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

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.
  
   

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
 

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. 

 

Manningham is celebrating a new chapter in its history with the official opening of the new Schramms Cottage Museum and Visitor Centre in Doncaster East.

The $3.5 million facility and precinct upgrade officially opened on Friday 17 October, and will help the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society preserve the history of Manningham for generations to come.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said she was pleased to open the new centre, with Schramms Cottage an integral part of Manningham’s more recent pioneer story.

“Local history is important because it helps us understand who we are as a community. It tells the stories of the people, places and events that have shaped us, where we live and our way of life," Cr Diamante said.

“Thank you to the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society, whose passion and dedication helps keep these vital stories of our community alive.”

The new building complements the historic Schramms Cottage and provides extra exhibition and storage space for the society to display and preserve their collection.

The spaces are climate controlled, ensuring that historical objects, particularly dresses and fabrics, will be preserved for longer.

The development also includes upgraded car parking, pathways and a new meeting room, which will be available for the general community to hire from late 2026.

“I’m excited that community will be able to access this space for meetings and events, creating new opportunities for the community to view and appreciate our heritage,” Cr Diamante added.

Schramms Cottage was first built in 1874 on Doncaster Hill, near the present Manningham Civic Centre, for German immigrant Max von Schramm for use as a house and school. 

In 1971, it was moved to its current location in Rieschiecks Reserve and now provides a picture of what life was like in the pioneering days of the late 1800s.

Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society President Geoffrey Broome said the society was delighted to see completion of the new facility, a culmination of many years of collaboration with Manningham Council.

“The museum is a community asset and helps to preserve the heritage of the Manningham municipality. Going back to the mid-1800s, this area was full of orchards and one of the main fruit growing districts of Victoria,” Mr Broome said.

“We have a wide range of items on display such as clothing from the early settlers including wedding gowns, household goods, furniture.”

The new visitor centre will be open to the public from Sunday 2 November. 

The existing historic complex, including Schramms Cottage, is open every Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm and is available mid-week for local school excursions. 

More information is available at the websites of Manningham Council and the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society.  

“If we can save on our bills and reduce our carbon footprint by going electric, I think it’s worth it,” said Doncaster East resident Jeffrey. 

When Jeffrey installed solar panels on his roof in 2007, the system had only a 1kW capacity. That’s around one tenth the size of today’s average setup.

“Back then, the systems were small – but it lasted us 13 years,” he said.

That first step planted the seed for what would become a 17-year electrification process.

In 2020, Jeffrey decided it was time for a boost and upgraded to a 10kW solar system to meet his growing energy needs and increase his energy independence. 

Around this time, he also replaced his gas hot water system with an efficient electric heat pump and installed an induction cooktop during a kitchen renovation.

“For me, going electric is about both helping the climate and enjoying more affordable bills,” he said.

The final piece of the puzzle came this year, when Jeffrey installed a battery through Solar Savers. The battery allows him to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it in the evening. 

“At the end of the day, we’re saving money and doing our small part to mitigate climate change,” he said.

Jeffrey’s advice to others?

“Do your research and make sure you’re working with reputable installers. There are a lot of cold callers out there, so vet carefully,” he said.

Jeffrey’s story highlights that going electric doesn’t have to happen overnight. It can be a gradual, considered process that suits your budget and evolving energy needs.  

Start building your Go Electric Plan at manningham.vic.gov.au/electrify-your-life

Manningham is celebrating a new chapter in its history with the official opening of the new Schramms Cottage Museum and Visitor Centre in Doncaster East.

The $3.5 million facility and precinct upgrade officially opened on Friday 17 October, and will help the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society preserve the history of Manningham for generations to come.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said she was pleased to open the new centre, with Schramms Cottage an integral part of Manningham’s more recent pioneer story.

“Local history is important because it helps us understand who we are as a community. It tells the stories of the people, places and events that have shaped us, where we live and our way of life," Cr Diamante said.

“Thank you to the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society, whose passion and dedication helps keep these vital stories of our community alive.”

The new building complements the historic Schramms Cottage and provides extra exhibition and storage space for the society to display and preserve their collection.

The spaces are climate controlled, ensuring that historical objects, particularly dresses and fabrics, will be preserved for longer.

The development also includes upgraded car parking, pathways and a new meeting room, which will be available for the general community to hire from late 2026.

“I’m excited that community will be able to access this space for meetings and events, creating new opportunities for the community to view and appreciate our heritage,” Cr Diamante added.

Schramms Cottage was first built in 1874 on Doncaster Hill, near the present Manningham Civic Centre, for German immigrant Max von Schramm for use as a house and school. 

In 1971, it was moved to its current location in Rieschiecks Reserve and now provides a picture of what life was like in the pioneering days of the late 1800s.

Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society President Geoffrey Broome said the society was delighted to see completion of the new facility, a culmination of many years of collaboration with Manningham Council.

“The museum is a community asset and helps to preserve the heritage of the Manningham municipality. Going back to the mid-1800s, this area was full of orchards and one of the main fruit growing districts of Victoria,” Mr Broome said.

“We have a wide range of items on display such as clothing from the early settlers including wedding gowns, household goods, furniture.”

The new visitor centre will be open to the public from Sunday 2 November. 

The existing historic complex, including Schramms Cottage, is open every Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm and is available mid-week for local school excursions. 

More information is available at the websites of Manningham Council and the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society.  

We’re supporting residents to switch to wildlife-safe fruit tree nets with free netting swaps in November. 

Why using the right net matters

Using the right netting helps protect local bats, birds and small mammals, while keeping your fruit safe from Queensland Fruit Fly and sunburn. 

Manningham is ranked in the top 5 worst local government areas for bat deaths caused by illegal fruit tree netting.

Larger mesh netting is more likely to entangle, distress and seriously injure or kill wildlife. 

In 2021, it became illegal to use or sell household fruit tree netting with a mesh size larger than 5mm x 5mm in Victoria. Despite this, wildlife injuries caused by this netting persist. 

How to check if your net is legal

Try poking a finger through the mesh. If your finger can pass through, the net is too big and illegal. 

Learn more about household fruit netting regulations

How to swap your net for free

To swap one of your nets, you must:

• be a Manningham resident (ID or a recent rates notice is required at the swap)
• bring  illegal netting (only one net is available per household)
• register for your preferred day.

Where you can swap your net

Drop in sessions will be held at:

• Manningham Council Depot at 620-628 Blackburn Rd, Doncaster East
• Manningham Civic Centre at 1/699 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster 
• Doncaster Hill Community Garden at Hummell Way, Doncaster

Turning our netting around

All illegal netting that we receive will be recycled onshore via UPPAREL and turned into useful items, including building materials. 

This event is part of a Victorian Net Swap pilot in collaboration with other councils and the Conservation Regulator. 
 

Council has provided a submission to the Urban Design and Landscape Plan (UDLP) for the next stage of the Eastern Freeway Upgrades, as part of the North East Link Program (NELP).  

NELP recently exhibited the latest UDLP for the Eastern Freeway Upgrade from Tram Road to Springvale Road for community review and feedback, providing information about the project design, landscape plans and architectural plans.

We have provided recommendations throughout the submission that aim to improve the overall design and net community benefit for Manningham residents. 

Our submission identifies various matters in the UDLP for attention by NELP and reiterates Council’s strong and ongoing advocacy to ensure: 

• no net loss of open space results from the project, 
• a sensitive environmental approach including no further undergrounding of the Koonung Creek,
• active transport connectivity and safety are maximised, including safety at underpasses, and; 
• Net-community benefit outcomes are achieved through additional benefits and upgrades. 

We have also sought full transparency and accountability from NELP and its contractors on an agreed, documented and effective tree removal process, while maintaining our position for vegetation removal to be minimised to the greatest possible extent. 

Our detailed submission focuses on key areas across: 

• Net-community benefit 
• Open space 
• Urban design 
• Active transport connectivity and safety  
• Amenity 
• Future proofing 
• Local contexts and knowledge  
• Environmental impacts 
• Trees and landscape 
• Art, culture and history 
   

We lodged our submission in September 2025.

For more information, please download the Urban Design and Landscape Plan submission. - D25/47927 

For more information and to view the UDLP, visit Tram Road to Springvale Road - Victoria’s Big Build. 

What’s next? 

North East Link Project will consider all written comments and submissions received, then finalise the UDLP and submit it to the Minister for Planning for approval. 

After the Minister for Planning has approved the UDLP, the community will be updated on how feedback was considered. 

While North East Link refines the design for the Eastern Freeway Upgrades from Tram to Springvale Road through this UDLP – you’ll start to see the team setting up construction compounds for workers and preparing for further works along the Eastern Freeway. 

Council also continues to engage actively with North East Link beyond the UDLP process, including by reviewing detailed design packs, providing comments on upcoming construction and communications activities, and advocating for key community and environmental outcomes. While Council is only a stakeholder in this State-led project, we are doing our utmost to ensure the needs of our community are considered at all stages of the project.   

You can read more on the Big Build website and sign up to receive email updates. 

North East Link will notify the community once exhibition dates for a UDLP for the remaining stage of the Eastern Freeway Upgrades, from Hoddle Street to Burke Road, are released. 
 

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.

Update: Applications closed 11.59pm, Wednesday 17 September.

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

Help us shape a better Manningham by joining an advisory committee.

Expressions of Interest are open from Monday 1 December to join the following advisory committees:

• Arts Advisory Committee
• Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee, including Gender Equality and LGBTQIA+
• Healthy Ageing Advisory Committee
• Multicultural Communities Advisory Committee
• Manningham Youth Advisory Committee 

Being a part of an advisory committee is an opportunity to make a difference in your local community, in an area that is important to you.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a committee that best aligns with your skills, interests and lived experience.

Be the voice of our community!

Expressions of interest are open from Monday 1 December 2025 to Sunday 1 February 2026.
 

Manningham’s much-loved Carols by Candlelight returns on Friday 12 December, bringing festive cheer to Ruffey Lake Park in Doncaster East.

Experience a magical evening of live music, entertainment and delicious food under the stars – capped off by a dazzling fireworks display.

This year’s event will be hosted by star performer Lucy Durack (above) and local Carols favourite Richard Thomas. They will be joined on stage by a huge line up of local and national artists, with a special guest appearance by Santa himself.

Lucy Durack is one of Australia’s most well-known leading ladies, with major roles 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. 

“I can’t wait to see you at Manningham Carols by Candlelight,” Lucy said. 

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

The evening will start at 6:00pm with pre-show entertainment on stage and activities for the kids. The main event kicks off at 7:15pm, ending with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30pm. Bring a picnic, or enjoy delicious food from one of the food trucks on site.

This is a free, but ticketed event. Register online to receive the latest event updates, including any changes due to extreme weather.

Proudly presented by Manningham Council, this event is sponsored by Opal Healthcare, Mercedes Benz Silver Star, Barry Plant and Hologram Zoo.

For more information and updates, visit the Manningham Carols by Candlelight event page, or follow Manningham Council’s Facebook page.
 

UPDATED: 1 January 2025

Check out our talented creative artists who are taking centre stage at a shopping precinct near you this summer.

We have a huge program of events in store for you in the coming months as part of our Find Your Local – Summer Celebration campaign, showcasing the artistic spirit of our vibrant neighbourhoods. 

Activities and live entertainment are planned for locations across Manningham including:

•  Jackson Court
•  Tunstall Square Shopping Centre
• Templestowe Village
• Warrandyte township
• Macedon Square
• and more! 

There will also be an opportunity to get creative with chalk drawings on the footpaths.

The program will be continually updated over summer and continue through to early March. 

Keep an eye out for updates to our schedule here or follow @FindYourLocalManningham on Instagram.

For more information, contact 9840 9333 or email business@manningham.vic.gov.au. 

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.

Explore our range of fun-filled activities to keep kids and young people of all ages active and busy these spring school holidays.

Activities include squash, table tennis, volleyball, gymnastics, recreational running, footy skills and more.

As part of the Birrarung Riverfest, we're hosting free learn to paddle sessions on the Yarra River with Paddle Victoria.

There are free bike checks for young people aged 12 to 25, and our All Abilities All Stars Basketball event will be a full day of basketball, mini games, free shooting and fun. 

Casual basketball shooting sessions are also available at Mullum Mullum Stadium and DISC.

The Abilities Unleashed Kids event is a come-and-try experience connecting young people with disability to local sport and recreational activities.

Green thumbs can Learn how to make seed bombs for the garden at our free workshop.

All the family can enjoy Active Manningham's $25 Family Swim Day at Aquarena.

The very popular Whitehorse Manningham Libraries school holiday program is available to view from 8 September, with bookings opening 15 September.

Our full program is listed below. Places are limited, so be quick to reserve your spot.

We’re currently seeking community input on our proposed upgrade of Larnoo Playground to improve facilities for the community. 

We have created a concept plan and are inviting community members to share their thoughts via Your Say Manningham by Friday 20 December 2024.

The proposed upgrade will include new play equipment, new park furniture, new shade sail, and new tree and garden bed planting.

This project is part of our Parks Improvement Program and will be delivered under our 2024/25 open space capital works program.

Share your thoughts on our concept design and help us create a more safe, fun and inclusive playground at Wombat Bend, Templestowe Lower. 

The proposed upgrade includes:

• a diverse range of play equipment suitable for all ages and abilities
• a dedicated swing zone with five different seat types
• a larger water play area
• a sand play zone with raised tables and a digger
• a refurbished maze zone
• improved access paths for better connectivity and movement
• upgraded amenities, including new seating, picnic areas, drinking fountains, shelters, and BBQs
• enhanced shade and expanded grassed areas
• a new fitness station.

The concept design has been shaped by community feedback gathered during our December 2024 consultation.

How to have your say

Complete our survey by Monday, 2 June 2025.

You can also join our onsite consultation at Wombat Bend Playground on Sunday 18 May, 10.30am to 12.00pm. 

Your feedback will help shape the final design of the playground.