We’re installing 3 new community batteries to capture and store renewable energy, so we can power our facilities more sustainably. 

This is one step towards our goal of achieving zero emissions for Manningham Council by 2028 and for our community by 2035.

Community battery benefits 

These batteries – at Mullum Mullum Stadium, MC Square and Manningham Council Depot – will deliver:

• lower emissions
• a more stable grid
• backup power to the site during an outage

How do community batteries work?

Community batteries store extra solar power from that site and release it when demand is high.

This keeps the grid reliable, which will become increasingly important as more renewable energy powers our community. 

When will construction begin?

Construction will begin in October 2025, with all 3 batteries switched on by March 2026.

How will this impact me? 

Compact and quiet, these batteries won’t disrupt your power supply or services. 

Learn more 

Join our free information session in March 2026 to learn how these batteries work, why they matter and how you can be part of the clean energy future. Details coming soon.
 

A new larger-than-life exhibition is now open at the Manningham Art Gallery in Doncaster.

Pages of Me: A Bird, an Eye, Clouds, Ice cream, is a multimedia project by celebrated Melbourne artist and designer Beci Orpin.

Drawing from her textile-focused background, Orpin delves into mascot culture by creating a giant cat called Pomme, set in a display of oversized pages pulled from her sketchbook, blending bold patterns, found images and positive mantras.

The exhibition explores finding happiness through individuality and acceptance, and visitors are drawn in to read the mantras from Orpin’s pages and catch further glimpses of Pomme.

“The idea for the mascot came from seeing a series of photos of mascots caught in odd, unexpected places – doorways, ticket booths, elevators,” Orpin said.

“It struck me both as comical and a metaphor for getting ‘stuck in the cracks’. I often say that ‘the cracks’ are where I exist – somewhere between creative categories, never fully fitting into one genre.

“Though it can be challenging to exist in ‘the cracks’, it’s where I’m most authentic, where I can be fully myself and do my best work.”

Visitors are encouraged to get creative at the gallery themselves, drawing their own mascot, based on their unique qualities.

Orpin is known for her signature application of colour, shape and optimism. She has collaborated with major brands and organisations including Apple, Google Disney, Uniqlo and the Australian Ballet.

Manningham Mayor Deirdre Diamante said: “We’re thrilled to have such a highly regarded artist exhibit at the Manningham Gallery. It’s a wonderful exhibition and I encourage you to come and see it for yourself while you can.”

Pages of Me continues until Saturday 5 April 2025.

Manningham Art Gallery, 687 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, is open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 11.00am to 4.00pm.

For more information, visit our events calendar. 

Image: Pomme the giant cat mascot is a feature of Beci Orpins new exhibition at the Manningham Art Gallery. Picture: Charlie Kinross

Residents going above and beyond to make Manningham a better place have been recognised at our inaugural Manningham Community Awards.

The winners and the 2025 Citizen of the Year were announced at an awards ceremony hosted by the Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, on Wednesday 16 September at the Manningham Function Centre.

The expanded awards program recognises the outstanding achievements of individuals and groups over the past 12 months.

The Manningham Community Awards are a chance to celebrate the people and groups who make Manningham shine,” Cr Diamante said.

“Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. Your commitment, passion and care for others reflects the very best of who we are.”

Leon Moore has been named the 2025 Manningham Citizen of the Year and won the Doreen Stoves Excellence in Volunteering Award for his work in establishing and leading the Laughing All Abilities Really Friendly Singers (LAARFS). 

The choir, which meets weekly, has more than 70 members, who live with chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer and dementia.

Category winners:

Active Community

Bulleen Tennis Club

Under the committee’s leadership, the club’s facilities have been transformed with upgrades including court resurfacing and new lighting. Membership has grown by more than 70% with expanded junior and senior competitions, veterans’ tennis and social play.

Ageing Well

Chinese Senior Citizens Club of Manningham Inc.

With more than 1000 members and 200 volunteers, the club is one of the largest in Manningham. It has delivered more than 60 free weekly classes, as well as educational talks, performances and major cultural celebrations over the past year.

Artistic Achievement

Warrandyte Arts Association

The association has supported more than 170 members across several groups including life drawing, pottery, writing and theatre. 

Community Excellence Award

Warrandyte Pink Ladies

The group was recognised for their passionate efforts in raising funds, awareness and support for those affected by breast cancer – all while bringing some of their signature sparkle to the community.

Community Health and Wellbeing

Men’s Shed at the Veneto Club

The group has created a welcoming and supportive space for men of all ages and backgrounds to connect, share and support one another, and improve men’s mental health. 

Inclusive Community

Kevin Heinze Grow

The organisation’s inclusive, nature-based programs support people of all abilities. These include Café Kevin, which provides hospitality training, and the Grow Program that offers experience in gardening, cooking and sustainability.

Young Achiever

Niosha Khademideljou

Former Manningham Youth Advisory Committee member, Niosha is now a crisis supporter with Lifeline Naarm, and has helped provide children’s spiritual education classes and inclusive school holiday festivals.

This year’s awards were the first of an expanded program designed to recognise even more of the work being done in our community.

Cr Diamante said, “We received an incredible 70 nominations, making the judging no easy task.

“There were so many inspiring stories – so many individuals and groups going above and beyond.

Keep an eye out as we share more about our winners in the coming months.

“We can’t wait to learn about more of the incredible people and groups who contribute to the Manningham community. We encourage you to nominate someone you know who is doing amazing things for the 2026 awards. Nominations will open in March 2026,” Cr Diamante said.

Find out more about the Manningham Community Awards.

Soft plastic recycling is back in Manningham thanks to a new trial at Woolworths supermarkets. 

Items must be clean and dry. Eligible soft plastics include: 

• plastic bags
• zip lock bags
• cling wrap
• bread bags
• chip packets
• cereal liners
• yoghurt pouches
• baby food pouches
• pet food pouches.

These materials will be transported to local recycling facilities to be processed into products like shopping trolleys, park furniture and road additives.

How to return your soft plastics

Find a designated bin at the front of your local Woolworths store. 

In Manningham, locations include:

• Devon Plaza: 978 Doncaster Road, Doncaster
• Westfield Doncaster Shopping Centre: 619 Doncaster Road, Doncaster
• Macedon Square: 325 Manningham Road, Templestowe
• The Pines Shopping Cente: 181 Reynolds Rd, Doncaster East

A full list of stores participating in the trial is available on the Woolworths website.

For more information

Visit the Woolworths website.

A new installation at the Manningham Art Gallery will provide plenty of food for thought as part of Melbourne Design Week – Australia’s premier design festival.

Beyond the Table: The Dinner Party Reimagined, is a reimagining of a traditional dinner party by local artists Isobel Goodman and Jade Piltz.

It’s one of more than 350 events, exhibitions, talks and installations on show across the state during Melbourne Design Week, which runs from 15-25 May.

Goodman, of Donvale, has used works from Manningham Council’s ‘Potters Cottage Collection” to inspire her signature papier mache and plaster sculptures that reference a dinner party table setting. The sculptures sit alongside the handmade pottery created by the Potters Cottage co-operative, founded in Warrandyte in 1958.  

Visitors can view the setting, or, during Melbourne Design Week, pick a flower from the setting to take home.

Surrounding the dining table presentation is a display of paintings by Piltz, of Warrandyte, that depict bright, layered and abstract domestic objects.

The dinner party will continue beyond Melbourne Design Week, with the installation on display until 28 June.

Melbourne Design Week is an initiative of the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and is curated and delivered by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).

Visit designweek.melbourne to view the full program.

Manningham Council has partnered with two of Australia’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging operators to set up a network of nine public charging stations across the municipality.

The partnership with JOLT Charge and Evie Networks will deliver universal direct current chargers, at key commercial and tourist destinations from early 2025.
These chargers will be situated on council land and powered by 100% renewable energy. Their supply, installation, operation, and maintenance will be fully financed by the private sector at no cost to council.

The public charging infrastructure aims to accommodate the increasing use of electric vehicles, especially following new legislated vehicle standards.

In Manningham, a 2023 community survey revealed strong community support for local public charging facilities and highlighted the dependence of many local EV drivers on public chargers.

Locations for the chargers are being investigated, focusing on areas where the community can take advantage of the 30 to 40 minute charge time to visit local cafes and restaurants, retail outlets, and sporting facilities.

Possible locations include Tunstall Square car park, MC Square and Jackson Court car park, which were identified as preferred sites in the community survey. The final locations will depend on technical feasibility, particularly access to adequate power supply.

This initiative aligns with Council’s commitment to reducing the high level of transport emissions in Manningham, improving local air quality, and enhancing fuel security.

It is another way we are working towards achieving net zero community emissions by 2035, as outlined in the adopted Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP).

Find out more at manningham.vic.gov.au/electric-vehicle-charging.

Your Waste Calendar will be delivered differently this year – here’s what you need to know.

This year, you will receive your waste calendar within the June issue of Manningham Matters. 

You’ll be able to simply pull out the insert, cut along the dotted line and place your calendar on your fridge or in a handy spot for easy reference.

As in previous years, the calendar will include your property’s bin day – along with tips for what can and can’t go in each bin and how to place them out for collection. 

Does the new calendar include changes to our bin collection schedule?

There are no changes to the schedule, so you can stick to your usual routine.

In Manningham, your green lid food and garden organics (FOGO) bin is collected every week, while your yellow lid recycle and red lid garbage bins are collected every fortnight, on alternating weeks.

What is the calendar for?

Our annual waste calendar can help you keep track of these collections throughout the year. 

As in previous years, the calendar will include information about:

• your property’s bin collection schedule
• what can and can’t go in each bin
• how to place your bins out for collection

Why have you changed the delivery method?

This new way of delivering your calendar within the Manningham Matters magazine is more cost-effective and efficient. It will help reduce unnecessary waste, while ensuring every household still gets this important resource.

What if I missed it?

If you misplace your magazine or need an extra copy of the calendar, don’t worry! 

You can download your waste calendar online, or, collect a copy from:

• Manningham Civic Centre at 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster 3108.
• Manningham Council Depot at 620-628 Blackburn Road, Doncaster East 3109.

Keep an eye out for your calendar in the middle of the June edition of Manningham Matters.

No matter the weather these winter school holidays, we have some great activities to keep the kids warm, busy and active.

• Casual basketball shooting at DISC
• Casual basketball shooting at Mullum Mullum Stadium
• Hockey program
• Juventus soccer program
• Soccer Stars Program
• Tiger PAW (Physical Activity and Wellbeing)
• Volleyball program
• $25 Family Swim Day

At the 27 May Council Meeting the draft Council Plan, draft 2025-26 Budget, draft 10 year financial plan and the draft Revenue and Rating Plan were tabled.  These have been developed in line with our newly endorsed Community Vision 2040 to help shape the future of Manningham.

These draft strategic documents are now available on Your Say Manningham website and will be presented for endorsement at the 30 June Council Meeting.

Our draft Asset Plan 2025-2035 and the Council Plan Action Plan will be made available at an upcoming Council meeting.

Our strategic documents are informed by extensive community engagement conducted throughout 2024-25.  

Many people have helped shape our community’s future. We’ve been planning for the next four years, and we’ve done it by listening closely to our community.

At the heart of this work was the deliberative community panel – a collaborative effort that brought together 37 community members to play a crucial role in helping determine key priorities for Manningham.

Extensive community consultation informed both our strategic planning and the Community Panel’s deliberations, ensuring that our plans are grounded in our community's priorities, needs and aspirations.

This consultation included a community-wide survey last year where we heard from 1,260 community members about what matters most to you and which three areas you think Council should focus on. We also held a series of targeted conversations with key groups and residents including young people, older adults, multicultural communities and partners.

On top of that, many community members sent in their own ideas and suggestions through individual submissions, showing us how Council services can improve and how we can build a better future together.

These community insights gave us a strong and balanced view of our community's wants and needs. It directly shaped our strategic planning and the work of our Community Panel.

Given the depth and quality of feedback received during this process, a separate public submission process will not be held for this year’s strategic plans.

We thank everyone who contributed. We’re all part of the plan and your voices are shaping the future of our community.

Find out more by visiting our Your Say Manningham website.

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.
 

Painted Country – a new major exhibition featuring the work of five First Nations artists – is now open at the Manningham Art Gallery in Doncaster. 

The artists – Nellie Ngampa Coulthard, Brenda Napaltjarri, Clara Napurrula, Rene Sundown and Adrian Jurra Tjungurrayi – bring diverse practices and perspectives to reveal their unique depictions of the Australian landscape in their work.

The senior and emerging artists represent two Indigenous arts centres – Iwantja Arts in South Australia and Papunya Tula Artists in the Northern Territory.

The exhibition has been timed to coincide with National Reconciliation Week, which is held each year from 27 May to 3 June, with the 2025 theme Bridging Now to Next.

Aboriginal writer, artist, arts worker and Aboriginal affairs advocate from Cape York Peninsula Jack Wilki-Jans has described the 14 artworks featured in Painted Country as “hypnotic visions” of the artists’ Country.

“Visions of a wide country, a country of colour and texture, of sand dunes and salt lakes, scorched earth and radiant sunsets, of brushes and sweeping tufts of grasses with flowers – Australia!” Jack Wilki-Jans  said.

“It isn’t the hand that paints which this exhibition exalts, it’s the eyes which see.”

This celebration of First Nations contemporary painting is presented in collaboration with Alcaston Art Gallery, with special thanks to the artists, Iwantja Arts in South Australia and Papunya Tula Artists in the Northern Territory.

Gallery opening hours

Manningham Art Gallery, 687 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, is open Wednesday to Saturday, 11.00am to 4.00pm.

School holidays are the perfect time for kids to explore sport and activities, build confidence and make new friends. 

This summer we're offering a range of activities to keep the kids happy and active.  

See upcoming events below.  

UPDATE: Nominations for the Manningham Community Awards have closed. Tickets are now on sale for the Awards Ceremony in September.

The new expanded awards program aims to recognise individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the Manningham community over the past 12 months.

Mayor Deirdre Diamante said the winners will be announced at the Award Ceremony on Tuesday 16 September, with one overall winner named Manningham Citizen of the Year.

“We want to shine a light on the incredible work being done for the community by the community,” Cr Diamante said.

“The awards will celebrate those who have gone above and beyond in making Manningham a better place to live, work and visit.

The award categories are:

• Doreen Stoves Excellence in Volunteering: Recognising an individual who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to volunteerism.
• Active Community: Recognising and individual or group who has contributed to community participation in active lifestyles, sports or physical activity. 
• Ageing Well: Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to enhancing the lives of older residents, fostering social connection, safety or active ageing.
• Artistic Achievement: Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to Manningham’s creative community, sparking artist, cultural or creative expression.
• Community Excellence: Recognising a community organisation or group that has delivered outstanding programs or initiatives contributing to the wellbeing, development and cohesion of the Manningham community.
• Community Health and Wellbeing: Recognising an individual or group who has enhanced health, wellbeing or resilience in the community, whether through advocacy, program development or direct service delivery.
• Inclusive Community: Recognising an individual or group who has actively contributed to community accessibility, inclusivity or diversity.
• Young Achiever: Recognising a young person aged under 25, who has made a positive impact within the Manningham community through demonstrated leadership, innovation, or commitment to helping others.

One of the category award recipients will be selected by the judging panel as the overall Manningham Citizen of the Year. Winners and finalists will be celebrated at an Award Ceremony on Tuesday 16 September.

Book your tickets to the Awards Ceremony.
 

We’re excited to launch our new expanded community award program to honour and celebrate individuals and groups who are doing amazing things in Manningham.

Mayor Deirdre Diamante has officially announced the new Manningham Community Awards program, with nominations opening on Monday 16 June 2025.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have so many remarkable individuals, groups and organisations in our community, all working tirelessly to make a real difference,” Cr Diamante said.

“I’m thrilled to introduce the new Manningham Community Awards - a program dedicated to recognising the outstanding contributions of those who are helping to shape our vibrant community.

“This year, we will celebrate those who have gone above and beyond in making Manningham a better place to live, work and visit over the past 12 months.”

The expanded awards program will recognise achievements in eight categories with one of the individual winners also named the Manningham Citizen of the Year.

The expanded awards program will recognise achievements in eight categories with one of the individual winners also selected by the judging panel to be the Manningham Citizen of the Year. The categories are:

• Doreen Stoves Excellence in Volunteering: Recognising an individual who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to volunteerism.
• Active Community: Recognising and individual or group who has contributed to community participation in active lifestyles, sports or physical activity. 
• Ageing Well: Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to enhancing the lives of older residents, fostering social connection, safety or active ageing.
• Artistic Achievement: Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to Manningham’s creative community, sparking artist, cultural or creative expression.
• Community Excellence: Recognising a community organisation or group that has delivered outstanding programs or initiatives contributing to the wellbeing, development and cohesion of the Manningham community.
• Community Health and Wellbeing: Recognising an individual or group who has enhanced health, wellbeing or resilience in the community, whether through advocacy, program development or direct service delivery.
• Inclusive Community: Recognising an individual or group who has actively contributed to community accessibility, inclusivity or diversity.
• Young Achiever: Recognising a young person aged under 25, who has made a positive impact within the Manningham community through demonstrated leadership, innovation, or commitment to helping others.

Nominations will be open Monday 16 June to Sunday 20 July, with the winners announced at an Award Ceremony at the Manningham Function Centre on Tuesday 16 September.

“I encourage you all to nominate someone who inspires you, someone who has positively contributed to our community. It’s a great way to show how much we appreciate what they do,” Cr Diamante said.

For more information on the awards and how to nominate, visit our Community Awards page.

Looking for something to keep the kids busy and active these Easter school holidays? 

This autumn, we've got a range of fun activities to choose from including:

• Casual basketball shooting at DISC
• Casual basketball shooting at Mullum Mullum Stadium
• Ready Steady Go Multi Sports Program for young children
• Shuttle Smash Badminton
• Run 4 Fun Holiday program for children in Prep to Year 12
• Hockey school holiday program for ages 6 to 14 years
• Holiday youth pop-up for young people aged 12 to 17 years.

Full details of the program below.