Get out and about in Manningham and discover more than 20 unique public artworks commissioned by Council and located at various sites across the municipality.
Get out and about in Manningham and discover more than 20 unique public artworks commissioned by Council and located at various sites across the municipality.
Public art is defined as art in public places, it can take many forms including physical object, performance or creative process.
Public art is created with an express artistic, creative or cultural purpose and can be a catalyst for community expression, discussion and pride.
Our Public Art Program actively commissions permanent and temporary contemporary public artworks of excellence, across the spectrum of public art practice that:
Our Public Art Policy outlines our commitment to commissioning high-quality public artworks that celebrate local identity and cultural heritage, respect traditional landowners, and enhance community spaces.
It guides the creation of permanent and temporary artworks on public land, aligning with our objectives to support arts and cultural development.
Are you an artist interested in finding out about upcoming opportunities? Join the Public Artist Registry.
The city also features numerous works in private settings, including outside Westfield Shopping Centre, Doncaster, and at the celebrated Heide Museum of Modern Art.
For more information about Public Art in Manningham, contact our Public Art Officer at arts@manningham.vic.gov.au or call 9840 9333.
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The first phase of the Melbourne Hill Road drainage upgrades is now complete, and Manningham Council is preparing for phase two works to start late next year.
Manningham 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 are 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, Council will continue its 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.
Manningham Council is inviting community members to contribute their insights and ideas to help shape its draft 2026-27 Budget and draft 10-Year Financial Plan.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said: “We’re committed to ensuring the annual budget prioritises what matters most to our community, while delivering on our mission to be a financially sustainable council.
“Our council delivers more than 100 services across a diverse range of areas, from waste collection and libraries to community programs and infrastructure,” Cr Diamante said.
“These services all play an important role in our community and we want to understand which areas our community sees as most important for us to prioritise spending,” she said.
Community members can also register their interest to pitch their budget ideas to Councillors at an in-person meeting in early December.
“We want to hear from you about the projects and services you would like to see delivered in Manningham, now and in the future. Your ideas, passion and local knowledge are at the heart of what makes our community thrive,” Cr Diamante said.
Shortlisted in-person submitters will have three minutes each to present to Councillors at a meeting on Monday 1 December at the Manningham Council Chamber.
If you would prefer not to pitch your idea in person, your ideas will still be considered as part of the broader engagement process.
You can share your insights, ideas and register your interest to present to Council by completing the short survey by 9 November 2025 at yoursay.manningham.vic.gov au/2026-27-budget.
Your responses will help shape the draft 2026-27 Budget and draft 10-Year Financial Plan for Council's consideration at the 26 May 2026 Council meeting. The documents will then be available for public viewing.
The final 2026-27 Budget and 10-Year Financial Plan will be considered for endorsement at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 23 June 2026.
Some ideas may be better suited to our Manningham Community Grant program, which supports eligible organisations to deliver community-focused projects.
Visit the website to learn more about the grants program and other ways to get involved at manningham.vic.gov.au/community-grant-program.
We have signed the contract to purchase 576-578 Park Road, Park Orchards as part of its planning for a new Park Orchards Community House and Learning Centre.
A priority action in our Community Infrastructure Plan, discussions and advocacy have already commenced for the replacement of this popular neighbourhood house and it is hoped that this significant investment will be the catalyst for investment from other levels of government.
Our Mayor, Deirdre Diamante, said the existing community house needs replacing to bring programs and services together.
"The Community House is widely used and offers a variety of programs and services in learning, fitness and art for all ages, and includes a well-loved childcare facility.
“The current building is coming to the end of its useful life, has limited accessibility and is too small to cater to all programs. These limitations have resulted in programs moving to different locations and spread across multiple local venues.
“By bringing these programs together into one building with better access and more space, we can improve efficiency and better support the community’s growing needs.”
The location of the new property, adjacent to the existing Community House at 572 Park Road, will allow for more space for the variety of programs on offer.
“Located in the heart of Park Orchards, as part of a community and education precinct and near public bus transport, the site will maintain convenient access to childcare, schools, recreational areas, and shops.” Cr Diamante added.
The purchase of 576-578 Park Road is part of our long-term planning to replace this important neighbourhood house for Park Orchards.
Neighbourhood houses are predominantly funded by government grants and additional state and commonwealth government funding will be needed to deliver this new community facility.
“We have purchased this property as part of our long-term plan for the community house and local area. We’re pleased to be able to secure a site for a new centre in Park Orchards and will continue to advocate for State and Federal funding to deliver it.”
The purchase was funded by our Strategic Fund which is part of our 10 Year Financial Plan 2024/25 to 2033/34.
For more information, visit Your Say Manningham.
We are one of 31 Victorian Councils calling on the State Government to reconsider the requirement of a kerbside glass recycling bin for all households by 1 July 2027....
We are one of 31 Victorian Councils calling on the State Government to reconsider the requirement of a kerbside glass recycling bin for all households by 1 July 2027.
As a group, Councils are advocating for the mandatory implementation of the fourth glass-only bin service to be postponed and reconsidered.
We are concerned about the cost implications for our community and want to see the State Government release its business case for the service and delay its commencement date until Councils have had time to review it appropriately.
The cost to implement a fourth glass-only bin service is estimated at $4 million, plus, on average, $27 per household per year.
As an advocacy group, Councils sent a joint a letter to the Minister for Environment, the Hon. Steve Dimopoulos, late last year, which outlined the findings of a Council investigation on the feasibility of the service in comparison to alternative options for glass recycling.
The investigation found that expanding the existing Container Deposit Scheme to include wine and spirit bottles would provide similar circularity benefits to a glass-only bin service, without passing on excessive costs to Councils and residents.
We want to see the State Government listen to Councils’ concerns and consider alternative options before forcing the implementation of a glass-only kerbside recycling bin.
As part of our advocacy for Manningham on this important issue, we have also submitted a motion to the Municipal Association of Victoria to repeal the Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021 provisions, which mandate Victorian Councils provide a glass-only service to households.
You can find out more about this motion in the 25 February Council Meeting Minutes. See Item 13.2, MAV State Council Motions.
Manningham Council has launched a survey on the Templestowe Village Streetscape Upgrade, inviting community feedback to help shape the future of this vibrant precinct.
The survey is now live and seeks input on how the community envisions potential improvements to accessibility, safety, public spaces and the overall village experience.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said the project is a key opportunity to build on the unique heritage of Templestowe Village while planning for its future.
“Templestowe Village is a special part of our community and we want to ensure its future reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who live, work and visit here,” the Mayor said.
“This is your first of several opportunities to inform how we shape the next chapter of the Village. It’s also an opportunity to tell us what you love about the Village, so we can keep and retain the elements you love and preserve features that enhance connection, heritage and legacy.”
The survey is accessible online and will remain open until 30 November. There will also be opportunities to ask questions about the survey at pop-in community sessions.
Visit us at the Templestowe Village Pod near 114 James Street.
The survey will include an Expression of Interest for community members who may wish to be selected for a focus group workshop, to be held at a later stage.
For more information on the project as it develops, visit YourSayManningham and subscribe to updates.
Getting involved in climate action is vital to creating a more liveable future. We’re making this action easier by offering resources, events, programs and partnerships.
Since we recognised the Climate Emergency in 2020, we’ve introduced several initiatives to help us move towards our zero emission targets – for Council by 2028 and for the Manningham community by 2035.
Here’s how we’re supporting you to act on climate, both individually and together as a community.
We’re making individual change feel less solo by sharing handy resources, connecting you with government discounts and even providing a year’s supply of compostable bin liners.
| 1. Resources and discounts to go electric | |
We’re supporting households to go electric with free resources, webinars and information sessions. Residents can also access installers and government discounts through our partnership with Solar Savers. The benefits? The opportunity to create a healthier, more efficient home while also powering a cleaner future. | |
| 2. A network of public electric vehicle (EV) chargers | |
Considering purchasing an electric vehicle (EV)? Owning one will soon be more convenient in Manningham, as we’re rolling out a network of nine public EV chargers from early 2025. The chargers will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, through government accredited GreenPower. | |
| 3. FOGO support (and a free roll of liners!) | |
The FOGO service is one of the simplest ways to reduce carbon emissions. By using our FOGO bins, we can decrease the waste sent to landfill to create a healthier environment for us all. This means placing the right items in your FOGO bins and using the certified compostable liners (that meet the AS4736 standards), as these decompose. To make this simpler, we’re providing each Manningham household with a free roll of 150 compostable liners (approximately one year’s supply), available for collection from the Manningham Civic Centre or Council Depot. We’re also sharing FOGO tips and tricks, ‘how to’ videos, translated language guides and more to help you with FOGO. Explore our helpful FOGO resources. | |
| 4. Clothes swap days | |
Fast fashion has a negative impact on our environment, accounting for 10 per cent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. An alternative to this?
Clothes swap days are a fantastic way to refresh your wardrobe and meet new people. Here at Council, we regularly run clothing exchange days. See when the next one is. |
Our impact is greater when we work together. That’s why we’re facilitating community events and connecting you to local groups who make a positive difference.
| 5. Tree planting days | |
Planting trees is one of the best and simplest ways to take climate action, while making Manningham a greener and more beautiful place to live and work. Join us next National Tree Day (Sunday 28 July) to plant trees together. Check our What's on event calendar each July to find planting locations. | |
| 6. Access to community groups | |
Local environmental groups are a fantastic opportunity to connect with neighbours and make a difference in your shared backyard. We can connect you to: | |
| 7. A regular community garden | |
The Doncaster Hill Community Garden is a friendly space for anyone interested in gardening and making new friends. Meeting every second Tuesday morning, volunteers tend to the garden with all produce donated to Doncare’s food relief program. Register for the next session. | |
| 8. Sustainable schools program | |
We run several programs to encourage local schools to protect and care for our natural environment, as well as sustainable education programs for our teacher network. This includes:
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Want to stay up to date with our sustainability events? Subscribe to our Environment newsletter.
Manningham Council would like to inform residents that from Tuesday 28 January 2025 through to mid March, your household may receive a call from an independent market research agency, National Field Services. They have been commissioned to conduct our 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey on behalf of the council. Please be assured that your details and individual responses are confidential.
The Community satisfaction survey is a yearly requirement. For these surveys, the market agency reaches out by phone to 400 randomly selected residents. The results of the phone conversations are then analysed, reported back to us, and discussed internally.
This helps us to learn more about our performance across several areas. It also helps us to understand where changes and improvements are necessary.
Read more about last year’s community satisfaction survey.
Manningham Council has welcomed more than $450,000 in Victorian Government funding to support three major recreation and leisure projects, including the Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre outdoor redevelopment.
Mayor Cr Deirdre Diamante met with North-Eastern Metropolitan MP Sonja Terpstra, and the new Federal Member for Menzies, Gabriel Ng, MP, at Aquarena this week for the funding announcement. The three projects that have received support through the 2024-25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, are:
“We’re grateful to receive this critical financial support through Sonja Terpstra and the Victorian Government’s 2024-25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund,” Cr Diamante said.
“This funding will go toward important projects that benefit the health, wellbeing and safety of our community in Manningham.
“Aquarena has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. From learn to swim lessons in the old outdoor 25m pool, to hot summer days climbing those endless stairs to the car park. Aquarena is part of the fabric of Manningham.”
Sonja Terpstra said, “The Allan Labor Government is delivering on its promise to upgrade Aquarena at Doncaster. As a seasoned swimmer myself, I couldn't be more excited about what this means for locals in Doncaster and surrounding suburbs who love to swim.
“We're also investing $162,937 for LED lighting at Domeney Reserve in Park Orchards and $40,000 towards Manningham Council's recreation strategy. These investments ensure our community sporting facilities are modernised and accessible, which means more people can enjoy playing local sport right on their doorstep.”
The redevelopment of the outdoor precinct at Aquarena will see a new 50m outdoor pool, family zone with interactive water play, splash pad and toddler pool, spectator seating, change rooms, a new café and more.
At Domeney Reserve, the sports field floodlighting will be upgraded to a minimum of 100LUX to meet the needs for evening AFL play. This will improve facility capacity and participant safety and ensure the lighting meets appropriate standards.
A new Manningham Recreation Strategy will help guide the future provision of community-based sport, recreation and leisure opportunities for residents over the next 10 years.
Image: Federal Member for Menzies Gabriel Ng, MP, Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante and North-Eastern Metropolitan MP Sonja Terpstra at Aquarena for the funding announcement.
Our customer service team will be available Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.00pm throughout the holiday period, excluding public holidays.
We will be closed:
All of our essential services will continue during this time to ensure the safety and cleanliness of our community is maintained.
If you have an urgent enquiry on a day we’re closed, please phone 9840 9333 to speak with our after hours service.
Your weekly waste collection service will continue without interruption. Check your bin collection days.
We know households often produce more garbage and recycling during the festive season. Please remember all materials must be placed inside your bins – overflowing bins will not be collected.
If you need to dispose of excess waste, you can find your local transfer stations (tips) and recycling centres.
The Maternal and Child Health line (13 22 29) is available 24 hours a day for phone advice.
If you require medical advice, please contact your general practitioner or in an emergency call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Please note that some services may be reduced during this period.
Did you know there are 20 virtual fence posts positioned along Jumping Creek Road, between Nelson Drive and the entrance to Warrandyte State Park’s Jumping Creek Reserve, to protect local wildlife and help reduce roadkill?
Installed by Manningham Council as part of the Jumping Creek Road upgrade, these innovative virtual fences are designed to save animals’ lives by releasing sound and light when a car approaches.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said the initiative is an important step towards addressing wildlife road fatalities.
“These virtual fences are a fantastic way to protect our local wildlife, especially in areas where animals frequently cross the road,” Cr Diamante said.
“We strategically placed these fences near Jumping Creek, as animals use creeks as habitat corridors.”
“You will see the fence posts along the side of the road… and we encourage residents to be aware and help us keep our wildlife safe.”
While they might look like street posts, these virtual fences play a crucial role in enhancing road safey for both wildlife and drivers.
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,” Ms Gutwein said.
If you spot any damage to the fences, contact Manningham Council on 9840 9333 or email environment@manningham.vic.gov.au.
The fences were installed as part of the Jumping Creek Road upgrade, which aims to improve road safety for all road users.
For more information on this project, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/jumping-creek-road-upgrade.
We encourage and support residents, schools and local environmental groups to get involved in climate action, sustainability, and protecting our natural environment. Find out how you can participate....
Protecting our environment and biodiversity is everyone's responsibility. We encourage residents to get involved in climate action and sustainability – whether in natural spaces, at home, or in the garden.
Our Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP) outlines our approach to addressing climate change and its impact on Manningham.
We encourage and support residents to get involved in climate action, sustainability, and protecting our natural environment.
Residents can sign up for the following programs and events.
Spring Outdoors Program
Come along to one of the many Spring Outdoors events. In collaboration with Nillumbik and Banyule Councils, we offer over 50 programs each year, including sessions on local frog and bird species.
Check our What's on event calendar each spring to find out what's happening near you.
Home Harvest
The Home Harvest seminar series is a free monthly program that teaches you how to grow fresh, healthy food at home. Home gardening is a fun way to take climate action and benefits both you and the environment. Whether you're new to gardening or an expert, everyone is welcome.
Find out more about the program and view upcoming sessions.
Doncaster Hill Community Food Garden
Join the Doncaster Hill Community Food Garden. Help local volunteers grow fresh produce, most of which is donated to local charities and community food banks.
Landcare
Join your local Landcare group.
Guided walks
Join a guided walk through Manningham bushland and learn more about our unique biodiversity. Check our What's on event calendar to find upcoming walks.
Inspired Living Series
Come along to the Inspired Living Series. A range of sustainable activities and events for all ages, including keynote speaker events featuring a diverse line-up of local and international subject matter experts.
National Tree Day
Plant some trees with us on National Tree Day. Check our What's on event calendar each July to find planting locations.
Clean Up Australia Day
Join us every March to help clean up the parks and waterways in Manningham. This one-day event is a fantastic way to get involved in a nationwide effort to protect and preserve our local environments and wildlife from the damages of litter.
Solar Savers
Get free advice about energy saving and solar installation services via the Solar Savers Program. You can register for a free solar and/or battery quote and get access to state and local government rebates and subsidies. We also run regular Solar Savers information sessions.
Check the What's on event calendar for more details.
iNaturalist - City Nature Challenge
Observe and document Manningham's natural environment as part of the iNaturalist - City Nature Challenge. During a four day observation period, residents are invited to find, photograph and document the native wildlife that lives and grows in our neighbourhoods.
iNaturalist observations submitted are added to the global iNaturalist database and shared with the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to help scientists find and use your data. All you have to do is observe.
Aussie Backyard Bird Count
Sign up for the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, run each October by Birdlife Australia. You can join in on the fun and contribute with any birds you spot in Manningham by visiting Birdlife Australia.
Melbourne Water Frog Census
Get involved in local citizen science by recording frog species in Manningham with the Melbourne Water Frog Census App. An easy to use app to record audio and identify frog species by their call in local waterways, parks, and on your own property.
More information is available at Melbourne Water.
Waterwatch program
Join Waterwatch and get involved in exploring and protecting our local waterways. Volunteers collect water quality data that contributes to scientific research, management planning and on ground actions that improve the health of our waterways.
To sign up for Waterwatch, email environment@manningham.vic.gov.au.
For more information, contact the Environment team at environment@manningham.vic.gov.au or on 9840 9333.