We’re seeking community feedback on a proposal to rebuild Gum Nut Gully Preschool at a new location in Doncaster East.

The proposal would see the preschool move from 58-60 Larnoo Drive, Doncaster East, to Corsican Reserve, 400m away at 12 Corsican Avenue.

Gum Nut Gully Preschool is managed by an independent, not-for-profit committee of parents and carers and was built in 1987.

The building is now reaching its end of life, and to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality early childhood education in the area, we are planning for the future of this important service.

We’re partnering with the Victorian Government through its Building Blocks program to replace the building with a new two-room modular facility, providing places for 66 children.

This would enable the kinder to meet demand for free 3 and 4-year-old kinder programs in the area.

However, site investigations have found it is unviable to build the modular preschool at its current location in Larnoo Drive due to a range of site complexities including the topography, environmental considerations and planning controls. 

Nearby Corsican Reserve has been identified as the best alternative for the preschool rebuild. It’s only a short walk to Mullum Mullum Linear Reserve, allowing the preschool to continue with is popular bush kinder program.

If the project proceeds, and preschool relocates, the existing preschool site in Larnoo Drive will be retained for community use.

We want to hear your thoughts on the proposal. Share your feedback by completing our survey at Your Say Manningham until 11.59pm, Tuesday 2 September 2025.

We express our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Egon Cyganek, the founder of Egons Cake Shop. 

Mr Cyganek and his wife Karin founded the bakery in 1971, but he leaves a legacy that extends far beyond the renowned cakes, pastries and bread.

He enriched our community through the much-loved Melbourne institution, providing countless employment opportunities and valuable economic activity. 

We thank him for the contributions he made to Manningham for over half a century.

We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, the staff and customers of Egons Cake Shop, and the wider Manningham community. 

Deirdre Diamante
Mayor Manningham Council

Council has provided a submission to the Urban Design and Landscape Plan (UDLP) for the next stage of the Eastern Freeway Upgrades, as part of the North East Link Program (NELP).  

NELP recently exhibited the latest UDLP for the Eastern Freeway Upgrade from Tram Road to Springvale Road for community review and feedback, providing information about the project design, landscape plans and architectural plans.

We have provided recommendations throughout the submission that aim to improve the overall design and net community benefit for Manningham residents. 

Our submission identifies various matters in the UDLP for attention by NELP and reiterates Council’s strong and ongoing advocacy to ensure: 

• no net loss of open space results from the project, 
• a sensitive environmental approach including no further undergrounding of the Koonung Creek,
• active transport connectivity and safety are maximised, including safety at underpasses, and; 
• Net-community benefit outcomes are achieved through additional benefits and upgrades. 

We have also sought full transparency and accountability from NELP and its contractors on an agreed, documented and effective tree removal process, while maintaining our position for vegetation removal to be minimised to the greatest possible extent. 

Our detailed submission focuses on key areas across: 

• Net-community benefit 
• Open space 
• Urban design 
• Active transport connectivity and safety  
• Amenity 
• Future proofing 
• Local contexts and knowledge  
• Environmental impacts 
• Trees and landscape 
• Art, culture and history 
   

We lodged our submission in September 2025.

For more information, please download the Urban Design and Landscape Plan submission. - D25/47927 

For more information and to view the UDLP, visit Tram Road to Springvale Road - Victoria’s Big Build. 

What’s next? 

North East Link Project will consider all written comments and submissions received, then finalise the UDLP and submit it to the Minister for Planning for approval. 

After the Minister for Planning has approved the UDLP, the community will be updated on how feedback was considered. 

While North East Link refines the design for the Eastern Freeway Upgrades from Tram to Springvale Road through this UDLP – you’ll start to see the team setting up construction compounds for workers and preparing for further works along the Eastern Freeway. 

Council also continues to engage actively with North East Link beyond the UDLP process, including by reviewing detailed design packs, providing comments on upcoming construction and communications activities, and advocating for key community and environmental outcomes. While Council is only a stakeholder in this State-led project, we are doing our utmost to ensure the needs of our community are considered at all stages of the project.   

You can read more on the Big Build website and sign up to receive email updates. 

North East Link will notify the community once exhibition dates for a UDLP for the remaining stage of the Eastern Freeway Upgrades, from Hoddle Street to Burke Road, are released. 
 

26 February 2025

We’re calling for Federal Government support for a number of priority projects ahead of this year’s Federal election.

At its meeting on Tuesday 25 February, Council set out its advocacy priorities across four key themes of Our Commute, Our Environment, Our Safety and Our Wellbeing.

This includes seeking funding support for seven major projects as well as a series of local sports infrastructure, road and footpath upgrades in Manningham.

Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said Council is calling for Federal Government funding for projects that will benefit the local community.

“We’re advocating for our community and seeking funding support for important local projects that will improve the wellbeing, safety, environment and transport in Manningham.”  

We’re advocating for:

• $15 million for the redevelopment Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre outdoor precinct
• $7.5 million for open space upgrades, some of which include:
• Wombat Bend and Finns Reserve upgrade in Templestowe Lower
• Anderson Park in Doncaster East
• Warrandyte Skate Park
• The Boulevarde playspace at Ruffey Lake Park.
• $5 million for safety improvements at the 5-ways intersection in Warrandyte South
• $3 million for a feasibility study to inform the high frequency busway implementation along Doncaster Road
• $2.5 million for a new building for the Park Orchards Community House and Learning Centre
• $350,000 to support community legal services in Manningham
• the Federal Government to encourage the Victorian Government to make commitments around the North East Link Project.

And we’re seeking funding support for road and footpath upgrades, sports infrastructure projects and LED floodlighting conversion projects.

We want to see a range of improved transport options for our Manningham community.

We’re calling for $3 million to undertake a feasibility study to inform the high frequency busway implementation along the Doncaster Road corridor, between Mitcham Station and Doncaster Park and Ride.

“The North East Link Program (NELP) is having a significant impact on our community and we are continuing our advocacy for the best outcomes for local residents,” Cr Diamante said

As a funding partner of the North East Link Project, we want the Federal Government to encourage the Victorian Government to:

• deliver a Transit Oriented Development when Doncaster Park and Ride is redeveloped.
• improve access and transparency on the Environment Protection Agency air quality data reports.
• install filters within the Southern Portal Ventilation Stack or improve transparency around the trigger for when filters would be required.

As a member of the Eastern Region Group of Councils, we also supports the regional goals and advocacy priorities of:

• Addressing financial stability
• Supporting housing growth
• Building climate resilience
• Transforming movement in the east.

For more information, visit our Advocacy page

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.
 

We’re seeking feedback on our draft Road Safety Strategy 2025-2035, which identifies road improvements, targeted education and speed zone reviews as our key priorities. 

The draft strategy outlines clear objectives and a detailed action plan to enhance road safety and reduce traffic-related accidents, injuries and fatalities

Our Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said this strategy will guide proactive projects and programs over the next decade.

“We’re committed to improving our transport system as we strive for ‘Vision Zero’— where nobody is seriously injured or killed on our roads,” said Cr Diamante. 

“To plan for safer roads, we first needed to understand the local issues and experiences of road users in Manningham.

“We received more than 200 responses to last year’s community survey, which told us what matters most to our community.

“Now we want to ensure the proposed strategy and action plan accurately reflects community priorities,” she said.

Key proposed actions include:

• road safety audits in high-risk areas
• infrastructure upgrades
• speed limit reviews
• continual road user education
• updates to the Manningham Walking and Cycling Strategy

The draft strategy was informed by feedback from last year’s community consultation, local road safety data, input from road safety partners and aligns with State and Federal strategies.
 

Have Your Say

Provide feedback by completing our survey on the draft Road Safety Strategy 2025-2035 via Your Say Manningham by 21 February 2025. 

Feedback from the community and Councillors will shape the final version of the strategy, which will be presented for Council endorsement in early 2025.

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.
 

Last night, 25 March, a petition to remove from permanent display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags from all Manningham flagpoles and the cessation of holding a Welcome to Country ceremony and statement of the Acknowledgement of Country before any Council meeting or function, with 12 signatures was tabled at the Council meeting. The Council vote was to enable the petition to be tabled, and it did not provide any position on the matter.

In accordance with our Council meeting procedures, all petitions are formally tabled at the meeting, and Council votes to receive it.

Manningham Council's use of the Welcome To Country ceremony, statement of Acknowledgement of Country and the flying of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are strategic elements of our Council Plan, endorsed Manningham Reconciliation Action Plan and Flying Flags In The Civic Precinct Policy; and designed to provide a roadmap for Manningham's own commitment to reconciliation.  

No decision has been made to change this current endorsed position.

Valuing free speech means listening to different views regardless of whether we agree or disagree with a position.

In line with our commitment to transparency and our standard procedures, we will respond to the lead petitioner and include that response in the Agenda papers for the April Council Meeting.

Deirdre

UPDATED: 28 March 2025 new date for community workshop

A new Arts Action Plan is set to guide future arts, culture and local history services, programs and activities in Manningham.

To inform the plan, artists, creatives and community members are invited to provide feedback to Council on what’s important to them about arts, culture and local history, and the types of programs they would like to see in the municipality.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said arts, culture and local history enriched community life by providing opportunities for expression and creativity, social connections and a sense of identity and belonging.

“Whether it’s visual arts and exhibitions, theatre, music and live performances, writing and literature, or photography and film - arts and culture touches everyone,” Cr Diamante said.

“Our local history dates back thousands of years from the traditional owners, the Wurrundjeri Woi-wurrung people, through the days of European settlement to our present multicultural community.

“Creative industries also form an important part of our local economy.”

Feedback can be provided by completing an online survey, or attending an online community workshop on Wednesday 8 April 2025, 6.00pm to 7.30pm.

More information is available at Your Say Manningham. Feedback closes Friday 25 April 2025.

UPDATED: 28 March 2025 new date for community workshop

We’re developing a new action plan to guide future arts, culture and local history services, programs and activities in Manningham.

We want to hear what’s important to you about arts, culture and local history, and the types of programs you would like to see in our municipality.

Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said arts, culture and local history enriched community life by providing opportunities for expression and creativity, social connections and a sense of identity and belonging.

“Whether it’s visual arts and exhibitions, theatre, music and live performances, writing and literature, or photography and film - arts and culture touches everyone,” Cr Diamante said.

“Our local history dates back thousands of years from the traditional owners, the Wurrundjeri Woi-wurrung people, through the days of European settlement to our present multicultural community.

“Creative industries also form an important part of our local economy.”

Share your thoughts by:

• completing our online survey at Your Say Manningham
• registering to attend our online community workshop on Wednesday 8 April 2025, 6.00pm to 7.30pm

Visit Your Say Manningham for more information and to have your say. 

Survey closes Friday 25 April 2025 at 5pm.

 “Our aim was to improve our home’s efficiency and reduce our reliance on the grid,” explains Ken.

While the couple initially dreamed of being off-grid, they found a powerful alternative: a well-insulated home with rooftop solar and a battery system.

For Ken, who comes from the country and doesn’t identify as an environmentalist, it was clear that “this is the way we must go.”

So, in 2023, Ken and Joan upgraded their 1kW solar panels to a 10kW system and also purchased a Sungrow battery through the Solar Savers scheme.

The battery offers three-phase backup protection, which keeps their home steady if there’s a power outage or problem with the grid. They can also add extra units to increase the battery’s capacity – if their energy needs grow or they add more appliances.  

The impact? Less grid outages and more reliable energy. Plus, with an interest-free loan from Solar Savers, the upgrade was more affordable.

“While the total cost was around $20,000, I only paid $7,000 upfront, with the rest on an interest-free loan. It’s a great deal that’s made a huge difference for us.”

Solar Savers is part of our Electrify Your Life program which supports residents to go all-electric at home - creating a brighter Manningham. Learn how to make the switch at Electrify Your Life. Learn more about Solar Savers here.