UPDATED: Public electric vehicle (EV) charger location updated on Tuesday 6 May to reflect revised project timelines. 

We’re excited to announce the first public electric vehicle (EV) charger location: Bulleen Car Park.

About the charger

Planned for installation in June 2025, this charging station is part of a broader rollout of nine public EV chargers across Manningham.

Powered by renewable energy, this Jolt fast charger is compatible with all EVs. It will provide 7 kWh of free daily charge (up to 50 km of range), with additional charge ranging from 54 to 59 cents per kWh, depending on the location.

There will be one charger, servicing two parking bays. 

Following engagement with the local businesses, this location was selected for its proximity to commercial, recreational and tourist destinations, as well as its access to reliable power supplies.

Why we’re supporting EVs

By installing these charging stations – and the six more to follow – we aim to accommodate the growing use of electric vehicles, especially following new legislated vehicle standards.  

We’re also responding to community support for local public charging facilities, as revealed in our 2023 Manningham community survey. 

The public charging network will help ensure that EV charging is accessible and practical while also reducing our transport emissions, boosting local businesses with enhanced car parking, and supporting EV drivers to travel with confidence. 

It is with great sadness that I learned today of the passing of the Hon. Kevin Andrews.

As the long-standing Federal member for Menzies, Kevin was a wonderful advocate for the Manningham community and supporter of Manningham Council.

Kevin served his country as a part of the Commonwealth government at the highest levels and genuinely loved Australia.

Anyone who heard Kevin speak at a local Anzac Day or Remembrance Day ceremony would recall his authenticity and eloquence in acknowledging those who served and articulating his passion for Australia.

Most of all Kevin loved his family.

On behalf of Manningham Council I extend our deepest sympathies to Margie and his family and this sad time.

Kevin's legacy is substantial and enduring.

Deirdre Diamante
Mayor Manningham Council.

It is with sadness that we learned last week of the passing of the Honourable Kevin Andrews.

As the Federal member for Menzies for more than 30 years, Kevin Andrews was a long-standing advocate and supporter of our Manningham community.

A State Funeral will be held at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne today.

The livestream will be available from 11.00am.

The flags at our Civic Centre will be at half-mast today as a sign of respect and to acknowledge the passing of a significant Australian.

UPDATED: 28 March 2025 partnership details and timeline 

Improving our local sporting facilities is one of the ways we’re building a better Manningham. 

What is happening?

In partnership with the Australian Government through the Play Our Way Funding Program, we're upgrading the netball courts and flood lighting at Wonga Park Reserve, Wonga Park.

The project will involve:

Stage 1

• reconstructing the netball courts with compliant courts of play, lighting, fencing, and additional space for basketball
• stabilising the embankments around the courts and addressing overgrown vegetation
• removal of the timber bridge beside the existing netball courts
• new player shelters

Stage 2

• a new small sized facility to service the netball courts, including toilets, a multi-purpose change space, storage, drinking station, and scorer's shelter. 

This project will be delivered as part of our 2025/26 Capital Works Program.
 

Where are the works?

Works will take place at the Wonga Park Netball Courts at Wonga Park Reserve, Wonga Park.

When will the works happen?

Stage 1 construction is scheduled to begin in June 2025 with an expected duration of five months. This schedule is subject to weather conditions.

Stage 2 will follow the completion of Stage 1 works.
 

Why are the works needed?

The need to upgrade this facility was identified through a Netball Victoria Facility Audit and is planned as part of our Wonga Park Reserve Masterplan.

The existing facilities, including lighting, must be upgraded to comply with the latest Netball Victoria and industry guidelines. 

The project will also provide new player shelters and a multipurpose facility, including a toilet and scorers shelter to support local clubs and communities who use the facility.
 

How will the works affect me?

The works will take place on weekdays during the hours of 7.00am and 5.00pm. 

You may notice:

• construction noise
• minor traffic delays, including a temporary single lane closure
• disruptions to car parking
• footpath detours around the works
• temporary disruptions to the reserve access.

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 facilities in your area.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this project, contact us.

Soft plastic recycling is back in Manningham thanks to a new trial at Woolworths supermarkets. 

Items must be clean and dry. Eligible soft plastics include: 

• plastic bags
• zip lock bags
• cling wrap
• bread bags
• chip packets
• cereal liners
• yoghurt pouches
• baby food pouches
• pet food pouches.

These materials will be transported to local recycling facilities to be processed into products like shopping trolleys, park furniture and road additives.

How to return your soft plastics

Find a designated bin at the front of your local Woolworths store. 

In Manningham, locations include:

• Devon Plaza: 978 Doncaster Road, Doncaster
• Westfield Doncaster Shopping Centre: 619 Doncaster Road, Doncaster
• Macedon Square: 325 Manningham Road, Templestowe
• The Pines Shopping Cente: 181 Reynolds Rd, Doncaster East

A full list of stores participating in the trial is available on the Woolworths website.

For more information

Visit the Woolworths website.

Did you get your driver licence back when seatbelts weren’t mandatory, cars were less advanced and driving tests were simpler?

If so, our free Wiser Driver course might be just the refresher you need.

This friendly, informative program helps older adults stay confident and independent on the road - without needing to undergo any driving assessments.

The four-session accredited course will run again this June for drivers aged 65 and over. 

You’ll learn about:

• challenges faced by older drivers
• safety tips for wiser driving
• updated road rules and regulations
• car safety features
• staying roadworthy
• planning for future travel needs
• exploring alternative transport options
• VicRoads tools and other helpful resources.

Join our Wiser Driver course in June

📍 Manningham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster 3108

📅 Wednesdays: 4, 11, 18 and 25 June 2025

🕙 Each session runs for two hours, from 10.30am to 12.30pm

Bookings essential.

Book now

If you're interested in future courses, or part of a group or community organisation interested in a dedicated session, please let us know by emailing manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au or calling 9840 9333.

This course is part of our commitment to supporting safe, informed and active ageing in the Manningham community. It is also an initiative aligned with our Road Safety Strategy, specifically our action to provide education and awareness programs that promote safer driving across all ages.

By staying up to date with the latest in road safety and transport options, older drivers can continue to enjoy their independence safely and confidently.
 

Your Waste Calendar will be delivered differently this year – here’s what you need to know.

This year, you will receive your waste calendar within the June issue of Manningham Matters. 

You’ll be able to simply pull out the insert, cut along the dotted line and place your calendar on your fridge or in a handy spot for easy reference.

As in previous years, the calendar will include your property’s bin day – along with tips for what can and can’t go in each bin and how to place them out for collection. 

Does the new calendar include changes to our bin collection schedule?

There are no changes to the schedule, so you can stick to your usual routine.

In Manningham, your green lid food and garden organics (FOGO) bin is collected every week, while your yellow lid recycle and red lid garbage bins are collected every fortnight, on alternating weeks.

What is the calendar for?

Our annual waste calendar can help you keep track of these collections throughout the year. 

As in previous years, the calendar will include information about:

• your property’s bin collection schedule
• what can and can’t go in each bin
• how to place your bins out for collection

Why have you changed the delivery method?

This new way of delivering your calendar within the Manningham Matters magazine is more cost-effective and efficient. It will help reduce unnecessary waste, while ensuring every household still gets this important resource.

What if I missed it?

If you misplace your magazine or need an extra copy of the calendar, don’t worry! 

You can download your waste calendar online, or, collect a copy from:

• Manningham Civic Centre at 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster 3108.
• Manningham Council Depot at 620-628 Blackburn Road, Doncaster East 3109.

Keep an eye out for your calendar in the middle of the June edition of Manningham Matters.

We're installing new public toilets at Cat Jump Park, Donvale.

This project is part of the Public Toilet Plan 2021 and Cat Jump Park Masterplan.
 

Where is it?

These public toilets will be located on the southern side of Cat Jump Park, near the Bellevue Avenue and Leslie Street roundabout in Donvale.

This location is easy to access for use, maintenance, and service connections.
 

When will it happen?

We plan to begin installing the toilet facility in early to mid-2025, and expect it to take around three to four months to complete.
 

Why is it needed?

Accessible public toilets allow people to spend more time in public spaces, socialising, exercising, and engaging with the community. Without them, residents and visitors are limited in where they can go and how long they can stay. 

A safe, well-maintained, and environmentally friendly toilet will significantly improve the experience for Cat Jump Park visitors.
 

What will the toilets look like?

The new modular toilets will include:

• An accessible cubicle
• An ambulant cubicle 
• Baby and child change facilities
• A rainwater tank to utilise a natural water supply 
• External and internal powered lighting 
• Skylights for natural lighting 
• Concrete paths to connect the toilets with surrounding facilities
   

How will the works affect me?

To minimise any potential noise or disruption to the community, our modular toilets are made offsite and will be delivered to the site.

During the installation, you may notice some construction noise and increased traffic in the area.

The 2025 Manningham Asian Cultural Festival will feature a fantastic lineup of cultural performances, delicious street food and family friendly activities as well as fireworks.

A celebration of culture and community, the festival will be held on Sunday 9 March 2025 at Doncaster Reserve, next to the Jackson Court activity centre.

We’re proud to be a major sponsor of the event, an initiative of the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse (ABAW), organisers of the hugely popular Lunar New Year Festival in Box Hill.

Our Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, attended the official launch of the festival at Jackson Court last week, welcoming the opportunity to support the association in bringing such an exciting opportunity to Manningham.

“Manningham is a proud multicultural community. Forty-four per cent of our population is born overseas, coming from an incredible 99 different countries including China, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Vietnam,” Cr Diamante said.

“It’s events such as these that really bring us together to celebrate what makes our diverse community so special," Cr Diamante said. 

"We thank the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse for bringing the festival to Manningham.

“This will also highlight our fantastic local traders at Jackson Court and is just one of the many ways Council is working to support businesses and build a strong local economy.”

It is anticipated the new Manningham festival will be a drawcard for up to 10,000 people. 

ABAW President Bihong Wang said, “The ABAW is thrilled to present the inaugural Manningham Asian Cultural Festival, a vibrant celebration of our shared multicultural values.

“Join us as we come together to embrace diversity, culture and community. We can’t wait to see everyone there,” she said.

President of the Jackson Court Traders Association, Con Valsamis, said the festival would be the biggest event held in the activity centre.

“Our association, along with all Jackson Court traders, are excited to be part of such a major event and have an incredible opportunity to showcase the offerings of our unique businesses.”
 

We’re starting construction on the Templestowe Route Upgrade on Monday 30 June 2025.

All businesses at the Templestowe Village will remain open and accessible throughout the works, with clear pedestrian and road detour signage in place. 

What is the Templestowe Route?

The Templestowe Route is a series of connecting roads in Templestowe, including Parker Street, Swilk Street, James Street and Anderson Street. It’s commonly used by local residents and drivers travelling to Templestowe Village and surrounding suburbs.

Why is it being upgraded?

Several safety issues have been identified with Templestowe Route, including poor drainage and inadequate facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. 

This upgrade will improve safety for all road users, while also enhancing the vibrancy of Templestowe Village by creating more connected and inviting public spaces.    

Upcoming works

Over the next 18 months, we will deliver 4 stages of works to upgrade Anderson Street and Parker Street. 
Read more about each of these stages at Your Say Manningham.

Works will include:

• full road reconstruction
• installation of underground drainage, kerb, and channel
• new footpaths and improved pedestrian access
• new pedestrian-operated crossing at Wood and Anderson streets
• reduced and variable speed limits between Porter and Milne streets
• formalisation of existing parking spaces
• upgraded bus stops on Swilk and Parker Street
• new street lighting
• landscaping, including selective tree removal and planting.
   
   

Stage 1 construction: Anderson Street works (James Street to Wood Street)

Stage 1 will take place between 30 June to mid-August 2025. We’re rebuilding this part of the road, which will include fixing the road base, adjusting road levels and installing underground drains.

Road closure and detours:

• This section of the road will be fully closed for 4 to 6 weeks.
• We planned this through the July school holidays to reduce traffic impacts.
• Signs will be in place to guide drivers around the area via Wood, Milne and James streets.

Please see the map for details.

Business access:

• All businesses on Anderson Street will stay open.
• You can get to them from the back car park or the front footpath – see the map below.
• Pedestrian access footpaths will stay open so you can walk through the area.
   

Changes to public transport (Stage 1 only)

From 30 June to 27 July 2025, bus routes 280, 282, and 905 will be detoured. 

Temporary bus stop closures include:

• Porter Street/Williamsons Road
• Anderson Street/Atkinson Street
• Williamsons Road/Porter Street
• Williamsons Road/Atkinson Street
   

Bus stops that will continue to operate near Templestowe Village:

• Templestowe Village/James Street 

After Stage 1, all bus routes will return to normal. 

For the latest updates, check the Public Transport Victoria website at ptv.vic.gov.au.

We’re making the Doncaster Hill Community Garden safer, more accessible and even better for our community to enjoy.

The garden will be temporarily closed from June to August 2025 while we make these upgrades. 

Redesign goals

• The new garden will deliver:
• A safer and more accessible design: A new level surface will remove tripping hazards while raised garden beds at varying heights will suit all ages and abilities.
• Increased food production and sustainability: New wicking beds, better composting and water management aim to boost vegetable yields.
• Better protection against theft: Trellising, soft fencing and access via a gate will enhance security. We are also installing lockable compost bins to reduce damage.
• A more inviting community space: More seating and improved diverse language signage will encourage greater community involvement and learning.

Shaped by feedback from our gardeners and volunteers, the transformation will model what a thriving urban space can achieve.

Feeding those in need

The garden is a space for community members to grow food, meet others and learn new skills.

Community members meet every fortnight where they plant, sow seeds, weed, water and harvestfresh produce. All food is donated to Doncare’s food relief program, providing fresh produce to those in need.

The community garden plays a vital role in strengthening the local food system, fostering social connections and supporting our community’s wellbeing. 

 

We welcome the Victorian Government’s commitment to purchasing only Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) for public transport from 1 July 2025. 

The move to ZEB’s will significantly reduce emissions and pollutants, creating a healthier environment for our community. 

It will also provide a smoother, quieter and cleaner travel experience, which we hope will encourage greater use of Manningham’s extensive bus network. 

Learn more at Zero Emissions Bus Trial and Transition Plan | vic.gov.au

26 February 2025

We’re calling for Federal Government support for a number of priority projects ahead of this year’s Federal election.

At its meeting on Tuesday 25 February, Council set out its advocacy priorities across four key themes of Our Commute, Our Environment, Our Safety and Our Wellbeing.

This includes seeking funding support for seven major projects as well as a series of local sports infrastructure, road and footpath upgrades in Manningham.

Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said Council is calling for Federal Government funding for projects that will benefit the local community.

“We’re advocating for our community and seeking funding support for important local projects that will improve the wellbeing, safety, environment and transport in Manningham.”  

We’re advocating for:

• $15 million for the redevelopment Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre outdoor precinct
• $7.5 million for open space upgrades, some of which include:
• Wombat Bend and Finns Reserve upgrade in Templestowe Lower
• Anderson Park in Doncaster East
• Warrandyte Skate Park
• The Boulevarde playspace at Ruffey Lake Park.
• $5 million for safety improvements at the 5-ways intersection in Warrandyte South
• $3 million for a feasibility study to inform the high frequency busway implementation along Doncaster Road
• $2.5 million for a new building for the Park Orchards Community House and Learning Centre
• $350,000 to support community legal services in Manningham
• the Federal Government to encourage the Victorian Government to make commitments around the North East Link Project.

And we’re seeking funding support for road and footpath upgrades, sports infrastructure projects and LED floodlighting conversion projects.

We want to see a range of improved transport options for our Manningham community.

We’re calling for $3 million to undertake a feasibility study to inform the high frequency busway implementation along the Doncaster Road corridor, between Mitcham Station and Doncaster Park and Ride.

“The North East Link Program (NELP) is having a significant impact on our community and we are continuing our advocacy for the best outcomes for local residents,” Cr Diamante said

As a funding partner of the North East Link Project, we want the Federal Government to encourage the Victorian Government to:

• deliver a Transit Oriented Development when Doncaster Park and Ride is redeveloped.
• improve access and transparency on the Environment Protection Agency air quality data reports.
• install filters within the Southern Portal Ventilation Stack or improve transparency around the trigger for when filters would be required.

As a member of the Eastern Region Group of Councils, we also supports the regional goals and advocacy priorities of:

• Addressing financial stability
• Supporting housing growth
• Building climate resilience
• Transforming movement in the east.

For more information, visit our Advocacy page

From aspiring gardeners to seasoned growers, there’s a session for everyone at this year’s Home Harvest. 

About Home Harvest

Our monthly gardening program, Home Harvest, teaches you how to grow delicious and nutritious food at home. 

From discovering how to choose the right crops to diving deeper into growing Asian vegetables, there’s a diverse array of topics on offer. 

Your new skills will lead to homegrown produce – and can even boost your physical and mental health. 

It’s also a simple, enjoyable and empowering action you can take against climate change.

Our 2025 program

Sessions run on a Wednesday evening from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, with a food swap commencing at 6.15pm. 

Everyone with an interest in gardening is welcome. No experience necessary.

The first phase of the Melbourne Hill Road drainage upgrade is now complete, and we're preparing for phase two works to start late next year.

Our Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante said the completion of phase one marks a significant milestone for the project.

“Phase one has tackled key safety and flooding issues for locals, while also enhancing the local habitat through planting of species of native vegetation to provide shelter and food as well as contributing to the overall biodiversity.”

This major project, covering approximately 35 hectares of residential area, aims to reduce flood risk to protect local properties and businesses.

Commencing earlier this year, with the installation of underground drainage along the roadside, widening of the road, and removal of deep depressions and driveway culverts.

We're now preparing for the second phase of construction, which will focus on upgrading the drainage systems within easements on private properties. This phase will improve stormwater management and provide flood protection for properties by addressing surface water runoff.

“We’re looking forward to the next stage of construction starting next year, as it will provide essential flood protection for properties along Melbourne Hill Road,” the Mayor added.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 and take approximately one year to complete. However, the schedule may be affected by weather conditions and the potential relocation of underground service assets.

In the meantime, we will continue the planting program, supporting the establishment of new native plantings over the coming years.

For further information and the latest project updates, visit Your Say Manningham.

As part of the Ruffey Lake Park Masterplan, we are developing a tree walk to promote environmental education and appreciation.

About the tree walk

This multi-year project will enhance the park’s natural beauty and provide an educational tour of trees in Manningham. 

The tree walk will feature a mix of indigenous, native, climate-resilient and exotic trees.

Works begin mid-May 2025

To create this walk, we are scheduling staged works. 

Stage one will begin on 13 May 2025 in the space across from the Victoria St Playground. This stage will involve pruning and removing non-indigenous vegetation, woody weeds and trees in poor condition. This will allow space to plant new trees.  

In response to removing low-quality trees, we will plant 10 new trees for every one removed. This replanting effort is on top of our ongoing tree planting program, which has been underway for the past three years.  

We will then focus on preparing the soil from June to November 2025 (stage two).

Stage three will commence in May 2026, with planting additional trees.  

The Ruffey Lake Park Masterplan

The Ruffey Lake Park Masterplan outlines a 15-year vision for the park’s design, development and management. 

Before being endorsed by Council in 2021, the Masterplan’s development involved a comprehensive review of background documents, extensive engagement with the community, and consultation with key external and internal stakeholders.

More than 1,000 community members provided feedback over two rounds of community consultation.

Learn more at yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/ruffey-lake-park. 

We’re temporarily closing the Aranga Reserve dog park to prune trees that are extending onto Heatherwood School’s grounds.

When will the park be closed?

The park will be closed from Monday 6 January to Tuesday 7 January 2025.

Why is the park temporarily closing?

Significant tree limbs are extending onto the grounds of Heatherwood School.

We’re temporarily closing the park to prune these trees, which will help prevent any pontential hazards and keep our community safe.

By closing the park, we’re also avoiding startling your dog with loud machinery.

How will this closure affect me?

If you live nearby, you may notice construction noise during this period.

If you regularly visit this park with your dog, we encourage you to explore our nearby parks and reserves during these days.

Thanks for your understanding.

While it might look like a regular street post, this is a ‘virtual fence’, designed to protect our local wildlife.

Virtual fences are activated by approaching headlights and emit sound and light to deter animals from crossing the road. 

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,” she explained.

By preventing animals from darting onto the road, these fences help protect both wildlife and drivers.

If you see a flashing light along Jumping Creek Road, it’s likely from a virtual fence. We’ve installed 20 in the area to help protect both wildlife and road users.

We know the virtual fences can look suspiciously like cameras, but these lights are alerting animals to your car’s presence and deterring them from crossing the road.  

Please keep our wildlife safe by leaving the fences alone. 

If you spot any damage to the fences, contact us on (03) 9840 9333 or email environment@manningham.vic.gov.au. 

These fences were installed as part of the Jumping Creek Road upgrade. 

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

Community members will enjoy a safer, more accessible and usable Doncaster Hill Community Garden, with a redesign planned to get underway in June.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said the garden is a treasured place where people come together to grow, share and connect.

“The Doncaster Hill Community Garden plays a vital role in supporting our community,” Cr Diamante said.

“Beyond providing fresh and nutritious food, it nurtures a stronger local food system, social connections and community wellbeing.

“Importantly, it also provides fresh produce to people experiencing hardship through Doncare’s food relief program,” she said.

The works will include levelling uneven ground to reduce tripping hazards and installing raised garden beds at varying heights to support gardeners of all ages and abilities.

New wicking beds, improved composting and better water use will support more efficient and diverse food growing, including culturally significant crops. Security will also be improved through soft fencing, gated access and lockable compost bins.

“We’ve listened to our dedicated volunteers and gardeners, whose insights and aspirations have helped shape the planned improvements to the garden,” Cr Diamante said.

“The result will be a more accessible space that reflects our community values of sustainability, sharing and inclusion,” she said.

The Doncaster Hill Community Garden is a friendly space for anyone interested in growing food, meeting others and learning new skills. It hosts a working bee every second Tuesday, where community members come together to grow and harvest produce.

The garden will be temporarily closed from June to August 2025, while the works take place.

The shed will not be impacted in the redesign.

For more information, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/garden-redesign 

Greater energy resilience and emergency backup power are coming to Mullum Mullum 
Stadium by early 2026, thanks to a new neighbourhood battery.

Manningham Council has secured $277,636 in State Government funding to install a
100kW/200kW behind the meter battery at Mullum Mullum Stadium. This will cover 90 per 
cent of the total project cost.

Connected to the stadium’s 450kW solar panels, the battery will store excess energy to help
power the facility.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante welcomed the funding – highlighting its
positive impact for the community.

“This is an exciting step towards a more sustainable and energy-secure future for 
Manningham,” Cr Diamante said.

“The battery will help improve energy reliability, lower power costs and provide a crucial 
backup power source during emergencies,” she said.

As a Regional Emergency Relief Centre, this battery will also enable the facility to maintain 
critical services during emergencies, supporting the community with immediate support and 
resources when they need it most.

A neighbourhood battery is an electricity storage system that lets you generate, store and 
consume your own renewable energy.

In front of the meter neighbourhood batteries are connected directly to the local electricity 
network. Behind the meter batteries store and consume energy separately from the grid.

Neighbourhood batteries help:

• provide better access to renewable energy
• lower household power bills
• ensure a more reliable electricity supply
• contribute to Victoria’s clean energy transition.

For more details on the 100 Neighbourhood Battery Fund, visit:
energy.vic.gov.au/grants/neighbourhood-batteries/100-neighbourhood-batteries-program-grants