We’re looking for passionate and dedicated community members to join our Recreation and Sport, and Youth advisory committees.

Our advisory committees provide an opportunity for locals to share expert advice, guidance and ideas to help drive positive change and outcomes for Manningham.

As an advisory committee member, you will:

• play an active role in shaping the decisions Council makes for your community
• gain valuable experience and skills in leadership, strategic thinking and collaboration
• network with other community leaders, learning from their experience
• share your interests and passions with the Manningham community.

Recreation and Sport Advisory Committee (RASAC)

Do you want to make a difference in recreation and sport for the Manningham community? We’re seeking individuals of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds to:

• share their experience and insights
• help improve sporting and recreational outcomes
• ensure Manningham remains an active and vibrant community.

Who can apply

Committees are open to people who live, work, play or study in Manningham. Unfortunately, presidents, secretaries, and treasurers of sports clubs are ineligible to apply.

How to apply

Complete the online Expression of Interest form. 

If you need help to complete the Expression of Interest form, email Recreation at recreation2@manningham.vic.gov.au. 

Before applying, read the Terms of Reference.

Apply now

Manningham Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC)

Are you passionate about the future of young people in Manningham? Join the Youth Advisory Committee to:

• help shape government decisions that impact young people
• be a voice for youth in the community
• influence programs and policies that affect young people
• develop leadership skills and make a lasting impact.

Who can apply

Committees are open to young people between the ages of 15 and 25 who live, work, play or study in Manningham.

How to apply

Complete the online Expression of Interest form.

If you need help to complete the Expression of Interest form, email Children Youth and Family Services at youthadvisory@manningham.vic.gov.au. 

Before applying, read the Terms of Reference.

Apply now

We’re seeking events to be included in our local activity guides for Dementia Action Week (15 to 21 September) and Seniors Month in October.

Our local guides aim to help older people, people living with dementia, carers and family members find fun and affordable events and activities in the community during both major events.

If your group, club or organisation is planning a free or low-cost activity in recognition of these significant dates, let us know!

Submissions for events to be included in the 2025 Local Activity Guides are now closed. Thank you for your interest. 

The 2025 Local Activity Guides will be distributed from late August. For more information, contact the Healthy Ageing Team on 9840 9230.

View our 2024 local activity guides:

• 2024 Dementia Action Week

• 2024 Seniors Month

Regardless of which holidays you celebrate; the festive season is a time when we often come together and it’s important to remember that sustainability never takes a holiday. The choices we make during this time have a profound impact on the environment, so here are a couple of tips to make this festive season more sustainable.

Plan your menu

Each year, Victorian households throw away 250,000 tonnes of food. That’s the equivalent weight of 100 Aquarena outdoor swimming pools! The reality is, about one third of all food produced for human consumption becomes waste. Luckily, reducing the amount of food we waste doesn’t need to be difficult, it just takes a bit of planning. 

Firstly, shop at local markets. Buying local produce is generally fresher, lasts longer, has less embodied energy and is usually free of packaging, meaning that you can purchase the quantity you need and reduce your waste from the source. 

Secondly, storing food correctly can also go a long way to reducing the amount of waste you create. Placing food in airtight containers and organising your fridge and pantry can help prevent unwanted spoilage. Too many leftovers? Try freezing them (if it’s safe to do so) or try new recipes that incorporate your leftovers. Not only does this reduce food waste, but it’s also a great way to discover new recipes! 

And lastly, if you must dispose of your food waste, ensure you are using your FOGO bin correctly so that it can be turned into nutrient rich compost.  

Dine wisely

In addition to food, we also produce a lot of waste when cooking and eating. Avoid disposable tableware such as plates, cups and cutlery as most of these can’t be recycled, and instead opt for reusable alternatives and wash them at the end of the day. Did you know you can also make your own bon bons from fabric napkins and a little bit of string? 

It wouldn’t be a summer festive season without a barbeque. If you must use disposable cookware, remember to choose aluminium trays and foil as these can be placed in your yellow lid recycling bin, even if there is a small amount of burnt-on food or oil. Simply remove food scraps and scrunch them into a ball.

Gift consciously

The most sustainable gifts are those that will be used. Making a conscious effort to give your family and friends items that they will actually use is a great way to reduce the amount of waste you contribute to this festive season. Consider shopping for second hand items at op shops or online marketplaces to divert other items from landfill and save some money in the process.

Wrap smart

Now that you’ve got your sustainable gifts organised, you need to wrap them. Did you know Australians use 150,000 km of wrapping paper over the festive season? That’s almost enough to circle the earth four times over! We can significantly reduce the amount of waste we create by ‘wrapping’ gifts in reusable bags or fabric. 

If you must wrap with paper, ensure that it is recyclable because not all wrapping paper can be put in your kerbside recycling bin. You can place any gift wraps made from kraft paper or recycled paper in your yellow lid recycling bin, although you cannot place any wrapping paper made from foil or with other items stuck to them (such as ribbons or bows). Paper cards can also be recycled, but not those embellished with glitter or foil – these must be placed in your red lid garbage bin.

There are many ways to make this festive season a more sustainable one. By making thoughtful decisions and considering the broader impact of your choices, you can celebrate in a way that honours both tradition and the environment.

If you are confused about what to do with an item this festive season, visit our webpage on how to dispose your items.

UPDATED: Public electric vehicle (EV) charger location updated on Tuesday 6 May to reflect revised project timelines. 

We’re excited to announce the first public electric vehicle (EV) charger location: Bulleen Car Park.

About the charger

Planned for installation in June 2025, this charging station is part of a broader rollout of nine public EV chargers across Manningham.

Powered by renewable energy, this Jolt fast charger is compatible with all EVs. It will provide 7 kWh of free daily charge (up to 50 km of range), with additional charge ranging from 54 to 59 cents per kWh, depending on the location.

There will be one charger, servicing two parking bays. 

Following engagement with the local businesses, this location was selected for its proximity to commercial, recreational and tourist destinations, as well as its access to reliable power supplies.

Why we’re supporting EVs

By installing these charging stations – and the six more to follow – we aim to accommodate the growing use of electric vehicles, especially following new legislated vehicle standards.  

We’re also responding to community support for local public charging facilities, as revealed in our 2023 Manningham community survey. 

The public charging network will help ensure that EV charging is accessible and practical while also reducing our transport emissions, boosting local businesses with enhanced car parking, and supporting EV drivers to travel with confidence. 

Manningham Council is seeking community feedback on a concept design for an upgrade at Wombat Bend Playground. 

Wombat Bend Playground is a much-loved regional playground catering to visitors of all abilities – created by the community, for the community. It embraces inclusive design to foster creative development, inspiration and imagination and to encourage the mind to explore.

The concept design developed for the playground upgrade reflects insights gathered from community consultations held in December 2024. The proposed upgrades include:

• a diverse range of play equipment suitable for all ages and abilities
• a dedicated swing zone with five different seat types
• a larger water play area
• a sand play zone with raised tables and a digger
• a refurbished maze zone
• improved access paths for better connectivity and movement
• upgraded amenities, including new seating, picnic areas, drinking fountains, shelters, and BBQs
• enhanced shade and expanded grassed areas
• a new co-located fitness station.

Community consultation now open

To have your say on the Wombat Bend Playground concept design, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/wombat-bend-playground-upgrade.

Council is also holding an onsite consultation session on Sunday 18 May.

Community members are invited to attend between 10:30am and 12:00pm (noon) to discuss the design directly with the project team.

Council values the input of the community in shaping the future of the Wombat Bend Playground and appreciates everyone’s involvement in making the playground a better space for all.

Consultation closes Monday 2 June 2025.

For more information, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/wombat-bend-playground-upgrade

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.

We’re gearing up to improve bike riding facilities across Manningham over the next 10 years and are seeking feedback on the draft Recreational Bike Facilities Plan.

The draft plan outlines eight proposed locations for new or improved recreational cycling facilities that cater to all ages and skill levels.

Key features include dirt jumps, pump tracks, flow trails, and bike playgrounds. 

Proposed locations: 

Have your say

Review the draft plan and complete our short survey by 5.00pm, Sunday 22 June.

Your feedback will help shape the final Recreational Bike Facilities Plan.

Need information in a different way? 

If you would like this information in a different format, please contact manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au or 9840 9333. 

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.

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.