We are currently seeking community feedback on a proposed upgrade of the northern oval at Warrandyte Reserve to improve facilities for the community, as well as for dogs and their owners. 

We are inviting community members to share their thoughts about the proposal via Your Say Manningham closing on Monday 12 August. 

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said Warrandyte Reserve is a hub for the local community in Warrandyte and popular with dog owners.

“Warrandyte Reserve is enjoyed by many local sports and recreation groups, residents, dogs and their owners.” Cr Lange said.

The proposed upgrades include:

• improvements to the path network between both ovals
• a new shelter at the northern oval with seating and storage facility built in
• a new drinking fountain with dog tap and bowl
• improved fencing to allow easier access into the ovals
• improved drainage and ground condition of the northern oval for better year-round use.

“We're proposing some dog-friendly improvements within the reserve and want to hear your feedback on the concept plan by 12 August,” Cr Lange said.

The proposed improvements at Warrandyte Reserve are supported by the Victorian Government’s New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program. 

Join us at the Manningham Asian Cultural Festival this Sunday for a free community celebration that will finish with a spectacular fireworks display.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the event at Doncaster Reserve on Sunday 9 March from 10.00am to 10.00pm.

A celebration of culture and community, the program will feature live music and performances including lion dancing and drumming, mouthwatering street food, rides and family friendly activities. The fireworks are expected to start at 9.00pm.

We’re proud to support this new festival, which is presented by the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse, organisers of the hugely popular annual Lunar New Year Festival in Box Hill.

Visit our festival tent where you can meet our Councillors throughout the day,  have a chat to our Healthy Ageing team about how we can help you to live and age well, and provide feedback on our arts, culture and local history programs in Manningham to help us develop a  new Arts Action Plan.

Festival-goers have the chance to win one of ten $50 Find Your Local shopping vouchers, simply by completing our short survey about the festival, which will help us plan for similar events in the future. Visit the Council festival tent to download your entry form. Terms and conditions apply*.

Don’t forget to drop into the Jackson Court shopping centre to browse more than 90 local traders.

Bring your family and friends and spread the word for what promises to be a fantastic day out.

For more information, visit the Manningham Asian Cultural Festival website.

Congratulations to our competition winners:

Sarah Guo, Joanne Ridge, Roy Luo, Denver Huynh, Joyz Lio, Eddie Luk, Qunfang Ll, Jenny Ong, Chris Yap, Seleana Ng.

*Read the Terms and Conditions for the Manningham Asian Cultural Festival feedback survey competition:

Manningham Council is seeking community feedback on a concept design for an upgrade at Wombat Bend Playground. 

Wombat Bend Playground is a much-loved regional playground catering to visitors of all abilities – created by the community, for the community. It embraces inclusive design to foster creative development, inspiration and imagination and to encourage the mind to explore.

The concept design developed for the playground upgrade reflects insights gathered from community consultations held in December 2024. The proposed upgrades include:

• a diverse range of play equipment suitable for all ages and abilities
• a dedicated swing zone with five different seat types
• a larger water play area
• a sand play zone with raised tables and a digger
• a refurbished maze zone
• improved access paths for better connectivity and movement
• upgraded amenities, including new seating, picnic areas, drinking fountains, shelters, and BBQs
• enhanced shade and expanded grassed areas
• a new co-located fitness station.

Community consultation now open

To have your say on the Wombat Bend Playground concept design, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/wombat-bend-playground-upgrade.

Council is also holding an onsite consultation session on Sunday 18 May.

Community members are invited to attend between 10:30am and 12:00pm (noon) to discuss the design directly with the project team.

Council values the input of the community in shaping the future of the Wombat Bend Playground and appreciates everyone’s involvement in making the playground a better space for all.

Consultation closes Monday 2 June 2025.

For more information, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/wombat-bend-playground-upgrade

This year, Manningham residents have raised more than $20,000 for local schools, clubs and community groups with the support of the Manningham Monster Community Raffle.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, acknowledged the community effort, and the key role the community plays in fundraising.

"Thank you to our amazing community for your generous support! Because of you, $15,000 will go directly to the groups who participated and $5,000 will support the Manningham Charitable Fund. Your contributions make a big difference." Cr Lange said.

For every ticket sold for $2.00, groups receive $1.50 and the remaining 50 cents is donated to the Manningham Community Fund.

With a prize pool of $10,000 including five $1,000 Coles/Myer gift vouchers, and one $5,000 Coles/Myer gift voucher, the Monster Raffle prize draw was held on Wednesday 17 July.

Manningham residents, Alex and Adeline, were the lucky winners of a $1,000 Coles/Myer voucher.

The couple purchased tickets supporting both Milgate Primary School and 1st Templestowe Scout Group.

“We often participate in fundraising and buy tickets not thinking we are going to win, but so the money can go a good cause.” Alex said.

“My son attends 1st Templestowe Scout Group, and the leaders at the club always work so hard to give the kids a good experience, and Milgate Primary has also been a huge part of our lives with our two children going to school there, receiving such a quality education.

“We’re incredibly thankful for this win!” Alex said.

The Monster Community Raffle is held annually and will open again in April 2025.

“For 19 years, our raffle has been a cornerstone of community spirit. Together, we’ve made a significant impact, and we look forward to many more years of making a difference,” Cr Lange said.

“We are deeply grateful to our raffle partner, the Templestowe Bowling Club, whose support has been key to its success.”

The Manningham Community Fund supports community initiatives including homelessness and affordable housing, education and employment, diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and wellbeing programs throughout Manningham.

A full list of raffle winners is available on the Monster Community Raffle website.  
 

Pride Night returned for its second year on Sunday 2 February, bringing together the LGBTQIA+ community and allies for an evening of fun at Aquarena. 

The event welcomed people of all ages and backgrounds to connect in a safe and inclusive space.

Now in it’s second year, Pride Night was bigger and better in 2025, featuring an great line-up of activities, including dazzling performances, fitness classes, smoothie-making bikes, and a DJ.

Manningham Youth Services also joined the fun, inviting everyone to get involved with some arts and craft!

Aquarena staff member Kirra, who has worked at both Pride Night events, reflected on the celebration.

“Seeing the joy on people’s faces and hearing from parents who were excited to attend for the first time made the night incredibly special,” Kirra said.

“There was something for everyone – from zumba and aqua classes to live music and delicious food. It was a privilege to be part of an event that champions inclusivity and celebrates our beautiful community.”

Events like Pride Night not only celebrate diversity but also create lasting connections and a stronger, more connected community. 

Volunteer-led community groups and clubs will receive new support under changes to the Manningham Volunteer Resource Service.

Manningham Council will move to a new delivery model for supporting volunteering once the current contract with external provider EV Strengthening Communities (formerly Eastern Volunteers) ends on 30 June 2025. 

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said Council is committed to supporting volunteers and ensuring we continue to meet their evolving needs and aspirations. 

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community, and essential for the continued success of local clubs, groups and associations,” Cr Diamante said. 

“We are deeply grateful to our volunteers for their dedication to making Manningham a better place, whether that’s through community, sport, emergency services, environment or arts and local history groups, among others.

“We’ve valued our partnership with EV Strengthening Communities since 2019, and I’d like to thank them for their work in supporting volunteerism in Manningham,” she said.

In recent years, there have been significant shifts in the volunteering sector, and a gradual decline in people undertaking formal volunteering right across Australia.

“We have been listening to our local clubs and groups, who are seeing increasing demands on their time to meet the growing administrative, regulatory and funding requirements for volunteering activities,” Cr Diamante said.

“These demands are stretching our volunteers, requiring not only extra time, but specific skills.

“We want to ease the burden on volunteers, so they can get back to doing what they do best – supporting the Manningham community,” the Mayor added.

Further details of the new program will be made available in the coming months.

Manningham residents will be able to continue to search for volunteer roles through Volunteering Victoria.

We are currently seeking community ideas and input to help develop a masterplan for the future of Stintons Reserve in Park Orchards.

We are inviting community members to share their thoughts and ideas about what they would like to see at the reserve via a community survey, closing on Monday 29 July.

The masterplan will guide the future use, development and upgrade of facilities within the reserve over the next 20 years.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said Stintons Reserve is an important local reserve for sport, recreation and dog exercise activities in Park Orchards.

“This is a much-loved local reserve and we want to hear your ideas as we plan for its future,” Cr Lange said.

“We understand there are a wide variety of user groups and community members that use Stintons Reserve and want to make sure it meets the needs of our growing community now and into the future.

“The masterplan will look at how our community currently uses the reserve along with future uses and potential improvements.”

“I encourage everyone to find out more, get involved and tell us what you would like to see at Stintons Reserve by completing our community survey,” Cr Lange said.

“We want to continue to keep this space welcoming, accessible and inclusive, so that everyone can enjoy it for their health and wellbeing.”

Community input will help inform the development of a draft Stintons Reserve Masterplan, which will be released for public consultation and community feedback next year.

16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence runs from 25 November to 10 December each year. The international campaign was started by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991. It begins each year on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and runs until Human Rights Day.

This year’s global theme is “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”. For more information about the campaign, visit the United Nations Women Website.

Apply for a 16 Days of Activism small grant

This year, we're offering grants up to $1000 for community groups  delivery awareness-raising initiatives . 

How much is each small grant?  

Each grant is valued up to $1,000. The total grant pool is $7,000.  

When does the funding round begin?

What types of activities are included?

These grants support a range of one-off, innovative activities designed to spread the message that violence against women, girls and non-binary people is unacceptable in any context. 

Activities could include, but are not limited to: 

• Events (such as morning teas, exhibitions, book clubs or panel discussions), or 

• Digital campaigns (such as eNewsletters, social media or podcasts). 

Women,  girls and non-binary people from multicultural communities, First Nations communities, the LGBTQIA+ community or people living with mental health issues or disability may be more at risk of experiencing family violence. 

Applications that include messaging to these groups or consider intersectionality, will be favourably considered, as will groups that traditionally attract men and boys.

Who can apply?

You can apply for this grant if you are a community group or organisation that is registered as a not-for-profit organisation or a company limited by guarantee. Community groups, organisations who are not registered as not-for-profit organisations may apply if they are auspiced by and eligible not for profit organisation.

Following a review and community research on Manningham Matters, we are pleased to introduce a refreshed design for the magazine with our February 2025 issue.

Last year we held a series of focus groups with community members about the magazine and based on your feedback, we’ve made some changes to the design and content of your community magazine.

The February issue features a great mix of Council and community news, we hope you enjoy reading about what’s happening in Manningham.

Some of the new and updated features include:

• a refreshed magazine cover design for Manningham Matters
• a new way to read stories and news in your language – we have full length stories now available on our website which you can access using the QR code on the magazine cover 
• an updated and more prominent What’s On events calendar
• regular information about events and activities at local neighbourhood houses and libraries
• a new Council meeting round up feature
• stories that continue to celebrate our community and share our community’s voice.

Take a read of this month’s Manningham Matters, distributed from Monday 17 February.

The masterplan will guide the future use, development and upgrade of facilities within the reserve over the next 20 years.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said Stintons Reserve is an important local reserve for sport, recreation and dog exercise activities in Park Orchards.

“This is a much-loved local reserve and we want to hear your ideas as we plan for its future,” Cr Lange said.

“We understand there are a wide variety of user groups and community members that use Stintons Reserve and want to make sure it meets the needs of our growing community now and into the future.

“The masterplan will look at how our community currently uses the reserve along with future uses and potential improvements.”

Council is inviting community members to share their thoughts and ideas about what they would like to see at the reserve via a community survey, closing on Monday 29 July.

“I encourage everyone to find out more, get involved and tell us what you would like to see at Stintons Reserve by completing our community survey,” Cr Lange said.

“We want to continue to keep this space welcoming, accessible and inclusive, so that everyone can enjoy it for their health and wellbeing.”

Community input will help inform the development of a draft Stintons Reserve Masterplan, which will be released for public consultation and community feedback next year.

For more information and to complete the survey before Monday 29 July, visit YourSay Manningham Stintons Reserve Masterplan. 

Sadly, the increase in overt racism seen around Melbourne is also being experienced here in Manningham.

Councillors and Council officers meet with community members regularly and are aware of the current rise in racist vandalism, including offensive graffiti.

There is absolutely no place in our community for hate-based symbols, language or behaviour.

As a community, we all have a responsibility to call it out.

Council stands solid and united in condemning any racist behaviour.

We remove offensive or political graffiti on Council property within one business day of becoming aware and encourage everyone to report instances to Council on 9840 9333 or via our website.

To report vandalism in other locations, please contact Victoria Police on 131 444.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Carli Lange

Join over 5,000 locals who stay informed with Manningham eNews - delivered straight to your inbox each month.

What you'll find in each issue:

• News about Council projects, meetings and activities
• Updates on essential services, such as bins, recycling programs, waste drop off days, parks and playspaces
•  Explore workshops, festivals, and family-friendly fun, including free events
• Opportunities to get involved in public consultations and feedback
• Support resources and services for all ages.

 
View some of our past editions!

• Manningham eNews - February 2025
• Manningham eNews - December 2024
• Manningham eNews - July 2024
• Manningham eNews - February 2024

See our full archive of Manningham eNews.

Local community groups, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations are set to share in more than $290,000 through Manningham’s Annual Grant Program.

Grant applications open on Monday 3 February and eligible local groups can receive between $3,001 and $20,000 in funding.

Mayor Cr Deirdre Diamante said the program helped fund local initiatives, projects and activities that made a positive impact in Manningham.

“These include a wide range of community-driven projects such as arts, festivals and events, wellbeing programs, as well as inclusive and multicultural activities,” Cr Diamante said.

“We want to support our outstanding local organisations who do a wonderful job in helping make Manningham a vibrant, connected and inclusive community for all.”

Grants are available in the following categories:

• Community Development
• Arts
• Festivals and Events
• Healthy Ageing.

The Manningham Toy Library was one of last year’s successful recipients. The library received a grant to support its free 40th Anniversary Messy Play Day.

Toy Library Coordinator Anlina Jones said the event will be a wonderful way to showcase the benefits of the group to the Manningham community.

“We love running messy play events, but it can be costly purchasing the equipment required, so this grant was such an amazing opportunity for us. We can really celebrate the 40 years of play at the toy library,” Anlina said.

Applications for Manningham’s Annual Grant Program are open until 5.00pm, Tuesday 11 March. 

To assist groups with their applications, Council will host the following information sessions:

• Grant Writing Workshop, Wednesday 12 February, 10.00am to 12.00pm, Manningham Function Centre.
• Healthy Ageing Grant Information Session, Thursday 13 February, 11.00am to 12.00pm, Manningham Function Centre.
• Online Q&A session, Wednesday 19 February, 4.30pm to 5.00pm.

The sessions are free, but registrations are essential. For details visit the Annual Grants Program page.

Manningham Council is encouraging local seniors community groups and clubs to apply for a new Seniors Club Support Grants program, aimed at supporting initiatives that benefit and empower older people in Manningham.

These grants provide up to $8,000 in funding and can be used for a wide range of activities, including digital literacy programs, creative writing classes, or exercise sessions.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange invites clubs and group to apply for a grant.

“This is a chance for our dedicated seniors clubs and groups to receive support for new programs that boost the health and wellbeing of their members.” Cr Lange said.

“It’s also an opportunity to support initiatives where our older community, family members and carers to come together and make meaningful connections.

“A lack of social connection can really affect older individuals and their caregivers. These grants provide great opportunities to get involved in a safe and welcoming environment.”

Applications open on Monday 5 August and close on Wednesday 4 September.

Council is hosting a free grant writing workshop for existing Seniors Clubs members on Tuesday 6 August at the Manningham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.

Bookings are essential and limited to two people per organisation.

To register, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/events/manningham-grant-writing-workshop-seniors-club-support-grant. 

For more information or to apply, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/community-grants or contact the Community Grants team on 9840 9333 or grants@manningham.vic.gov.au.

We’re looking for passionate and dedicated community members to join our Recreation and Sport, and Youth advisory committees.

Our advisory committees provide an opportunity for locals to share expert advice, guidance and ideas to help drive positive change and outcomes for Manningham.

As an advisory committee member, you will:

• play an active role in shaping the decisions Council makes for your community
• gain valuable experience and skills in leadership, strategic thinking and collaboration
• network with other community leaders, learning from their experience
• share your interests and passions with the Manningham community.

Recreation and Sport Advisory Committee (RASAC)

Do you want to make a difference in recreation and sport for the Manningham community? We’re seeking individuals of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds to:

• share their experience and insights
• help improve sporting and recreational outcomes
• ensure Manningham remains an active and vibrant community.

Who can apply

Committees are open to people who live, work, play or study in Manningham. Unfortunately, presidents, secretaries, and treasurers of sports clubs are ineligible to apply.

How to apply

Complete the online Expression of Interest form. 

If you need help to complete the Expression of Interest form, email Recreation at recreation2@manningham.vic.gov.au. 

Before applying, read the Terms of Reference.

Apply now

Manningham Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC)

Are you passionate about the future of young people in Manningham? Join the Youth Advisory Committee to:

• help shape government decisions that impact young people
• be a voice for youth in the community
• influence programs and policies that affect young people
• develop leadership skills and make a lasting impact.

Who can apply

Committees are open to young people between the ages of 15 and 25 who live, work, play or study in Manningham.

How to apply

Complete the online Expression of Interest form.

If you need help to complete the Expression of Interest form, email Children Youth and Family Services at youthadvisory@manningham.vic.gov.au. 

Before applying, read the Terms of Reference.

Apply now

With almost 800 local people taking part in our consultation on this year’s Budget and 10 Year Financial Plan, we’re all set to deliver for our community in 2024/25 and beyond!

Councillors endorsed the key documents at their meeting last night (25 June).

With an operating budget of $155 million, we’ll provide more than 100 valuable services for our residents, businesses and visitors. We’ll maintain and enhance community assets with a $55 million capital works program, including:

• $12 million for roads and bridges
• $6 million for footpaths and cycleways
• $4 million for drainage
• $3.1 million for the Schramm's Cottage Museum Complex Visitor Centre
• $1.6 million for playspace renewals
• $1.2 million for Ruffey Lake Park Masterplan implementation
• $1.1 million for Rieschiecks Reserve Management Plan
• $1.0 million to commence works on a co-working hub
• $1.0 million for a battery for Mullum Mullum stadium
• $0.3 million for a youth hub

We’ll also continue to deliver on our Climate Emergency Action Plan to reduce the impacts of climate change. We’ve allocated $11 million in our capital works program over the next ten years for Circular Economy, sustainability initiatives.

With inflation continuing to be higher than average, we’re conscious of cost-of-living pressures in our community. Council will continue to support rate payers through:

• Freezing the waste service charge well below the 4.80 per cent increase in the cost of waste services to Council.
• Financial hardship provisions including rates rebates for Low Income (LI) Health Care Card holders.
• $2.25 million for community grants and contributions programs.
• Continued financial support to agencies that provide emergency relief to those in need in our community.
• Funding for the provision of food relief for those in need in the community.
• Subsidies for school holiday programs.
• An average general rate increase in line with the State Government’s rate cap of 2.75 per cent.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange thanked everyone who contributed.

“We’re proud of the Budget and 10 Year Financial Plan and feel we’ve managed to balance delivering on our community’s needs while sustaining our commitment to being a financially responsible Council.

“We started working on the Budget back in November and had an incredible number of residents take part in our three different stages of consultation. Thank you all for your valuable insights.”

We're delivering on our Council Plan, including:

• $21 million for a healthy community
• $40 million for liveable places and spaces
• $19 million for a resilient environment
• $6 million for a vibrant prosperous economy
• $33 million for a well governed Council

Budget highlights

$3.1 million to build the Schramm's Cottage Museum Complex Visitor Centre in Doncaster East

We’ll build a new, multipurpose visitor centre in Rieschiecks Reserve as part of the Waldau Precinct Master Plan. The Visitor Centre will include spaces for exhibitions and meetings, as well as accessible public toilets. We’ll also upgrade the paths surrounding the centre and expect the project to be completed in early 2025.

$1.35 million to deliver the main phase of works for the Templestowe Route upgrade in Templestowe

The Templestowe Route is a 1.8km series of important local link roads between Templestowe Road and Williamson Road, including Parker, Swilk, James and Anderson streets. The upgrade will improve safety, pedestrian connectivity and the quality of infrastructure along the route.

$1.0 million to start work on a co-working hub at MC Square in Doncaster

The co-working business hub at MC Square will be far more than a professionally designed and operated space to conduct business. It will support a healthy economy and the business community, with a concierge and tailored calendar of events to create excitement and stimulate cooperation, as well as spaces for 30 to 40 users. We expect the co-working business hub to open in July 2025.

Read the Budget 2024/25

Read the 10 Year Financial Plan 2024/25 to 2033/34

A new Active Manningham program is providing life-saving water safety skills to adults from our multicultural community who have little or no swimming experience.

Eighteen people recently graduated from the first round of the 10-week Safely Engaging with Water Program at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Templestowe Lower.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, attended the final session and celebration event, presenting certificates to the successful participants together with Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra, who helped develop the program with Aligned Leisure.

The program creates a safe, inclusive environment for adults from multicultural communities to learn about water safety and develop basic swimming skills. It aims to help participants overcome fear and anxiety associated with water while reducing the risk of drowning.

Cr Diamante congratulated the graduates for taking the important first step of learning to swim.  

“Water safety is such a valuable life skill. I’d like to thank Dr Kandra and Aligned Leisure for making this life-saving program available to our multicultural community,” Cr Diamante said.

The program offers subsidised male-only and female-only sessions with experienced instructors of the same gender during quieter off-peak times, providing a more comfortable learning environment for participants. 

“It’s been great value and I’ve learnt so much,” one participant said of their experience.

“The instructor is amazing and has been teaching us very well,” another participant said.

Round 2 of the program starts on Saturday 26 April. Visit Active Manningham for more information.
 

We’re seeking your feedback on a new proposed name for an unnamed laneway in Bulleen that will provide addresses for two new properties created by the subdivision of 48 Templestowe Road.

In recognition of the area’s brickmaking past, we originally proposed to name the laneway ‘Kiln Lane’. The former Bulleen Brickworks was located nearby on Templestowe Road, which contained two large kilns and chimneys. 

After receiving valuable community feedback in May this year, including concerns raised about spelling and correctly hearing the word Kiln, particularly over the phone, we've decided not to proceed with the name Kiln Lane. 

We are now proposing a new name for the laneway, 'Brickmakers Lane'. This name was suggested by community during our consultation and maintains ties to the area’s brickmaking past. 'Brickmakers Lane' complies with Victoria's naming rules for places.

Have your say 

We're seeking community feedback on the new name, ‘Brickmakers Lane’.

Complete our feedback form before 5.00pm on Friday 16 August 2024.

We’ll share the consultation outcomes via the project’s Your Say Manningham page