The April issue of Manningham Matters is out this week, it will be delivered to your letterbox from Monday 14 April. 

Each issue of Manningham Matters is distributed via Australia Post’s Unaddressed Mail Service, which can take up to a week to reach all households in Manningham.

Unfortunately for the April issue, Australia Post has advised us of capacity limits with this service, which means we will be posting copies of the magazine out to some areas.

Residents and businesses in Warrandyte, Park Orchards and the Manningham areas of Ringwood North and Nunawading will receive the April issue of the magazine in an addressed envelope, rather than loose in their letterbox.

Take a read of this month's magazine:

If you haven't received your hard copy of the magazine by Wednesday 23 April and would like one posted to you, contact us.   

Manningham Council has proudly honoured the exceptional individuals and organisations making a meaningful difference in the community at the 2024 Civic Awards.

Held last week, family and friends of the nominees gathered at the Manningham Function Centre for the awards ceremony.

The nominees were celebrated for their outstanding contributions, and winners were announced for their exceptional community service.

Brian Tyedin was awarded Manningham Citizen of the Year for his work with Rotary over the past 25 years.

“Being nominated is a reward in itself and to be recognised for what we are doing in the community,” Brian said.

“There are so many opportunities to volunteer in this community and so many people doing great things.

“I hope that by receiving this award, I can work with other organisations to achieve an even better outcome for Manningham and help others in the community,” Brian said.  

This year there were two recipients of the Doreen Stoves Volunteer of the Year Award, Luke Bastian and Kate Gniel.

Luke was recognised for his outstanding commitment to the local Scouting community over the past two decades. Park Orchards-based mum of three, Kate, was recognised for her remarkable work in the community and with the Sharks Junior Football Club.

“Volunteering fills my heart and makes me feel content. My youngest son was diagnosed with leukemia a few years ago, and during that time, we were overwhelmed by the kindness of so many people,” Kate said.

“That’s when we discovered the true power of community and felt deeply connected. It inspired us to give back and help others in the same way we were helped.”

Meet the winners – 2024 Manningham Civic Awards

2024 Citizen of the Year – Brian Tyedin 

Brian was awarded Citizen of the Year for his tireless support and service to the local community. He is a champion of the Rotary movement and has served Rotary and the Manningham community with distinction.

2024 Doreen Stoves Volunteer of the Year – Luke Bastian and Kate Gniel 

Luke Bastian 

Luke has played a crucial role in the Scouting community for over two decades. His remarkable contributions to Rotary and the Doncaster Baseball Club have also been significant. Luke is a dedicated member of the Manningham community and exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional citizen.

Kate Gniel

Kate is an outstanding individual who consistently makes remarkable impact in the community through her volunteering efforts. Over the past five years, Kate has dedicated her time and energy to enhancing and enriching the lives of others. In 2022 Kate became the first ever female president of the Sharks Junior Football Club and has focussed efforts on making the mental health of players and families first and foremost.

2024 Sports Volunteer of the Year – Anthony Milicia 

Anthony dedicates himself to volunteering with Manningham Juventus Football Club as if it were a second job, setting a positive example and motivating others. His actions serve as a source of inspiration and consistently makes himself available to others.

Community Organisation of the Year – Rotary Club of Manningham City

The Rotary Club of Manningham City Inc. received its official charter on 1 July 2023, bringing together Rotary clubs and individuals with diverse talents who have contributed to Manningham for over 45 years. The Club’s dedication to serving the community spans across all demographics, capabilities and requirements and plays a crucial role in maintaining connections among people.

In addition to the 2024 winners, the following nominees were highly commended for their outstanding contributions:

Highly Commended, Sports Volunteer of the Year – Michael James 

Michael’s dedication to enhancing the Sharks Football Club has positively impacted the lives of many. His strong belief in fostering sporting values and essential life skills underscores his passion for nurturing well-rounded individuals. Michael has introduced programs that have contributed to the overall growth and success of the club’s players.

Highly Commended, Community Organisation of the Year – Manningham Toy Library 

Founded 39 years ago, the Manningham Toy Library has served as a vital resource for the Templestowe Lower community, positively impacting the lives of numerous families. The Library’s focus on inclusivity and accessibility sees it offer a wide selection of toys that address different needs and developmental phases, highlighting its commitment to supporting the entire community.

To find out more, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/manningham-civic-awards.   
 

Following a review and community research on Manningham Matters, we are pleased to introduce a refreshed design for the magazine with our February 2025 issue.

Last year we held a series of focus groups with community members about the magazine and based on your feedback, we’ve made some changes to the design and content of your community magazine.

The February issue features a great mix of Council and community news, we hope you enjoy reading about what’s happening in Manningham.

Some of the new and updated features include:

• a refreshed magazine cover design for Manningham Matters
• a new way to read stories and news in your language – we have full length stories now available on our website which you can access using the QR code on the magazine cover 
• an updated and more prominent What’s On events calendar
• regular information about events and activities at local neighbourhood houses and libraries
• a new Council meeting round up feature
• stories that continue to celebrate our community and share our community’s voice.

Take a read of this month’s Manningham Matters, distributed from Monday 17 February.

With almost 800 local people taking part in our consultation on this year’s Budget and 10 Year Financial Plan, we’re all set to deliver for our community in 2024/25 and beyond!

Councillors endorsed the key documents at their meeting last night (25 June).

With an operating budget of $155 million, we’ll provide more than 100 valuable services for our residents, businesses and visitors. We’ll maintain and enhance community assets with a $55 million capital works program, including:

• $12 million for roads and bridges
• $6 million for footpaths and cycleways
• $4 million for drainage
• $3.1 million for the Schramm's Cottage Museum Complex Visitor Centre
• $1.6 million for playspace renewals
• $1.2 million for Ruffey Lake Park Masterplan implementation
• $1.1 million for Rieschiecks Reserve Management Plan
• $1.0 million to commence works on a co-working hub
• $1.0 million for a battery for Mullum Mullum stadium
• $0.3 million for a youth hub

We’ll also continue to deliver on our Climate Emergency Action Plan to reduce the impacts of climate change. We’ve allocated $11 million in our capital works program over the next ten years for Circular Economy, sustainability initiatives.

With inflation continuing to be higher than average, we’re conscious of cost-of-living pressures in our community. Council will continue to support rate payers through:

• Freezing the waste service charge well below the 4.80 per cent increase in the cost of waste services to Council.
• Financial hardship provisions including rates rebates for Low Income (LI) Health Care Card holders.
• $2.25 million for community grants and contributions programs.
• Continued financial support to agencies that provide emergency relief to those in need in our community.
• Funding for the provision of food relief for those in need in the community.
• Subsidies for school holiday programs.
• An average general rate increase in line with the State Government’s rate cap of 2.75 per cent.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange thanked everyone who contributed.

“We’re proud of the Budget and 10 Year Financial Plan and feel we’ve managed to balance delivering on our community’s needs while sustaining our commitment to being a financially responsible Council.

“We started working on the Budget back in November and had an incredible number of residents take part in our three different stages of consultation. Thank you all for your valuable insights.”

We're delivering on our Council Plan, including:

• $21 million for a healthy community
• $40 million for liveable places and spaces
• $19 million for a resilient environment
• $6 million for a vibrant prosperous economy
• $33 million for a well governed Council

Budget highlights

$3.1 million to build the Schramm's Cottage Museum Complex Visitor Centre in Doncaster East

We’ll build a new, multipurpose visitor centre in Rieschiecks Reserve as part of the Waldau Precinct Master Plan. The Visitor Centre will include spaces for exhibitions and meetings, as well as accessible public toilets. We’ll also upgrade the paths surrounding the centre and expect the project to be completed in early 2025.

$1.35 million to deliver the main phase of works for the Templestowe Route upgrade in Templestowe

The Templestowe Route is a 1.8km series of important local link roads between Templestowe Road and Williamson Road, including Parker, Swilk, James and Anderson streets. The upgrade will improve safety, pedestrian connectivity and the quality of infrastructure along the route.

$1.0 million to start work on a co-working hub at MC Square in Doncaster

The co-working business hub at MC Square will be far more than a professionally designed and operated space to conduct business. It will support a healthy economy and the business community, with a concierge and tailored calendar of events to create excitement and stimulate cooperation, as well as spaces for 30 to 40 users. We expect the co-working business hub to open in July 2025.

Read the Budget 2024/25

Read the 10 Year Financial Plan 2024/25 to 2033/34

To stay active these school holidays we're offering a discounted sports and recreation program for young people in Manningham. 

This program is centered around introducing young people to sport and activity – learning the basics, developing skills, building confidence and having fun.

This term we are offering: 

• Multi-sports with Ready Steady Go Kids

Spaces are strictly limited, and some participation requirements apply.