Did you know children consume around 30 per cent of their daily food intake at school? Most of this comes from the contents of their lunchbox.

We’re partnering with Nutrition Australia for two free online webinars as part of Healthy Lunchbox Week - 9 to 15 February 2025.

• Healthy lunchbox tips for kindergarten and school starters
• Budget-friendly lunchbox tips

This online webinar will provide tips and tricks for packing healthy lunchboxes for little ones starting kinder or school.

Learn how to:

• balance key food groups
• keep grocery costs down
• save time with simple prep
• change it up with a recipe and leftover ideas.

Presented by Monash Council, City of Kingston, Knox City Council, Manningham Council, and Maroondah City Council.

Meeting Date: 19 February 2024
Meeting Time: 5.30pm 
Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.         

Notice is given that a confidential Council meeting of the Manningham City Council will be held virtually on Monday, 19 February 2024 at 5:30pm.  

This meeting is called pursuant to sub-rule 12.1 of Manningham’s Governance Rules and the meeting will be closed to the public to consider confidential item in accordance with sections 66(1) & 66(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 2020.

The business to be transacted at this meeting is for Council to consider its Property Acquisitions Program.  This information is confidential Council business information, as the information would prejudice the Council’s position in commercial negotiations if prematurely released.  

Andrew Day
Chief Executive Officer

Beyond the Table: The Dinner Party Reimagined  is a reimagining of a traditional dinner party, with a nod to 1970s nostalgia and celebrating one of the key gathering spaces in our homes, the humble dining table.

The installation is on display at Manningham Art Gallery as part of Melbourne Design Week, Australia's premier design festival featuring events across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Emerging Manningham artist Isobel Goodman responds to and selects works from Manningham Council’s ‘Potters Cottage Collection,’ a grouping of vessels created by the Potters Cottage co-operative. The co-operative was founded in Warrandyte in 1958 to advocate for and sell handmade functional Australian pottery.

Goodman hand builds her signature papier mâché and plaster sculptures – organic and abstracted forms to reference a dinner party table setting – vases, cutlery, plates, and candlesticks that play off and create a contemporary juxtaposition against the Potters Cottage vessels from the 1970s. 

Surrounding the central dining table presentation is a display of paintings from local Manningham artist Jade Piltz. These works depict bright, layered and abstract domestic objects that encapsulate the exhibition’s celebration of communal gathering and ritual. 

During Melbourne Design Week (15-25 May) visitors can take home a flower to celebrate this exhibition. 

Artist Bios: 
Isobel Goodman was recently awarded a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Melbourne. Her practice focuses on sculptural exploration and the body’s navigation of space and environment through the perspective of APD (Auditory Processing Disorder). She invites audiences to examine their relationship between the physical self and how we navigate the world around us.

Jade Piltz is a Warrandyte painter and ceramist. She is fascinated by our innate search for belonging, our desire for meaning and relationships to change and transition. Using mark making, she explores the ways our interactions with surrounding spaces and objects, narrate and inform our lives.

This Exhibition was supported by Gabriela Mello, owner and director of Warrandyte Pottery, through artist mentorship and technical and conceptual support and curated by Lucy Beattie Hughes, Manningham Council’s Creative Industries Officer.

Jade Piltz, Alone, Together (detail), 2024,  acrylic on canvas, 168 x 122cm. Image courtesy of the artist. Photo by: Emily Brookfield.
 

 
Melbourne Design Week is Australia’s largest and leading annual design festival and takes place from 15 to 25 May 2025.

The 2025 program spans 11 days of 350+ events, exhibitions, talks, and installations throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Melbourne Design Week is a vital platform for emerging and established creative practitioners, offering the Australian design community and audiences the opportunity to engage with a diverse program of talks, tours, exhibitions, installations, and workshops. Melbourne Design Week is an initiative of the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and is curated and delivered by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).

Visit designweek.melbourne to view the full program.


 

A 6 week art therapy group for kids in grades 5 and 6, who have experienced or witnessed family violence.

Making art can help us to tell our stories and make sense of our experiences. Plus, it is a fun creative way to get to know ourselves better as well as others in the group. Helping us to appreciate who we are, our special talents and gifts, and to see these gifts in others too.

Art therapy helps us to:

• express thoughts, ideas, and emotions
• manage difficult feelings, like anger and worry
• learn to problem solve and build resilience
• grow confidence and self-esteem
• improve social skills

A fun, safe and supportive space that encourages listening and caring.

Participation is free and all art materials will be provided. No artistic skills necessary!

This program is provided by Doncare in partnership with Anglicare Victoria.
 

Everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or background, should feel safe, accepted and included.

Join us in recognising International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). 

IDAHOBIT raises awareness of the violence and discrimination still faced by LGBTQIA+ people across the globe. This year’s IDAHOBIT theme is The Power of Communities.

After raising the rainbow flag outside the Manningham Civic Centre, we’ll head inside to the Manningham Function Centre to enjoy morning tea  and hear from guest speaker Charlie, from LGBTQIA+ youth charity Minus18. Charlie will share some of the barriers and challenges that LGBTQIA+ young people experience, along with practical tips for supporting your LGBTQIA+ friends and family. 

This is a free event, however registrations are essential.  We look forward to seeing you there.

We all love food. As a society, we devour countless cooking shows, culinary magazines and foodie blogs. So how could we possibly be throwing nearly 50 per cent of it in the trash? 

This documentary film looks at our systemic obsession with expiry dates, perfect produce and portion sizes, and reveals the core of this seemingly insignificant issue that is having devastating consequences around the globe. 

Just Eat It brings farmers, retailers, inspiring organisations, and consumers to the table in a cinematic story that is equal parts education and delicious entertainment. With its mix of humour and eye-opening moments, it encourages viewers of all ages to rethink their food habits and make more sustainable choices.

Bring your own drink and receive a free bag of popcorn! 

Registration is required. 

Discover the joy of watercolour painting, lead by Janece Calloway.

Unlock your creativity with our beginner-friendly watercolour art class.

Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or looking to refresh your skills, this relaxed and supportive class will guide you through the basics of watercolour painting such as brush techniques, colour mixing, creating beautiful, flowing artworks.

Take a break and find your flow, slow down and explore simple techniques that let you connect with colour, movement, and creativity.

• No pressure, no rules — just a calming space to relax, paint, and enjoy the moment.
• Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to unwind.
• No experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm!

You will receive your own 18-pallet Watercolour Starter Kit along with brushes and a watercolour paper pad.

(Note: the cost is inclusive of all six sessions) 

If you’re an artist living or working in Manningham, join us for an online meet and greet to build creative connections in your backyard.

Facilitated by Debby Maziarz, this inaugural community of practice event will look at what dramatic adaptation can mean for your arts practice, with particular regard for opportunities and challenges presented by online tools and modes of working. 

You'll hear from local creatives Adrian Rice, Cath Rutten and Lindy Yeates about their experiences, particularly in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as have the chance to share ideas and discuss your current practice.

Free event.
Limited numbers, registration essential.

Image: Lindy Yeates, installation shot from the Sanctuary Project, 2020-21.

More Information

Manningham Art Gallery

Located at the entrance to MC Square, Manningham Art Gallery presents a diverse range of contemporary art exhibitions and related public programs throughout the year. See all upcoming exhibitions.

Let's face it. Parenting is challenging. Would you benefit from some time out to focus on yourself? Facilitated by skilled therapists and counsellors and based on evidence based positive psychology, topics explored during the four sessions will include:

• the importance and different methods of self-care
• learn to recognise the signs of having a low tank and the effect on your parenting
• explore the values and aspects of thriving
• identify hopes and dreams as parents
• build your resources to thrive

Booking: For more information and booking visit Doncare's website or contact Andrea De Rauch at Doncare on 9856 1500 or email doncare@doncare.org.au

Getting There

Located on Doncaster Road between Westfield and the Manningham Council Civic Centre, MC2 is conveniently accessible by public transport. There is ample parking spaces on site including free 4-hour parking underneath the building. You can access level 1 via the lift or via stairs in the front foyer.

The Australian Air League Doncaster Squadron warmly welcomes Manningham families to our free open night.

Come and discover this outstanding community program for girls and boys aged 8 to 18, where we nurture skills and offer unique opportunities in:

• leadership
• community service
• aviation opportunities.
   

Experience the squadron in action as you join our weekly parade night and hear from some of the cadets about why they enjoy being in the Air League.

Doncaster Squadron meets weekly on Monday nights from 7.00pm to 9.00pm for drill and education. Our yearly calendar offers exciting events such as flying days, competitive events, educational events and social occasions. 

Free entry - registration essential. 

To register please email oc.doncaster@airleague.com.au.

The Australian Skate Park League (SPL) is coming to Doncaster on Saturday 10th December for the Melbourne Metro Series, which is part of the Victoria League.

The Victoria League makes up one part of the YMCA's national pathway program that comprises of leagues in QLD, SA, NT, WA and NSW. The Doncaster round is part of an interconnected series of skate park events that will be held across Vic and will feature scooter, BMX and skateboard competitions.

The series is a great opportunity for both seasoned riders and young new skaters to get involved. People can compete to be crowned the winner of Melbourne Metro Series, while those still finding their feet get the opportunity to have a go, improve their skills, interact with the pros and win some fun prizes. SPL gives the community the opportunity to get involved and cheer on their own.

Free entry, all genders and abilities welcome

A terrible water shortage has crippled the Gotham-like town that serves as the setting for Urinetown.

In a mad attempt to regulate water consumption, the government has outlawed the use of private toilets. The citizenry must use public, pay-for-use amenities owned and operated by the corrupt and iron-fisted Caldwell B. Cladwell. The privilege to pee is expensive, draining and dangerous. Anyone who refuses to pay to pee is immediately and without question hauled off to Urinetown.

What is Urinetown? Nobody knows, for those who are sent there are never heard from again. But it's really a love story and there's a revolution all before the end of Act I. Will the revolution succeed? Can true love be found in Urinetown? All these questions and more are answered in Urinetown.

Auslan interpreted performance: Friday 8 September, 8.00pm to 10.00pm.

Presented by Phoenix Theatre Company.

Supported by Manningham's Community Grant Program.

As part of Craft Contemporary 2023 we are presenting: 

Are you Procrastinating? by Carol Yang. 

Using waste produced by the fashion industry, Carol creates wearable and functional sculptures that highlights the procrastinator as the protagonist.

Carol’s work demonstrates the feelings and activities of procrastination visually in a humorous way, while exploring the emotional state of procrastination.

@carol_yang_

Check out our other exhibit Soil Clay, by Vivian Qiu or explore the full Craft Contemporary program guide. 

_{This exhibition is part of Craft Contemporary 2023, an annual festival delivered by Craft Victoria – the largest celebration of craft and design in Victoria. The festival brings together practitioners, educators, industry, and craft lovers to explore material practice as it is today. See, touch, experience and be inspired by 150+ art experiences, including exhibitions, talks, demonstrations, workshops and open studios.}

Manningham Council’s Gambling Policy is due for an update with the latest evidence, data and community input. We are inviting community members to participate in one of two workshops to discuss gambling harm in Manningham.

During these workshops, we want to hear about your understanding of gambling harm in the community and where you think Council should prioritise its response. Your feedback will help us to develop evidence-based strategies to address gambling harm in Manningham.

Topics covered will include:

• gambling harm in Manningham in relation to key community groups and settings
• where the community believes Council should prioritise its effort in responding to gambling harm

We are interested in hearing from people who have been impacted by gambling harm, either directly or indirectly.

For more information, please visit Manningham Gambling Policy on Your Say.

Please note: this session will be held in-person and catering will be provided.

Sport and gambling don’t have to go together.

Club representatives and coaches, we’d love you to join us for a conversation and find out how you can have a positive influence on players, teams, and club culture.

Find out how gambling impacts your sporting community, and what you can do to help reduce the risk of harm.

Together, we can make a difference.

Hear from experts and community voices who will speak about the challenges, effects of gambling on young people and help clubs, coaches and sport volunteers understand the role they play in developing and influencing teams and players at their club.

Let’s work together to raise awareness in our sporting communities, connect and find ways to reduce gambling harm.

We acknowledge that racism continues to be a reality for many people in Victoria. This event provides an opportunity to hear from people who have explored this topic extensively with local communities, and those with lived experience.

Tackling Racism is an event to mark United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Manningham Council has partnered with Victoria University on a project mapping racism where it occurs, understanding the reporting barriers and supporting the needs of people who experience it.

Come along to hear Dr Mario Peucker, Associate Professor and Principal Research Fellow, share his findings from the report. Lingzhi Ruan, from Womens Health East, will talk about their anti-racism project Taking Action to Combat Racism with Mandarin speaking women. The event will also feature a panel consisting of local community members and the Eastern Community Legal Centre sharing their insights and experiences on tackling racism and promoting equality.

Head to Heide Museum of Modern Art for Molto Italiano! 

Heide’s two-day community festival celebrating Italian culture and showcasing the exhibition Molto Bello: Icons of Modern Italian Design. Activating the whole of the Heide site, this festival offers something for everyone. 

Molto Italiano! will have activities for all ages, from lawn bocce to art making, pop-up exhibition talks in Italian and English, an ‘Art Bambini’ program for the little ones with Heide’s art therapist, and an Italian-themed ‘Design Roadshow’ where visitors can bring an Italian design object from home for expert assessment. Authentic Italian food and drink will be on offer throughout, including pizza, pasta, gelato, spritz, and more from specialised food trucks as well as Heide Kitchen. Italian bands will add atmosphere, along with traditional Italian songs from the Veneto Club choir. 

Celebrate all things Italian this summer with Heide!

Help shape community services in the mental health space and get paid for your time!

Access Health invites young people in Manningham to co-design an approach to increase mental health service access for multicultural groups.

Who can participate

We are looking for people who:

• are aged 18 to 25 years old
• live, work or study in Manningham, and
• have families that speak a language other than English at home.

All participants will be paid $80 for attending. 

How to register

Register online to express your interest to participate.

We will contact you once your application has been received and confirm your place in the session. 

We look forward to talking with you about how we can improve access to mental health services for young people whose families speak a language other than English at home.

Richmond Institute and Life Saving Victoria are running First Aid and CPR training for Manningham's sport clubs volunteers.

Suitable for those wanting to refresh their training or complete training for the first time.

Richmond Institute is the education arm of the Richmond Football Club and a leader in sports industry education. In 2020 Richmond Football Club formed a partnership with Life Saving Victoria (LSV) to deliver accredited training on their behalf to Richmond Institute staff and students.

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) is a registered training organisation regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) approved to deliver nationally accredited vocational education and training services throughout Victoria. 

Together LSV and Richmond Institute work with communities, educational institutions, government agencies, businesses, and the broader aquatic and sport industry, to achieve our combined organisations’ visions and missions.