As part of the Inspired Living Series, Hannah Maloney and Adam Grubb will discuss permaculture and waterwise gardens at the Manningham Function Centre.

Hannah Moloney

Hannah Moloney is best known for her work in permaculture and as a presenter on ABC’s Gardening Australia. Her first book The Good Life: How To Grow A Better World explores ways to counter the climate emergency individually and collectively. Hannah will discuss founding Good Life Permaculture in Tasmania, Home Harvest an annual edible garden tour and why she is known as the 'compost queen'.

Adam Grubb

Adam Grubb runs Very Edible Gardens, who have been designing and creating edible home and community gardens in Melbourne for the last 15 years. He's also co-authored several books, including The Art of Frugal Hedonism and The Weed Forager's Handbook. He got into edible gardening (and co-founded the Permablitz movement of volunteer backyard makeovers) in the mid 2000's in the heart of the millenium drought. Adam will take some lessons learnt then and since to share ways that we can create lush and productive oases with a minimum of water use including wicking beds, passive water capture with micro earthworks, tanks, greywater and more. 
 

Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events

The Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings at the iconic Manningham Function Centre.

The series will introduce you to a diverse line-up of local and international keynote speakers offering unique insights on how we can all shift to a greener future.

Topics range from permaculture to sustainable fashion. Each speaker will inspire and motivate simple, positive lifestyle choices, connection to nature and growing a thriving community in the midst dynamic change.

Get ready for an inspiring movie during This Girl Can month! 

Join us for a special screening of Ride Like a Girl. The remarkable true story of a determined daughter of a horse trainer who dreams of becoming the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup. Witness her journey of perseverance and passion on the big screen. 

What to bring: beanbag, cushions or a low camp chair.

Popcorn will be provided.

Parental guidance required - the movie is rated PG. 

Registrations are required.

#ManninghamGirlsCan

Enjoy the beautiful surrounds whilst participating in weekly Yoga sessions throughout November at Ruffey Lake Park.

Yoga sessions will occur at the newly install yoga deck in Ruffey Lake Park at the Boulevarde Hill Lookout.

Beginner sessions for women and girls of all ages and abilities. No prior yoga experience required. 

Sessions will be delivered by yoga trained staff from Active Manningham.

What to bring: an exercise mat, towel and a drink bottle.

What to wear: comfortable exercise clothes and runners.

Registrations are required. 

This event has been cancelled.

Women and girls from Wonga Park and surrounding areas are invited to participate in the Wonga Wizards Women's 3v3 soccer tournament. 

Women of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to join in this fun event. No prior skills or experience required. 

There will be time dedicated at the beginning of the day for some skill training and information.

Enter a team or register as an individual. 

What to wear: active wear and sneakers

What to bring: drink bottle

Experience Australia’s most loved sport through AFL Victoria’s free Footy 4 Fun event!

A footy experience full of fun activities, modified games and memorable moments to take home with you - come and try AFL Football.

For ages 5 to 12 years old.

All genders are welcome and encouraged to attend. 

No prior experience required.

These workshops are led by experienced instructors to create a fun environment that involves games with a social focus.

During a Learn to Skate session, children and young people build confidence by learning about skate skill development, injury prevention, skate park etiquette and equipment maintenance.

Suitable for  beginners to intermediate skate boarders.

All genders and all abilities are welcome to participate.

Equipment available to use at the session or bring your own if you have it!

Home Harvest Manningham is a monthly home gardening seminar series that will teach you how to grow your own delicious fresh food at home.

Want to be able to garden without spending a fortune? Maria Ciavarella from My Green Garden will show you how to utilise things you already have to garden and save money.

During this seminar you will discover innovative ways to create a sustainable garden without breaking the bank. Maria will share tips and tricks to help you save money while still achieving a beautiful and eco-friendly garden.

This session will cover how to:

• repurpose everyday items
• recycle organic waste
• make the most of your garden space.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to embrace sustainable practices and save money in the process.

As a special treat, all attendees will participate in a tomato seeding activity with a heritage or heirloom seed variety from the Bulleen Art and Garden range.

The community food, seed and garden swap takes place at 6.45pm, 15 minutes before each session.

Registration is recommended but not required.

This event is part of our Inspired Living Series. This series showcases an exciting range of fun and sustainable activities and events for all ages, supporting sustainability at home, in the community and at work.

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A fun and inclusive day of activities connecting children with disabilities to local sport and active recreation opportunities.

Variety Activate Inclusion Sports Day (AISD) gives kids the opportunity to try sports they might otherwise miss out on.

Aimed at kids aged 5 to 18 years with learning difficulties, intellectual, sensory and physical disabilities. This is an opportunity to have a go in a fun and inclusive environment. 

The day involves:

• a range of sports to try
• specialised coaching
• adaptive equipment
• showbags
• water and fruit
• local sporting club exhibitors
• access to community services
• opportunities to network

Benefits of attending the day:

• the health benefits of physical activity
• building social wellbeing and friendship
• strengthening balance, coordination and mobility skills
• working as part of a team, collaborating and planning
• increased self-esteem through a sense of achievement

This event is delivered in conjunction with Disability Sports Australia.

Disability Sports Australia aims to get more Australians with a disability more active, more often while working nationally to support sport and active recreation participation. 

Variety the Children's Charity believes all kids deserve a fair go. They provide practical and essential support to kids who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs.

Discover the joy of watercolour painting, lead by Janece Calloway.

Unlock your creativity with our beginner-friendly watercolour art class.

Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or looking to refresh your skills, this relaxed and supportive class will guide you through the basics of watercolour painting such as brush techniques, colour mixing, creating beautiful, flowing artworks.

Take a break and find your flow, slow down and explore simple techniques that let you connect with colour, movement, and creativity.

• No pressure, no rules — just a calming space to relax, paint, and enjoy the moment.
• Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to unwind.
• No experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm!

You will receive your own 18-pallet Watercolour Starter Kit along with brushes and a watercolour paper pad.

(Note: the cost is inclusive of all six sessions) 

Celebrate This Girl Can month with Whitehorse Manningham Libraries and get inspired to get moving with a screening of Bend It Like Beckham! 

Gather your friends and family for a feel-good film about two determined 18-year-olds chasing their dreams of playing professional football. It's a story of friendship, culture, and following your passion. 

What to bring: beanbag, cushions or a low camp chair.

Popcorn will be provided.

Parental guidance required - the movie is rated PG.

Registrations are required.

#ManninghamGirlsCan

These sessions provide women exclusive access to Aquarena 's facilities, ensuring privacy and cultural sensitivity while promoting physical well-being and community engagement. 

Supervised by female staff, entry includes access to a private heated pool and spa. 

Sessions are held on the last Sunday of every month from 8.15pm to 10.00pm, after the centre's normal operating hours.

Entry is between 8.15pm and 8.30pm, after which the doors will be locked and set to exit only.

More information at Active Manningham.

Kelly Sports has summer entertainment covered with a jam-packed holiday program filled with sport and recreation activities. From soccer and cricket, to tag games, kids will have a blast staying active and learning new skills.

The Kelly Sports team are supportive and encouraging. Their aim is to help kids get active, develop skills, build confidence and gain a lifelong love for sports and recreation.

Manningham Council are partnering with Kelly Sports to offer a limited number of low-cost, full and half day places in their holiday program. 

Participants can select from a range of activities, times and days. Spaces are limited, so get in quick to avoid disappointment.

Program information

• classes are for children aged 4 to 12 years
• participants must be Manningham residents to qualify for the subsidised rate
• only one application can be submitted per child

How to apply

To secure one of the low-cost places, register your interest now via the online form. Once you have submitted the form, a Council officer will contact you to confirm registration into your nominated Kelly Sports program.

Please note: applications are an expression of interest only and submission does not confirm a place the program.

View the full program

POSTPONED: Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for later in the year.

Disability Sports Australia and Manningham Council invite children living with disabilities to our free Variety Abilities Unleashed Kids event. 

Proudly supported by Variety Victoria - The Children's Charity and Matchworks, this multi-sport come and try day marks the initial steps in the active journey of children living with disabilities.

Each event enables and empowers participants to discover local active opportunities within a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. 

Participants will be split into smaller groups upon registration. After a welcome at 10.00am, they will rotate across 4 to 6 stations. These activities will consist of modified  sport and active recreation with the use of adaptive equipment to suit the participants. The stations will be facilitated by specialised coaches with the support of students and community organisations.

Places are expected to fill quickly, register today!

Come along to this indoor Go Soccer Mums program.

Designed specifically for women, GO Soccer Mums is all about having fun, meeting new people, and learning basic football skills in a social, judgement-free environment.

It's not just for mums - but for all women, from all walks of life! It doesn't matter if you have never kicked a football before. Absolutely no experience in necessary - anybody can take part.

Mums are welcome to bring their young children or babies if required. There will be a comfortable space for feeding and changing babies. Prams are welcome in the stadium.

#ManninghamGirlsCan
 

Free Basketball clinic hosted by Michele Timms and supported by some of the best local female players in Manningham.

This training session is guaranteed to make you smile and sweat in the best way possible!

Open to females of all abilities and fitness levels. Bring your mum, daughter, sister, girlfriend or friend.

There will be an opportunity at the end of the session for a Q and A with Michele Timms. 

#ManninghamGirlsCan

Celebrating women and girls of all shapes, sizes, skill levels and abilities. Women supporting women in their pursuit of mind and body wellness, giving it a go and setting the example to our girls about maintaining an active lifestyle.

Come and Try Netball.

Come down and join the Donvale Netball club for a free session at the Templestowe Netball Courts complex.

Discover your passion for netball or make a return to the game that caters for all levels of players. 

No registration required - just rock up.

Session times:

• 5 - 11 years of age: 4.30pm - 5.30pm
• 11- 13 years of age: 5pm - 6pm
• 13 - open age: 5.30pm - 7pm

What to wear: active wear and sneakers

What to bring: a drink bottle

UPDATE: This event has been cancelled.

Come and join others from all around the community in our Unity Walk for Mental Health.

Show your solidarity and support of mental health and help raise awareness about the importance to talk about it, and NOT stay silent.

Raising mental health awareness is an important initiative to improve understanding and increase access to services for those who need it.

This is a free inclusive event, open to all ages.

Participants who register before 4 November will receive a free T-shirt. 

Lucky lap prizes will be awarded throughout the day.

Pet friendly event. 

Join staff from Aquarena for a fitness session using the body weight equipment at the Lake Circuit Path Exercise Station at Ruffey Lake Park.

Sessions run for 45 minutes and are suitable for people of all genders aged 18 years and over.

No experience needed and all fitness levels welcome.

The Lake Circuit Path Exercise Station can be accessed through the Victoria Street or Church Road South entrance. More information, including a map link to the exact location, can be found on Ruffey Lake Park.