About this event

Join Melbourne Water Platypus Education Officer Madeline Taylor and Manningham Waterwatch Coordinator Nigel Philpot for an early morning walk along the Birrarung (Yarra River) at Finns Reserve, a platypus sighting hotspot, to celebrate Threatened Species Day. Learn about these unique and vulnerable creatures in their natural habitat.

Join us for the Healthy, Happy & Wise: Healthy Ageing Forum, an informative event designed to support older adults in ageing well.

Featuring expert speakers from organisations such as Eastern Community Legal Centre, Bendigo Bank, and Elder Rights Advocacy, the forum will cover key topics including financial literacy, retirement planning, elder rights, housing, and active living.

Attendees can engage in a panel discussion with Q&A, explore resource stalls, and enjoy a complimentary morning tea for networking and community connection.

Held in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2025, this event highlights the importance of elder rights, ageism prevention, and a safe, respectful community for all.

This is a free event, however places are limited. Register your attendance today.

Enjoy performances by Code One and the Veneto Club Choir, get some tasty treats from the food trucks while the kids are entertained with fun activities including face painting.

Hosted by Lucy Durack and Richard Thomas, enjoy your favourite carols performed by local and national artists.

Lucy is one of Australia’s most well-known leading ladies, with major roles to her credit in productions including Wicked, Shrek the Musical, Legally Blonde and Midnight the Musical as well as TV series The Letdown, Sisters, A Perfect Pairing and Doctor Doctor. She’s been a judge on Australia’s Got Talent and performed on The Masked Singer. 

Richard has been entertaining Melbourne audiences for more than 25 years. As an avid musical theatre performer, his credits include Mame, Sweet Charity, Follies, The Secret Garden, Les Miserables, Chicago, Rebecca, The Producers, The Phantom of the Opera and Mary Poppins.

Performers include:

• All Star Carols Band led by renowned musical director John Turcio with Dean Cooper on drums, Robert Severini on bass, and Jack Pantazis on guitar.
• Manningham Concert Band, led by esteemed musical director Andrew van Gemert.
• Leyla Sabo, 12-year-old Melbourne singer-songwriter, who has performed on some of Melbourne’s biggest stages and has already released her first single Hard to Breathe.
• Stephen Coutts, operatic tenor who has performed extensively with the Victorian Opera, Opera Su Presto, Victorian Concert Orchestra, Amore Duet, Melbourne Shakespeare Company and others.
• Team Dream, one of Australia’s most exciting bands for kids.
• Katrina Couroyannis, a Manningham local singer, dancer and actor whose professional credits include Australia’s Got Talent 2022 and performances with the Victorian Opera and major sporting events.
• Chloe Lara, another talented local singer, who has performed in many productions and was principal vocalist for the Victorian State School Spectacular for seven years from 2012-2019.
• Bianca Baykara, a Manningham performer whose credits include Jersey Boys in the US, Chess the Musical, School of Rock, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Rocky Horror Show, In the Heights, Singin’ in the Rain and more.
• Tanjil Adams, a talented young performer who has featured at many eastern region events, performing both as a soloist and with her bands Soldiers Road and The Curls.
• Catherine Bolzonello, from Manningham, is a classical soprano and experienced performer in Melbourne’s community music theatre, opera and concert scene.
• Wendy Samantha Productions, these talented local students aged 6-18 are dynamic, energetic and enthusiastic, and love to get a crowd excited and happy.
• Danielle and Michael Zuccala, a local mezzo-soprano and baritone duo.

• Enjoy our fireworks finale, which will go for approximately 8 minutes, weather permitting.
• Please leave pets at home, as fireworks cause distress to animals.
• In the case of high winds and extreme weather, including a declared day of ‘total fire ban’, fireworks will not proceed.
   

Parking

• Parking is limited, so plan ahead and if possible, walk, cycle or get dropped off at the event. 
• Our dedicated drop-off zone is on George Street (Ruffey Lake Park side, only for eastbound traffic).
• Free parking is available on King Street, a short stroll through Ruffey Lake Park to the event.
• Accessible parking is available via The Boulevarde off George Street (near the playground). Please show your accessible parking permit to the traffic controllers on the night. Carols is located in a park on a natural grassed slope. There are paved pathways from the accessible parking zone to the stage area, which is about a 100m to 150m walk away.

Transport for older residents

• Older residents can get to and from the event with Manningham Community Transport, provided by EV Strengthening Communities. Transport includes home pick up and drop off and a reserved seat at the event.
• Spaces are limited, and bookings close Friday 28 November. The cost is $5 per person. To check your eligibility and book your spot, call 9870 7822 or visit ev.org.au

What to bring

• Picnic rug and/or low-back, fold-up chair. There is a designated ‘rugs-only’ zone in front of the stage for optimal visability.
• Torch, warm clothes, comfortable shoes. 
• A reusable water bottle to fill up at our free water station.
• Picnics are welcome, and food is also available for purchase.

What not to bring

• Tents, marquees, glassware, fireworks or pyrotechnics of any type. 
• Please leave pets at home. 
• This is a smoke and vape free event.
   

Bring a picnic or enjoy delicious food available for purchase from one of our many food trucks.

Rotary Manningham City will be putting a sausage sizzle with funds raised going back into the local community.

• Please leave your pets at home, so they are not frightened by the fireworks.
• The fireworks finale begins at 9:30pm, and will run for about 8 minutes. If you live nearby, please secure your pets in a safe, comfortable location during the display.

We aim to make Carols accessible to all by providing:

• A large screen located next to the stage
• An Auslan interpreter
• Accessible toilets 
• Accessible parking via The Boulevarde off George Street (near the playground). Please show your accessible parking permit to the traffic controllers on the night.
• Carols is located in a park on a natural grassed slope. There are paved pathways from the accessible parking zone to the stage area, which is about a 100m to 150m walk away.
• Need help on the night? Please visit Manningham’s Information marquee next to the main stage.
   

• Our information marquee will be located next to the main stage.
• Our team is available to assist with queries and lost children.
• Free child wristbands available to write your details on in case you get separated.
• This is a great location to arrange to meet your family should you become separated.
• Qualified first-aid officers will be in attendance and located next to the information marquee.

Thank you to our sponsors Opal Healthcare, Mercedes Benz Silver Star, Barry Plant and Hologram Zoo.

Tickets go on sale from 9:00am on Monday 1 September via our booking form.  

All tickets are now sold. Join the waitlist. 

Nothing! This is a free ticketed event. 

Bookings are limited to 2 tickets per person. 

This is a very popular event, and we want to give as many members of our community as possible the chance to attend. To help manage demand and provide fair access, we’ve set a limit of 2 tickets per person this year. 

Tables of 10 are no longer available. Maximum of 2 tickets per person via our booking form.  

All tickets are now sold. Join the waitlist. 

We may ask for personal details like postcode or age to assist with registration, accessibility planning, or transport arrangements. If you have concerns, contact us on 9840 9333. 

Yes, once all tickets are taken you will have the option on Eventbrite to be added to our waitlist. If tickets become available, we’ll contact you. 

Join the waitlist. 

No. You don't need to bring your ticket with you on the day. However, identification may be requested to confirm your booking. 

If you don’t have an email address, you can contact our Customer Service team on 9840 9333.  

No, you don't have to be a senior to attend, however this event has been created for senior adults in Manningham to celebrate the start of Seniors Month. Generally, attendees are aged 60 plus.

This event has been created for the Manningham community. We understand that many people have a connection to Manningham through work, community groups and friends. If you are unsure if this event is for you, you can contact us on 9840 9333. 

Yes, you can bring a family member or carer to the event with you. You will need to book a ticket for them to attend and be seated with you. 

You cancel your booking prior to the day either through Eventbrite or by calling Customer Service on 9840 9333.

No, tickets are non-transferrable, as there will be a waitlist. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your booking via Eventbrite or contact Customer Service on 9840 9333.

Free parking is available in the Civic Centre car park. 

A free minibus will pick up guests around the car park and drop them off at the Manningham Function Centre entry doors. 

The bus will also be available after the event to return you to your car in the Civic Centre car park. 

The event is inspired by the glamour and charm of the 1920s – think jazz music, flapper fashion, and vintage décor.

Dressing up is encouraged but not required. Comfortable clothing is perfectly fine, and we’ll have themed accessories available for those who’d like to join in the fun.

The event starts at 10am and finishes at 12noon. Doors open at 9:50am. 

We recommend arriving a little early to get settled and enjoy the full experience. 

Yes, plenty of seating will be provided, including chairs with back support and accessible seating options.

Yes. You will be allocated to a table with your guest. If you have booked 2 tickets, you will be seated next to your guest. 

We can’t accommodate requests to be seated with other ticket holders. 

Absolutely. The venue has a lift, accessible restrooms, and staff available to assist if needed.

Yes, you’re welcome to step outside our Function Centre into our foyer to relax away from the music and crowd.

Yes, our friendly team will be on hand throughout the event to assist with anything you need.

Yes, a selection of light refreshments and beverages will be available, including options suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

Yes, you’re welcome to bring personal items. If you have specific dietary or medical needs, please let us know in advance via the booking form.  

Expect live jazz music and lots of dancing! 

You can contact the Healthy Ageing team with any enquiries on 9840 9333.