Currawong Bush Park is a special place for students to learn about our local wildlife and habitat.

For the duration of Term two, Council is running a series of education programs for all Manningham primary schools hosted at Currawong Bush Park. These programs focus on the natural environment with a range of activities including nature stewardship, environmental leadership, waste and recycling and biodiversity education. Each participating school is also allocated their own day of fun learning activities.

Recently a special feature of the Term two program has been the inclusion of a Wurundjeri education session and guided walk, in partnership with the Wurundjeri Cultural Services. Currawong Bush Park will also host a special recognition event with students and Traditional Owners to coincide with Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June).

This term the Currawong education program has hosted nine local schools and over 550 students, a great introduction to local habitat and biodiversity for our next generation.

One of Australia’s most important national occasions, ANZAC Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day in which we remember all Australians who served and died in all wars and operational service past and present.

Come along and mark the day at one of the RSL services in Manningham.

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

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

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

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

Most of all Kevin loved his family.

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

Kevin's legacy is substantial and enduring.

Deirdre Diamante
Mayor Manningham Council.

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

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

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

The livestream will be available from 11.00am.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We're upgrading the two pedestrian crossings located at the Church Road North entrance of Ruffey Lake Park.

The existing pedestrian crossings will be replaced with two raised 'wombat' pedestrian crossings to enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.

The construction works will begin mid-February and will take around one month to complete.

During this time, the Church Road North entry will be closed to vehicles except for local residents. However, alternative parking is available along Cricklewood Drive. Pedestrians will be able to access the area via a detour, and we kindly ask them to follow the directions of signs and staff.

This project is part of the Ruffey Lake Masterplan and is funded by our 2023/24 Capital Works Program.

Following the recent footpath construction on Church Road North, this upgrade will complete the pedestrian circuit from King Street through the park.

We thank you for your ongoing support and patience while we work to improve this open space.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When will the park be closed?

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

Why is the park temporarily closing?

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

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

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

How will this closure affect me?

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

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

Thanks for your understanding.