At the 27 May Manningham 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 Manningham's newly endorsed Community Vision 2040 to help shape the future of Manningham.

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

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

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

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 Council's strategic planning and the Community Panel’s deliberations, ensuring that the plans are grounded in the community's priorities, needs and aspirations.

This consultation included a community-wide survey last year, where 1,260 community members shared what matters most to them and which three areas they thought Council should focus on. Council 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 how Council services can improve to build a better future together.

These community insights provided Council with a strong and balanced view of the community's wants and needs. It directly shaped its strategic planning and the work of the 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.

This approach is in line with Council's Community Engagement Policy as required by the Local Government Act.

Find out more by visiting the Your Say Manningham website.

Community voices will remain at the forefront as Manningham Council embeds the Community Panel’s recommendations into its planning – moving forward with a shared vision for the future.

Council provided its response to the Panel's recommendations in March, with a commitment to implementing them to the fullest extent possible.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said she was proud to be a Council that seeks community insights and takes meaningful action. She will meet with Panel members in May to discuss how the key priorites they identified for Manningham will be addressed. 

“Together, we’re building a future that’s inclusive, sustainable and prosperous for all – guided by the voices and aspirations of our residents,” Cr Diamante said.

The Panel was formed in September 2024 and tasked with delving into complex challenges to help determine key priorities for Manningham.

One of its initial focuses was to review Manningham’s existing Community Vision to ensure it reflected the community’s evolving needs and aspirations. The Panel agreed on an updated vision, which was then adopted unchanged by Council at its March meeting.

Manningham is a harmonious, inclusive and safe community that is committed to sustainable growth, well-being, and innovation. We celebrate our diversity and natural environment whilst fostering a connected community that enriches the lives of all.

— Manningham Community Panel (2025)

The Panel handed over its final recommendations to Council at a meeting held in February, following approximately 1,680 collective hours of deliberation. 

The report contains 14 recommendations and one minority report, which were formally adopted at the March Council meeting. The recommendations span several themes including community safety, transport, open spaces and more.

“We’ve carefully considered each recommendation and prepared a detailed response, outlining how we plan to approach and implement each of them,” Cr Diamante said.

“This will play a pivotal role in helping shape our strategic planning and will drive decisions that will reflect community values,” she said. 

The Panel’s recommendations will provide valuable guidance as Council develops its four-year Council Plan and 10-year Asset and Financial Plans.

For further information and stay up to date, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/help-shape-manninghams-future

Manningham Council has launched an exciting new program to boost the local live music scene.

Live and Local is designed to celebrate, develop and support our local musicians, bands and businesses.

This free program offers professional development workshops as well as performance and networking opportunities, providing valuable resources and support to musicians, venues and music lovers within the Manningham community.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said Council wanted to support and grow the grassroots live music scene.

“We have so many talented musicians, and music industry professionals in our local area. We want to support our local industry so our community can enjoy live music close to home,” Cr Diamante said.

“This in turn will boost small businesses, bringing more patrons to local venues and activity centres.” 

To launch the program, Council is seeking expressions of interest from musicians and local venues and businesses to get involved.

Musicians will have the chance to showcase their talents and get paid, while connecting with other local industry professionals. This opportunity will build their experience and contribute to the growth of the local live music scene.

Businesses don’t need to be a traditional live music venue to take part. All is required is a space for small-scale performances. Examples include retail spaces, cafes and galleries, as well as hotels, restaurants and bars.

Expressions of Interest to be part of the program close on Sunday 1 June at 11.59pm. 

Live and Local is presented by Manningham Council in partnership with the Live Music Office, One Music Australia and APRA AMCOS (the Australasian Performing Rights Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society). This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia.

Find out more and get involved at our Live and Local program page.

Image: Musician Alex Robertson from Cleo Black.

A new exciting opportunity to celebrate, develop and grow our local live music scene is coming to Manningham. 

The Live and Local program is presented in partnership with the Live Music Office, One Music Australia  and APRA AMCOS (the Australasian Performing Rights Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society). It has also been assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia.

The free program offers professional development workshops along with performance and networking opportunities. It will provide valuable resources and support to musicians and song writers of all genres and levels, music industry professionals, venues and businesses within the Manningham community.
 

What’s included?

• Professional Development Workshops: Gain knowledge and skills from industry experts to grow your sustainable music career
• Mentoring and networking: Spending time with professionals and meeting other local people with the same music drive as you
• Micro-Music Festival: Get the opportunity to perform at, host or attend our local Micro-Music Festival events
• Local Industry Forum: Engage with key figures in the music industry and grow your network at our free forum on Saturday 28 June, 1:00pm-4:00pm at the Warrandyte Mechanics Institute in Warrandyte. Register today!
  
   

Who’s it for?

Local musicians, song writers, bands, producers, music industry professionals such as venue bookers, gig promoters, photographers, designers, production companies, managers.

Venues and businesses with space for small live music events in Manningham. 
 

Sign up to get involved

Join us to strengthen the local music scene, improve your skills and make meaningful connections. 

We’re creating the Manningham Music Database to connect local musicians and venues for future live music programming. This database will serve as a central hub for opportunities and collaborations within the Manningham community.

We’ll begin programming as expressions of interest come in, so get yours in today. 
 

Musicians, song writers and music industry professionals

Musicians, bands, song writers, music industry professionals, producers and acts will have the chance to participate in paid events, connect with other local industry professionals, build their experience and contribute to the growth of the local live music scene.  

Apply now

Businesses and venues  

If you run a local space that could be used for live music, or if you already book live shows in your venue, we want to hear from you.

You don’t need to be a traditional live music venue to take part, you may have just a small space within your café, gallery or retail or service area that could make a great little performance area. 

Our Venues Liaison Officer can provide guidance and connect you to local musicians, other businesses and industry professionals through the program.

Apply now
 

Live Music Forum

You're invited to our free Manningham Live Music Industry Forum on Saturday 28 June, 1:00pm-4:00pm at the Warrandyte Mechanics Institute in Yarra Street, Warrandyte. 

Whether you're a musician, business or venue owner, event manager or all-round live music enthusiast, this forum is a valuable opportunity to network with us and the broader community and discuss what a thriving music scene looks like for Manningham.

The outcomes of this forum will assist us to develop professional opportunities for local musicians, inform our planning, includidng our upcoming Live and Local microfestival.

This event is free, but registrations essential.

Register now

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

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

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

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

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

View our 2024 local activity guides:

• 2024 Dementia Action Week

• 2024 Seniors Month

 “Our aim was to improve our home’s efficiency and reduce our reliance on the grid,” explains Ken.

While the couple initially dreamed of being off-grid, they found a powerful alternative: a well-insulated home with rooftop solar and a battery system.

For Ken, who comes from the country and doesn’t identify as an environmentalist, it was clear that “this is the way we must go.”

So, in 2023, Ken and Joan upgraded their 1kW solar panels to a 10kW system and also purchased a Sungrow battery through the Solar Savers scheme.

The battery offers three-phase backup protection, which keeps their home steady if there’s a power outage or problem with the grid. They can also add extra units to increase the battery’s capacity – if their energy needs grow or they add more appliances.  

The impact? Less grid outages and more reliable energy. Plus, with an interest-free loan from Solar Savers, the upgrade was more affordable.

“While the total cost was around $20,000, I only paid $7,000 upfront, with the rest on an interest-free loan. It’s a great deal that’s made a huge difference for us.”

Solar Savers 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. Learn more about Solar Savers here.

Did you get your driver licence back when seatbelts weren’t mandatory, cars were less advanced and driving tests were simpler?

If so, our free Wiser Driver course might be just the refresher you need.

This friendly, informative program helps older adults stay confident and independent on the road - without needing to undergo any driving assessments.

The four-session accredited course will run again this June for drivers aged 65 and over. 

You’ll learn about:

• challenges faced by older drivers
• safety tips for wiser driving
• updated road rules and regulations
• car safety features
• staying roadworthy
• planning for future travel needs
• exploring alternative transport options
• VicRoads tools and other helpful resources.

Join our Wiser Driver course in June

📍 Manningham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster 3108

📅 Wednesdays: 4, 11, 18 and 25 June 2025

🕙 Each session runs for two hours, from 10.30am to 12.30pm

Bookings essential.

Book now

If you're interested in future courses, or part of a group or community organisation interested in a dedicated session, please let us know by emailing manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au or calling 9840 9333.

This course is part of our commitment to supporting safe, informed and active ageing in the Manningham community. It is also an initiative aligned with our Road Safety Strategy, specifically our action to provide education and awareness programs that promote safer driving across all ages.

By staying up to date with the latest in road safety and transport options, older drivers can continue to enjoy their independence safely and confidently.
 

We’re making the Doncaster Hill Community Garden safer, more accessible and even better for our community to enjoy.

The garden will be temporarily closed from June to August 2025 while we make these upgrades. 

Redesign goals

• The new garden will deliver:
• A safer and more accessible design: A new level surface will remove tripping hazards while raised garden beds at varying heights will suit all ages and abilities.
• Increased food production and sustainability: New wicking beds, better composting and water management aim to boost vegetable yields.
• Better protection against theft: Trellising, soft fencing and access via a gate will enhance security. We are also installing lockable compost bins to reduce damage.
• A more inviting community space: More seating and improved diverse language signage will encourage greater community involvement and learning.

Shaped by feedback from our gardeners and volunteers, the transformation will model what a thriving urban space can achieve.

Feeding those in need

The garden is a space for community members to grow food, meet others and learn new skills.

Community members meet every fortnight where they plant, sow seeds, weed, water and harvestfresh produce. All food is donated to Doncare’s food relief program, providing fresh produce to those in need.

The community garden plays a vital role in strengthening the local food system, fostering social connections and supporting our community’s wellbeing. 

 

Community members will enjoy a safer, more accessible and usable Doncaster Hill Community Garden, with a redesign planned to get underway in June.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said the garden is a treasured place where people come together to grow, share and connect.

“The Doncaster Hill Community Garden plays a vital role in supporting our community,” Cr Diamante said.

“Beyond providing fresh and nutritious food, it nurtures a stronger local food system, social connections and community wellbeing.

“Importantly, it also provides fresh produce to people experiencing hardship through Doncare’s food relief program,” she said.

The works will include levelling uneven ground to reduce tripping hazards and installing raised garden beds at varying heights to support gardeners of all ages and abilities.

New wicking beds, improved composting and better water use will support more efficient and diverse food growing, including culturally significant crops. Security will also be improved through soft fencing, gated access and lockable compost bins.

“We’ve listened to our dedicated volunteers and gardeners, whose insights and aspirations have helped shape the planned improvements to the garden,” Cr Diamante said.

“The result will be a more accessible space that reflects our community values of sustainability, sharing and inclusion,” she said.

The Doncaster Hill Community Garden is a friendly space for anyone interested in growing food, meeting others and learning new skills. It hosts a working bee every second Tuesday, where community members come together to grow and harvest produce.

The garden will be temporarily closed from June to August 2025, while the works take place.

The shed will not be impacted in the redesign.

For more information, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/garden-redesign 

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

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

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

Proposed locations: 

Have your say

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

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

Need information in a different way? 

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

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.
 

A safe and secure home is the foundation for a healthy life, education, and connection to community. Right now we are seeing more people in Manningham facing housing stress and homelessness.

National Homelessness Week runs from 4 to 10 August and is an opportunity to raise awareness of the practical steps to address homelessness in our community.

Homelessness doesn’t discriminate — it can affect anyone. Rising housing costs mean some people are forced to choose between rent and food. We're also seeing a growing need for food relief and emergency support services locally.

If you or someone you know needs help, our Manningham Wellbeing Support Card connects you with local services that can provide support. Hard copies of these are available at community venues including Council facilities, libraries community centres, neighbourhood houses, sporting and social clubs.

Let’s work together to make our community a place where everyone has a home.

Our website provides an online resource directory of local crisis support services, including homelessness and crisis accommodation, emergency food relief, family violence support and wellbeing services.

This National Homelessness Week, we’re joining other councils and community organisations to highlight how we’re working together to support people doing it tough.

Want to learn more? Join us for the webinar More than Shelter on Thursday 7 August at 12:30pm, where we’ll explore the support services that offer safety and dignity to people experiencing homelessness.

Register now

Improving drainage and flood mitigation is one of the ways we're building a better Manningham.

What's happening?

We’re upgrading the drainage system along Trezise Street and Cemetery Road, Warrandyte to improve stormwater management and reduce flood risk.

The project will involve:

• upgrading drainage
• installing kerb and channel

Where is it?

This project will include the drainage:

• along Trezise Street, between Yarra Street and Brackenbury Street.
• along Cemetery Road, between Yarra Street and Brackenbury Street.
• within the easement at 21 Brackenbury Street.
   

When will the works happen?

We’re delivering this project as part of our 2025/26 Capital Works Program. 

We’re seeking community feedback on this project until 22 August 2025. Find out more about this consultation on Your Say Manningham - Capital works in Warrandyte and Wonga Park.

Why is the upgrade needed?

This upgrade will improve stormwater management to prevent flooding, reduce water pooling, and minimise erosion. This will ensure a safer and more resilient environment for our community.

How will the works affect me?

We’ll provide information about any potential impacts closer to construction.

Help prevent violence against women, girls and non-binary people by getting involved in the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign.

We have grants of up to $1,000 available to support eligible community-led events or projects that run during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign

The global campaign is held from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day).

Women, girls and non-binary people from multicultural communities, First Nations communities, the LGBTQIA+ community or people living with mental health issues or disability may be more at risk of experiencing family violence.

This year, we’re partnering with Respect Victoria and Safe & Equal on the 16 Days of Activism Campaign.

Grant details

• Up to $1,000
• Total funding pool: $8,000

What we’re looking for

• We’re looking for projects and activities that:
• raise awareness of gender-based violence
• connect with different groups of people
• use creative ways to advocate and educate 
• connect people to support services.

These could include but are not limited to:

• events such as morning teas, exhibitions or panel discussions
• digital campaigns such as social media, podcasts or newsletters.

We especially welcome applications that:

• Address the needs of multicultural communities, First Nations people, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people living with disability or mental health challenges
• Engage men and boys in prevention efforts
• Consider intersectionality in their messaging.

Who can apply

• Community groups or organisations that are registered as a not-for-profit organisation or a company limited by guarantee
• Community groups or organisations not registered as a not-for-profit may apply if they are auspiced by a not-for-profit organisation.

Apply now

Applications close 11.59pm, Wednesday 17 September.

Let’s work together to make Manningham safer and more inclusive for everyone.

Manningham’s leafy streets are a defining feature of our vibrant community. As our neighbourhoods continue to evolve, it’s more important than ever to protect and strengthen our tree canopy.

Why every tree counts in Manningham

Canopy trees are large, mature trees that provide shade. They reduce urban heat, support biodiversity, enhance air quality and create healthy environments for everyone.

With the largest loss of tree cover in Manningham occurring on private land, every tree matters – and your garden is one of the most powerful places to start. By planting and protecting canopy trees at home, you can help rebuild local tree cover and support our community’s long-term environmental health.

How to choose the right canopy tree for your garden

Manningham’s diverse landscapes mean different areas are better suited to different tree species.

Wondering which tree suits your garden best? Indigenous species are perfectly suited to our local climate and soils, and also improve biodiversity. Native Splendour provides a list of trees and shrubs indigenous to Manningham.

Alternatively, explore our Precinct and Tree Character Mapping Guide – a helpful tool to match your location with the ideal tree species.

Simply identify your precinct, then browse the recommended tree palette for your area. If you're looking to plant a canopy tree, be sure to check the column marked ‘Large’ for options that offer generous shade and long-term impact.

Things to keep in mind when selecting your tree

• Growth and space: Select a tree that will have the space to reach its natural size. Consider how close the tree is to buildings and other structures. If you’re unsure about the underground utility infrastructure in your garden, check out Before You Dig Australia (BYDA). 
• Supporting wildlife: Native trees provide food and shelter for local wildlife and boost biodiversity. Explore our gardening guide, Native Splendour, to find a list of our indigenous trees and shrubs.  
• Seasonal changes: Evergreen trees keep their leaves all year long, providing consistent greenery, while deciduous trees drop them seasonally – allowing for more winter sun. With both providing benefits, it’s a matter of preference.  
• Soil type: Different trees grow best in different soils. Consider whether your soil is sandy, clay-based or well-draining – and choose a tree that suits.  

We deeply appreciate your efforts in helping us preserve and grow our urban forest. 
 

Greater energy resilience and emergency backup power are coming to Mullum Mullum Stadium by early 2026, thanks to a new neighbourhood battery.

Manningham Council has secured $277,636 in State Government funding to install a 100kW/200kW behind the meter battery at Mullum Mullum Stadium. This will cover 90 per cent of the total project cost.

Connected to the stadium’s 450kW solar panels, the battery will store excess energy to help power the facility.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante welcomed the funding – highlighting its positive impact for the community.

“This is an exciting step towards a more sustainable and energy-secure future for 
Manningham,” Cr Diamante said.

“The battery will help improve energy reliability, lower power costs and provide a crucial 
backup power source during emergencies,” she said.

As a Regional Emergency Relief Centre, this battery will also enable the facility to maintain critical services during emergencies, supporting the community with immediate support and resources when they need it most.

A neighbourhood battery is an electricity storage system that lets you generate, store and consume your own renewable energy.

In front of the meter neighbourhood batteries are connected directly to the local electricity network. Behind the meter batteries store and consume energy separately from the grid.

Neighbourhood batteries help:

• provide better access to renewable energy
• lower household power bills
• ensure a more reliable electricity supply
• contribute to Victoria’s clean energy transition.

For more details on the 100 Neighbourhood Battery Fund, visit: energy.vic.gov.au/grants/neighbourhood-batteries/100-neighbourhood-batteries-program-grants 

Join us to celebrate the upgrade and reopening of Victoria Street Playground in Ruffey Lake Park.

Families can explore the refurbished playground and enjoy the expanded sand and water play area, as well as free ice-creams, fresh fruit and more family fun.

When: 1.00pm to 2.30pm, Sunday, 24 November 2024

Where: Victoria Street Playground, Ruffey Lake Park, Templestowe

We hope to see you there!

For more information on Victoria Street playground upgrade visit Your Say Manningham.

Questions? 

Contact us on 9840 9333 or at manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au.