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Gardening for biodiversity - Planning a habitat garden for wildlife

… for biodiversity - Planning a habitat garden for wildlife Environment and sustainability Create your garden to become an inviting space …

Create your garden to become an inviting space for our local native fauna to thrive in.

In this workshop, learn how to become a ‘Champion for Wildlife’ by incorporating food sources, water, shelter and nesting places in your garden for wildlife.

Presenter: Charlotte Harrison from Sustainable Gardening Australia.

Supper is at 6.45pm, the seminar begins at 7.00pm sharp.

Registration is essential.

This is the first of a four-part series on Gardening for Biodiversity. The series of workshops is run by Sustainable Gardening Australia and provides tips and tricks to garden for wildlife and support biodiversity in your local area.

Other events in this series

Environment and sustainability

Gardening for biodiversity - Attracting small birds into the garden

Currawong Bush Park Conference & Environmental Centre

Environment and sustainability

Gardening for biodiversity - Attracting native bees and butterflies into the garden

Currawong Bush Park Conference & Environmental Centre

Environment and sustainability

Gardening for biodiversity - Soil care in a habitat garden

Currawong Bush Park Conference & Environmental Centre

Environment and Sustainability

Spring Outdoors

Whats On

When do you need a permit for your property

… you require a permit. Why do you need to get planning and building approval? Planning permits and building permits … Links to the relevant controls are: The Planning and Environment Act 1987 The purpose of this Act is to establish … for health and safety, amenity and accessibility, and sustainability in the design, construction, performance and …

Before embarking on building, renovating, tree removal/lopping or any other works, it is important to ascertain whether you require a permit.

Why do you need to get planning and building approval?

Planning permits and building permits serve different purposes.

A planning permit is required to ensure that your project complies with the relevant zoning and overlay controls applicable to your property and to ensure that your project considers its impact on the surrounding area with respect to character, built form and materials, surrounding neighbours, traffic, environmental impacts and community need.

A building permit focuses on the technical aspects of construction and safety ensuring that your project complies with the relevant building codes and regulations.

Links to the relevant controls are:

The Planning and Environment Act 1987

The purpose of this Act is to establish a framework for planning the use, development and protection of land in Victoria. The Act sets out procedures for preparing and amending the Victoria Planning Provisions and planning schemes. It also sets out the process for obtaining permits under schemes, settling disputes, enforcing compliance with planning schemes and permits, and other administrative procedures.

Manningham Planning Scheme

The Manningham Planning Scheme sets out objectives, policies and controls for the use, development and protection of land for our entire municipality. The planning scheme guides how land can be used or developed though zoning controls (e.g. commercial or residential) and what other activities can be undertaken on the land (e.g. constructing a new apartment building or units, childcare or medical centre, restaurant/cafe serving liquor, display of business signage, or works to a heritage building).

National Construction Code (NCC) 2019

The NCC provides the minimum necessary requirements for health and safety, amenity and accessibility, and sustainability in the design, construction, performance and liveability of new buildings (and new building work in existing buildings) throughout Australia.

Building Regulations 2018

The Building Regulations 2018 (the Regulations) came into effect on 2 June 2018. The Regulations are a subordinate legislation of the Building Act and contain, among other things, requirements relating to:

building permits
building inspections
occupancy permits
enforcement
maintenance of buildings.

The Regulations adopt the Building Code of Australia (BCA), which is part of the National Construction Code.

Building Act 1993

The Building Act 1993 (the Act) sets out the framework for the regulation of building construction, building standards and the maintenance of specific building safety features.

The objectives of the Act are to:

protect the safety and health of people who use buildings and places of public entertainment
improve the amenity of buildings.

What types of projects need a permit?

Here are some common projects that need approval - contact us even if your project is not listed here:

multi-dwelling developments and apartments
construction of a new single dwelling or dwelling extension
buildings and works, including some internal changes to a building
demolition/partial demolition and new works to buildings in a Heritage Overlay
garages, carports, sheds, pergolas, decks, verandahs
removing trees and vegetation
new land uses such as a childcare centre, medical centre etc...
earthworks
Septic tanks
tennis courts
swimming pools and spas
fencing
business identification signage on a building or property
subdivision of land
covenant removal/variations
liquor license for a restaurant/cafe
consent for any works or tree removal and the like if your land has a Section 173 agreement.
tables and chairs and/or signage on the footpath
asset protection

You have a dream project - where to start

New to building or renovation?

For advice on all things renovation and construction, visit the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).

Every dream project is different with its own needs and challenges. Here are the steps to give you a rough guide on the process, timeframes and costs when starting any project.

Contact us to discuss your project with us to confirm if you need a planning permit
Contact us

You can also view:
If you don't need a planning permit you can proceed straight to building permit
If we confirm that you need a planning permit, start the application
- Apply for a planning permit
- View planning permit fees
After you apply you can also
- Track the progress of your planning permit applications
Get a building permit before you start construction
- Learn about the building permit process
We do not issue building permits so you will need to contact a building surveyor to organise a building permit.

You will need the permit to ensure what you're hoping to construct or change is done right and to building code standards.
Apply for any other permits you need before you start works
You may need permits for connecting to infrastructure, protection of public assets and more. Often you will find out which permits you need throughout the process, so it is always best to discuss your plans with us or industry professionals.

Some common permits include:
- Works, drainage and stormwater permit
- Asset protection permit

Hoping to build sustainably?

We've created a list of resources to help you build a sustainable, energy-efficient home or commercial building.

View resources

Property and Development

Moth Night with the Entomological Society of Victoria

… Moth Night with the Entomological Society of Victoria Environment and sustainability Join us for a magical evening of moth watching …

Join us for a magical evening of moth watching at Currawong Bush Park!

Bring your flashlight and a sense of wonder as we discover the diverse and colorful moths that call the park home. This is a great opportunity to learn from experts and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts.

We will also go on a spider walk and talk, so don't miss out on this unique event!

This event is hosted by Manningham Council and the Entomological Society of Victoria.

Environment and Sustainability

Spring Outdoors

Electrify Your Life: Drop in session (Wonga Park)

… Electrify Your Life: Drop in session (Wonga Park) Environment and sustainability By going all-electric, you can create a safer …

By going all-electric, you can create a safer home and brighter Manningham.

That’s why Manningham Council has partnered with Solar Savers, a local government initiative that takes the hassle out of home energy upgrades. The Council-backed program has now expanded to offer more suppliers and product choices, as well as home energy assessments for personalised advice.

Do you have questions about making your home more comfortable and efficient? Keen to install solar, batteries or efficient electric appliances? Drop in to learn more.

You can also find out about available discounts and discover how Solar Savers can help.

This session is hosted by Wonga Park Community Cottage.

Registration is not required. Drop in any time during the 2-hour session.

Note: Sessions are also running at local libraries in Manningham between August and October 2025.

Electrify Your Life

This event 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.

Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter

Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.

Subscribe now

Environment and Sustainability

Electrify Your Life

Whats On

Manningham's Backyard Diversity Series

… Learn all about Manningham’s unique local wildlife and environment with TV Zoologist Chris Humfrey from Wild Action. Tags Environment and Sustainability … Manningham's Backyard Diversity Series …

Learn all about Manningham’s unique local wildlife and environment with TV Zoologist Chris Humfrey from Wild Action, ‘The Zoo That Comes to You’.

Chris has presented a series of 30 short videos across two series that will introduce you to a range of native animals which call Manningham home. The first series introduces the backyard diversity of our resident fauna, the second series addresses the impact of litter on the homes and habitats of the local wildlife.

Series 1: Manningham's Backyard Diversity

Video 1: Introducing Manningham's backyard diversity.

You will be amazed by what lives in Manningham and maybe even your backyard. You will learn about our incredible local biodiversity and how we can all play an important role in the protection of our native species and our local fragile environment.

Video 2: Short-Beaked Echidna

Echidnas can be shy, but are found in many areas of Manningham where there is enough native habitat for them to roam in. The Echidnas home range can be up to 50 hectares. Echidnas like to burrow into the soil, hide under vegetation and shelter in hollow logs, rock crevices and in burrows. They need lots of understory habitat that can provide them with their food including ants and termites.

Video 3: Southern Boobook Owl

The Southern Boobook is the smallest owl in Manningham and makes a distinctive 'boo-book' or 'mo-poke' call. As with many of our local species The Southern Boobook's needs tree hollows to nest in. The Southern Boobook feeds on insects, small mammals (such as the House Mouse, Mus musculus) and other small animal species.

Video 4: Swamp Wallaby

The Swamp Wallaby is a shy animal that usually live alone. They can be found in places where there is thick habitat for them to hide in. The Swamp Wallaby feeds on a variety of plants including introduced and native shrubs, grasses and ferns. They are regularly spotted early in the morning along our local creeks and the Yarra River habitat corridors where there is plenty thick scrub for them to hide in during the day.

Video 5: Sugar Glider

Sugar gliders are tree-dwelling marsupials gliding possums found across Manningham. They can glide up to 50 metres in one trip with their “wings” made up of thin stretched skin between their forefinger and back ankle, During flight they use their bushy tails as rudders as they soar through the air. The Sugar Glider is most active at night, sleeping by day in nests made of leaves in tree hollows. The biggest threat to Sugar Gliders are cats. It is important to bring your cat inside so they don’t eat our native bird, possums and other native animal species.

Video 6: Ringtail Possum

Ringtail Possums get their name from their long white prehensile tail. They are not as noisy as Brushtail Possums, and make a soft, high-pitched twittering call. Ringtail Possums are at risk from cats, dogs, foxes, traffic, and also electrocution from powerlines. Possums are also at risk from the removal of habitat due to human development. It is illegal to catch and release possums into areas more than 50 m away from where they were caught as they do not often survive relocation. You can help local wildlife by keeping big trees in your backyard as they provide tree hollows for native animals like possums, birds, bats and gliders to nest in.

Video 7: Blotched Blue Tongue Lizard

Blue-tongues usually live in open country with lots of ground cover such as tussock grass or leaf litter. They shelter at night under large objects on the ground such as rocks and logs. During cold weather they remain inactive, buried deep in their shelter sites, but on sunny days they may emerge to bask. Unfortunately, blue-tongues will eat snails and slugs poisoned by snail baits and can be poisoned themselves. They rapidly become used to human activity, and may live in the same place for many years. Rockeries and cavities under houses are favourite hiding places. Many residents and schools create lizard lounges to provide habitat for bluetongue lizards and skinks. All you need are some rocks, ground cover and a sunny place for lizards to bask in and call home.

Video 8: Tawny Frogmouth

The Tawny Frogmouth is nocturnal and is often mistaken as an owl. They are however more closely related to the nightjars. Their beaks are designed to catch insects such as cicadas and beetles and the occasional mouse, rat or frog. Unlike owls, the Tawny Frogmouth is a poor flyer and will sit quietly for its prey to approach. Tawny Frogmouths love mature trees to roost and camouflage in during the day like a stringybark trees where they can be almost invisible. Tawny Frogmouth families stay together giving many local residents generations of the same family in their backyard. Protecting big old trees are a great way to encourage a Tawny Frogmouth to your backyard. The call of a Tawny Frogmouth is very distinctive and is often described as a spooky low pitched ooom ooom sound.

Video 9: Koala

The koala is one of the most recognizable Australian animals. A tree-climbing marsupial, a small remnant population of koalas survived in Manningham as recently as 2015 (the last known recording of a koala in Manningham). It is thought the loss of Koalas in Manningham was mainly due to habitat loss, disease, dog attacks and road accidents. Koalas are fussy eaters and only eat a few types of eucalypt leaves. Manna Gums which are found along Manningham’s waterways are the most favoured. There is now a renewed effort by local Landcare groups and concerned residents to create more koala habitat in hope that they will return to our municipality. If you do see a Koala in Manningham, record the location and contact Manningham Council. Citizen Science is a great way to record information on our local natural environment.

Video 10: Laughing Kookaburra

The Laughing Kookaburra is common across Manningham where there are suitable trees. They have one of the most iconic calls in the Australian bush. The kookaburra feed mostly on insects, worms and crustaceans, although small snakes, mammals, frogs and birds may also be eaten. Kookaburras can pair for life and their nest is a naturally occurring tree hollow. Both sexes share the incubation duties and both care for the young. Kookaburras can become quite tame around humans and will readily accept scraps of meat. Similar to live prey, this 'pre-processed' food is still beaten against a perch before swallowing.

Video 11: Manningham Kangaroo

The Eastern Grey Kangaroo is an important part of Manningham's natural ecosystems. They promote the regeneration of native plants and reduce the fuel load in forests and grasslands. They are regularly seen in our conservation parks including Currawong, Westerfolds and Mount Lofty parks. They rest amongst shady trees during the day and move out to graze from late afternoon to early morning. Their fur is light grey colour making then perfectly camouflaged in our local woody grasslands. A baby kangaroo or ‘joey’ is raised in the pouch until it becomes independent at about 18 months of age.

Video 12: Centipede

Centipedes are common in Manningham and can be found under logs, in leaf litter or under rocks and bark. Centipedes are nocturnal and hunt their prey at night time. Centipedes are myriapods not insects, as they have more than six legs. Centipedes and other ‘minibeasts’ including spiders, ants, termites, butterflies, bees and other small animals play a vital role in any ecosystem. They are eaten by bigger animals in the food chain, help to pollinate plants and eat dead and decaying matter which recycles the nutrients back into the soil and ecosystem.

Video 13: Lace Monitor

Lace Monitors were once common in Manningham, however due to habitat loss they are now very rare. They need tall open Eucalyptus woodlands to live. There are occasional sightings of Lace Monitors in Manningham’s Green Wedge usually between September to December when they are on the move. If you go for a walk through bushland during the cooler months of the year, watch where you step, Lace Monitors spend much of this time hiding under logs or rocks, or inside hollow tree stumps. If you do see a Lace Monitor please take a photo, record the location and contact Manningham Council. Citizen Science is a great way to record information on our local natural environment.

Video 14: Gang Gang Cockatoo

Gang-gang Cockatoos visit backyards and parks in Manningham and feed on eucalyptus and wattles. Male Gang-gang Cockatoos are easily distinguished by their wispy red crest, which looks like a feather duster. Plant locally native plants that Gang-gang Cockatoos can eat from, such as sheoaks (casuarinas), eucalyptus, and wattles. Be careful of low perched or low flying Gang-gangs when driving in areas with many trees, especially near hawthorn shrubs. Don’t forget to participate in the Citizen Science program: Aussie Backyard Bird Count in October.

Video 15: Barn Owl

Barn Owls are found right across Manningham and are silent hunters of the night eating mice, rats and snakes. Their heart-shaped face and asymmetrical ears help the owl to use even the slightest sound to pinpoint their prey even in complete darkness. Barn owls need old growth trees to nest in. These trees provide large hollows with the nest sometimes up to 10m inside the tree. Don't use rat poisons that cause secondary killings. Owls are natural predators of rodents but if an owl eats a rat that has ingested this poison, it can die too. Remember Manningham’s raptor birds (birds of prey) need old growth trees to breed in and hunt for prey.

Series 2: Litter Impacts

In this Litter Impacts series, Chris will present 15 short videos that will introduce you to a range of native animals which call Manningham home and how we can protect their home by reducing our litter and appropriately disposing of our waste.

Video 1: Introduction to litter impacts on local wildlife

Manningham is home to an array of incredible and unique native animals. Our litter and waste has a big impact on our wildlife; as it flows into waterways and out into the bay, it can drastically change the water quality or even be mistaken for food.

Video 2: Grey Headed Flying Fox

Grey Headed Flying Foxes are the largest bat in Australia, but they’re also a vulnerable species here in our parks and backyards in Manningham. They spread seeds from our trees across Melbourne making sure new trees keep growing. Unfortunately they get caught in our fruit nets, so make sure that once your fruit has finished on your trees you take down your nets to ensure they don’t get tangled.

Video 3: Earthworms

Earthworms are terrific for our backyards and our environment. They move through out soil helping to aerate it and at the same time eat the organic matter turning it into fertilizer for our gardens. Make sure you don’t put harmful chemicals in our soil as it can kill the worms and stop them from keeping our soil healthy.

Video 4: Copperhead Snake

Copperhead Snakes can be found basking in the sun in Manningham. They’re highly venomous and should never be touched or picked up, it’s also illegal to kill or harm snakes. They’re very important for our environment, as they eat mice and rats. Unfortunately they cannot move backwards, so if they get trapped in a discarded aluminium can or PVC pipe they can get stuck there and die.

Video 5: Wood Duck

Wood Ducks love our parks and farmland here in Manningham. They eat grass and poo out the seeds to keep the grass growing. Sometimes they mistake cigarette butts for food and the butts can swell in their tummies making the ducks very ill. It’s important that we don’t feed ducks bread as they need to find native food for themselves.

Video 6: Eastern Long Necked Turtle

The Eastern Long Necked Turtle is common in our creeks and rivers in Manningham. They eat snails, dead fish and yabbies, keeping our rivers and creeks clean. Litter is a huge threat to turtles as it can get caught around their limbs and necks, choking them. Fishing line and illegal opera house nets can also kill our turtles, platypus and rakali (water rats) when they get caught in the nets and can’t escape.

Video 7: Buff Breasted Rail

This Buff Breasted Rail is a secretive bird in Manningham, but keep your eyes peeled at Ruffey Lake Park, you might just see them walking around through the reeds. They’re omnivorous, which means that they eat plants and other animals, sometimes they also mistake our litter for food as well. Make sure you pick up litter that you find on the ground, report overflowing bins and litter dumped in our parks, you might just save our local wildlife.

Video 8: Cattle Egret

Cattle Egrets are known as a cosmopolitan bird, as they’re found all around the world. They love flooded agricultural land and wetlands in Manningham; it’s the perfect place for them to find their food. They’re also directly affected by stormwater pollution and litter, like polystyrene cups that can remain in our environment for up to 600 years. Unfortunately they see polystyrene or cigarette butts as potential food.

Video 9: Banjo Frog

It might sound like you have a bluegrass band in your backyard at night, but that’s the call of the Banjo Frog. They burrow into our soil with their digging feet and eat all the bugs. Their skin is susceptible to pollution, as that’s how they breathe and drink water. Instead of putting your chemicals down the drain, make sure you dispose of your oils, detergents, paints and other chemicals at a chemical drop off point.

Video 10: Brown Tree Frog

Brown Tree Frogs love hanging out in Manningham. They eat bugs, like pesky mosquitos and flies in our gardens. If you have frogs croaking in your garden, it means you have a healthy place for them to live. Frogs absorb moisture and breathe through their skins, so they’re highly susceptible to pollution in the water. Be careful with what goes down your drains and we can protect our important little frogs.

Video 11: Fresh Water Crayfish

The Yabbies, or Fresh Water Crayfish, love our waterways in Manningham. They grab onto their food with their big claws and propel themselves through the water with their big finned tail. They clean up all of the organic matter in our rivers, creeks and wetlands and keep our waterways healthy. Yabbies are very sensitive to pollution in our rivers and creeks, so be careful with what you wash down the sink and into the stormwater drain. You can dispose your harmful chemicals at a Detox Your Home drop off.

Video 12: Short Finned Eel

The Short Finned Eel is common in our waterways here in Manningham. They’re long, slippery fish that live in our creeks and rivers and they hunt yabbies, insects, worms and fish. When they’re ready to breed, they swim all the way down the Yarra River, out of Port Phillip Bay and breed in the Pacific Ocean! The babies then make their way back to Melbourne and live in our rivers again. It’s up to us to keep our rivers and creeks free of litter to make sure our Eels survive.

Video 13: Little Penguin

Little Penguins are the smallest penguin in the world and they’re found in Port Phillip Bay here in Melbourne. They live on our beaches and eat the fish around our bay. Unfortunately when they lay their eggs on our beaches, they can be easily caught by foxes and cats, so make sure you keep your cat in at night. They also fall victim to plastic waste in our waterways, it can get caught around their necks and choke them, or they could mistake the plastic for food. Please be responsible and dispose of your waste properly.

Video 14: Banjo Ray

Foraging at the bottom of our beautiful Port Phillip Bay is the Banjo Ray. As our waste flows down the Yarra River and into Port Phillip Bay, it comes into the home of our ocean wildlife. Banjo Rays can be harmed by eating the litter that arrives in the bay, so make sure you put your litter into the correct bin and report any litter dumped around Manningham.

Video 15: Pot Bellied Sea Horse

Pot Bellied Sea Horses live in Port Phillip Bay, right at the end of the Yarra River. The Sea Horses eat crustaceans in the bay but they can mistake microplastics for food as well. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic which look like food to our aquatic life they eat it and it often stays in their stomachs and often stays there. Unfortunately this means that when we eat some fish we could be eating microplastics too! Make sure you dispose of your plastic waste into the correct bin.

Join Chris through Wild Action

Visit ZooHQ. The 11 acre wildlife facility in the Macedon Ranges in Victoria.

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Environment and Sustainability

The conservation and aesthetics of fungi

… The conservation and aesthetics of fungi Environment and sustainability Join us for an engaging seminar where we'll …

Join us for an engaging seminar where we'll delve into the fascinating world of fungi with expert Dr. Alison Pouliot.

The earth’s rapidly changing climate and environmental issues have come into sharp focus through the demise of charismatic megafauna and the ‘biodiversity crisis’. But what about stinkhorns and slime moulds? How do fungi and their kin get our attention when they are not only overshadowed by more ‘popular’ organisms, but are rarely included in our ideas about ‘nature’ or ‘biodiversity’?

The good news is it seems we’re in something of a ‘fungal awakening’ and mushrooms are finally having their moment. Over the last 25 years Alison has divided her time between hemispheres, working both with fungi and their followers. She has been actively involved in fungal conservation and land restoration programs.

In this talk Alison will explore how fungi are perceived across hemispheres in conservation contexts and which fungal flagships best capture the public imagination. She will also share some stories from the writing of her recent book, Underground Lovers – Encounters with Fungi in which she interacted with fungi and their followers across a dozen countries.

There will be an opportunity at the end for participants to show their specimens or purchase books.

Booking essential: Limited to 50 people.

About the Presenter

Alison Pouliot, BA (Philosophy), BSc Hons (Zoology), PhD (Ecology/Mycology).

Alison is an ecologist, environmental photographer and author and has presented over 800 environmental seminars, forays and workshops in Australia and internationally.

Seminar field trip

Attending this event will enable you to attend the Seminar field trip: Meeting with mushrooms.

Date: Thursday 30 May 2024
Time: 9.00am to 11.30am

This exciting field trip introduces participants to the diversity, ecology and curiosities of the Kingdom Fungi, specific to fungi found in the region and its various habitat types.

Participants will learn some of the basic skills used to identify fungi in the field using multiple senses. The relationships between fungi and various plant species and different habitat types will be discussed. Every fungus has intriguing natural and cultural histories and stories, and these will be shared along the way.

Interested participants will be sent a registration link.

Environment and Sustainability

Whats On

Walking Football - Come and Try

… Walking Football - Come and Try Seniors Walking football is specifically designed for people over 50. It is a social, small-sided, and sustainable version of football played by people … It is the slower paced version of the beautiful game and the rules have been adjusted to make it social, safe and …

Walking football is specifically designed for people over 50.

It is a social, small-sided, and sustainable version of football played by people worldwide. It is the slower paced version of the beautiful game and the rules have been adjusted to make it social, safe and fun.

Come along to our come and try event to give walking football a go!

No bookings required - just turn up.

Seniors

Whats On

National Wattle Day Community Planting

… National Wattle Day Community Planting Environment and sustainability Come along and help celebrate National Wattle …

Come along and help celebrate National Wattle Day in 2024 by registering for a community planting session hosted by our Parks and Environment team.

Meet at Stiggant Reserve where you will be guided by the team to plant local native plants to improve the habitat along the Birrarung (Yarra River) corridor.

Environment and Sustainability

Spring Outdoors

Whats On

Electrify Everything - Is an electric vehicle for me? - webinar

… Everything - Is an electric vehicle for me? - webinar Environment and sustainability Our presenter, Ian Moxon, is a seasoned …

Our presenter, Ian Moxon, is a seasoned sustainability consultant with over 15 years of experience in Electric vehicles. He’ll share his extensive knowledge and valuable industry insights into the benefits of electric vehicles.

The information session will cover:

charging systems, charging times and expanding infrastructure
distances that Australians usually travel and how the perceived barrier to EVs is dissolving
battery technologies - innovation is driving higher capacity, less weight, longer life spans, better safety and end of life recycling
the cost to travel using electricity as a fuel and the impact of a growing electric fleet for our electricity grid
the various models that are available now, and the many more that will arrive with policy changes and surging demand.

This event is part of our Inspired Living Series. This series showcases an exciting range of fun and sustainable activities and events for all ages, supporting sustainability at home, in the community and at work.

Bookings are essential.

Environment and Sustainability

Inspired Living Series

Whats On

Electrify Your Life - Drop in session - Bulleen

… Electrify Your Life - Drop in session - Bulleen Environment and sustainability By going all-electric, you can create a safer …

By going all-electric, you can create a safer home and brighter Manningham.

Do you have questions about making your home more comfortable and efficient? Keen to install solar, batteries or efficient electric appliances? Drop in to learn more.

Join us at your local library for a session between August and October 2025.

Registration is not required. Drop in any time during the 1-hour session.

Electrify Your Life

This event 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.

Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter

Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.

Subscribe now

Environment and Sustainability

Electrify Your Life

Whats On

Electrify Your Life - Drop in session - The Pines

… Electrify Your Life - Drop in session - The Pines Environment and sustainability By going all-electric, you can create a safer …

By going all-electric, you can create a safer home and brighter Manningham.

That’s why Manningham Council has partnered with Solar Savers, a local government initiative that takes the hassle out of home energy upgrades. The

Council-backed program has now expanded to offer more suppliers and product choices, as well as home energy assessments for personalised advice.

Do you have questions about making your home more comfortable and efficient? Keen to install solar, batteries or efficient electric appliances? Drop in to learn more.

Join us at your local library for a session between August and October 2025.

Registration is not required. Drop in any time during the one-hour session.

Power up a cleaner future

This event 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.

Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter

Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.

Subscribe now

Environment and Sustainability

Electrify Your Life

Whats On

Gardening for biodiversity - Attracting small birds into the garden

… for biodiversity - Attracting small birds into the garden Environment and sustainability Seeing small birds visit our gardens is a …

Seeing small birds visit our gardens is a wonderful experience and there are many ways we can create our gardens to encourage their visits.

This workshop will share some of the challenges small birds face in the urban environment and what can be done to create a safe and inviting home for them. A few of the local small bird champions will also be introduced and the session includes tips for providing food, shelter, water and breeding sites to create habitat for birds.

Presenter: Charlotte Harrison from Sustainable Gardening Australia.

Supper is at 6.45pm, the seminar begins at 7.00pm sharp.

Registration is essential.

This is the final session of a four-part series on Gardening for Biodiversity. The series of workshops is run by Sustainable Gardening Australia and provides tips and tricks to garden for wildlife and support biodiversity in your local area.

Other events in this series

Environment and sustainability

Gardening for biodiversity - Attracting native bees and butterflies into the garden

Currawong Bush Park Conference & Environmental Centre

A kookaburra sits on a eucalyptus tree branch, the blurred background features a canopy of green leaves and brown bark.

Environment and sustainability

Gardening for biodiversity - Planning a habitat garden for wildlife

Currawong Bush Park Conference & Environmental Centre

Environment and sustainability

Gardening for biodiversity - Soil care in a habitat garden

Currawong Bush Park Conference & Environmental Centre

Environment and Sustainability

Spring Outdoors

Whats On

Cultural Awareness Walk

… Cultural Awareness Walk Environment and sustainability Join Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder, Uncle Bill …

Join Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder, Uncle Bill Nicholson, for a walk along Jumping Creek Reserve.

You'll learn about traditional First Nations practices and can ask Uncle Bill questions about connecting with Country.

Please note:

The exact address of the walk will be provided upon registration.
Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to start time.
Come prepared and dress for the weather on the day. Please wear closed-toe footwear.
In the event of extreme weather, this event will be cancelled.

Environment and Sustainability

Spring Outdoors

Seed bombs and paper workshop

… Seed bombs and paper workshop Waste and recycling Join sustainable craft teacher and artist Emma Grace for a free hands-on workshop to learn …

Join sustainable craft teacher and artist Emma Grace for a free hands-on workshop to learn how to make seed bombs.

Participants will get an introduction to germination, learn the benefits of flowers and see a demonstration on how to make seed paper.

Each child will go home with their own seed bombs to add colour and life to their garden – right in time for spring!

Suitable for children aged 5 to 12.

Aussie Backyard Bird Count - Breakfast with the Birds

… Aussie Backyard Bird Count - Breakfast with the Birds Environment and sustainability Join local ecologist John Harris as he takes …

Join local ecologist John Harris as he takes you on a journey through Warrandyte State Park’s Fourth Hill.

John will undertake a bird survey and help you identify birds found in the Warrandyte area.

Walk rating: 3km moderate walk, includes steep and narrow sections, creek crossing, slippery sections and tripping hazards.

Food and snacks

A light breakfast will be provided at the end of the walk.

If you have any special dietary requirements, we recommend bringing your own food and snacks.

What to bring and wear

Bring a water bottle, wear solid shoes, weather appropriate clothing and bring your own binoculars so you don't miss a thing!

Download the Aussie Bird Count Smartphone Application on Android and Apple before the walk and bring your smartphone on the day.

Where to meet

The meeting place will be at Gold Memorial Drive Picnic Ground. 10 minutes before the walk starts.

Please note: the nature walk could be cancelled due to extreme weather.

This event is part our Manningham Spring Outdoors Series, where we offer a range of fun outdoor activities across Manningham.

You can also check what’s happening across other Councils by visiting the Spring Outdoors website.

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Environment and Sustainability

Spring Outdoors

Whats On

One Tree Hill nature walk

… One Tree Hill nature walk Environment and sustainability One Tree Hill nature walk is the jewel in the …

One Tree Hill nature walk is the jewel in the crown of the Warrandyte Kinglake Nature Conservation Link. Explore habitat for many species no longer found further south.

Distance: 8kms

Time: 4.5 hours

Rating: Difficult

BYO lunch and water

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Explore Manningham

Spring Outdoors

Whats On

Electrify Your Life - Drop in session - Doncaster

… Electrify Your Life - Drop in session - Doncaster Environment and sustainability By going all-electric, you can create a safer …

By going all-electric, you can create a safer home and brighter Manningham.

Do you have questions about making your home more comfortable and efficient? Keen to install solar, batteries or efficient electric appliances? Drop in to learn more.

You can also find out about available discounts and discover how Solar Savers can help.

Join us at your local library for a session between August and October 2025.

Registration is not required. Drop in any time during the 1-hour session.

Electrify Your Life

This event 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.

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Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.

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Environment and Sustainability

Electrify Your Life

Whats On

Electrify Your Life - Electrification masterclass

… Electrify Your Life - Electrification masterclass Environment and sustainability By switching to electric appliances, you can …

By switching to electric appliances, you can create a safer and healthier home for your family.

Join us for an in-depth 2-hour electrification masterclass featuring expert presenter Lucinda, plus a 30-minute Q&A with a qualified electrician and solar installer.

Learn about:

Victoria's move to electrification and why it’s the best economic and environmental choice
which home appliances you’ll need to upgrade and in what order
considerations that might impact going all-electric at your home.

Following the masterclass, attendees can join an optional one-hour hands-on session to dive deeper into modelling electrification options for your home, including cost-benefit calculations.

This session is ideal for anyone interested in going all-electric and creating a more comfortable, affordable and energy-efficient home.

Session dates:

There will be two sessions held at Doncaster Library.

Thursday 12 June 2025, 9.30am-12.30pm: Register now
Saturday 21 June 2025, 1.00pm-4.00pm: Register now

Registrations are essential.

Electrify Your Life

This event 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.

Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter

Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.

Subscribe now

Environment and Sustainability

Electrify Your Life

Whats On

Electrify Your Life - Summer Comfort - Doncaster

… Electrify Your Life - Summer Comfort - Doncaster Environment and sustainability By improving your home's efficiency, you can …

By improving your home's efficiency, you can reduce energy costs and create a more comfortable home for your family.

Looking for ways to improve comfort and energy efficiency at home? This 2-hour session, funded by Manningham Council and hosted by Doncaster Library, is perfectly timed as we enter the warmer months.

Join expert presenter Lucinda and learn practical strategies to optimise your home and appliances for summer comfort.

Topics include:

how heat builds up in your home and strategies to reduce this
simple tips for staying cooler in summer
choosing efficient and affordable appliances
habits and behaviours to make your home more liveable
government freebies, rebates and financial incentives.

You'll leave with fresh ideas and an upgrades roadmap to help you achieve greater comfort and lower energy use – long into the future.

The session is suited to anyone looking for simple, practical ways to save money, reduce their environmental impact and improve their home's liveability.

Registrations are essential.

Note: Pines Learning will be hosting an earlier session of Liveable Homes - Summer Comfort on 9 October 2025.

Power up a cleaner future

This event 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.

Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter

Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.

Subscribe now

Environment and Sustainability

Seniors month

Electrify Your Life

Whats On

Beeswax wrap workshop - Nunawading

… Beeswax wrap workshop - Nunawading Environment and sustainability Participants will learn how to make and …

Participants will learn how to make and maintain beeswax wraps for keeping food fresh and hygienic without the use of single-use plastics such as cling-wrap.

Environment and Sustainability

Waste and Recycling

Whats On