Explore Manningham's local environment with 20 self-guided walking brochures that showcase the municipality's wealth of natural, historic, cultural and environmental assets.

Offering walks from Bulleen to Wonga Park and everywhere in between, the guides include detailed maps, as well as interesting and informative notes to enhance your walking experience.

Did you know that Manningham is one of the leafiest areas of metropolitan Melbourne with more than 656 hectares of Council-managed parks and reserves?

With more than 60km of shared trails, 300 individual parks and reserves, 165 play spaces, numerous picnic areas and walking paths to manage, our Parks Improvement Program sets out a plan for the future upgrades of all our parks over the next 20 years.

We are guided by our Open Space Strategy, the Eastern Region Sport, Recreation and Trail Strategy, specific park masterplans, community requests and planned facility renewal programs.

Our Parks Improvement Program identifies opportunities for improvements and ensures our parks and reserves are well maintained and upgraded as our population grows.

What is the Parks Improvement Program?

The Parks Improvement Programs sets out a plan for the future renewal and upgrade of all parks in Manningham over the next 20 years.

How was this program developed?

The Parks Improvement Program is based on recommendations from our Open Space Strategy, Eastern Region Sport, Recreation and Trails Strategy, specific masterplans for our parks, feedback and requests from our community and planned facility renewal programs.

What are the objectives of this plan?

This program will ensure our parks and reserves remain relevant and accessible to everyone into the future. It will make sure that facilities are in good condition and adapt to changing needs.

How is the schedule of renewal and upgrade determined?

For most park facilities like playspaces, furniture, paths and garden beds they need to be renewed every 20-25 years to ensure they are in a good and safe condition. Other factors are the level of use, i.e. Regional parks and playspaces get much higher use and wear out more quickly; the population growth in that neighbourhood; and demand for new facilities like fitness equipment, lighting and trails.

Does the program factor in new parks in the future?

Yes a number of new parks or expansion of existing ones has been determined in the Open Space Strategy to cater for gaps in provision, links to other parks or where there is higher density living occurring. These sites will gradually be acquired and developed as they become available.

Congratulations to the winners of the Manningham Community Awards, which were announced on 16 September 2025.

The awards program celebrated individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond in making Manningham a better place to live, work and visit over the past 12 months.

The awards recognise achievements in 8 categories, with one of these category winners named Manningham Citizen of the Year.

More than 70 nominations were received for the 2025 awards, highlighting many outstanding achievements across the community. Thank you to everyone who helped shine a light on those who go above and beyond.

Nominations for the 2026 Manningham Community Awards will open in March. We look forward to learning about more of the incredible people and groups who contribute to the Manningham community.

Citizen of the Year

Selected by the judging panel from the eligible category award winners for their outstanding contribution to the Manningham community in the past 12 months. 

Leon Moore
 

Doreen Stoves Excellence in Volunteering  

Recognising an individual who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to volunteerism.

Winner: Leon Moore

Leon established the Laughing All Abilities Really Friendly Singers (LAARFS). The choir, which meets weekly, has more than 70 members, who live with chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer and dementia.

Finalists:

• Brenda Humphreys

• Sandrajane Vincent-Corry

Active Community

Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to community participation in active lifestyles, sports or physical activity. 

Winner: Bulleen Tennis Club

Under the committee’s leadership, the club’s facilities have been transformed with upgrades including court resurfacing and new lighting. Membership has grown by more than 70% with expanded junior and senior competitions, veterans’ tennis and social play. 

Finalists:

• Ruffey Runners

• Tony Gibson

Ageing Well

Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to enhancing the lives of older residents, fostering social connection, safety or active ageing.

Winner: Chinese Senior Citizens Club of Manningham Inc.

With more than 1000 members and 200 volunteers, the club is one of the largest in Manningham. It has delivered more than 60 free weekly classes, as well as educational talks, performances and major cultural celebrations over the past year.

Finalists:

• Richard Davis

• Scones Together

Artistic Achievement 

Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to Manningham’s creative community, sparking artistic, cultural or creative expression.

Winner: Warrandyte Arts Association

The association has supported more than 170 members across several groups including life drawing, pottery, writing and theatre. 

Finalists: 

• Jazz in the Park

• Now and Not Yet Gallery

Community Excellence

Recognising a community organisation or group that has delivered outstanding programs or initiatives contributing to the wellbeing, development and cohesion of the Manningham community.

Winner: Warrandyte Pink Ladies

The group has been passionate in their efforts to raise funds, awareness and support for those affected by breast cancer.

Finalists: 

• Ajani Neighbourhood House

• United Muslim Migrants Association of Victoria

Community Health and Wellbeing 

Recognising an individual or group who has enhanced health, wellbeing or resilience in the community, whether through advocacy, program development or direct service delivery.

Winner: Men’s Shed at the Veneto Club

The group has created a welcoming and supportive space for men of all ages and backgrounds to connect, share, support one another, and improve men’s mental health. 

Finalists:

• CareNet

• Kathy Monley

Inclusive Community

Recognising an individual or group who has actively contributed to community accessibility, inclusivity or diversity.

Winner: Kevin Heinze Grow

The organisation’s inclusive, nature-based programs support people of all abilities. These include Café Kevin, which provides hospitality training and the Grow Program that offers experience in gardening, cooking and sustainability.

Finalists:

• Catalyst Training and Disability Services

• Zakir Fakhri

Young Achiever

Recognising a young person aged under 25, who has made a positive impact within the Manningham community through demonstrated leadership, innovation, or commitment to helping others.

Winner: Niosha Khademideljou

A former Manningham Youth Advisory Committee member, Niosha is now a crisis supporter with Lifeline Naarm and has helped provide children’s spiritual education classes and inclusive school holiday festivals.

Finalists:

• David Edgecombe

• Sina Emadi

How are the awards judged?

Nominations were assessed against a set criteria and reviewed by the judging panel. This year’s panel included the Manningham Mayor, Director Connected Communities, the previous Citizen of Year recipient (in 2025 this will be the previous Manningham Civic Awards Citizen of the Year) and 2 members of Council’s advisory committees.

2026 Nominations

Nominations for the 2026 Manningham Community Awards will open in March.

We look forward to learning about more of the incredible people and groups who contribute to the Manningham community.