At the 27 May Council Meeting the draft Council Plan, draft 2025-26 Budget, draft 10 year financial plan and the draft Revenue and Rating Plan were tabled.  These have been developed in line with our newly endorsed Community Vision 2040 to help shape the future of Manningham.

These draft strategic documents are now available on Your Say Manningham website and will be presented for endorsement at the 30 June Council Meeting.

Our draft Asset Plan 2025-2035 and the Council Plan Action Plan will be made available at an upcoming Council meeting.

Our strategic documents are informed by extensive community engagement conducted throughout 2024-25.  

Many people have helped shape our community’s future. We’ve been planning for the next four years, and we’ve done it by listening closely to our community.

At the heart of this work was the deliberative community panel – a collaborative effort that brought together 37 community members to play a crucial role in helping determine key priorities for Manningham.

Extensive community consultation informed both our strategic planning and the Community Panel’s deliberations, ensuring that our plans are grounded in our community's priorities, needs and aspirations.

This consultation included a community-wide survey last year where we heard from 1,260 community members about what matters most to you and which three areas you think Council should focus on. We also held a series of targeted conversations with key groups and residents including young people, older adults, multicultural communities and partners.

On top of that, many community members sent in their own ideas and suggestions through individual submissions, showing us how Council services can improve and how we can build a better future together.

These community insights gave us a strong and balanced view of our community's wants and needs. It directly shaped our strategic planning and the work of our Community Panel.

Given the depth and quality of feedback received during this process, a separate public submission process will not be held for this year’s strategic plans.

We thank everyone who contributed. We’re all part of the plan and your voices are shaping the future of our community.

Find out more by visiting our Your Say Manningham website.

Manningham’s new Councillors have elected Councillor Deirdre Diamante as Manningham Mayor and Councillor Andrew Conlon as Deputy Mayor for the year ahead. 

Unanimously voted in by her fellow Councillors at the Annual Meeting of Council on 19 November 2024, Cr Diamante said it is an honour to lead the newly elected Council in the first year of its four-year term. 

The Tullamore Ward Councillor is passionate about equal opportunity, our natural environment and family, and has been a Manningham resident for more than 40 years. A Councillor since 2020, Cr Diamante previously served as Manningham Mayor in 2022/23. 

“I have grown up in Manningham, in Council Street, and the opportunity to again lead this City in public service is truly amazing,” Cr Diamante said.

“I want Manningham to continue to be a great place to live, learn and grow. I want my children to want to live here and want to raise their families here.” 

Cr Diamante said some of her key priorities over the next year will include advocating for the Manningham community on the North East Link Project, working with local multicultural communities, supporting the work of our healthy ageing unit and enhancing opportunities for local businesses.

“I look forward to collaborating with all of our Councillors in developing our Council Plan, the Budget and our strategic approach for Manningham, harnessing our extensive expertise and experience for our community.”

Cr Andrew Conlon was elected as Deputy Mayor and congratulated Cr Diamante.

“This is an important year to set the tone for our Council term and I know you will support us to collaborate and make the right decisions for our community,” Cr Conlon said. 

Find out more about Manningham’s Councillors.

Watch the Annual Meeting of Council.
 

Painted Country – a new major exhibition featuring the work of five First Nations artists – is now open at the Manningham Art Gallery in Doncaster. 

The artists – Nellie Ngampa Coulthard, Brenda Napaltjarri, Clara Napurrula, Rene Sundown and Adrian Jurra Tjungurrayi – bring diverse practices and perspectives to reveal their unique depictions of the Australian landscape in their work.

The senior and emerging artists represent two Indigenous arts centres – Iwantja Arts in South Australia and Papunya Tula Artists in the Northern Territory.

The exhibition has been timed to coincide with National Reconciliation Week, which is held each year from 27 May to 3 June, with the 2025 theme Bridging Now to Next.

Aboriginal writer, artist, arts worker and Aboriginal affairs advocate from Cape York Peninsula Jack Wilki-Jans has described the 14 artworks featured in Painted Country as “hypnotic visions” of the artists’ Country.

“Visions of a wide country, a country of colour and texture, of sand dunes and salt lakes, scorched earth and radiant sunsets, of brushes and sweeping tufts of grasses with flowers – Australia!” Jack Wilki-Jans  said.

“It isn’t the hand that paints which this exhibition exalts, it’s the eyes which see.”

This celebration of First Nations contemporary painting is presented in collaboration with Alcaston Art Gallery, with special thanks to the artists, Iwantja Arts in South Australia and Papunya Tula Artists in the Northern Territory.

Gallery opening hours

Manningham Art Gallery, 687 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, is open Wednesday to Saturday, 11.00am to 4.00pm.

UPDATE: Nominations for the Manningham Community Awards have closed. Tickets are now on sale for the Awards Ceremony in September.

The new expanded awards program aims to recognise individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the Manningham community over the past 12 months.

Mayor Deirdre Diamante said the winners will be announced at the Award Ceremony on Tuesday 16 September, with one overall winner named Manningham Citizen of the Year.

“We want to shine a light on the incredible work being done for the community by the community,” Cr Diamante said.

“The awards will celebrate those who have gone above and beyond in making Manningham a better place to live, work and visit.

The award categories are:

• Doreen Stoves Excellence in Volunteering: Recognising an individual who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to volunteerism.
• Active Community: Recognising and individual or group who has contributed to community participation in active lifestyles, sports or physical activity. 
• Ageing Well: Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to enhancing the lives of older residents, fostering social connection, safety or active ageing.
• Artistic Achievement: Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to Manningham’s creative community, sparking artist, cultural or creative expression.
• Community Excellence: Recognising a community organisation or group that has delivered outstanding programs or initiatives contributing to the wellbeing, development and cohesion of the Manningham community.
• Community Health and Wellbeing: Recognising an individual or group who has enhanced health, wellbeing or resilience in the community, whether through advocacy, program development or direct service delivery.
• Inclusive Community: Recognising an individual or group who has actively contributed to community accessibility, inclusivity or diversity.
• Young Achiever: Recognising a young person aged under 25, who has made a positive impact within the Manningham community through demonstrated leadership, innovation, or commitment to helping others.

One of the category award recipients will be selected by the judging panel as the overall Manningham Citizen of the Year. Winners and finalists will be celebrated at an Award Ceremony on Tuesday 16 September.

Book your tickets to the Awards Ceremony.
 

Manningham’s much-loved Carols by Candlelight returns on Friday 12 December, bringing festive cheer to Ruffey Lake Park in Doncaster East.

Experience a magical evening of live music, entertainment and delicious food under the stars – capped off by a dazzling fireworks display.

This year’s event will be hosted by star performer Lucy Durack (above) and local Carols favourite Richard Thomas. They will be joined on stage by a huge line up of local and national artists, with a special guest appearance by Santa himself.

Lucy Durack is one of Australia’s most well-known leading ladies, with major roles in productions including Wicked, Shrek the Musical, Legally Blonde and Midnight the Musical as well as TV series The Letdown, Sisters, A Perfect Pairing and Doctor Doctor. She’s been a judge on Australia’s Got Talent and performed on The Masked Singer. 

“I can’t wait to see you at Manningham Carols by Candlelight,” Lucy said. 

Richard Thomas has been entertaining audiences for more than 25 years. His musical theatre credits include Mame, Sweet Charity, Follies, The Secret Garden, Les Miserables, Chicago, Rebecca, The Producers, The Phantom of the Opera and Mary Poppins.

The evening will start at 6:00pm with pre-show entertainment on stage and activities for the kids. The main event kicks off at 7:15pm, ending with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30pm. Bring a picnic, or enjoy delicious food from one of the food trucks on site.

This is a free, but ticketed event. Register online to receive the latest event updates, including any changes due to extreme weather.

Proudly presented by Manningham Council, this event is sponsored by Opal Healthcare, Mercedes Benz Silver Star, Barry Plant and Hologram Zoo.

For more information and updates, visit the Manningham Carols by Candlelight event page, or follow Manningham Council’s Facebook page.
 

We’re excited to launch our new expanded community award program to honour and celebrate individuals and groups who are doing amazing things in Manningham.

Mayor Deirdre Diamante has officially announced the new Manningham Community Awards program, with nominations opening on Monday 16 June 2025.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have so many remarkable individuals, groups and organisations in our community, all working tirelessly to make a real difference,” Cr Diamante said.

“I’m thrilled to introduce the new Manningham Community Awards - a program dedicated to recognising the outstanding contributions of those who are helping to shape our vibrant community.

“This year, we will celebrate those who have gone above and beyond in making Manningham a better place to live, work and visit over the past 12 months.”

The expanded awards program will recognise achievements in eight categories with one of the individual winners also named the Manningham Citizen of the Year.

The expanded awards program will recognise achievements in eight categories with one of the individual winners also selected by the judging panel to be the Manningham Citizen of the Year. The categories are:

• Doreen Stoves Excellence in Volunteering: Recognising an individual who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to volunteerism.
• Active Community: Recognising and individual or group who has contributed to community participation in active lifestyles, sports or physical activity. 
• Ageing Well: Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to enhancing the lives of older residents, fostering social connection, safety or active ageing.
• Artistic Achievement: Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to Manningham’s creative community, sparking artist, cultural or creative expression.
• Community Excellence: Recognising a community organisation or group that has delivered outstanding programs or initiatives contributing to the wellbeing, development and cohesion of the Manningham community.
• Community Health and Wellbeing: Recognising an individual or group who has enhanced health, wellbeing or resilience in the community, whether through advocacy, program development or direct service delivery.
• Inclusive Community: Recognising an individual or group who has actively contributed to community accessibility, inclusivity or diversity.
• Young Achiever: Recognising a young person aged under 25, who has made a positive impact within the Manningham community through demonstrated leadership, innovation, or commitment to helping others.

Nominations will be open Monday 16 June to Sunday 20 July, with the winners announced at an Award Ceremony at the Manningham Function Centre on Tuesday 16 September.

“I encourage you all to nominate someone who inspires you, someone who has positively contributed to our community. It’s a great way to show how much we appreciate what they do,” Cr Diamante said.

For more information on the awards and how to nominate, visit our Community Awards page.

As we edge closer to our zero emissions target, we’ve hit a powerful milestone: 1 in 4 Manningham homes now have rooftop solar. That’s over 11,500 houses powered by clean, renewable energy.

Why residents are making the switch 

Residents are embracing solar for:

• lower energy bills and long-term savings
• greater control over their home energy supply
• health and safety benefits of clean energy 
• a smaller carbon footprint

Support is also available to make the transition more affordable, with 663 Manningham households taking advantage of Solar Victoria’s $1,400 solar panel (PV) rebate last year.

Suburbs leading the charge 

Templestowe Lower and Park Orchards saw a surge in installations last year – up 58% and 60% respectively compared to 2023.

Doncaster and Doncaster East also saw strong growth, with installations collectively up 19% year-on-year. 

Warrandyte, Wonga Park and Park Orchards have seen the highest uptake, with 1 in 3 homes now solar-powered. 

Supporting solar with a battery

By pairing rooftop solar with a home battery, you can gain more control over your home energy and save more on bills.  

That’s because a battery stores excess solar power generated during the day, which you can then use later.

Increasingly, residents are complementing solar with a battery storage system.

To support this, the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program offers a discount of around 30% on the upfront cost of installing small-scale battery systems (5 kWh to 100 kWh) for households, businesses and community organisations.

Interested in making the switch?

We offer free events, resources and tips to support you in exploring clean energy options.

We can also connect you with our partner program, Solar Savers, which takes the hassle out of home energy upgrades.

Learn more at manningham.vic.gov.au/electrify-your-life
 

Residents who have gone above and beyond making Manningham a better place were recognised at the inaugural Manningham Community Awards on Wednesday 16 September. 

The winners, and the 2025 Citizen of the Year, were announced at an awards ceremony hosted by Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante at the Manningham Function Centre.

The expanded awards program recognises the outstanding achievements of individuals and groups over the past 12 months.

The Manningham Community Awards are a chance to celebrate the people and groups who make Manningham shine,” Cr Diamante said.

“Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. Your commitment, passion and care for others reflects the very best of who we are.”

Leon Moore has been named the 2025 Manningham Citizen of the Year and received the Doreen Stoves Excellence in Volunteering Award for his work in establishing and leading the Laughing All Abilities Really Friendly Singers (LAARFS). 

The choir, which meets weekly, has more than 70 members, who live with chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer and dementia.

Category winners:

Active Community

Bulleen Tennis Club

Under the committee’s leadership, membership has grown by more than 70% with expanded junior and senior competitions, veterans’ tennis and social play. 

Ageing Well

Chinese Senior Citizens Club of Manningham

With more than 1000 members and 200 volunteers, the club is one of the largest in Manningham. It has delivered more than 60 free weekly classes, as well as educational talks, performances and major cultural celebrations over the past year.

Artistic Achievement

Warrandyte Arts Association

The association has supported more than 170 members across several groups including life drawing, pottery, writing and theatre. 

Community Excellence

Warrandyte Pink Ladies

The group was recognised for their passionate efforts in raising funds, awareness and support for those affected by breast cancer – all while bringing some of their signature sparkle to the community.

Community Health and Wellbeing

Bulleen Men’s Shed at the Veneto Club

The group has created a welcoming and supportive space for men of all ages and backgrounds to connect, share, support one another, and improve men’s mental health.

Inclusive Community

Kevin Heinze Grow

The organisation’s inclusive, nature-based programs support people of all abilities. These include Café Kevin which provides hospitality training, and the Grow Program that offers experience in gardening, cooking and sustainability.

Young Achiever

Niosha Khademideljou

A former Manningham Youth Advisory Committee member, Noisha is now a crisis supporter with Lifeline Naarm, and has helped provide children’s spiritual education classes and inclusive school holiday festivals.

This year’s awards were the first of an expanded program designed to recognise even more of the work being done in the Manningham community.

Cr Diamante said, “We received an incredible 70 nominations, making the judging no easy task. There were so many inspiring stories, so many individuals and groups going above and beyond.

“We can’t wait to learn about more of the incredible people and groups who contribute to the Manningham community. We encourage you to nominate someone you know who is doing amazing things for the 2026 awards. Nominations will open in March 2026.”

Find out more about the Manningham Community Awards.