Updated: 22 January 2025

Improving the quality of our roads and stormwater drainage systems are some of the ways we’re building a better Manningham.

We're upgrading Oban Road in Ringwood North and Donvale to improve road and footpath safety and reduce flood risk.

Where is it?

This project will be delivered in two stages.

Stage one 

Construction will occur along Oban Road, between property 321 and the Glenvale Road intersection, Ringwood North. 

• stabilisation of the existing to improve pavement resilience
• localised pavement widening
• maintenance improvements to the existing kerb and channel
• new asphalt surface
• additional minor asphalt works along Beckett Road

Stage two

Construction will occur along Oban Road, between Glenvale Road and Smedley Road, Donvale.

• installation of underground stormwater drainage
• kerb and channel
• road widening in some sections
• weed removal
• new asphalt surface
• footpath upgrades, between Barnsdale and Smedley roads.

This project will be delivered under our 2024/25 Capital Works Program.

Why is it needed?

These works will deliver significant safety and environmental benefits.

Improvements include resurfacing the road to reduce potholes, rutting, and cracking, ensuring smoother and safer travel. Widening certain sections will provide sufficient space for vehicles to pass safely, minimising the risk of accidents. 

Installing underground drainage will effectively manage stormwater, reduce flood risks, and prevent road damage. Additionally, removing weeds will promote native biodiversity by controlling invasive species and supporting the local ecosystem.

When will the works happen?

• Stage one works will begin in early to mid-2025.
• Stage two works will begin after the stage one works, later in 2025.

These schedules are subject to weather conditions and third party approvals.

How will the works affect me?

Works will occur between 7.00am and 5.00pm on weekdays and 9.00am and 3.00pm on Saturdays.

During these times, you may notice:

• construction noise
• minor traffic delays 
• road closures with access granted to local residents
• reduced on street parking
• temporary disruptions to driveway access – we will contact affected properties directly.

Please follow the directions of staff and signs to move safely around the area.

We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work to improve the drainage in your area.

There’s a new place to play in Bulleen! Manningham’s newest sporting and recreation facility, Powerful Owl Park, is now open for enthusiastic local soccer players and community.

It features:

• three soccer fields (two natural turf and one synthetic pitch) 
• a sports pavilion with tiered seating and player change rooms, umpire and first aid amenities 
• 176 car park spaces
• a nature play area; and, 
• walking and cycling connections to the Yarra River. 

The new facility adds to our thriving network of local places where people of all ages, genders and skill levels can participate in soccer and other activities.

Participation in sports is important for a healthy, vibrant and connected community. For young people, it can provide the opportunity to develop valuable lifelong skills like resilience, teamwork, leadership and communication. Adults often find camaraderie and exercise through sport. 

We negotiated a commitment from State Government to deliver this facility in response to the North East Link Program’s impact to our community facilities at Bulleen Park.

The project was delivered by the Victorian Government’s Project Delivery Agency, Development Victoria, with construction contractor 2Construct. Our Recreation and Leisure team will manage usage of the new facilities. 

Powerful Owl Park is located at 27-59 Templestowe Road in Bulleen. 

For North East Link construction information and updates, call 1800 105 105 or visit the Big Build website.

An exciting new water play area and improved café will be part of the major redevelopment of the outdoor area at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre. 

The project's detailed design is now underway, following Council's endorsement of the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan last August.

Our Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said the community is eagerly awaiting the redevelopment, which will bring Aquarena’s outdoor area up to the centre’s modern, state-of-the-art indoor areas.

“Around 2,500 people visit Aquarena each day, and we love welcoming the regular swimmers, local families, swim clubs, and community and school groups.

The centre is highly valued by the Manningham community and visitors alike,” Cr Lange said.

“This redevelopment will ensure the outdoor space continues to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the community for generations to come.”

We have appointed Co.Op Studios as the architect to design the new space, and bring the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan vision to life. 

“The design process has been informed by the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan, which involved extensive consultation with community users and industry experts, to guide the redevelopment of the outdoor spaces,” Cr Lange said.

“I want to thank everyone who shared their passion and interest in the future of the outdoor space. More than 800 people provided feedback to inform the development of the Masterplan. We’re excited to be delivering what the community asked for, and more”, she added.

Feedback from the community and stakeholders emphasised the need for more seating, shade, change rooms, a fun water play area, better spaces for schools and clubs, and a sustainable design to reduce environmental impact.

“An enhanced café will now serve both indoor and outdoor areas. The new outdoor change rooms will be only metres from the outdoor pool, and the outdoor pool will now have ramp access and a swim wall to swap between 50 metre and 25 metre lanes,” the Mayor said.

Other enhancements include state-of-the-art landscaping and the electrification of outdoor pool equipment, marking another significant step toward achieving Manningham’s emissions targets. 

“Aquarena is currently our largest gas user. Making the switch from gas to energy efficient heat pumps, we can heat the outdoor area in an environmentally sustainable way,” the Mayor added.

The replacement of the centre's 50-metre outdoor pool will take place at the same time as the redevelopment works.

“Aquarena’s outdoor area has a rich history of over 50 years and has been a source of community pride for generations. For many in our community, this is their backyard – we’re embracing the theme of your backyard to create an inviting space where our community can get active, play, socialise, host events and relax,” Cr Lange said.

“We’re excited to start sharing the draft designs and offering on site consultation opportunities in the coming weeks. We’ll also be connecting with various user groups to keep them informed as the project progresses,” she added. 

The redevelopment works are planned to begin in late 2025, with project completion expected in late 2027.

Project updates will be available on the project's Your Say page. Subscribe to the project to receive updates directly to your inbox.

An exciting new water play area and improved café will be part of the major redevelopment of the outdoor area at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre. 

The project's detailed design is now underway, following Council's endorsement of the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan last August.

Our Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said the community is eagerly awaiting the redevelopment, which will bring Aquarena’s outdoor area up to the centre’s modern, state-of-the-art indoor areas.

“Around 2,500 people visit Aquarena each day, and we love welcoming the regular swimmers, local families, swim clubs, and community and school groups.

The centre is highly valued by the Manningham community and visitors alike,” Cr Lange said.

“This redevelopment will ensure the outdoor space continues to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the community for generations to come.”

We have appointed Co.Op Studios as the architect to design the new space, and bring the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan vision to life. 

“The design process has been informed by the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan, which involved extensive consultation with community users and industry experts, to guide the redevelopment of the outdoor spaces,” Cr Lange said.

“I want to thank everyone who shared their passion and interest in the future of the outdoor space. More than 800 people provided feedback to inform the development of the Masterplan. We’re excited to be delivering what the community asked for, and more”, she added.

Feedback from the community and stakeholders emphasised the need for more seating, shade, change rooms, a fun water play area, better spaces for schools and clubs, and a sustainable design to reduce environmental impact.

“An enhanced café will now serve both indoor and outdoor areas. The new outdoor change rooms will be only metres from the outdoor pool, and the outdoor pool will now have ramp access and a swim wall to swap between 50 metre and 25 metre lanes,” the Mayor said.

Other enhancements include state-of-the-art landscaping and the electrification of outdoor pool equipment, marking another significant step toward achieving Manningham’s emissions targets. 

“Aquarena is currently our largest gas user. Making the switch from gas to energy efficient heat pumps, we can heat the outdoor area in an environmentally sustainable way,” the Mayor added.

The replacement of the centre's 50-metre outdoor pool will take place at the same time as the redevelopment works.

“Aquarena’s outdoor area has a rich history of over 50 years and has been a source of community pride for generations. For many in our community, this is their backyard – we’re embracing the theme of your backyard to create an inviting space where our community can get active, play, socialise, host events and relax,” Cr Lange said.

“We’re excited to start sharing the draft designs and offering on site consultation opportunities in the coming weeks. We’ll also be connecting with various user groups to keep them informed as the project progresses,” she added. 

The redevelopment works are planned to begin in late 2025, with project completion expected in late 2027.

Project updates will be available on the project's Your Say page. Subscribe to the project to receive updates directly to your inbox.

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.

Manningham Council property purchase sets the stage for new community house

Manningham Council has 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 Council’s 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 by Council will be the catalyst for investment from other levels of government.

Manningham 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 Council’s 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 Council’s Strategic Fund which is part of its 10 Year Financial Plan 2024/25 to 2033/34.

For more information, visit Your Say Manningham.

In August, we welcomed a visit from VicHealth as part of our Local Government Partnership, which aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of children and young people aged zero to 25 years.

As part of the visit, VicHealth CEO Dr Sandro Demaio joined our CEO, Andrew Day at Doncaster Secondary where students showcased their impressive work on their ‘Stride or Glide’ campaign promoting active travel among their peers. 

The visit highlighted the significant strides that we’ve made in enhancing health and wellbeing in our community thanks to our Local Government partnership with VicHealth.

The focus of the partnership is on enhancing the health and wellbeing of children and young people by focusing on getting more people active, reducing alcohol-related harm, creating connected and supportive communities, and exploring climate and health.

A new larger-than-life exhibition is now open at the Manningham Art Gallery in Doncaster.

Pages of Me: A Bird, an Eye, Clouds, Ice cream, is a multimedia project by celebrated Melbourne artist and designer Beci Orpin.

Drawing from her textile-focused background, Orpin delves into mascot culture by creating a giant cat called Pomme, set in a display of oversized pages pulled from her sketchbook, blending bold patterns, found images and positive mantras.

The exhibition explores finding happiness through individuality and acceptance, and visitors are drawn in to read the mantras from Orpin’s pages and catch further glimpses of Pomme.

“The idea for the mascot came from seeing a series of photos of mascots caught in odd, unexpected places – doorways, ticket booths, elevators,” Orpin said.

“It struck me both as comical and a metaphor for getting ‘stuck in the cracks’. I often say that ‘the cracks’ are where I exist – somewhere between creative categories, never fully fitting into one genre.

“Though it can be challenging to exist in ‘the cracks’, it’s where I’m most authentic, where I can be fully myself and do my best work.”

Visitors are encouraged to get creative at the gallery themselves, drawing their own mascot, based on their unique qualities.

Orpin is known for her signature application of colour, shape and optimism. She has collaborated with major brands and organisations including Apple, Google Disney, Uniqlo and the Australian Ballet.

Manningham Mayor Deirdre Diamante said: “We’re thrilled to have such a highly regarded artist exhibit at the Manningham Gallery. It’s a wonderful exhibition and I encourage you to come and see it for yourself while you can.”

Pages of Me continues until Saturday 5 April 2025.

Manningham Art Gallery, 687 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, is open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 11.00am to 4.00pm.

More information about the event is available in Council's events calendar.

Image courtesy of the artist.

A new larger-than-life exhibition is now open at the Manningham Art Gallery in Doncaster.

Pages of Me: A Bird, an Eye, Clouds, Ice cream, is a multimedia project by celebrated Melbourne artist and designer Beci Orpin.

Drawing from her textile-focused background, Orpin delves into mascot culture by creating a giant cat called Pomme, set in a display of oversized pages pulled from her sketchbook, blending bold patterns, found images and positive mantras.

The exhibition explores finding happiness through individuality and acceptance, and visitors are drawn in to read the mantras from Orpin’s pages and catch further glimpses of Pomme.

“The idea for the mascot came from seeing a series of photos of mascots caught in odd, unexpected places – doorways, ticket booths, elevators,” Orpin said.

“It struck me both as comical and a metaphor for getting ‘stuck in the cracks’. I often say that ‘the cracks’ are where I exist – somewhere between creative categories, never fully fitting into one genre.

“Though it can be challenging to exist in ‘the cracks’, it’s where I’m most authentic, where I can be fully myself and do my best work.”

Visitors are encouraged to get creative at the gallery themselves, drawing their own mascot, based on their unique qualities.

Orpin is known for her signature application of colour, shape and optimism. She has collaborated with major brands and organisations including Apple, Google Disney, Uniqlo and the Australian Ballet.

Manningham Mayor Deirdre Diamante said: “We’re thrilled to have such a highly regarded artist exhibit at the Manningham Gallery. It’s a wonderful exhibition and I encourage you to come and see it for yourself while you can.”

Pages of Me continues until Saturday 5 April 2025.

Manningham Art Gallery, 687 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, is open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 11.00am to 4.00pm.

For more information, visit our events calendar. 

Image: Pomme the giant cat mascot is a feature of Beci Orpins new exhibition at the Manningham Art Gallery. Picture: Charlie Kinross

Painted Country – a new major exhibition featuring the work of five First Nations artists – is now open at the Manningham Art Gallery in Doncaster. 

The artists – Nellie Ngampa Coulthard, Brenda Napaltjarri, Clara Napurrula, Rene Sundown and Adrian Jurra Tjungurrayi – bring diverse practices and perspectives to reveal their unique depictions of the Australian landscape in their work.

The senior and emerging artists represent two Indigenous arts centres – Iwantja Arts in South Australia and Papunya Tula Artists in the Northern Territory.

The exhibition has been timed to coincide with National Reconciliation Week, which is held each year from 27 May to 3 June, with the 2025 theme Bridging Now to Next.

Aboriginal writer, artist, arts worker and Aboriginal affairs advocate from Cape York Peninsula Jack Wilki-Jans has described the 14 artworks featured in Painted Country as “hypnotic visions” of the artists’ Country.

“Visions of a wide country, a country of colour and texture, of sand dunes and salt lakes, scorched earth and radiant sunsets, of brushes and sweeping tufts of grasses with flowers – Australia!” Jack Wilki-Jans  said.

“It isn’t the hand that paints which this exhibition exalts, it’s the eyes which see.”

This celebration of First Nations contemporary painting is presented in collaboration with Alcaston Art Gallery, with special thanks to the artists, Iwantja Arts in South Australia and Papunya Tula Artists in the Northern Territory.

Gallery opening hours

Manningham Art Gallery, 687 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, is open Wednesday to Saturday, 11.00am to 4.00pm.