The Community Grant Program supports groups delivering programs and activities that benefits the community. Our goal is to develop partnerships with not-for-profit groups and organisations that enriches the area and share our vision.
 

Who can apply for a grant

There’s seven grant categories each with their own goals, values and timing.

Grant applicants must be either:

• A not-for-profit constituted body such as an incorporated association or a company by limited guarantee.
• An incorporated organisation supported by a not-for-profit organisation and able to accept legal and financial responsibility for the project.
• A school.

They must also meet eligibility criteria for the grant category.  
 

How to apply

Choose one of the grant categories below to find out how to apply.

Community Grant support and resources

We offer annual Community Grant information sessions and grant writing workshops to support organisations and community groups in applying for grants.

These in-person sessions are held every February. If you’re unable to attend, you can watch the recorded presentation below.

Additionally, we provide a series of short Grant writing learning bytes – informative videos designed to explain grant writing terminology and concepts, making the application process easier to understand. 

Community Grant information session

Watch the 2025 information session recording to find out more about the Community Grant program.

Grant writing learning bytes

• Grant Writing - SMART goals 
• Grant Writing - Developing a project plan 
• Grant Writing – Understanding auspicing
• Grant Writing – Auspicing arrangements 
• Grant Writing - In-kind support 
• Grant Writing - Preparing the budget for a grant application 
• Grant Writing - Acquittals 
• Grant Writing - Evaluations
   

Join our mailing list and find out when grants are available

Subscribe to the Community Grants Program mailing list and keep informed of upcoming grants and community training sessions.

Smartygrants Login

Already familiar with applying for a grant process? 
Login to smartygrants.

Grant Finder

Grant Finder brings together grants from national, state, and local government along with opportunities from corporate organisations and foundations.

This service is open to all local businesses, community groups, not-for-profits, and individuals. 

Register online to receive email alerts about upcoming funding opportunities.

Manningham demographics

Are you looking for information about Manningham to include in your grant application? 

View our demographics

Privacy Statement

Manningham City Council is fully committed to protecting any personal and health information you provide to us as per our obligations under the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) and the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic).

We will only collect personal information that is necessary to perform Council functions. We will only use personal information provided for the purposes for which it was collected.

We will ensure that your personal information will not be disclosed to other authorities or businesses except if required by law or other regulation.

We have implemented technology and security policies, rules and measures to protect the personal information that we have under our control from unauthorised access, improper use, alteration, unlawful or accidental destruction and accidental loss.

We will remove personal information where it is no longer required (except where information is required to be retained in compliance with the Public Records Act 1973 and associated standards and authorities issued by Public Records Office Victoria). We will take reasonable steps to ensure that personal information is accurate, complete and up to date whenever Council collects, discloses or uses it.

Council has an Information Privacy and Security Policy, based on the ten information privacy principles outlined in schedule 1 of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.

This and the Health Records Policy, provide clear guidelines as to how council manages your personal information.

Links

This website privacy statement does not apply to other websites we may link to. We recommend you read the privacy statement when you access another site.

Anonymous access to our site

You can access the Manningham City Council home page and browse our web site anonymously, without disclosing your personal information.

Access and correction

Requests for access to documents containing personal information and held by the Manningham City Council are handled under the Freedom of Information Act 1982. All requests must be in writing, and should be addressed to the:

Freedom of Information Officer
Manningham City Council
PO Box 1
Doncaster, Victoria 3108

Complaints

Individuals who feel aggrieved by Council’s handling of their personal information are encouraged to contact Council’s Information Privacy Officer.

All complaints must be in writing and addressed to:

Information Privacy Officer
Manningham City Council
PO Box 1
Doncaster, Victoria 3108

Resolution of the complaint, in the form of a written response, will be made within 45 days of lodgment of the complaint.

Collection and use of site visit data

Cookies are used on our site, but they do not collect any personal information. For the most part they are sessional and just contain system-generated values to identify the user's session for statistical and system administration purposes only.

This site’s web-server automatically collects the following non-personal information (i.e. google analytics) for statistical and system administration purposes only:

• the day and time you visited the site
• the pages you visited on our site
• the address of the last page you visited
• the operating system you are using
• rough geographic location (down to the city)
• language (eg American English)
• internet service provider (eg Telstra)
• the type of browser and version you are using.

To the extent that this data could make you identifiable, Manningham City Council will not attempt to identify individuals from the records the server automatically generates unless necessary to investigate a breach of law or regulation.

Security of your personal data

This web site uses secure transmission facilities when appropriate (e.g. financial transactions). You should be aware that there are risks in transmitting information across the Internet. If you are concerned about conveying sensitive material to Manningham City Council over the Internet, you might prefer to contact us by telephone or mail.

Manningham City Council is committed to full compliance with its obligations under the Victorian Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 and the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic). Manningham City Council website is hosted in a data centre located in Sydney, New South Wales which is external to Council’s computer systems. Any information you submit to council through our website is subject to not only Victorian legislation governing Privacy, but also the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW).
 

Security Cameras

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems are located in and surrounding Council facilities. Manningham Council does not own or operate standalone CCTV systems in public open spaces.

CCTV systems are primarily for the protection of assets, risk management and public or staff safety. They form part of a suite of crime prevention strategies used to address specific local issues.

We are responsible for providing, installing and maintain the CCTV systems.

Privacy and Data Protection

CCTV footage collected will be treated in full compliance with the Privacy & Data Protection Act 2014.

Access to CCTV systems and data is restricted. Recorded data will be recorded over unless extracted and stored in an authorise alternate location. The length of time recorded data will be stored for will depend on the use of a camera or group of cameras. Typically recorded data will be stored for approximately 30 days.

Accessing CCTV footage

Manningham Council does not generally publish or disclose the footage obtained through the use of CCTV systems without the consent of the individuals shown in the footage.

Requests to view CCTV footage must be made under the Freedom of Information Act 1982. For more information visit Request Freedom of Information.

We cannot provide footage for traffic offences, unless made via a law enforcement agency.

Requesting a CCTV System

Visible CCTV cameras may enhance the perception of safety within the community. CCTV systems may form part of a suite of crime prevention strategies used to address specific local issues. They should only be applied where other Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles have been considered or implemented.

To initiate the planning process for the implementation or modification of a CCTV system, a written request is to be made outlining the issue(s) trying to be addressed.

Written requests can be sent to manningham@manningham@vic.gov.au or PO Box 1, Doncaster Victoria 3108.

Body Worn Cameras

We’ve introduced Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) for our Local Laws, Planning Compliance and Environmental Health Officers. 

The BWCs will be clearly visible and attached to the officers’ uniforms during their duties. They aim to promote public reassurance, modify behaviour, prevent harm and deter people from committing offences. This is an additional tool to help improve officer safety, community trust, accountability and transparency. 

BWC recordings can also support professional development through training and review, as well as assist with investigations involving allegations made against Council officers. 

When BWCs will be used

BWCs will be activated during interactions where officers are performing their normal duties. The cameras are used in situations that require professional judgement to ensure safety and transparency.

How to know when a camera is recording

The BWCs are in pre-record mode but will only record when necessary. A clear light indicator on the camera will signal when it is actively recording.

What happens to the data

All footage recorded by BWCs is stored in a secure electronic location with strict controls and restricted access to protect against unauthorised viewing, copying, alteration and disclosure. Data that is not required for further investigation or in accordance with statutory requirements will be deleted after 90 days from date of being filmed, however this may be altered to 30 or 60 days based on operational needs. 

For evidential files used in enforcement/prosecution proceedings, data retention periods are as follows: 

• files related to court proceedings are retained for minimum seven years
• files related to enforcement outside the courts (for example, by way of infringement or notices to comply) are retained for minimum three years.

Law enforcement requests for BWC footage will be dealt with pursuant to the provisions of the Crimes Act. Access will be approved where Council is satisfied that the use or disclosure is required or authorised by law.  

Accessing BWC footage

The data collected from the use of BWCs is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982.  Any written requests for access to data collected within 30 days of the data being taken will be held pending the outcome of the Freedom of Information application.  

For more information or to make request visit Request Freedom of Information.
 

Livestreaming of Council meetings

As part of our commitment to improving accessibility, transparency and opportunities for the community to participate in Council Meetings, we will livestream Ordinary and Special Council Meetings to allow Manningham residents to view Council Meetings in real time.

Livestreaming will occur in real time via Council's Facebook page and the livestream recordings will be uploaded and available via this website within 48 hours of each Council meeting. While Council will take all reasonable steps to only collect personal information necessary to perform its functions and activities, Council recognises some personal information may be collected as a result of recording and livestreaming Council meetings - For example, individuals visible behind Councillors while in attendance of Council meetings.

The livestreaming, recording and publishing of Ordinary and Special Council Meetings will be managed in compliance with all applicable legislation and Council policies.

Social media collection statement

We use various tools to manage our Social Network Services (SNS). This includes viewing public social media commentary in which Manningham Council’s accounts may not necessarily be tagged and listening to social trends and issues that relate to Manningham Council services and events.

We also use these tools to engage directly with you to provide information or a better level of customer service. In doing so, we may temporarily collect and store your personal information.

To protect your own privacy and the privacy of others we suggest that personal information (such as phone numbers and email addresses) are not shared publicly when engaging with us on social media.

Each social networking service will also handle your personal information for its own purposes. We encourage you to read the privacy policies and other statements of the SNSs you use.

Comments posted on our social media channels may be publicly available and these comments may also be used in Council’s publications (eg. Reports) that are publicly available. If you do not wish for your comments to be included in any reporting, please include a note in your comment or contact us to let us know.

Eventbrite (for events)

We use Eventbrite to manage most ticketing and registration events. As event organisers, we will collect personal information (such as first name, last name, mobile number, email address) in order to communicate with you.

Manningham Council staff may use personal information collected from Eventbrite to communicate to you about the Event you are attending. This may include a follow-up evaluation email to help us improve customer experience. We will not use your email to send you electronic communications and marketing communications unless you opt-in to receive them.

Eventbrite may collect personal information which can include financial information (e.g., your credit card number and expiration date, billing address, etc.) some of which may constitute Personal Data. Eventbrite may also send you electronic communications and marketing communications where it is in accordance with your marketing preferences.

For further information about the types of Personal Information Eventbrite collects and to find out how to opt-out of Eventbrite marketing communication, please read the Eventbrite Privacy Policy.

Copyright

The entire content and components of this website are the property of Manningham Council. All written content and images are not to be copied or reproduced without our (Council’s) written permission, or unless used in accordance with copyright legislation.

When you access information on this website, you agree it is for personal use only.

Disclaimer

The content of this website is for information purposes only.

While every effort is made to keep information on this website up-to-date and accurate, we cannot absolutely guarantee its accuracy.

You should not rely on this website’s information in circumstances where loss, damage or injury is possible. In such circumstances, please contact Council or the relevant authority/organisation for this information or advice.

We reserve the right to make changes to the website and its information without notice.

We and our employees, agents, consultants and representatives are not liable for any loss, damage or injury resulting from any person relying on information obtained by or through this website.

This website includes links to other websites which are not controlled by Council. Therefore, we are not responsible for any information or service which may appear on any third party sites which you might access through this website.

Manningham generally enjoys a high level of health and wellbeing and is recognised as one of the healthiest municipalities in Victoria. However, there are always opportunities to enhance community health and wellbeing. Manningham’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021 - 2025 outlines how we will continue to work with our community and partner organisations to ensure people living in Manningham are healthy, safe, resilient, connected and inclusive.  

Manningham’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021 – 2025 was developed using an integrated planning approach with Manningham’s Council Plan 2021-2025. The Strategy works towards achieving Council's Vision and Healthy Community Goals.

Manningham’s 2040 Community Vision: 

Manningham is a peaceful, inclusive and safe community. We celebrate life with its diverse culture, wildlife and natural environment. We are resilient and value sustainable and healthy living, a sense of belonging, and respect for one another.

Healthy Community Goals:

• Healthy, safe and resilient community
• Connected and inclusive community

Manningham’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021 – 2025 recognises the municipality’s many strengths and builds on the achievements of its predecessor; the Healthy City Strategy 2017 – 2021. The Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021 – 2025 has identified a number of health and wellbeing priorities impacting the community today and into the future. These will be addressed in partnership with our soon to be formed Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee, and the Manningham community to ensure residents continue to have the opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing.

The development of the Strategy has been informed by a review of the previous Healthy City Strategy 2017-2021, community feedback, and analysis of state-wide and local health data contained in our State of the City and Health Needs Analysis 2020 report. These findings have informed the development of seven priority areas, contained under two key goals:

Goal 1. A healthy, safe and resilient community:

• Improved social and emotional wellbeing
• Increased healthy eating
• Increased active lifestyles
• Increased adaptation to the health impacts from climate change
• Reduced injury and harm
• Prevention of family violence

Goal 2. A connected and inclusive community:

• Increased connection to and engagement in community life

In developing these priority areas, Council has included consideration of:

• Across the life course – we looked at the lifespan of our community from infants, children and young people to older adults, to understand the impacts on health and wellbeing at different life stages
• Community groups – we identified the needs and priorities of people from multicultural communities, the LGBTQIA+ community, First Nations peoples, carers and people with disability
• Genders – we assessed how all genders and intersectionality, which are attributes other than gender such as age, disability or sexual orientation, may be impacted by a range of health issues

Implementing the Strategy

Manningham’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021 – 2025 will be supported by two biennial Action Plans. Each Action Plan will contain a set of activities developed under the seven key priority areas. These activities will be delivered with our partners to help us achieve the changes that we want to see in our community’s health and wellbeing over the next four years.

Evaluation of our previous Strategy

The Healthy City Strategy 2017-2021 delivered more than 250 actions across four years to improve the health and wellbeing of the Manningham community.

A snapshot of some of the actions delivered and key achievements of the Healthy City Strategy 2017-2021 can be found below.

Ten projects were selected as case studies across the four years of the strategy. These case studies were asked to reflect on the "most significant change" that occurred as a result of the project:

Project 1: Tunstall Square Community Art Project

Project overview

Volunteer artists, including Scouts and school groups combined forces to design and paint art on car parking spaces to make Tunstall Square a more vibrant place to shop.

Most significant change

The project was designed to involve the whole community including as many aspects as possible. They participated in designing and delivering the painted car spaces as well as being part of the event on the day. The best part of the project was the involvement of the community – both in the art and being engaged and part of the whole project.

“If you get community groups involved they feel pride in their own local space” – Kimberly Hughes, local artist/project leader

“It was quite a surprise to me this morning to see all of these people with grins of their faces” – Geoff Harwood, local resident

“You can’t put money value on art in community spaces the fact that you get people’s engagement is immeasurable and it’s a fantastic reward for the whole community” – George Condos, local resident

Project 2: Emergency Aware Program

Project overview

Program to assist neighbourhoods to develop home emergency plans and work together to be better prepared for an emergency.

• 10 emergency planning sessions held at community learning centres to discuss with residents their current emergency plans and how to prepare for an emergency
• 357 participants directly engaged in the program through community organisations, learning centres, local farmers markets and sporting clubs
• 50% of all residents within Manningham and 74% in bushfire prone areas advised that they currently have an emergency plan in place

Most significant change

Hearing how the community understands and interprets key messages and advice provided by emergency services on how to prepare for an emergency. Many within the community shared that they have repeatedly seen key messages such as ‘have an emergency plan’ and ‘leave early’ since the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires but wanted a chance to discuss how they apply the advice in their own lives and what these messages mean to them. The response has been invaluable as many within the community have a wide range of interpretations of these messages that will directly shape the Emergency Aware program moving forward.

“I have completed a valued itemised list of my assets and have taken photos of them. If I have to make a claim I know exactly what I’m claiming for.”

Project 3: Parks Alive Program

Project overview

Resident-led initiative encouraging the community to get involved, meet their neighbours and help improve our local parks. Parks Alive supports residents to beautify, enhance and activate their local neighbourhood park, by relying on their skills and ideas to run an activity, event, creative or gardening project. Examples of resident-led initiatives include Stone Circle project at Iona Reserve, Mural art on rebound wall at Daniel Reserve, Free little library at Ronald Reserve, Painting the paths at Jocelyn Reserve, Tasker Reserve Neighbourhood Xmas BBQ, Australia Day BBQ at Jocelyn Reserve, Neighbour lunch at Walker Reserve, plus on going gardening projects.

Most significant change

It was surprising to see that people felt highly empowered and highly engaged to be able to plan and lead the delivery of projects in their local community, even in light of COVID-19 impacts.

“It was an empowering experience. I know the majority of the community are excited about the project. It has been a joy especially during the COVID-19 crisis. The project at this time forced us to engage with the community in different ways. Namely through chatting in the Reserve at appropriate social distancing measures, setting up Zoom meetings and establishing a Facebook group. Thank you so much for the amazing opportunity.”

“A really strong sense of community contribution, and a sense that I belong to a community that was larger than myself and that I was able to make a meaningful contribution to that group.”

“As a local resident I felt so encouraged that Council had an initiative to support me (and my neighbours) to bring the neighbourhood together at a mutual space (local park/reserve)”

Project 4: Parenting Seminar Series

Project overview

Our parenting seminar series aims to provide parents the tools to manage difficult situations and help them be well informed and involved in their children’s lives.From May to August 2020 we hosted eight live and pre-recorded webinars on parenting featuring some of Australia’s best parent educators and adolescence psychologists, such as Dr Michael Carr-Gregg and Steve Biddulph. More than 7,000 people have participated in these webinars on topics including raising resilient kids during the coronavirus era, managing year 11 and 12 in the face of uncertainty, Raising Girls and Raising Boys.

Most significant change

Our greatest challenges, at that time, was being limited by the capacity of the venue, being sold out in 24 hours for an event and providing additional sessions where possible. The 2020 series faced challenges that we had not previously encountered due to COVID-19, however, this challenge became an opportunity. While the COVID-19 crisis transformed our lives almost overnight, Manningham’s popular Parenting Seminar Series quickly adapted, pivoting to webinars. With social distancing in place, we had to cancel our entire Parenting Seminar Series for the remainder of the 2020 series. We quickly turned the face to face events to an online series in less than 48 hours. The online platform provided greater reach and we were not limited by the capacity of a venue. We could see the effect of continuous media coverage, remote learning and isolation was having on families, so we quickly adapted, pivoting from live events to online webinars to support our community, particularly families, through the crisis.

“It was a great session”, “Brilliant session, thank you”, “Was an excellent session”, “Really there wasn’t anything that could be improved”, “More sessions like this.”

Project 5: Skills 4 the Future

Project overview 

Council was funded by VicHealth to deliver the Skills 4 the Future initiative. This included development of a resource mapping local skills development opportunities to increase young people’s employability. The project also included delivery of Career’s Expo, providing practical tips for young people in their search for employment. Skills 4 the Future engaged over 100 youth through the delivery of the Skills 4 the Future Careers Expo on 17 October 2018. This event provided young people with a greater understanding of the 'rising bar' megatrend, improved access to local information, as well as opportunities to network with employment services and explore career and volunteering options. 

Most significant change

The development of the Skills 4 the Future funding application resulted in the formation of the Manningham Youth Alliance, a network of key organisations working with youth across Manningham to share resources and expertise in the delivery of projects and programs for young people. As a result of this alliance, a Youth Advisory Council was also established, which provides young leaders with opportunities to discuss matters important to them, and opportunities to develop key skills in project management, problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork and communication. The Youth Advisory Council has continued beyond the life of the Skills 4 the Future Project.

“This is a great program to get involved in. It allows young people, like myself, to be a part of something bigger and really make an impact on the community. Working in a team environment with people from across the community has provided me with the opportunity to grow, learn and improve on my current skill set such as team work and communication. I’ll be able to take these skills and experiences with me and apply them to my future career."

Project 6: Far Flung Intergenerational Project

Project overview 

Far Flung: Connecting Intergenerational Families was a piloted Artist-in-Residence program in Doncaster. The project focused on developing narratives of place, family histories and culture as a way to engage and connect new migrant families to the area. A socially engaged art project; Far Flung inspired cross-cultural connections and a deeper sense of belonging in Manningham.

• 41 per cent of Far Flung participants feels they have a lot in common, despite their diverse backgrounds
• 70 per cent of exhibition attendees agreed or strongly agreed that Far Flung helped them feel more connected to the community.
   

Most significant change 

Engaging culturally diverse community members through art creation and breaking down cross-cultural barriers to connectedness and belonging. Local artists reported gaining greater insight into effective ways to facilitate art creation with families, helping them in their work with community.

Both parents and students voices were captured in this evaluation over two separate evaluation sessions, and they shared the same predominant themes: a greater connection to community and family (73%); separating this out further, acknowledgement and appreciation of the difference in cultures and the common experiences as migrants (41%), and a stronger connection between child and parent/adult (32%) were the dominant responses in this category.

“Time to get to know each other has helped me feel more connected to the group and to the community. I learned that we come from so many different cultures but we share so much in common. I really like working together – and now I can call you all friends.”

“Before this, I only talked to Chinese people. But I learned that we have similarities and we can talk to each other and get to know each other and can be friends.”

Project 7: Digital Stories of Inclusion

Project overview 

Three digital stories highlighting local employment examples of people with a disability within open employment. The video showcases the stories of Buddy, Ben, Melissa and Kay, four Manningham residents with a disability, who have successfully secured local employment. Their stories are designed to educate, inform and inspire people with a disability, their families, service providers and the broader community that people with disabilities can lead socially inclusive, meaningful lifestyles as valued contributors to their local communities. The Digital Stories of Inclusion video has been viewed more than 360 times on Council’s Facebook page. 

Most significant change

Changing attitudes within the community and for business owners on the inclusion of people with a disability in their workplace.

“Once you have a supportive structure in place, everything seems to flow very well”

“Working at Quest means I get to meet people and be social. I also get to earn a wage, and support myself, which increases my self-esteem”

“I have not seen any other councils do something like this, or at least document it in this way. The use of such positive language on the web page is wonderful.”

“[this] would be an excellent resource for other councils to increase the inclusion of people with a disability in their workforce.”

Project 8: Local Dementia Alliance Group

Project overview 

The Manningham Local Dementia Alliance Group plays a key role in guiding and advising Council on the actions and initiatives that will help foster change for people living with dementia.

Most significant change

Launch of the Manningham Dementia Information Card, an initiative of Manningham Council in partnership with the Manningham Local Dementia Alliance Group. The 20,000 cards printed are available to educate, raise awareness and provide strong support in our community.

As an organisation, Manningham Council has been recognised as ‘Working Towards Dementia Friendly’ organisation by the Dementia Friendly Communities program of Dementia Australia.

Recognition as ‘Working Towards Dementia Friendly’ means that our organisation has an approved action plan which details our commitment to work towards improving the way in which our services meet the needs of people living with dementia, so that they can be supported to live in the community for as long as possible.

“Dementia-friendly communities can also offer benefits to the wider population. The promotion of social cohesion and understanding the needs of others will help make Manningham generally a great places to live. I commend Manningham Council as a leader in Local Government that is fostering a community to champion the journey towards being a dementia friendly city.” - Dr David Sykes, Dementia Australia

“The Manningham community has created an environment that offers…people living with dementia and their family and friends opportunities to participate and interact in stimulating and easily available activities” - Quote from member of the Manningham Dementia Alliance

Project 9: Active for Life Recreation Strategy

Project overview

Active for Life Recreation Strategy (2010-25), identifies the vision for a healthy, more active community. The Strategy aims to provide our community with opportunities to stay healthy, active and participate in a diverse range of recreation activities regardless of age, gender, ability and cultural background. 

Most significant change

The most significant outcome of the review was the Strategy’s core focus. The original Recreation Strategy had a strong focus on active recreation (walking, jogging etc.) and also a focus on areas that are not traditionally covered under a Recreation Strategy (such as Bush Kinder). As a result, organised sport requirements were missed and this resulted in minimal policy guidance, no strategic justification for expenditure and a lack of governance and development support for our sporting clubs, amongst other things. The reviewed strategy flipped the focus to help create a better balance between active recreation and organised sport, and also better align with the Recreation Team’s core role.

‘The strategy and actions are generally consistent with our view of the general direction Council should be taking in the development of sporting activity in Manningham.’

‘I think it's wonderful that the City of Manningham is encouraging active recreation through organised sport.’

Project 10: Unite for Safety and Respect Project

Project overview

Series of workshops developed in partnership with Monash, Whitehorse and Boroondara to Faith Leaders in the Inner East to strengthen existing partnerships, provide a platform for building knowledge and sharing experiences in responding to family violence.

• 102 people attended the Forum
• 123 participants in total across all three workshops
• 61 different participants across all three workshops
• 32 participants attended more than one workshop
• 13 different faiths represented

Most significant change

• 97 per cent of workshop participants reported moderate or high confidence in communicating with others about the prevention of family violence
• 73 per cent felt they had an increased knowledge of respectful and equal relationships due to their participation in the workshop they attended
  “We all need to be on the same page and acknowledge that we do have family violence in all faiths and communities. Everyone has a right to live in safety and respect in Australia. That is the message that we need to get across to our Faith Leaders and to the community”

Manningham Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land and waterways now known as Manningham.

Council pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and values the ongoing contribution to enrich and appreciate the cultural heritage of Manningham.

Council acknowledges and respects Australia’s First Peoples as Traditional Owners of lands and waterways across Country, and encourages reconciliation between all.

Manningham Council values the contribution made to Manningham over the years by people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.

The role of local government in Reconciliation

Local Government plays a key role in activating Reconciliation within local communities by:

• playing a leadership role in creating meaningful relationships
• recognising and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination and cultural rights
• building understanding of our shared history
• celebrating, recognising and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritages
• providing our local community and the education sector with an opportunity to take an active part in the process of Reconciliation
• offering public programs, projects and events
• providing accessible services; and
• being a proactive employer and procurer of services.

Council articulates how this can be achieved through a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). 

Manningham Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

The Manningham Innovate RAP 2023-25 has been developed in partnership with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Corporation, local First Nations peoples, local residents, Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group and Reconciliation Australia.

Council is committed to fostering respect for and understanding of First Nations cultures, histories, knowledge and rights throughout our organisation and the municipality.

The Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group will monitor the implementation of the RAP along with Reconciliation Australia.

In 2019, Council established regular Cultural Consultations with Elders and staff of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation (the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Corporation).

As the Registered Aboriginal Party for Manningham, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Corporation plays a key role in decision making for and protection of cultural heritage and as such are recognised as the primary guardians, keepers and knowledge holders of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.

The regular Cultural Consultations with Elders provide Council with an opportunity to ensure our projects, services and systems work towards progressing reconciliation.

First Nations history in Manningham

The East Kulin Nation have lived in the area now known as Melbourne, for more than 65,000 years harnessing the rich resources of the Yarra River and surrounding bush lands and ranges. Part of the East Kulin Nation are the Wurundjeri people who spoke the Woi-wurrung language who are the Traditional Owners of Manningham.

Wurundjeri people called the Yarra River "Birrarung" – 'river of mists and shadows'. The Birrarung was central to the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri willam people. Throughout Manningham, Wurundjeri people lived near the Birrarung and its tributaries, caring for the many culturally significant places in the area. The Yarra Flats in Manningham are associated with the accomplishments of creation ancestors and spiritual beings. Bolin Bolin Billabong in Bulleen was an important living and eel fishing area, a place which Wurundjeri people requested for their reserved use in 1840. It remained an important living area and visiting place for Wurundjeri people returning from lyrebird hunting in the Yarra Ranges into the 1850s.

For thousands of years the Wurundjeri nurtured and protected this land and its creation stories, and in return, enjoyed the highest standards of living, health and wellbeing. The river was plentiful with teeming wildfowl in the wetlands of Bulleen, continual harvests in the fish traps, and freshwater mussel farms along the Yarra. The Stringybark and Manna Gum forests also provided abundant game and bush tucker for a population of several hundred people.

The Wurundjeri people shared the same belief system as the East Kulin Nation. The creation period stretches back to when the creation ancestors and spirit beings travelled across the land, creating and naming as they went.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's oral tradition and religious values are based upon reverence for the land, and a belief in the creation period. The social moiety division and associated spiritual beings of the Woi-wurrung speaking people were Bunjil the wedge-tailed eagle and Waa the crow. Wurundjeri people were of the Waa moiety. During the creation period, Bunjil is their ancestor responsible for the creation of earth and men. Pallian the bat is their ancestor responsible for the creation of water and women. Waa was the protector of humankind.

Some very famous Wurundjeri people are associated with Manningham. In particular, William Barak and Simon Wonga who were both leaders of their community and have descendants still living in the region, some of whom are now Senior Elders themselves.

First Nations cultural heritage places in Manningham

First nations cultural heritage places relate to a particular place that's considered to be a sacred or historically important place for First Peoples. However, it should be noted that not all First Peoples cultural heritage places hold significance to the Wurundjeri community. Within Manningham, we have more than 90 sites of Wurundjeri significance, some of which are the most significant within regional Melbourne. These sites include burial or birthing sites, trading places, travelling pathways, campsites and ceremonial sites, gathering places, mission sites, reserves, and places where conflict took place. Archaeological evidence or artefacts verify where such sites exist within Manningham, as well as stories passed down from generations of Wurundjeri Elders.

Wurundjeri Stories Trail at Pound Bend

Pound Bend Tunnel Reserve, Warrandyte State Park, Pound Bend Road Warrandyte

Wurundjeri Stories is a fascinating and beautifully presented interpretive signage trail at Pound Bend that explores the Wurundjeri history, culture, traditional life, spirituality, events and the people linked to this sacred site.

There are seven signs, each containing in-depth historical accounts presented by a Wurundjeri working group, with stunning artwork and historical photographs, following a flat 1km riverside path, which walkers may wish to continue along the 3.5km River Walk or Loop Walk. Each sign features a section entitled ‘Bunjil’s Challenge’ which encourages walkers to explore the local surrounds in search of key features such as bush tucker, and to consider traditional lifestyle scenarios, making the trail an incredibly engaging, thought provoking and interactive experience.

Wurundjeri Stories is ideal for the casual walker, organised school and pre-school excursions, community groups and a ceremonial space for special Wurundjeri events. Groups are able to arrange for a Wurundjeri Elder or Educator to lead their organised excursion to the site.

A Wurundjeri Stories interpretive sign is also located at Wittons Reserve in Wonga Park, which shares the Wurundjeri history of this site, considered to be Sacred Women’s Country. The sign marks the beginning of the scenic Mount Lofty walk, a section of the Wurundjeri Songline route, the major Wurundjeri travelling route to the Yarra Valley.

For more information about the trail content, or to organise an Elder please contact the Wurundjeri Tribe Council at reception@wurundjeri.com.au or phone 9416 2905.

Resources to support your visit to Wurundjeri Stories at Pound Bend:

First Nations Resources

Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country

Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country are important ways to recognise and respect Traditional Owners.

A Welcome to Country can only be performed by an Elder from the traditional custodial tribe. The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation is the nominated Registered Aboriginal Party for Manningham, and as such all request for Welcome to Country ceremonies held within Manningham should be directed to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Corporation. A Welcome to Country is a paid service and can be arranged by submitting an online booking request form.

An Acknowledgement of Country is a statement a speaker makes at the beginning of an event to acknowledge the traditional owners.

You can find out more about an Acknowledgement of Country at the Reconciliation Australia Website.

Helpful links

Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Services

Wurundjeri Tribe Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council

Mullum Mullum First Nations Gathering Place

Reconciliation Manningham

Reconciliation Victoria

Reconciliation Australia

Koorie Heritage Trust

Aboriginal Affairs Victoria

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