Nani Puspasari is a Chinese-Indonesian visual artist based in Naarm (Melbourne). Her latest exhibition Childhood Cheeks, Grown-Up Madness is an emotive exploration that beckons viewers into the subtle interplay between innocence and experience.

The canvas unfolds as a vibrant narrative, with expressive paint strokes sharing tales of enthusiasm and introspection, while whimsical clay forms add a tangible layer to the storytelling. This artistic journey transcends mere observation, offering a profound reflection on the paradoxical nature of the path to adulthood.

The installation stands as an emotional proof to the delightful chaos inherent in the shift from carefree childhood to the intricate realities of grown-up life. It urges individuals to embrace the enduring beauty found in the inherent madness of growth and self-discovery, even within the complexities of life, creating a space for a heartfelt exploration of the multifaceted layers of personal evolution.

Image courtesy of the Arts Manningham. Photo by Charlie Kinross. 

Warning: First Nations Peoples should be aware that this exhibition contains images, voices, or names of deceased persons.

Held as part of Manningham's annual National Reconciliation Week program, Serving Country is an exhibition that recognises and acknowledges the valuable contribution of Australian First Nations servicemen and servicewomen who have served, or are serving, in the Australian Defence Force.

For more than a century, First Nations Australians have had a long and proud history of serving in the defence of our nation in many theatres, from South Africa to the present day. Exact numbers are not known of how many First Nations Australians men and women served our nation, as official defence policy in the first half of the twentieth century was aimed at excluding the enlistment of persons “not substantially of European origin or descent”.  The fact that they served at all at a time when they were denied the basic rights of citizenship is significant – a situation not fully corrected until the 1970s.

The Serving Country photographic exhibition shares the lived experiences of Australian First Nations families and individuals who have proudly served and continue to serve in Australia’s Defence Force.

Many returning veterans are still living with the trauma of their experiences in the battlefield.  Serving Country serves as a platform for sharing stories, both inspiring and devastating, of courage and mateship. Sharing stories plays a vital and healing role in Australian First Nations culture.

Serving Country is the creative work of Sydney-based human rights social documentarian and Creative Director of Blur Projects, Belinda Mason and videographer Dieter Knierim. There are currently over 200 photographed portraits printed on brushed aluminium 60cm x 40cm panels and continues to grow.

Installation view, Manningham Art Gallery. Photo by Charlie Kinross.

Meeting Date: 19 November 2024
Meeting Time: 6.45pm (to be seated by 7.00pm)  
Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.         

Manningham Council cordially invites you and your guests to attend the Annual Meeting of Manningham Council for the purpose of electing the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. 

Council meeting livestream

Timestamps

We are funding in person energy advice consultations to help residents make the switch to an all-electric home. The sessions are one-on-one with a qualified energy adviser, and will run for 20 minutes.

 ​On behalf of Manningham Council, Caroline Burgess from Be Comfy will be delivering the consultations. ​These sessions are available at no cost to Manningham residents.

A 20 minute one-on-one advice session can help you:

• discuss ways to make the switch from gas to electricity in your home, tailored to your budget and situation
• reduce your energy use, understand your energy bill, or review your energy plan
• access basic advice on a specific energy efficiency issue.

Join us at the Manningham sports club forum for an engaging and informative event designed to support community sports clubs.

What to expect

• key updates
• Fair Access Policy
• Allocations and Infrastructure Policy
• Pricing Policy
• Facility Licence Agreement

Special guest speaker

Simon Derrick GAICD, General Manager Commercial Operations and Stakeholder Engagement at the Richmond Football Club, will share valuable insights.

Interactive opportunities

• Q and A stalls – engage with subject matter experts from Manningham Council, state sports associations, and leagues
• network with other club administrators to share ideas and experiences.

It is recommended each club have a minimum of two club representatives attend.

Food and refreshments will be provided.

Summer Celebration is coming to Templestowe Village throughout February.

Bring your friends, family and party vibes.

We are showcasing our incredible local Manningham artists with our local businesses throughout Summer.

• come and enjoy Jessihoopz illuminating the area with her LED acrobatic artistry
• the place will be vibrating with happy energy from the sounds of African drum musician Super Mande
• a free photobooth will make it even more fun for everyone.

All this to add a little bit of magic to times spent eating, drinking and supporting local businesses.

Local artists. Local businesses. Live performances. All summer long across Manningham. 

Becoming an Australian citizen represents a commitment to Australia and its people.

All applications for Australian citizenship are processed by the Department of Home Affairs. Further information on how to apply for Australian Citizenship is available from the Australian citizenship website or the Citizenship Information Line on 131 880.

For most people, the final step in becoming an Australian citizen is making the pledge of commitment at an Australian Citizenship Ceremony. Applicants for Australian Citizenship will generally be invited to attend a ceremony within 3 to 6 months from the date their application is approved. You will receive a written invitation to your ceremony from the Department of Home Affairs.

While Manningham hosts Australian Citizenship Ceremonies, the Council is unable to provide further information regarding the timing of your ceremony.

As part of the Inspired Living Series, Hannah Maloney and Adam Grubb will discuss permaculture and waterwise gardens at the Manningham Function Centre.

Hannah Moloney

Hannah Moloney is best known for her work in permaculture and as a presenter on ABC’s Gardening Australia. Her first book The Good Life: How To Grow A Better World explores ways to counter the climate emergency individually and collectively. Hannah will discuss founding Good Life Permaculture in Tasmania, Home Harvest an annual edible garden tour and why she is known as the 'compost queen'.

Adam Grubb

Adam Grubb runs Very Edible Gardens, who have been designing and creating edible home and community gardens in Melbourne for the last 15 years. He's also co-authored several books, including The Art of Frugal Hedonism and The Weed Forager's Handbook. He got into edible gardening (and co-founded the Permablitz movement of volunteer backyard makeovers) in the mid 2000's in the heart of the millenium drought. Adam will take some lessons learnt then and since to share ways that we can create lush and productive oases with a minimum of water use including wicking beds, passive water capture with micro earthworks, tanks, greywater and more. 
 

Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events

The Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings at the iconic Manningham Function Centre.

The series will introduce you to a diverse line-up of local and international keynote speakers offering unique insights on how we can all shift to a greener future.

Topics range from permaculture to sustainable fashion. Each speaker will inspire and motivate simple, positive lifestyle choices, connection to nature and growing a thriving community in the midst dynamic change.

Calling all people from multicultural backgrounds in Manningham and surrounds!

Come and learn more about the importance of looking after your mental health and wellbeing, and the support that is available in your local community.

Our next Strength Through Connection event is a forum on Mental Health and Multicultural Communities as part of national Mental Health Week.

This event will feature:

• specialists in multicultural mental health
• a panel of experts
• local mental health and wellbeing service providers
• plus the launch of Manningham Council's mental health services webpage by Mayor Michelle Kleinert

Mental health is a key component of overall health and well-being. 1 in 5 (21.4 per cent) Australians aged 16 to 85 have experienced a mental disorder in the past 12 months.

Many people may not be aware of what poor mental health means, how to support someone or how they can get help. The individual needs, backgrounds and identities of people can impact how, or even whether, they will seek support.

We will have a broad range of speakers who will provide information about:

• types of mental health issues
• stories of lived experience
• what treatments are available
• how can you support someone
• how to get help
• hope for recovery

We look forward to seeing you there!

As part of the Warrandyte Community Centre outdoor upgrade, a mural will be designed and installed by artist Angharad Neal-Williams.

Warrandyte residents are invited to join Angharad for a series of free, community-based workshops to collectively contribute to the thematic development of the mural.

Experience a range of different ways to create, contribute and brainstorm together and explore your favourite things about Warrandyte.

Catering will be provided.

Bookings essential via the registration link.

About the artist

Angharad Neal-Williams is an Illustrator, muralist and graphic recorder based in Melbourne. Her work combines strong line drawing with controlled colour and shape to create thoughtful, fun and conceptual drawings.

She utilises both digital and traditional mediums to ensure outcomes feel natural and expressive through quirky imperfections in the simple line work. Her style is distinctly optimistic and focuses strongly on the importance of composition and line.

In 2023 she was awarded Nillumbik Shire Council's Young Creative Leader of the year.

Photo credit: Fluid Imagery

At Manningham we want to ensure everyone feels supported and included. If you require any support to improve your experience, please send a confidential email to Emily Sweeney (Public Art Officer) at arts@manningham.vic.gov.au.

As part of Australian Heritage Festival 2024, Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society presents an exhibition of kitchen implements, tools and appliances used from the mid-1800s through to the early part of the 20th Century.

Meeting Date: 19 February 2024
Meeting Time: 5.30pm 
Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.         

Notice is given that a confidential Council meeting of the Manningham City Council will be held virtually on Monday, 19 February 2024 at 5:30pm.  

This meeting is called pursuant to sub-rule 12.1 of Manningham’s Governance Rules and the meeting will be closed to the public to consider confidential item in accordance with sections 66(1) & 66(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 2020.

The business to be transacted at this meeting is for Council to consider its Property Acquisitions Program.  This information is confidential Council business information, as the information would prejudice the Council’s position in commercial negotiations if prematurely released.  

Andrew Day
Chief Executive Officer

I Fall to Pieces brings together artworks by two Naarm-based artists, Matthew Harris and Nicholas Currie. The exhibition traverses topics of mental health and healing. 

Rich and differing First Nations materials and processes are deployed along with key tenants of Western Abstraction, offering conceptual and immediate encounters with paint and form.

Matthew Harris, of mixed European and Koorie descent, debases dominant hierarchies through socially critical painting and sculpture. Nicholas Currie is an emerging artist, curator, and descendant of the Mununjali clan of Yugambeh people of Brisbane and Beaudesert.

Matthew Harris is represented by FUTURES. Nicholas Currie appears courtesy of FUTURES.

Image credit: Nicholas Currie, Big Purple, 2023, acrylic on linen, 200 x 250 cm. Courtesy of the Artist and FUTURES. 

Ramak Bamzar, a Melbourne-based Iranian photographer, blends art historical influences with a meticulous focus on colour, texture, and lighting. Her work explores themes of gender identity, geographical determinism, culture, and environment, all characterised by thoughtful compositions.

In these striking works, the Moustachioed Women and Rhinoplastic Girls from Bamzar’s 2022 series burst out of their imprisoning frames to capture a moment in the ongoing struggle, intertwining with the essence of Iranian culture and heritage. Through the integration of poetic motifs, epic themes, and historical allusions, the images go beyond mere documentation, offering a profound insight into the resilience and determination of Iranian women.

The Vigil – Crying for a Man I Never Met, 2022. Ramak Bamzar. Image courtesy of the Artist.