Local community groups, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations are set to share in more than $290,000 through Manningham’s Annual Grant Program.

Grant applications open on Monday 3 February and eligible local groups can receive between $3,001 and $20,000 in funding.

Mayor Cr Deirdre Diamante said the program helped fund local initiatives, projects and activities that made a positive impact in Manningham.

“These include a wide range of community-driven projects such as arts, festivals and events, wellbeing programs, as well as inclusive and multicultural activities,” Cr Diamante said.

“We want to support our outstanding local organisations who do a wonderful job in helping make Manningham a vibrant, connected and inclusive community for all.”

Grants are available in the following categories:

• Community Development
• Arts
• Festivals and Events
• Healthy Ageing.

The Manningham Toy Library was one of last year’s successful recipients. The library received a grant to support its free 40th Anniversary Messy Play Day.

Toy Library Coordinator Anlina Jones said the event will be a wonderful way to showcase the benefits of the group to the Manningham community.

“We love running messy play events, but it can be costly purchasing the equipment required, so this grant was such an amazing opportunity for us. We can really celebrate the 40 years of play at the toy library,” Anlina said.

Applications for Manningham’s Annual Grant Program are open until 5.00pm, Tuesday 11 March. 

To assist groups with their applications, Council will host the following information sessions:

• Grant Writing Workshop, Wednesday 12 February, 10.00am to 12.00pm, Manningham Function Centre.
• Healthy Ageing Grant Information Session, Thursday 13 February, 11.00am to 12.00pm, Manningham Function Centre.
• Online Q&A session, Wednesday 19 February, 4.30pm to 5.00pm.

The sessions are free, but registrations are essential. For details visit the Annual Grants Program page.

We proudly hosted our first Annual Grants Celebration on Wednesday 27 August – an evening dedicated to recognising and celebrating the remarkable organisations supported through the 2025 Annual Community Grants program. 

The event brought together community groups, volunteers, and local leaders to acknowledge the vital role of not-for-profit organisations in creating a more inclusive, connected, and vibrant Manningham. 

Our Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said it was an honour to celebrate with the 30 grant recipients and acknowledge the efforts of the many volunteers, organisers and community members behind each project.

“A big congratulations to all our grant recipients and the people who work quietly and tirelessly in the background to strengthen our community,” Cr Diamante said. 

“There’s something really powerful about bringing people together who share the same compassion for our community in Manningham.

“This celebration marks the beginning of a new tradition for Manningham - one that not only recognises the incredible work happening in our community, but also encourages connection, collaboration and continued growth,” Cr Diamante said.  

Each year, we're proud to provide grants that support local initiatives to enhance wellbeing, strengthen social connection, and promote active participation across Manningham. 

This year, we awarded $314,223 in funding through our Annual Grants program, which includes four key streams of Community Development, Arts, Festivals and Events, and Healthy Ageing. 

The 2025 program highlights the diverse and meaningful ways community-led initiatives are making a difference. Some of the projects funded this year include:

• Heide Museum of Modern Art’s Yaluk Langa Learning Programs, designed in collaboration with First Nations artists and educators to deepen cultural understanding among young people through art.
• Onemda Association’s sensory wellbeing spaces, which provide calm, inclusive environments tailored to individuals with sensory processing needs.
• The Rotary Club of Manningham City’s Walk for Youth Mental Health, an initiative that brings the community together to raise awareness, reduce stigma and support young people’s mental health.

These projects are among 30 grant recipients making an impact on the lives of Manningham residents. 

View the full list of grant recipients at our Community Grants page. 

Join in a range of fun, social and informative events and activities in recognition of Dementia Action Week from 15 to 21 September.

Dementia touches many lives in our community and the week aims to build support and understanding, while raising awareness across our community.

This year’s theme, ‘Nobody can do it alone’, highlights the importance of community connection and support. 

If you’re seeking more information about dementia, are living with the condition or are a family member, carer or friend, these events are for you. 

Across the week, we’ll be supporting a range of community activities including a Dementia Awareness Community Seminar on Tuesday 16 September, social café catch-ups, bowls events, therapeutic gardening and more. You can see the full list of events at the bottom on this page.

Alan Ellery, of Templestowe Lower, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 12 years ago, and credits his healthy and active lifestyle for helping him to live with the condition.

“Social contact is very important. Join a new group or continue with the groups you already associate with. The social group run by Mannacare is excellent and an opportunity to meet new people and take part in outings and activities," Alan said. 

“Exercise is important, too, if that is suitable.”

Alan and his wife, Margaret (pictured above), were two of the community members with lived dementia experience to help create our Manningham Dementia Information Booklet. 

This pocket guide provides valuable information, resources and contacts for people living with dementia, those with concerns about dementia, as well as carers and families.

Download the booklet below, or pick up a copy from local libraries, medical centres, neighbourhood houses or the Manningham Civic Centre. 

We also have a range of helpful resources and information available on our website. 

Looking for more support or advice? Contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit Dementia Australia

Our highly anticipated International Women’s Day Breakfast event returns on Thursday 6 March, with tickets now available. 

This year’s keynote speaker, Dr Emma Fulu, is a world-leading expert on gender equality and ending violence against women and girls. She has worked for the United Nations and other global programs.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said International Women’s Day was an opportunity to celebrate, connect and reflect.

“I’m so pleased to welcome Dr Emma Fulu to Manningham to speak on such an important issue that demands attention and action both globally and locally,” Cr Diamante said.

“Championing gender equality and respect in every aspect of our lives is at the heart of driving change. 

“We all have a role to play in turning promises into progress. I encourage men and women to join us for what will be an insightful and inspiring morning,” the Mayor added.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women’s achievements and raises awareness for women’s equality.

Dr Fulu will speak to this year’s UN Women Australia IWD theme, ‘March Forward: It’s time to turn promises into progress’.

The theme is in reference to the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) – considered to be the most progressive blueprint for advancing women’s rights.

While women have broken many barriers since then, there’s still much to be done for millions of women around the world and it’s time to turn promises into progress.

Dr Fulu will be joined by a panel of guest speakers who will bring their lived experience and individual lens to this important discussion.

The event will be held on Thursday 6 March, 7.30am to 9.30am at the Manningham Function Centre. Tickets are $25 and include a plated breakfast. 

For more information and to book your ticket, visit our events page.

Find out what's happening in Manningham for Seniors Month.

We're proud to support a vibrant calendar of community events and activities throughout October for Seniors Month promoting connection, wellbeing and active ageing.

Explore our local guide, designed to help older people, care partners and family members find fun and affordable events and activities in Manningham.

There are more than 60 local events to get involved in across October ranging from health and fitness activities, creative workshops, tours and outings, information sessions and talks on a range of different subjects and opportunities to meet, chat and connect. See our online calendar of events at the end of this page.

Getting there

Manningham residents are encouraged to make use of the Manningham Community Transport Service, delivered by EV, to get you where you need to be. To learn more or to book transport today, contact EV on 9870 7822.

Victorian Seniors Festival

You can also attend events and activities further across Melbourne and Victoria as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival. The theme for this year's festival is Connect, Create and Celebrate. 

Victorian Seniors Card and Seniors Business Discount cardholders can enjoy eight days of free public transport throughout Victoria from 6 October to 13 October 2025. Seniors must hold a valid Seniors Myki Card, and touch on and off, no fare will be deducted.

Contact our Healthy Ageing Team

Whether you're an older person, or caring for someone who is, we're here to help you live and age well.

Contact our Healthy Ageing team, 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday by calling 9840 9230 or emailing us at healthyageing@manningham.vic.gov.au.

Manningham’s highly anticipated International Women’s Day Breakfast event returns on Thursday 6 March, with tickets now available.

This year’s keynote speaker, Dr Emma Fulu, is a world-leading expert on gender equality and ending violence against women and girls. She has worked for the United Nations and other global programs.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said International Women’s Day was an opportunity to celebrate, connect and reflect.

“I’m so pleased to welcome Dr Emma Fulu to Manningham to speak on such an important issue that demands attention and action both globally and locally,” Cr Diamante said.

“Championing gender equality and respect in every aspect of our lives is at the heart of driving change.

“We all have a role to play in turning promises into progress. I encourage men and women to join us for what will be an insightful and inspiring morning,” the Mayor added.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women’s achievements and raises awareness for women’s equality.

Dr Fulu will speak to this year’s UN Women Australia IWD theme, ‘March Forward: It’s time to turn promises into progress’.

The theme is in reference to the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) – considered to be the most progressive blueprint for advancing women’s rights.

While women have broken many barriers since then, there’s still much to be done for millions of women around the world and it’s time to turn promises into progress.

Dr Fulu will be joined by a panel of guest speakers who will bring their lived experience and individual lens to this important discussion.

The event will be held on Thursday 6 March, 7.30am to 9.30am at the Manningham Function Centre. Tickets are $25 and include a plated breakfast.

For more information and to book your ticket, visit the International Women's Day page on our website.

We’re making it easier for you to go all-electric with a range of free events, resources and rebates.   

Manningham residents can access trusted installers, quality products and government discounts to support their transition to solar power and electric appliances through our partnership with Solar Savers.

Why go all-electric?

By going electric, you can create a healthier home and support a cleaner future. 

The process involves upgrading appliances to energy-efficient electric ones. This can include ovens, stovetops, heaters and hot water systems. 

You can also switch to renewable energy by installing solar panels or choosing GreenPower.  

How can I learn more?

Whether you’re new to all-electric homes or have already started the switch, we have an event for you. 

Explore our program:

Learn more about going electric

What is Solar Savers?

Solar Savers is a local government initiative that has been helping households go electric and switch to solar energy since 2018. You can join the 10,000 plus Manningham households with solar who have begun their journey to an all-electric home. 

Solar Savers takes the hard work out of going all-electric, helping you install quality and affordable rooftop solar, batteries, hot water heat pumps and reverse cycle air conditioners.

Learn more about Solar Savers.

Pride Night returned for its second year on Sunday 2 February, bringing together the LGBTQIA+ community and allies for an evening of fun at Aquarena. 

The event welcomed people of all ages and backgrounds to connect in a safe and inclusive space.

Now in it’s second year, Pride Night was bigger and better in 2025, featuring an great line-up of activities, including dazzling performances, fitness classes, smoothie-making bikes, and a DJ.

Manningham Youth Services also joined the fun, inviting everyone to get involved with some arts and craft!

Aquarena staff member Kirra, who has worked at both Pride Night events, reflected on the celebration.

“Seeing the joy on people’s faces and hearing from parents who were excited to attend for the first time made the night incredibly special,” Kirra said.

“There was something for everyone – from zumba and aqua classes to live music and delicious food. It was a privilege to be part of an event that champions inclusivity and celebrates our beautiful community.”

Events like Pride Night not only celebrate diversity but also create lasting connections and a stronger, more connected community. 

With winter behind us, it’s the perfect time to rediscover our region’s natural beauty. 

The Spring Outdoors Festival is an opportunity to connect with nature through a broad program of environmental events. 

Banyule, Manningham and Nillumbik Councils are proud to collaborate again to offer our communities exciting experiences in nature.

There are events to suit families, children and individuals of all ages.

Want to hear about more events like this?

Subscribe to our Environment E-newsletter

The much-loved Spring Outdoors Festival is back this September, with a jam-packed program of free and low-cost events for all ages.

Running from September to November, the festival – a partnership program of Manningham, Banyule and Nilumbik Councils – features more than 50 events celebrating nature, sustainability and local biodiversity. 

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said the festival is a much-anticipated part of the annual calendar, offering the community a chance to connect with the environment and each other. 

“We’re lucky to live in an area with such incredible biodiversity and green spaces,” Cr Diamante said.

“The Spring Outdoors Festival is all about inspiring our community to get outside, learn something new and take simple steps that help our environment thrive.”

This year’s program shines a light on biodiversity, with environment seminars, a wildlife gardening seminar series, a guided nature walk and more. 

Festival highlights include:

• Breakfast with the platypus river walk (Sunday 7 September, 6:45am to 8:30am)
• Backyard birds of Warrandyte (Tuesday 14 October, 11:00am to 12:00pm)
• Wildlife Gardening Seminar Series: Attracting wildlife and birds into the garden (Thursday 30 October, 7:00pm to 9:00pm)
• Star gazing night at Ruffey Lake Park (Friday 17 October, 8:00pm to 10:00pm)

The festival kicks off on 7 September and runs until November. Bookings are essential.

For the full program and to register, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/spring-outdoors 

Getting involved in climate action is vital to creating a more liveable future. We’re making this action easier by offering resources, events, programs and partnerships. 

Since we recognised the Climate Emergency in 2020, we’ve introduced several initiatives to help us move towards our zero emission targets – for Council by 2028 and for the Manningham community by 2035. 

Here’s how we’re supporting you to act on climate, both individually and together as a community.

Individuals: How we can support 

We’re making individual change feel less solo by sharing handy resources, connecting you with government discounts and even providing a year’s supply of compostable bin liners. 

	1. Resources and discounts to go electric
	We’re supporting households to go electric with free resources, webinars and information sessions. Residents can also access installers and government discounts through our partnership with Solar Savers. The benefits? The opportunity to create a healthier, more efficient home while also powering a cleaner future.
	2. A network of public electric vehicle (EV) chargers
	Considering purchasing an electric vehicle (EV)? Owning one will soon be more convenient in Manningham, as we’re rolling out a network of nine public EV chargers from early 2025. The chargers will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, through government accredited GreenPower.
	3. FOGO support (and a free roll of liners!)
	The FOGO service is one of the simplest ways to reduce carbon emissions.  By using our FOGO bins, we can decrease the waste sent to landfill to create a healthier environment for us all. This means placing the right items in your FOGO bins and using the certified compostable liners (that meet the AS4736 standards), as these decompose.  To make this simpler, we’re providing each Manningham household with a free roll of 150 compostable liners (approximately one year’s supply), available for collection from the Manningham Civic Centre or Council Depot. We’re also sharing FOGO tips and tricks, ‘how to’ videos, translated language guides and more to help you with FOGO. Explore our helpful FOGO resources.
	4. Clothes swap days
	Fast fashion has a negative impact on our environment, accounting for 10 per cent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. An alternative to this?  buying secondhand and vintage swapping clothes. Clothes swap days are a fantastic way to refresh your wardrobe and meet new people. Here at Council, we regularly run clothing exchange days. See when the next one is.

Our community: How we’re helping 

Our impact is greater when we work together. That’s why we’re facilitating community events and connecting you to local groups who make a positive difference.  

	5. Tree planting days
	Planting trees is one of the best and simplest ways to take climate action, while making Manningham a greener and more beautiful place to live and work.  Join us next National Tree Day (Sunday 28 July) to plant trees together. Check our What's on event calendar each July to find planting locations.
	6. Access to community groups
	Local environmental groups are a fantastic opportunity to connect with neighbours and make a difference in your shared backyard. We can connect you to: Andersons Creek Landcare Group Jumping Creek Catchment Landcare Group Friends Of Warrandyte State Park Wonga Park Environment Group Friends of Park Orchards Reserve Friends of Yarra Valley Parks
	7. A regular community garden
	The Doncaster Hill Community Garden is a friendly space for anyone interested in gardening and making new friends. Meeting every second Tuesday morning, volunteers tend to the garden with all produce donated to Doncare’s food relief program. Register for the next session.
	8. Sustainable schools program
	We run several programs to encourage local schools to protect and care for our natural environment, as well as sustainable education programs for our teacher network. This includes: Eastern Alliance for Sustainable Learning Resource Smart Schools Program Environmental Leadership Program for Schools Learn more about our schools programs.

Manningham residents are invited to come together and celebrate Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 2 March, with a clean up event at Koonung Creek Linear Park from 10.00am to 1.00pm.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante encourages the local community to get involved.

“Clean Up Australia Day is coming up and a great way to take collective action to help our parks, waterways and wildlife.”

Manningham is home to a variety of parks and reserves as well as rivers and creeks that connect to larger water systems. Unfortunately, litter is being found in many of these areas, which can endanger waterways and wildlife.

When our waste ends up on the ground, it doesn’t just stay there – it washes into local waterways, especially during rainy or windy weather.

This litter can disrupt water quality and create hazards for our aquatic life, making it harder for plants and animals to thrive. Wildlife can also mistake plastic bags, food wrappers or small debris for food.

Clean Up Australia Day is a chance to take positive, practical action.

“By keeping litter out of our natural environment, we can create a cleaner, healthier Manningham for all.”

Event details

Sunday 2 March 2025

10.00am to 1.00pm

Koonung Creek Linear Park, 105 Leeds Street, Doncaster East, enter via Boronia Reserve

Gloves, litter collection gear, and a barbecue lunch will be provided. Registration is required.

"It’s incredibly rewarding to get outside, connect with nature and work together to make a positive impact – plus, the free barbecue is always a bonus!” Cr Diamante said.

For more information about this event or to register, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/events/clean-australia-day.