Check out all the things you can do - from exploring our nature, looking for fun activities or learning new skills.
Discover places and spaces
Whatever your experience, our places and programs will help you explore Manningham and a variety of contemporary art and recreational choices in fun and engaging ways.
Discover Aquarena
The Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre is one of the largest recreation and aquatic facilities in Victoria.
Resources to help you run your sport and recreation club
Whether you are looking to improve your club operations or increase participation - you can find useful information and templates to get you started.
Discover arts, crafts and theatre
We have a vibrant arts and cultural scene for you to explore. With a proud history in visual arts, Arts Manningham is home to renowned painters, ceramicists and mid-twentieth century artists.
Find your local
Get to know our municipality through our local businesses.
Looking for a grant to fund an upcoming project?
View our range of grants available to assist your community group, club or arts practice.
If you’re an artist living or working in Manningham, join us for an online meet and greet to build creative connections in your backyard.
Facilitated by Debby Maziarz, this inaugural community of practice event will look at what dramatic adaptation can mean for your arts practice, with particular regard for opportunities and challenges presented by online tools and modes of working.
You'll hear from local creatives Adrian Rice, Cath Rutten and Lindy Yeates about their experiences, particularly in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as have the chance to share ideas and discuss your current practice.
Free event.
Limited numbers, registration essential.
Image: Lindy Yeates, installation shot from the Sanctuary Project, 2020-21.
More Information
Manningham Art Gallery
Located at the entrance to MC Square, Manningham Art Gallery presents a diverse range of contemporary art exhibitions and related public programs throughout the year. See all upcoming exhibitions.
Join our local Land Restoration Guides, Alan Noy and Glenn Jameson for an interactive walk in 100 Acres Reserve, and for a summary session in the study room. Learn how to successfully tackle weeds and support local wildlife on your block. Become empowered to collectively regenerate our native bushland and help it thrive, so that you can improve the natural beauty of where you live.
This workshop is FREE and take home notes will be provided.
Wear shoes and clothing appropriate for a bush walk and the weather on the day.
Bring a water bottle and a notepad and pen.
Free light lunch provided.
Location will be provided upon registration
An exhibition of local artists showing mixed media of member's work.
The art show will be open 10.00am to 3.00pm daily.
For more information, go to Doncaster Templestowe Artists Society.
The Arts Grant is a category of the Community Grant Program. The grant allows not-for-profit groups and organisations to deliver arts, cultural and heritage activities reflecting the diversity of the community.
What type of applicants does the grant support
The arts category supports applications that:
- contributes to the vibrancy and liveability of the area
- supports the delivery of community arts and cultural activities
- encourages partnerships between groups, organisations and businesses to benefit all
- encourages innovation.
What the grant hopes to achieve
The aim of the grant is to:
- allow diverse arts and cultural expression that includes digital arts, literary arts, participatory arts, performing arts and visual arts
- provide participants with a sense of belonging and inclusion
- give artists and participants a sense of feeling valued
- support the local creative industry by involving local artists.
When does the funding round begin
Grant currently closed. Next round opens in February 2025.
How much funding is available for the grant
Funding is between $3,001 and $20,000. Allocations are for 1 financial year. There’s no repeat funding.
The estimated allocation for the arts category is $50,000 per annum.
How to apply
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Before you start an application, get familiar with the guidelines
You will have to agree to the terms and conditions of the Community Grant Program too.
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Make sure you are eligible to apply
Before starting your application, make sure your organisation is eligible to apply.
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Confirm grant category and put together your proposal
Confirm that you are applying for the right grant category.
After checking you have got the right category, develop a project proposal that includes:
- a brief project description
- the objectives
- timelines
- budget identifying the appropriate category to submit your application.
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Discuss your application with us before you submit
Before finishing your application, make sure you discuss your proposal with us. Although, you won’t need to speak with us beforehand if you’re applying for the Small Grants category.
We can help you with your application. We can also give advice on how to apply online.
To discuss your application, contact us.
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Review the assessment criteria
Refer to the guidelines and review the assessment criteria for the relevant category before you finish.
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Prepare supporting information to include with your application
Use the application checklist to help you to prepare your application to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
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Start your application
Having trouble logging into SmartyGrants? Find out how to reset your password.
Join our mailing list and find out when grants are available
Subscribe to the Community Grants Program mailing list and keep informed of upcoming grants and community training sessions.
Smartygrants Login
Already familiar with applying for a grant process?
Login to smartygrants.
Grant Finder
Grant Finder brings together grants from national, state, and local government along with opportunities from corporate organisations and foundations.
This service is open to all local businesses, community groups, not-for-profits, and individuals.
Register online to receive email alerts about upcoming funding opportunities.
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.
If you require access supports to attend this exhibition, please contact our Community Strengthening team on 9840 9333 or at manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au. Auslan interpreters should be booked as early as possible.
The Community Grant program supports and empowers community groups and organisations to deliver programs and activities for our community in Manningham.
We are committed to developing and fostering partnerships with not-for-profit groups and organisations whose work enriches the municipality and is consistent with our vision.
Grant opportunities
Funding opportunities
Apply for assistance to preserve your bushland
These grants are designed to help property owners with land care education, land stewardship, pest and animal control and ecological improvement works.
In 2020 we launched the Arts Manningham Fellowship and Artist in Residence program to support local artists research and develop ideas for:
- new and innovative arts programs
- small, site-specific installations, and
- unique performances or ephemeral arts events
What do artists get?
We provide successful applicants funding of up to $6000 over two phases to:
- develop and implement unique programs that provide engaging art experiences for the local community and encourage visitors to the region
- undertake a short residency at Manningham Art Studios
- facilitate artistic collaboration and run workshops and artist studio talks
How to apply
Information about applying for the 2022 Arts Manningham FAIR will be released later in the year.
2020 Recipients
Lindy Yeates’ Sanctuary Project examined how the restrictions introduced by the state and federal governments to stop the spread of COVID-19 afforded moments of pause and self-reflection that, for many of us with busy lives, are so hard to come by.
Yeates’ project saw her researching opportunities for recreating that sense of pause through discrete art installations that acted as ‘sanctuaries’ from our everyday lives.
Her fellowship focused on translating drawings and prints of natural landscapes in Manningham and along the Victorian coastline into larger scale, immersive works, as well as identifying suitable locations for the works.
Local playwright Michel Paul Tuomy is undertaking a fellowship to develop his play Football Evangelism, with a view to staging performances in 2021.
Set in a local Melbourne football club, the play has two characters: Dave, who is known as ‘The Football Evangelist’, and his friend ‘Mild Mannered Mick’.
Dave is a water runner and had his nickname bestowed upon him by one of the club’s players as he has a devout faith and a passion for football. To add to the story, Dave has autism and his best mate Mick has schizophrenia. But they don’t allow these health conditions get in their way of their mutual love of football.
Denise Keele-bedford’s fellowship aims to extend her Boat Project, which has engaged the subject of migration and travel through installations of multiple origami boats in New York State, China, Korea and Melbourne.
Her fellowship will explore how to translate these forms into a sculpture that can be installed at a number of outdoor sites across Manningham.
The fellowship will provide a stepping-stone for Keele-bedford to work in new formats, with different materials and at a larger scale than she has previously.
Join us and learn more about new public art in Doncaster and take part in an all-ages art activity.
As part of the Ayr St South shopping strip upgrade, a ground mural will be designed and installed by artist Tom Civil.
Tom will share his designs at Greythorn Bowls Club in an information session for the community, where you can meet the artist and discuss his ideas.
The information session will be followed by an all-ages art activity, where you will design your own footpath mural. Use the materials provided to work collaboratively, or own your own to create an artwork for your street.
- Information session / meet the artist: 11.00am to 12.30pm
- Art Activity: 1.00pm to 2.30pm
Morning and afternoon tea will be provided
About the artist
Tom Civil is an artist, muralist, community art facilitator and printmaker.
Tom has been making art in the streets of Melbourne for over 18 years, and has painted over 30 commissioned murals across town in the last ten years.
Tom's ground artworks reference through the language of mapping and symbology, our connection to nature in a heavily urbanised and concrete and asphalt covered world. The ground artworks also allow us to day-dream about how the places we live were in the past, and how they could be in the future. They also create fun interactive play moments in our daily lives.
Photo by: Nathan CCP
Join in the 5th anniversary gala event dedicated to promoting Cantonese culture, arts, and community spirit.
This promises to be a memorable occasion filled with joy, reflection, and artistic expression.
Light refreshments served.
Registration is required.
Visit our local shopping centres or markets for a little bit of retail therapy and to explore our local arts, crafts, fashion and food.
Our shopping centres
We have a range of local shopping experiences close to home that suit a variety of budgets and needs. From dog grooming to enjoying a tasty lunch, our friendly traders provide excellent service and are happy to help. Discover some of our great shopping locations today.
We operate and have established a large number of internal advisory groups and other committees. We are also a member of or associated with a number of external bodies and committees.
The table below shows the members appointed to each committee. These appointments are reviewed on an annual basis.
All current appointments were made by Council on 28 November 2023.
Council Committee |
Appointee(s) for 2024 |
Chairperson Appointee for 2024 |
Arts Advisory Committee |
Appointed Councillor |
|
Audit and Risk Committee |
Independent Chairperson |
|
CEO Employment and Remuneration Committee |
Mayor |
|
Appointed Councillor |
||
Flooding and Stormwater |
Cr Lange |
|
Management Community Reference Panel |
||
Gender Equality and LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee |
Cr Lightbody |
|
Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee |
||
Healthy Ageing Advisory Committee |
Cr Chen |
|
Historical Societies Working Group |
Appointed Councillor |
|
Liveable Places and Spaces Advisory Committee |
Cr Lange |
|
Manningham |
Mayor |
|
Multicultural |
Cr Diamante |
|
Municipal Emergency Management Planning |
Director City Services or Delegate |
|
Municipal Fire management Planning Committee (MFMPC) |
Commander Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) |
|
Reconciliation Action |
A member of the senior leadership team will serve as Chairperson |
|
Recreation and Sport Advisory Committee |
Cr Conlon |
|
Manningham Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) |
Nominated |
External Bodies |
Appointee(s) for 2024 |
Australian Local Government Women’s Association - Victoria (ALGWA-Vic) |
|
Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance (EAHA) |
|
Eastern Region Group of Councils (ERG) |
|
Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) |
Alt Cr Lightbody |
Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) |
|
Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) |
Substitute |
Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (NAGA) Executive Committee |
|
Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) |
|
Whitehorse Manningham Regional Library Corporation (WMRLC) |
|
Re:SPECT: a Space to Pause, Express, Connect and Thrive.
A 6 week creative art therapy group for women recovering from family violence.
The Women’s Re:SPECT program utilises the visual arts, journaling and mindfulness for self-expression to explore themes relating to emotions, values and identity.
Bookings are required.
Vision board is a creative group facilitated by skilled art therapists and counsellors.
Connect and create with others in a fun, supportive environment.
Over four sessions, participants will be introduced to:
- inspirational goals
- personal values
- wellbeing
- future possibilities.
All materials will be provided.
Artlinks is a creative art group which meets weekly at the Seniors Citizens Centre in Warrandyte.
The program is about getting together, meeting new people, whilst enjoying art and craft projects. No art skill required!
Bring your own project to work on, or be guided through a group activity.
Stay for the morning or join in the activities.
Contact Trentwood Community House for further details and about transport options, or a My Aged care referral if you are over 65 years of age.
Vision board is a creative group facilitated by skilled art therapists and counsellors.
Connect and create with others in a fun, supportive environment.
Topics include:
- inspirational goals
- personal values
- wellbeing
- future possibilities.
All materials will be provided.
See what support services we offer for your needs - including links to official services by other providers.
Grants, Awards and Funds
We provide a range of grants, funding opportunities and local initiatives to support our community.
Find your Maternal and Child Health Centre
View all our Maternal and Child Health Centres opening hours and maps
With a vibrant food and art culture with a touch of history, Manningham is a special place to be. Retaining many of its cultural links, there’s something for everyone in Manningham: from sacred sites of the area’s First Peoples to the early gold mining settlements.
Local government
Local government in the area dates back to the election of the Templestowe District Roads Board in 1856. The first meeting of the Board was at Upper Yarra Hotel, Templestowe.
Proclamation that the Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe took place on 28 February 1967. Up until 15 December 1994, Doncaster and Templestowe Council administered the area until the creation of the City of Manningham. The new city included Doncaster, Templestowe and small sections of the Shire of Lilydale. Wonga Park and part of north Ringwood also became part of Manningham. Three State Government appointed commissioners managed the city until 24 march 1997 when 8 councillors were sworn into office.
Our First Nations heritage
You can see the rich cultural heritage of the area through local landmarks and places of significance. First Peoples have been in Victoria for over 30,000 years and we can still see evidence of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung presence in Manningham.
The European influence (mid 1800s)
From the mid-1800s, European settlement began in Manningham with the earliest building constructed in the 1840s. We still have plenty of places of heritage significance where visitors and locals can explore and admire.
Our suburbs
Each suburb in Manningham has its own unique characteristics and are wonderful places to live and visit.
As part of the MC Square 10 Year Anniversary celebrations, Manningham Art Studios is opening its doors for a range of free art activities to get you inspired for the new year!
Drop into the studios or our marquee in the forecourt between 11.00am and 3.00pm to try your hand at sketching, painting and hand-building with air-drying clay, and see demonstrations by some of our expert tutors.
Suitable for all ages.
Program of events
11.00am to 11.30amStudio 1 |
11.30am to 12.00pmStudio 1 |
12.00pm to 12.30pmStudio 1 |
12.30pm to 1.00pmStudio 1 |
1.00pm to 1.30pmStudio 1 |
1.30pm to 2.00pmStudio 1 |
2.00pm to 2.30pmStudio 1 |
2.30pm to 3.00pmStudio 1 |
View all our services to help you dispose your unwanted items, learn how to recycle and more.
Manage your waste
Book a hard rubbish collection
Looking to get rid of large unwanted household items. Find out what we can collect.
Container Deposit Scheme in Manningham
Victoria’s first Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) is now operating across Victoria, including sites in Manningham.
Soft plastics recycling put on hold
We are working with other Victorian Councils to lobby the State Government for soft plastics processing facilities.
Recycle at your local mini recycling station
We've installed mini recycling stations so you can recycle common household items that cannot go into your bins.
Find your local transfer stations (tips) and recycling centres
View a list of our closest transfer stations (tips) and recycling centres.
How to dispose of items
Find out how to dispose of your unwanted items using the Alphabetical listing