Manningham’s new Councillors have elected Councillor Deirdre Diamante as Manningham Mayor and Councillor Andrew Conlon as Deputy Mayor for the year ahead. 

Unanimously voted in by her fellow Councillors at the Annual Meeting of Council on 19 November 2024, Cr Diamante said it is an honour to lead the newly elected Council in the first year of its four-year term. 

The Tullamore Ward Councillor is passionate about equal opportunity, our natural environment and family, and has been a Manningham resident for more than 40 years. A Councillor since 2020, Cr Diamante previously served as Manningham Mayor in 2022/23. 

“I have grown up in Manningham, in Council Street, and the opportunity to again lead this City in public service is truly amazing,” Cr Diamante said.

“I want Manningham to continue to be a great place to live, learn and grow. I want my children to want to live here and want to raise their families here.” 

Cr Diamante said some of her key priorities over the next year will include advocating for the Manningham community on the North East Link Project, working with local multicultural communities, supporting the work of our healthy ageing unit and enhancing opportunities for local businesses.

“I look forward to collaborating with all of our Councillors in developing our Council Plan, the Budget and our strategic approach for Manningham, harnessing our extensive expertise and experience for our community.”

Cr Andrew Conlon was elected as Deputy Mayor and congratulated Cr Diamante.

“This is an important year to set the tone for our Council term and I know you will support us to collaborate and make the right decisions for our community,” Cr Conlon said. 

Find out more about Manningham’s Councillors.

Watch the Annual Meeting of Council.
 

Manningham Council is offering community members the exciting opportunity to pitch their Budget ideas to Councillors.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said the new stage of consultation was inspired by an unprecedented response to Council’s initial Budget survey which was open over summer.

“It was fantastic to hear from more than 650 community members about how they would like the Council Budget spent across the next financial year,” Cr Lange said.

The results are in, with locals reporting the following top six priorities for Council spending (in order):

1. Sport (courts, ovals, fields and pavilions)
2. Parks, reserves and other open spaces
3. Roads and traffic and parking management
4. Maintenance and cleaning of public spaces
5. Footpaths, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure
6. Recycling and waste management

“We’re really keen to hear more about why you’re so passionate about these topics and your ideas for projects and services you would like to see delivered, in these areas, now and in the future.

“If you would like to pitch, please complete an expression of interest form on our Your Say Manningham website before Monday 4 March,” Cr Lange added.

Shortlisted in-person submitters will have three minutes each to present to Councillors at a meeting at the Manningham Function Centre on the evening of Monday 18 March.

Council will shortlist a maximum of six pitches from each of the six priority areas above to be presented and are looking for:

• A range of ideas on diverse topics
• Pitches from individuals and organisations
• Ideas from across Manningham suburbs
• Ideas which will benefit our community

Pitching in person is optional and Councillors will still consider submissions from people who choose not to present or aren’t shortlisted.

“Applications are also open for our Community Grants Program so it may be worth considering whether your community group’s project is more suitable for funding through a community development, arts or festivals and events grant,” Cr Lange said.

The final 2024-25 Budget and 10 Year Financial Plan will be considered for endorsement by Council at its meeting on Tuesday 25 June 2024.

To express your interest in pitching or to learn more, visit Your Say Manningham.

We received a fantastic response to our initial 2024-2025 Budget survey with more than 650 community members taking part.

You told us your top six priorities for Council spending (in order) were:

1. Sport (courts, ovals, fields and pavilions)
2. Parks, reserves and other open spaces
3. Roads and traffic and parking management
4. Maintenance and cleaning of public spaces
5. Footpaths, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure
6. Recycling and waste management

We’re really keen to hear more about why you’re so passionate about these topics and your ideas for projects and services you would like to see delivered (specifically in these areas), now and in the future.

As such we’ve decided to include an additional phase in our Budget 2024-2025 consultation.

As part of this new opportunity, we’re offering you the chance to pitch your idea to Councillors at an in-person, meeting at the Manningham Function Centre on the evening of Monday 18 March. Each submitter will have three minutes to present their pitch. 

Don’t worry though, pitching in person is optional and we will still consider your ideas if you choose not to present or aren’t shortlisted.

We will shortlist a maximum of six pitches from each of your six priority areas above to be presented and are looking for:

• A range of ideas on diverse topics
• Pitches from individuals and organisations
• Ideas from across Manningham suburbs
• Ideas which will benefit our community

Applications are also open for our Community Grants Program so it may be worth considering whether your community group’s project is more suitable for funding through a community development, arts or festivals and events grant. 

To express your interest in pitching or tell us about your idea, please visit Your Say Manningham before 11.59pm on Monday 4 March.

The final 2024-25 Budget and 10 Year Financial Plan will be considered for endorsement by Council at its meeting on Tuesday 25 June 2024.

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

We're taking significant steps to find new ways of funding the increasing costs of services and infrastructure locally.

At their meeting last week, Councillors voted to proceed with an expression of interest process for the potential development of the former Doncaster quarry, located at 620-628 Blackburn Road, Doncaster East.

This is the first site to be explored for development under the Strategic Property Portfolio initiative and our Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said the project reflects our community-centric approach.

“We regularly hear from residents about the challenges they’re facing due to the increasing cost of living, and this is always at the front of our minds. This project is a measured way of ensuring we’re financially sustainable by exploring other revenue opportunities to ensure we are delivering the best for our community.

“Interested parties will also have the option of incorporating the larger Manningham Depot-Quarry precinct. This will expand our options to find the best use for the land, ensuring continued service delivery through a well-planned and beneficial development for our community.

“We’re optimistic that this opportunity will not only provide funding to benefit services and infrastructure, but also flow on to enhance economic growth and improve infrastructure, paving the way for a brighter future for our community,” Cr Lange added.

Expressions of interest are open until 11.00am on 1 May 2024.

You can read more about the initiative at yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/former-quarry-precinct.