Did you know there are 20 virtual fence posts positioned along Jumping Creek Road, between Nelson Drive and the entrance to Warrandyte State Park’s Jumping Creek Reserve, to protect local wildlife and help reduce roadkill?

Installed by Manningham Council as part of the Jumping Creek Road upgrade, these innovative virtual fences are designed to save animals’ lives by releasing sound and light when a car approaches.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said the initiative is an important step towards addressing wildlife road fatalities.

“These virtual fences are a fantastic way to protect our local wildlife, especially in areas where animals frequently cross the road,” Cr Diamante said.

“We strategically placed these fences near Jumping Creek, as animals use creeks as habitat corridors.” 

“You will see the fence posts along the side of the road… and we encourage residents to be aware and help us keep our wildlife safe.”

While they might look like street posts, these virtual fences play a crucial role in enhancing road safey for both wildlife and drivers. 

Local wildlife rescuer, Katja Gutwein, has seen the benefits of these fences firsthand.

“The virtual fence is a low-cost solution that has drastically reduced wildlife fatalities and improved safety for all road users,” Ms Gutwein said. 

If you spot any damage to the fences, contact Manningham Council on 9840 9333 or email environment@manningham.vic.gov.au. 

The fences were installed as part of the Jumping Creek Road upgrade, which aims to improve road safety for all road users.

For more information on this project, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/jumping-creek-road-upgrade.
 

Last night, 25 March, a petition to remove from permanent display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags from all Manningham flagpoles and the cessation of holding a Welcome to Country ceremony and statement of the Acknowledgement of Country before any Council meeting or function, with 12 signatures was tabled at the Council meeting. The Council vote was to enable the petition to be tabled, and it did not provide any position on the matter.

In accordance with our Council meeting procedures, all petitions are formally tabled at the meeting, and Council votes to receive it.

Manningham Council's use of the Welcome To Country ceremony, statement of Acknowledgement of Country and the flying of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are strategic elements of our Council Plan, endorsed Manningham Reconciliation Action Plan and Flying Flags In The Civic Precinct Policy; and designed to provide a roadmap for Manningham's own commitment to reconciliation.  

No decision has been made to change this current endorsed position.

Valuing free speech means listening to different views regardless of whether we agree or disagree with a position.

In line with our commitment to transparency and our standard procedures, we will respond to the lead petitioner and include that response in the Agenda papers for the April Council Meeting.

Deirdre

 “Our aim was to improve our home’s efficiency and reduce our reliance on the grid,” explains Ken.

While the couple initially dreamed of being off-grid, they found a powerful alternative: a well-insulated home with rooftop solar and a battery system.

For Ken, who comes from the country and doesn’t identify as an environmentalist, it was clear that “this is the way we must go.”

So, in 2023, Ken and Joan upgraded their 1kW solar panels to a 10kW system and also purchased a Sungrow battery through the Solar Savers scheme.

The battery offers three-phase backup protection, which keeps their home steady if there’s a power outage or problem with the grid. They can also add extra units to increase the battery’s capacity – if their energy needs grow or they add more appliances.  

The impact? Less grid outages and more reliable energy. Plus, with an interest-free loan from Solar Savers, the upgrade was more affordable.

“While the total cost was around $20,000, I only paid $7,000 upfront, with the rest on an interest-free loan. It’s a great deal that’s made a huge difference for us.”

Solar Savers is part of our Electrify Your Life program which supports residents to go all-electric at home - creating a brighter Manningham. Learn how to make the switch at Electrify Your Life. Learn more about Solar Savers here.

Improving drainage and flood mitigation is one of the ways we're building a better Manningham.

What's happening?

We’re upgrading the drainage system along Trezise Street and Cemetery Road, Warrandyte to improve stormwater management and reduce flood risk.

The project will involve:

• upgrading drainage
• installing kerb and channel

Where is it?

This project will include the drainage:

• along Trezise Street, between Yarra Street and Brackenbury Street.
• along Cemetery Road, between Yarra Street and Brackenbury Street.
• within the easement at 21 Brackenbury Street.
   

When will the works happen?

We’re delivering this project as part of our 2025/26 Capital Works Program. 

We’re seeking community feedback on this project until 22 August 2025. Find out more about this consultation on Your Say Manningham - Capital works in Warrandyte and Wonga Park.

Why is the upgrade needed?

This upgrade will improve stormwater management to prevent flooding, reduce water pooling, and minimise erosion. This will ensure a safer and more resilient environment for our community.

How will the works affect me?

We’ll provide information about any potential impacts closer to construction.

Council has endorsed Manningham’s suite of key strategic documents, marking a decisive step toward building a vibrant and sustainable future. This includes its Council Plan 2025-2029 and 2025/26 Budget. 

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said: “It’s essential that Council’s actions reflect what truly matters to the people who live here – what they value, what they want improved and what kind of future they envision for our neighbourhoods. 

“Endorsing these strategic documents is more than a procedural step. It’s a commitment to delivering real and lasting outcomes for our community.

“Together, they set a clear direction for the future – one that is community-led, inclusive and focused on delivering meaningful outcomes for everyone who calls Manningham home,” Cr Diamante said.

At its meeting on Monday 30 June, Council formally endorsed the following documents:

•  Council Plan 2025-2029 (including the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan) and supporting Action Plan 
•  2025/26 Budget (an annual document)
• 10-Year Financial Plan 2025/26 to 2034/35
• Revenue and Rating Plan 2025/26 to 2028/29
• Asset Plan 2025–2035 and Asset Management Policy

The endorsed documents are the result of extensive community engagement. They have been shaped by the Manningham Community Panel’s recommendations, the Community Vision 2040, and feedback from the broader community, advisory bodies, partners, Councillors and Council officers.

“We’ve listened to our community’s concerns, priorities and aspirations for Manningham. From the rising cost of living, community safety, access to transport and open spaces, and protecting the unique character of our neighbourhoods as we grow – we understand what matters most to you.

“Together, we’ve created a roadmap that reflects our shared values and sets us on a path toward a healthier, more connected and resilient future,” Cr Diamante said.

At the heart of the Council Plan is a strong focus on building a healthier, more vibrant city. 

For the first time, Council has integrated its Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan into the Council Plan to ensure a unified approach to achieving the highest possible standard of public health and wellbeing, while meeting legislated obligations.

“We know that building a great city isn’t just about infrastructure and services. It’s about the health, happiness and resilience of our people. This integrated approach ensures that every decision we make supports the wellbeing of our community, now and into the future.

"Together, all these strategic documents lay the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive Manningham – one that reflects our community’s voice and is ready to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead," Cr Diamante said.

View Council’s full suite of strategic documents, including the Council Plan 2025-2029, 2025/26 Budget.
 

Council has endorsed Manningham’s suite of key strategic documents, marking a decisive step toward building a vibrant and sustainable future. These include our Council Plan 2025-2029 and 2025/26 Budget. 

Our Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said: “It’s essential that Council’s actions reflect what truly matters to the people who live here – what they value, what they want improved and what kind of future they envision for our neighbourhoods. 

“Endorsing these strategic documents is more than a procedural step. It’s a commitment to delivering real and lasting outcomes for our community.

“Together, they set a clear direction for the future – one that is community-led, inclusive and focused on delivering meaningful outcomes for everyone who calls Manningham home,” Cr Diamante said.

At its meeting on Monday 30 June, Council formally endorsed the following documents:

• Council Plan 2025-2029 (including the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan) and supporting Action Plan 
•  2025/26 Budget (an annual document)
• 10-Year Financial Plan 2025/26 to 2034/35
• Revenue and Rating Plan 2025/26 to 2028/29
• Asset Plan 2025–2035 and Asset Management Policy

The endorsed documents are the result of extensive community engagement. They have been shaped by the Manningham Community Panel’s recommendations, the Community Vision 2040, and feedback from the broader community, advisory bodies, partners, Councillors and Council officers.

“We’ve listened to our community’s concerns, priorities and aspirations for Manningham. From the rising cost of living, community safety, access to transport and open spaces, and protecting the unique character of our neighbourhoods as we grow – we understand what matters most to you.

“Together, we’ve created a roadmap that reflects our shared values and sets us on a path toward a healthier, more connected and resilient future,” Cr Diamante said.

At the heart of the Council Plan is a strong focus on building a healthier, more vibrant city. 

For the first time, we've integrated our Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan into the Council Plan to ensure a unified approach to achieving the highest possible standard of public health and wellbeing, while meeting legislated obligations.

“We know that building a great city isn’t just about infrastructure and services. It’s about the health, happiness and resilience of our people. This integrated approach ensures that every decision we make supports the wellbeing of our community, now and into the future.

"Together, all these strategic documents lay the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive Manningham – one that reflects our community’s voice and is ready to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead," Cr Diamante said.

View our full suite of strategic documents, including the Council Plan 2025-2029, 2025/26 Budget.
 

Manningham Council is inviting residents of Warrandyte, Wonga Park and surrounds to help shape infrastructure projects planned for their neighbourhood.

Locals are encouraged to attend a drop-in session this August to view project designs, ask questions and share feedback.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said hearing directly from residents is essential to making decisions that reflect the community’s priorities.

“Discussing projects with residents throughout the design and planning phase leads to better decision-making and outcomes that reflect community needs and preferences,” 

“These sessions are a chance for us to explain decisions that have been made and ensure future outcomes are shaped by community input.”.

Projects open for consultation include:

• Footpath construction - Paynters Road and Reserve Road, Wonga Park
• Main Yarra Trail Extension (stage three) - Pound Road to Taroona Avenue, Warrandyte
• Footpath construction - Tindals Road, Warrandyte 
• Drainage upgrade - Trezise Street, Brackenbury Street and Cemetery Road, Warrandyte

Final designs available for viewing:

• Footpath and drainage upgrades - Alexander Road, Warrandyte
• Pedestrian refuge installation - Russell Road, Mullens Road and Ringwood Warrandyte Road intersection, Warrandyte
• Intersection upgrade - Pound Road, Warrandyte

Community drop-in session details:

• Monday 18 August, 4:00pm to 7:00pm
  Warrandyte Community Hall, 2–8 Taroona Avenue
• Monday 25 August, 4:00pm to 7:00pm
  Wonga Park Hall, corner of Launders Avenue and Yarra Road

No registration is required - just drop in and have your say.

For more information or to have your say via our online survey, go to yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/capital-works-warrandyte-wonga-park.

Residents of Warrandyte, Wonga Park and surrounds are invited to help shape infrastructure projects planned for their neighbourhood.

Attend a drop-in session this August to view project designs, ask questions and share feedback.

Our Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said hearing directly from residents is essential to making decisions that reflect the community’s priorities.

“Discussing projects with residents throughout the design and planning phase leads to better decision-making and outcomes that reflect community needs and preferences,” 

“These sessions are a chance for us to explain decisions that have been made and ensure future outcomes are shaped by community input.”.

Projects open for consultation include:

• Footpath construction - Paynters Road and Reserve Road, Wonga Park
• Main Yarra Trail Extension (stage three) - Pound Road to Taroona Avenue, Warrandyte
• Footpath construction - Tindals Road, Warrandyte 
• Drainage upgrade - Trezise Street, Brackenbury Street and Cemetery Road, Warrandyte

Final designs available for viewing:

• Footpath and drainage upgrades - Alexander Road, Warrandyte
• Pedestrian refuge installation - Russell Road, Mullens Road and Ringwood Warrandyte Road intersection, Warrandyte
• Intersection upgrade - Pound Road, Warrandyte

Community drop-in session details:

• Monday 18 August, 4:00pm to 7:00pm
  Warrandyte Community Hall, 2–8 Taroona Avenue
• Monday 25 August, 4:00pm to 7:00pm
  Wonga Park Hall, corner of Launders Avenue and Yarra Road

No registration is required - just drop in and have your say.

For more information or to have your say via our online survey, go to Your Say Manningham - Capital Works in Warrandyte and Wonga Park.

A safe and secure home is the foundation for a healthy life, education, and connection to community. Right now we are seeing more people in Manningham facing housing stress and homelessness.

National Homelessness Week runs from 4 to 10 August and is an opportunity to raise awareness of the practical steps to address homelessness in our community.

Homelessness doesn’t discriminate — it can affect anyone. Rising housing costs mean some people are forced to choose between rent and food. We're also seeing a growing need for food relief and emergency support services locally.

If you or someone you know needs help, our Manningham Wellbeing Support Card connects you with local services that can provide support. Hard copies of these are available at community venues including Council facilities, libraries community centres, neighbourhood houses, sporting and social clubs.

Let’s work together to make our community a place where everyone has a home.

Our website provides an online resource directory of local crisis support services, including homelessness and crisis accommodation, emergency food relief, family violence support and wellbeing services.

This National Homelessness Week, we’re joining other councils and community organisations to highlight how we’re working together to support people doing it tough.

Want to learn more? Join us for the webinar More than Shelter on Thursday 7 August at 12:30pm, where we’ll explore the support services that offer safety and dignity to people experiencing homelessness.

Register now

Updated: 22 January 2025

Improving the quality of our roads and stormwater drainage systems are some of the ways we’re building a better Manningham.

We're upgrading Oban Road in Ringwood North and Donvale to improve road and footpath safety and reduce flood risk.

Where is it?

This project will be delivered in two stages.

Stage one 

Construction will occur along Oban Road, between property 321 and the Glenvale Road intersection, Ringwood North. 

• stabilisation of the existing to improve pavement resilience
• localised pavement widening
• maintenance improvements to the existing kerb and channel
• new asphalt surface
• additional minor asphalt works along Beckett Road

Stage two

Construction will occur along Oban Road, between Glenvale Road and Smedley Road, Donvale.

• installation of underground stormwater drainage
• kerb and channel
• road widening in some sections
• weed removal
• new asphalt surface
• footpath upgrades, between Barnsdale and Smedley roads.

This project will be delivered under our 2024/25 Capital Works Program.

Why is it needed?

These works will deliver significant safety and environmental benefits.

Improvements include resurfacing the road to reduce potholes, rutting, and cracking, ensuring smoother and safer travel. Widening certain sections will provide sufficient space for vehicles to pass safely, minimising the risk of accidents. 

Installing underground drainage will effectively manage stormwater, reduce flood risks, and prevent road damage. Additionally, removing weeds will promote native biodiversity by controlling invasive species and supporting the local ecosystem.

When will the works happen?

• Stage one works will begin in early to mid-2025.
• Stage two works will begin after the stage one works, later in 2025.

These schedules are subject to weather conditions and third party approvals.

How will the works affect me?

Works will occur between 7.00am and 5.00pm on weekdays and 9.00am and 3.00pm on Saturdays.

During these times, you may notice:

• construction noise
• minor traffic delays 
• road closures with access granted to local residents
• reduced on street parking
• temporary disruptions to driveway access – we will contact affected properties directly.

Please follow the directions of staff and signs to move safely around the area.

We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work to improve the drainage in your area.

“If we can save on our bills and reduce our carbon footprint by going electric, I think it’s worth it,” said Doncaster East resident Jeffrey. 

When Jeffrey installed solar panels on his roof in 2007, the system had only a 1kW capacity. That’s around one tenth the size of today’s average setup.

“Back then, the systems were small – but it lasted us 13 years,” he said.

That first step planted the seed for what would become a 17-year electrification process.

In 2020, Jeffrey decided it was time for a boost and upgraded to a 10kW solar system to meet his growing energy needs and increase his energy independence. 

Around this time, he also replaced his gas hot water system with an efficient electric heat pump and installed an induction cooktop during a kitchen renovation.

“For me, going electric is about both helping the climate and enjoying more affordable bills,” he said.

The final piece of the puzzle came this year, when Jeffrey installed a battery through Solar Savers. The battery allows him to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it in the evening. 

“At the end of the day, we’re saving money and doing our small part to mitigate climate change,” he said.

Jeffrey’s advice to others?

“Do your research and make sure you’re working with reputable installers. There are a lot of cold callers out there, so vet carefully,” he said.

Jeffrey’s story highlights that going electric doesn’t have to happen overnight. It can be a gradual, considered process that suits your budget and evolving energy needs.  

Start building your Go Electric Plan at manningham.vic.gov.au/electrify-your-life

Stunning new botanical art displays at the Manningham Civic Centre provide inspiration for bringing the natural world into your own home or workplace.

The displays, on show until Spring, are by artist Kayla Moon, of floristry business xfloss, and are examples of biophilic design.

Biophilic design is about increasing our connection to the natural world within our built environment.

Kayla specialises in unusual large-scale sculptural pieces that combine different materials, colours and structural elements that are both beautiful and thought-provoking.

“Our work is unconventional because of the style of the materials that we use,” Kayla said.

“I love to create sculptures that are big floral monsters - more unusual, even grotesque – beautiful but a bit terrifying.”

Indeed, Kayla’s displays in the foyers of the Civic Centre and MC Square feature the dried and preserved weed Amaranthus, highlighting the beauty of what could considered a ‘monster’ outside its native environment. 

Kayla has combined the Amaranthus with the air plant Old Man’s Beard, Papyrus Sedge, and branches of Corokia to create beautiful sculptural displays.

“I’ve brought together different types of plants at different stages of their lifecycle – weeds, airplants, bushes and deciduous plants. I think it provides insights into natural materiality and the beauty of nature and how you can use flowers, twigs, rocks and other natural items as a medium.”

Biophilia refers to our innate connection with nature and was first coined by psychologist Eric Fromm in 1964. The word biophilia originates from the Greek words ‘bio’, meaning life, and ‘philia’, meaning ‘love of’, resulting in ‘in a love of life or living things’.

In our modern world, biophilic design supports connection to the natural world through practical design principals such as the use of natural shape and forms, environmental features, light and space. 

Bringing the natural world into our home and work environments has many health benefits, including relieving stress and improving our mental and physical wellbeing.

You, too, can bring biophilic design into your own home or workplace. Try some of these tips:

• Live plants: One of the easiest ways to bring biophilic design into your home is through live plants. Spider plants, snake plants, rubber plants and peace lilies are all known for their air purifying abilities and look good too.
• Texture and shape: Decorate your home with textures and shapes that replicate what you might find in nature. Materials such as wood, clay, cork or wool add a natural feel or you could find objects that mimic the patterns and forms of our natural world. 
• Colour: In colour psychology, green is known to calm and rejuvenate, so think about bringing natural colours into your home that make you feel peaceful and bring you a sense of joy, seek inspiration from sunsets, waterways and green spaces.
• Light: If you can, position desks or communal areas around windows to optimise natural light. Reflective surfaces such as stainless-steel bench tops and mirrors can help make a small space feel brighter and more expansive.
• Airflow: Open windows when you can to ensure natural air flow or invest in an air purifier. 
• Scent: Can be a powerful sensory experience. Use diffusers, candles, incense, or natural cleaning products in the home, think about natural scents such as lavender or citrus and made from natural or non-toxic ingredients. You might want to try growing herbs like rosemary, mint or thyme on your windowsill – they smell fantastic, and you can cook with them, too. 

Find out more about biophilic design from the Living Future Institute Australia.

Join us for our Inspired Living Series where you can learn about sustainable ideas from inspiring speakers throughout the year. 

Image: Artist Kayla Moon puts the finishing touches to her botanical art display in the foyer of the Civic Centre.
 

A new larger-than-life exhibition is now open at the Manningham Art Gallery in Doncaster.

Pages of Me: A Bird, an Eye, Clouds, Ice cream, is a multimedia project by celebrated Melbourne artist and designer Beci Orpin.

Drawing from her textile-focused background, Orpin delves into mascot culture by creating a giant cat called Pomme, set in a display of oversized pages pulled from her sketchbook, blending bold patterns, found images and positive mantras.

The exhibition explores finding happiness through individuality and acceptance, and visitors are drawn in to read the mantras from Orpin’s pages and catch further glimpses of Pomme.

“The idea for the mascot came from seeing a series of photos of mascots caught in odd, unexpected places – doorways, ticket booths, elevators,” Orpin said.

“It struck me both as comical and a metaphor for getting ‘stuck in the cracks’. I often say that ‘the cracks’ are where I exist – somewhere between creative categories, never fully fitting into one genre.

“Though it can be challenging to exist in ‘the cracks’, it’s where I’m most authentic, where I can be fully myself and do my best work.”

Visitors are encouraged to get creative at the gallery themselves, drawing their own mascot, based on their unique qualities.

Orpin is known for her signature application of colour, shape and optimism. She has collaborated with major brands and organisations including Apple, Google Disney, Uniqlo and the Australian Ballet.

Manningham Mayor Deirdre Diamante said: “We’re thrilled to have such a highly regarded artist exhibit at the Manningham Gallery. It’s a wonderful exhibition and I encourage you to come and see it for yourself while you can.”

Pages of Me continues until Saturday 5 April 2025.

Manningham Art Gallery, 687 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, is open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 11.00am to 4.00pm.

More information about the event is available in Council's events calendar.

Image courtesy of the artist.

We’re celebrating National NAIDOC Week from 6-13 July by sharing the stories and achievements of First Nations People.

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations peoples, culture and history and gives everyone a chance to participate in celebrations of the oldest continuing living cultures.

Storytelling is at the heart of First Nations culture – a powerful way to share history, knowledge and connection to country.

We’ve recently added special books to our collections at Maternal and Child Health centres, featuring traditional children’s stories translated into the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung language by Elder Aunty Gail Smith. These books are also available to read at our local libraries.

Bulleen Library will also be celebrating NAIDOC Week with a school holiday cultural experience for children – Aboriginal Storytelling Through Art – on Thursday 10 July. Bookings essential.

Don’t miss the final week of our free exhibition, Painted Country, featuring the works of five First Nations artists at the Manningham Art Gallery and closes on Saturday 12 July. 

The artists – Nellie Ngampa Coulthard, Brenda Napaltjarri, Clara Napurrula, Rene Sundown and Adrian Jurra Tjungurrayi – share their unique depictions of the Australian landscape in their stunning paintings.

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

We’ve recently acquired three new works by First Nations artists to add to our art collection and they can be viewed at the gallery. These are Tears of the Djulpan, 2023, by Djakaŋu Yunupiŋu featuring natural earth pigments on stringbark Eucalyptus with custom metal brace, Deceased Estate, 2024, a charcoal and acrylic binder on hessian by Matthew Harris, and Yarringa, 2023, an etched steel panel by Barayuwa Munungurr.

We’re committed to being an inclusive and connected community and recognise that local government has a key role to play in reconciliation.

Our work is guided by our Reconciliation Action Plan, which has been developed in partnership with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Corporation and local First Nations people.

Find out more about First Nations history and reconciliation in Manningham.
 

A new installation at the Manningham Art Gallery will provide plenty of food for thought as part of Melbourne Design Week – Australia’s premier design festival.

Beyond the Table: The Dinner Party Reimagined, is a reimagining of a traditional dinner party by local artists Isobel Goodman and Jade Piltz.

It’s one of more than 350 events, exhibitions, talks and installations on show across the state during Melbourne Design Week, which runs from 15-25 May.

Goodman, of Donvale, has used works from Manningham Council’s ‘Potters Cottage Collection” to inspire her signature papier mache and plaster sculptures that reference a dinner party table setting. The sculptures sit alongside the handmade pottery created by the Potters Cottage co-operative, founded in Warrandyte in 1958.  

Visitors can view the setting, or, during Melbourne Design Week, pick a flower from the setting to take home.

Surrounding the dining table presentation is a display of paintings by Piltz, of Warrandyte, that depict bright, layered and abstract domestic objects.

The dinner party will continue beyond Melbourne Design Week, with the installation on display until 28 June.

Melbourne Design Week is an initiative of the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and is curated and delivered by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).

Visit designweek.melbourne to view the full program.

Manningham is celebrating a new chapter in its history with the official opening of the new Schramms Cottage Museum and Visitor Centre in Doncaster East.

The $3.5 million facility and precinct upgrade officially opened on Friday 17 October, and will help the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society preserve the history of Manningham for generations to come.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said she was pleased to open the new centre, with Schramms Cottage an integral part of Manningham’s more recent pioneer story.

“Local history is important because it helps us understand who we are as a community. It tells the stories of the people, places and events that have shaped us, where we live and our way of life," Cr Diamante said.

“Thank you to the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society, whose passion and dedication helps keep these vital stories of our community alive.”

The new building complements the historic Schramms Cottage and provides extra exhibition and storage space for the society to display and preserve their collection.

The spaces are climate controlled, ensuring that historical objects, particularly dresses and fabrics, will be preserved for longer.

The development also includes upgraded car parking, pathways and a new meeting room, which will be available for the general community to hire from late 2026.

“I’m excited that community will be able to access this space for meetings and events, creating new opportunities for the community to view and appreciate our heritage,” Cr Diamante added.

Schramms Cottage was first built in 1874 on Doncaster Hill, near the present Manningham Civic Centre, for German immigrant Max von Schramm for use as a house and school. 

In 1971, it was moved to its current location in Rieschiecks Reserve and now provides a picture of what life was like in the pioneering days of the late 1800s.

Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society President Geoffrey Broome said the society was delighted to see completion of the new facility, a culmination of many years of collaboration with Manningham Council.

“The museum is a community asset and helps to preserve the heritage of the Manningham municipality. Going back to the mid-1800s, this area was full of orchards and one of the main fruit growing districts of Victoria,” Mr Broome said.

“We have a wide range of items on display such as clothing from the early settlers including wedding gowns, household goods, furniture.”

The new visitor centre will be open to the public from Sunday 2 November. 

The existing historic complex, including Schramms Cottage, is open every Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm and is available mid-week for local school excursions. 

More information is available at the websites of Manningham Council and the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society.