Melbourne Design Week is a vital platform for emerging and established creative practitioners, offering the Australian design community and audiences the opportunity to engage with a diverse program of talks, tours, exhibitions, installations, and workshops. Melbourne Design Week is an initiative of the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and is curated and delivered by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).

Visit designweek.melbourne to view the full program.