A new Active Manningham program is providing life-saving water safety skills to adults from our multicultural community who have little or no swimming experience.

Eighteen people recently graduated from the first round of the 10-week Safely Engaging with Water Program at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Templestowe Lower.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, attended the final session and celebration event, presenting certificates to the successful participants together with Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra, who helped develop the program with Aligned Leisure.

The program creates a safe, inclusive environment for adults from multicultural communities to learn about water safety and develop basic swimming skills. It aims to help participants overcome fear and anxiety associated with water while reducing the risk of drowning.

Cr Diamante congratulated the graduates for taking the important first step of learning to swim.  

“Water safety is such a valuable life skill. I’d like to thank Dr Kandra and Aligned Leisure for making this life-saving program available to our multicultural community,” Cr Diamante said.

The program offers subsidised male-only and female-only sessions with experienced instructors of the same gender during quieter off-peak times, providing a more comfortable learning environment for participants. 

“It’s been great value and I’ve learnt so much,” one participant said of their experience.

“The instructor is amazing and has been teaching us very well,” another participant said.

Round 2 of the program starts on Saturday 26 April. Visit Active Manningham for more information.
 

UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day). 

This global campaign brings together people and communities worldwide to unite against violence towards women, girls and non-binary people.  

This year, we introduced 16 Days of Activism small grants to support local initiatives that raise awareness, promote action and help drive meaningful change.

We are funding six community organisations to deliver activities to youth, carers and multicultural community groups, including: 

• Seniors Happy Life Club  Coffee Chats at Doncaster Bunnings, an event in English and Mandarin where we will join local police in discussing the issue in a safe space and sharing support services.
• An awareness-raising window display at Warrandyte Neighbourhood Community House sharing key messages, statistics, and pathways to support those experiencing gender-based violence.

For full details, see the events below. 

In Australia, family violence is against the law. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, please ask for help. In an emergency always call 000.  

UPDATED: Friday 26 July 2024 

Attention talented performers, quality food vendors, local businesses and community groups. We want to hear from you! 

Expressions of interest are now open to be part of our 2024 Manningham Carols by Candlelight.  

This year’s event will be held from 6.00pm Friday 13 December at Ruffey Lake Park, Doncaster. 

Don't miss out on this chance to showcase your talent, products, or services at Manningham's largest community event for the year!

Who can? This Girl Can! 

Calling all women and girls – This Girl Can is back in November 2024.

We’re supporting This Girl Can again in 2024. This VicHealth campaign aims to inspire and empower women and girls to get active, regardless of age, size, background, gender identity or fitness level. 

This year, throughout the entire month of November, groups across Manningham will be offering a range of free or low-cost physical activities. Women and girls will have the opportunity to get back into exercise in a way that feels good to them! 

Whether you prefer to get active solo or thrive in the energy of a team, we've got your back every step of the way. Now’s your chance to get out there and get moving!

You can download the 2024 calendar of events or discover what's on below. 

This Girl Can is proudly supported by VicHealth and Manningham Council.

#ManninghamGirlsCan 

UPDATED: Tuesday 27 August 2024

This Dementia Action Week (16 to 22 September) Dementia Australia are encouraging everyone to take the first step to learn more about dementia and how you can help shape your community for the better.

We’ve put together a Local Activity Guide for residents of Manningham living with dementia, as well as their carers and support networks. It’s designed to help you easily find out what’s on during Dementia Action Week, and we encourage you to take part.  

Book an activity today. 

See what's on in the list of events below or download the activity guide.

The Victorian Seniors Festival is a major state-wide festival for and involving seniors. The festival runs from 1 to 31 October every year, with free and low-cost events right across Victoria.

The 2024 theme is – ‘Explore. Engage. Evolve.’ – encouraging older Victorians to stay curious and connected by exploring new activities, meeting new people, and changing how we think of ageing.

We've put together a Manningham activity guide to help seniors, carers, and family members find fun and affordable events and activities during Seniors Month! 

To see what's on,  download the 2024 Seniors Month Local Activity Guide or view the events below.  

See individual events for booking details.

The Get Active Victoria voucher program aims to help eligible families and their children get active in sports and recreation by reimbursing the cost of membership and registration fees.

The Get Active Kids Voucher Program has delivered over 147,000 vouchers to eligible families to date!  

The vouchers can help pay for sporting equipment, uniforms, and memberships in a range of activities from cricket to dance. 

This initiative is part of Get Active Victoria’s efforts to inspire all Victorians – regardless of age, ability or location – to move more, every day.

Applications open October 2024. To find out more about the voucher program and how you can apply, visit Get Active Victoria. 

Information for providers 

Approved Activity Providers can receive vouchers from their members and then redeem the cost from the government.  

Registrations to become a Get Active Kids Voucher Activity Provider are now open! 

Are you a local creative artist with a passion for captivating audiences and bringing people together? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

This summer, we’ll be showcasing the unique talents of our community’s artists at our local activity centres.

We’re inviting experienced and emerging artists to apply, working across various mediums, practices and methodologies. These may include: 

• Musician singer 
• Acoustic 
• Classical
• Emerging or retired artist
• Visual artist
• Street performer
• Electronic performance
• Chalk artist
• Sculpture interdisciplinary artist
• Socially engaged practice and more.

Selected artists will receive a financial contribution for a minimum three hours of entertainment. 

Ready to apply?  

Complete the expression of interest form. 

Apply now

Volunteer-led community groups and clubs will receive new support under changes to the Manningham Volunteer Resource Service.

Manningham Council will move to a new delivery model for supporting volunteering once the current contract with external provider EV Strengthening Communities (formerly Eastern Volunteers) ends on 30 June 2025. 

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said Council is committed to supporting volunteers and ensuring we continue to meet their evolving needs and aspirations. 

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community, and essential for the continued success of local clubs, groups and associations,” Cr Diamante said. 

“We are deeply grateful to our volunteers for their dedication to making Manningham a better place, whether that’s through community, sport, emergency services, environment or arts and local history groups, among others.

“We’ve valued our partnership with EV Strengthening Communities since 2019, and I’d like to thank them for their work in supporting volunteerism in Manningham,” she said.

In recent years, there have been significant shifts in the volunteering sector, and a gradual decline in people undertaking formal volunteering right across Australia.

“We have been listening to our local clubs and groups, who are seeing increasing demands on their time to meet the growing administrative, regulatory and funding requirements for volunteering activities,” Cr Diamante said.

“These demands are stretching our volunteers, requiring not only extra time, but specific skills.

“We want to ease the burden on volunteers, so they can get back to doing what they do best – supporting the Manningham community,” the Mayor added.

Further details of the new program will be made available in the coming months.

Manningham residents will be able to continue to search for volunteer roles through Volunteering Victoria.

Our highly anticipated International Women’s Day Breakfast event returns on Thursday 6 March, with tickets now available. 

This year’s keynote speaker, Dr Emma Fulu, is a world-leading expert on gender equality and ending violence against women and girls. She has worked for the United Nations and other global programs.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said International Women’s Day was an opportunity to celebrate, connect and reflect.

“I’m so pleased to welcome Dr Emma Fulu to Manningham to speak on such an important issue that demands attention and action both globally and locally,” Cr Diamante said.

“Championing gender equality and respect in every aspect of our lives is at the heart of driving change. 

“We all have a role to play in turning promises into progress. I encourage men and women to join us for what will be an insightful and inspiring morning,” the Mayor added.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women’s achievements and raises awareness for women’s equality.

Dr Fulu will speak to this year’s UN Women Australia IWD theme, ‘March Forward: It’s time to turn promises into progress’.

The theme is in reference to the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) – considered to be the most progressive blueprint for advancing women’s rights.

While women have broken many barriers since then, there’s still much to be done for millions of women around the world and it’s time to turn promises into progress.

Dr Fulu will be joined by a panel of guest speakers who will bring their lived experience and individual lens to this important discussion.

The event will be held on Thursday 6 March, 7.30am to 9.30am at the Manningham Function Centre. Tickets are $25 and include a plated breakfast. 

For more information and to book your ticket, visit our events page.

Manningham Council has launched an exciting new program to boost the local live music scene.

Live and Local is designed to celebrate, develop and support our local musicians, bands and businesses.

This free program offers professional development workshops as well as performance and networking opportunities, providing valuable resources and support to musicians, venues and music lovers within the Manningham community.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said Council wanted to support and grow the grassroots live music scene.

“We have so many talented musicians, and music industry professionals in our local area. We want to support our local industry so our community can enjoy live music close to home,” Cr Diamante said.

“This in turn will boost small businesses, bringing more patrons to local venues and activity centres.” 

To launch the program, Council is seeking expressions of interest from musicians and local venues and businesses to get involved.

Musicians will have the chance to showcase their talents and get paid, while connecting with other local industry professionals. This opportunity will build their experience and contribute to the growth of the local live music scene.

Businesses don’t need to be a traditional live music venue to take part. All is required is a space for small-scale performances. Examples include retail spaces, cafes and galleries, as well as hotels, restaurants and bars.

Expressions of Interest to be part of the program close on Sunday 1 June at 11.59pm. 

Live and Local is presented by Manningham Council in partnership with the Live Music Office, One Music Australia and APRA AMCOS (the Australasian Performing Rights Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society). This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia.

Find out more and get involved at our Live and Local program page.

Image: Musician Alex Robertson from Cleo Black.

Manningham’s highly anticipated International Women’s Day Breakfast event returns on Thursday 6 March, with tickets now available.

This year’s keynote speaker, Dr Emma Fulu, is a world-leading expert on gender equality and ending violence against women and girls. She has worked for the United Nations and other global programs.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said International Women’s Day was an opportunity to celebrate, connect and reflect.

“I’m so pleased to welcome Dr Emma Fulu to Manningham to speak on such an important issue that demands attention and action both globally and locally,” Cr Diamante said.

“Championing gender equality and respect in every aspect of our lives is at the heart of driving change.

“We all have a role to play in turning promises into progress. I encourage men and women to join us for what will be an insightful and inspiring morning,” the Mayor added.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women’s achievements and raises awareness for women’s equality.

Dr Fulu will speak to this year’s UN Women Australia IWD theme, ‘March Forward: It’s time to turn promises into progress’.

The theme is in reference to the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) – considered to be the most progressive blueprint for advancing women’s rights.

While women have broken many barriers since then, there’s still much to be done for millions of women around the world and it’s time to turn promises into progress.

Dr Fulu will be joined by a panel of guest speakers who will bring their lived experience and individual lens to this important discussion.

The event will be held on Thursday 6 March, 7.30am to 9.30am at the Manningham Function Centre. Tickets are $25 and include a plated breakfast.

For more information and to book your ticket, visit the International Women's Day page on our website.

Join us at the Manningham Asian Cultural Festival this Sunday for a free community celebration that will finish with a spectacular fireworks display.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the event at Doncaster Reserve on Sunday 9 March from 10.00am to 10.00pm.

A celebration of culture and community, the program will feature live music and performances including lion dancing and drumming, mouthwatering street food, rides and family friendly activities. The fireworks are expected to start at 9.00pm.

We’re proud to support this new festival, which is presented by the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse, organisers of the hugely popular annual Lunar New Year Festival in Box Hill.

Visit our festival tent where you can meet our Councillors throughout the day,  have a chat to our Healthy Ageing team about how we can help you to live and age well, and provide feedback on our arts, culture and local history programs in Manningham to help us develop a  new Arts Action Plan.

Festival-goers have the chance to win one of ten $50 Find Your Local shopping vouchers, simply by completing our short survey about the festival, which will help us plan for similar events in the future. Visit the Council festival tent to download your entry form. Terms and conditions apply*.

Don’t forget to drop into the Jackson Court shopping centre to browse more than 90 local traders.

Bring your family and friends and spread the word for what promises to be a fantastic day out.

For more information, visit the Manningham Asian Cultural Festival website.

Congratulations to our competition winners:

Sarah Guo, Joanne Ridge, Roy Luo, Denver Huynh, Joyz Lio, Eddie Luk, Qunfang Ll, Jenny Ong, Chris Yap, Seleana Ng.

*Read the Terms and Conditions for the Manningham Asian Cultural Festival feedback survey competition:

Manningham Council is seeking community feedback on a concept design for an upgrade at Wombat Bend Playground. 

Wombat Bend Playground is a much-loved regional playground catering to visitors of all abilities – created by the community, for the community. It embraces inclusive design to foster creative development, inspiration and imagination and to encourage the mind to explore.

The concept design developed for the playground upgrade reflects insights gathered from community consultations held in December 2024. The proposed upgrades include:

• a diverse range of play equipment suitable for all ages and abilities
• a dedicated swing zone with five different seat types
• a larger water play area
• a sand play zone with raised tables and a digger
• a refurbished maze zone
• improved access paths for better connectivity and movement
• upgraded amenities, including new seating, picnic areas, drinking fountains, shelters, and BBQs
• enhanced shade and expanded grassed areas
• a new co-located fitness station.

Community consultation now open

To have your say on the Wombat Bend Playground concept design, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/wombat-bend-playground-upgrade.

Council is also holding an onsite consultation session on Sunday 18 May.

Community members are invited to attend between 10:30am and 12:00pm (noon) to discuss the design directly with the project team.

Council values the input of the community in shaping the future of the Wombat Bend Playground and appreciates everyone’s involvement in making the playground a better space for all.

Consultation closes Monday 2 June 2025.

For more information, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/wombat-bend-playground-upgrade

Pride Night returned for its second year on Sunday 2 February, bringing together the LGBTQIA+ community and allies for an evening of fun at Aquarena. 

The event welcomed people of all ages and backgrounds to connect in a safe and inclusive space.

Now in it’s second year, Pride Night was bigger and better in 2025, featuring an great line-up of activities, including dazzling performances, fitness classes, smoothie-making bikes, and a DJ.

Manningham Youth Services also joined the fun, inviting everyone to get involved with some arts and craft!

Aquarena staff member Kirra, who has worked at both Pride Night events, reflected on the celebration.

“Seeing the joy on people’s faces and hearing from parents who were excited to attend for the first time made the night incredibly special,” Kirra said.

“There was something for everyone – from zumba and aqua classes to live music and delicious food. It was a privilege to be part of an event that champions inclusivity and celebrates our beautiful community.”

Events like Pride Night not only celebrate diversity but also create lasting connections and a stronger, more connected community. 

Volunteer-led community groups and clubs will receive new support under changes to the Manningham Volunteer Resource Service.

Manningham Council will move to a new delivery model for supporting volunteering once the current contract with external provider EV Strengthening Communities (formerly Eastern Volunteers) ends on 30 June 2025. 

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said Council is committed to supporting volunteers and ensuring we continue to meet their evolving needs and aspirations. 

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community, and essential for the continued success of local clubs, groups and associations,” Cr Diamante said. 

“We are deeply grateful to our volunteers for their dedication to making Manningham a better place, whether that’s through community, sport, emergency services, environment or arts and local history groups, among others.

“We’ve valued our partnership with EV Strengthening Communities since 2019, and I’d like to thank them for their work in supporting volunteerism in Manningham,” she said.

In recent years, there have been significant shifts in the volunteering sector, and a gradual decline in people undertaking formal volunteering right across Australia.

“We have been listening to our local clubs and groups, who are seeing increasing demands on their time to meet the growing administrative, regulatory and funding requirements for volunteering activities,” Cr Diamante said.

“These demands are stretching our volunteers, requiring not only extra time, but specific skills.

“We want to ease the burden on volunteers, so they can get back to doing what they do best – supporting the Manningham community,” the Mayor added.

Further details of the new program will be made available in the coming months.

Manningham residents will be able to continue to search for volunteer roles through Volunteering Victoria.

Manningham Council will engage local community groups to help plan the future direction of community facilities in Warrandyte.

Engagement will commence in July as part of the Warrandyte Community Facilities Review (Review) – a key project under Manningham’s Community Infrastructure Plan (CIP).

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange said Council is looking for future improvements to community facilities that will better support local services and connectivity for residents.

“Last year’s consultation on the Community Infrastructure Plan highlighted the need for a holistic review of the provision of community facilities in Warrandyte. With an increasing demand for services, we need to ensure the right infrastructure is in place to support community needs,” Cr Lange said.

“The Review will help guide future investment into community facilities in Warrandyte,” she said.
During the consultation, community groups will provide information on their usage, needs, and expectations of facilities. They will also share ideas for future services and buildings, including opportunities for partnerships and facility sharing.

“We want to better understand the needs, priorities and aspirations of our local community groups.

“These discussions will guide the preparation of our draft recommendations, which will be shared with the broader community for further feedback early next year,” the Mayor added.

Community groups and services will be contacted directly to participate in the consultation.
If you haven’t heard from Council by the end of July and would like to participate, please contact Council via Your Say Manningham.

The final plan will be presented to Council for endorsement in 2025.

For further information, go to Your Say Manningham.