We have signed the contract to purchase 576-578 Park Road, Park Orchards as part of its planning for a new Park Orchards Community House and Learning Centre.

A priority action in our Community Infrastructure Plan, discussions and advocacy have already commenced for the replacement of this popular neighbourhood house and it is hoped that this significant investment will be the catalyst for investment from other levels of government.

Our Mayor, Deirdre Diamante, said the existing community house needs replacing to bring programs and services together.

"The Community House is widely used and offers a variety of programs and services in learning, fitness and art for all ages, and includes a well-loved childcare facility.

“The current building is coming to the end of its useful life, has limited accessibility and is too small to cater to all programs. These limitations have resulted in programs moving to different locations and spread across multiple local venues.

“By bringing these programs together into one building with better access and more space, we can improve efficiency and better support the community’s growing needs.”

The location of the new property, adjacent to the existing Community House at 572 Park Road, will allow for more space for the variety of programs on offer.

“Located in the heart of Park Orchards, as part of a community and education precinct and near public bus transport, the site will maintain convenient access to childcare, schools, recreational areas, and shops.” Cr Diamante added.

The purchase of 576-578 Park Road is part of our long-term planning to replace this important neighbourhood house for Park Orchards.

Neighbourhood houses are predominantly funded by government grants and additional state and commonwealth government funding will be needed to deliver this new community facility.

“We have purchased this property as part of our long-term plan for the community house and local area. We’re pleased to be able to secure a site for a new centre in Park Orchards and will continue to advocate for State and Federal funding to deliver it.”

The purchase was funded by our Strategic Fund which is part of our 10 Year Financial Plan 2024/25 to 2033/34.

For more information, visit Your Say Manningham.

We are one of 31 Victorian Councils calling on the State Government to reconsider the requirement of a kerbside glass recycling bin for all households by 1 July 2027.

As a group, Councils are advocating for the mandatory implementation of the fourth glass-only bin service to be postponed and reconsidered.

We are concerned about the cost implications for our community and want to see the State Government release its business case for the service and delay its commencement date until Councils have had time to review it appropriately.

The cost to implement a fourth glass-only bin service is estimated at $4 million, plus, on average, $27 per household per year. 

As an advocacy group, Councils sent a joint a letter to the Minister for Environment, the Hon. Steve Dimopoulos, late last year, which outlined the findings of a Council investigation on the feasibility of the service in comparison to alternative options for glass recycling.

The investigation found that expanding the existing Container Deposit Scheme to include wine and spirit bottles would provide similar circularity benefits to a glass-only bin service, without passing on excessive costs to Councils and residents.

We want to see the State Government listen to Councils’ concerns and consider alternative options before forcing the implementation of a glass-only kerbside recycling bin.

As part of our advocacy for Manningham on this important issue, we have also submitted a motion to the Municipal Association of Victoria to repeal the Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021 provisions, which mandate Victorian Councils provide a glass-only service to households.

You can find out more about this motion in the 25 February Council Meeting Minutes. See Item 13.2, MAV State Council Motions.

Manningham Council would like to inform residents that from Tuesday 28 January 2025 through to mid March, your household may receive a call from an independent market research agency, National Field Services. They have been commissioned to conduct our 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey on behalf of the council. Please be assured that your details and individual responses are confidential.

The Community satisfaction survey is a yearly requirement. For these surveys, the market agency reaches out by phone to 400 randomly selected residents. The results of the phone conversations are then analysed, reported back to us, and discussed internally. 

This helps us to learn more about our performance across several areas. It also helps us to understand where changes and improvements are necessary.

Read more about last year’s community satisfaction survey.

Customer service

Our customer service team will be available Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.00pm throughout the holiday period, excluding public holidays.

We will be closed:

• Wednesday 25 December
• Thursday 26 December
• Wednesday 1 January.

All of our essential services will continue during this time to ensure the safety and cleanliness of our community is maintained.

If you have an urgent enquiry on a day we’re closed, please phone 9840 9333 to speak with our after hours service.
 

Waste collection 

Your weekly waste collection service will continue without interruption. Check your bin collection days.

We know households often produce more garbage and recycling during the festive season. Please remember all materials must be placed inside your bins – overflowing bins will not be collected.

If you need to dispose of excess waste, you can find your local transfer stations (tips) and recycling centres.

Maternal Child Health 

The Maternal and Child Health line (13 22 29) is available 24 hours a day for phone advice.

If you require medical advice, please contact your general practitioner or in an emergency call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.

• Between Christmas and New Year, the opening hours for our Doncaster Maternal and Child Health Centre will be:
• Wednesday, 25 December (Christmas Day): closed
• Thursday, 26 December (Boxing Day): closed
• Friday, 27 December: closed
• Monday, 30 December: 9.00am to 4.00pm
• Tuesday, 31 December: 9.00am to 4:30pm
• Wednesday, 1 January (New Year’s Day): closed

Please note that some services may be reduced during this period.
 

Did you know there are 20 virtual fence posts positioned along Jumping Creek Road, between Nelson Drive and the entrance to Warrandyte State Park’s Jumping Creek Reserve, to protect local wildlife and help reduce roadkill?

Installed by Manningham Council as part of the Jumping Creek Road upgrade, these innovative virtual fences are designed to save animals’ lives by releasing sound and light when a car approaches.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said the initiative is an important step towards addressing wildlife road fatalities.

“These virtual fences are a fantastic way to protect our local wildlife, especially in areas where animals frequently cross the road,” Cr Diamante said.

“We strategically placed these fences near Jumping Creek, as animals use creeks as habitat corridors.” 

“You will see the fence posts along the side of the road… and we encourage residents to be aware and help us keep our wildlife safe.”

While they might look like street posts, these virtual fences play a crucial role in enhancing road safey for both wildlife and drivers. 

Local wildlife rescuer, Katja Gutwein, has seen the benefits of these fences firsthand.

“The virtual fence is a low-cost solution that has drastically reduced wildlife fatalities and improved safety for all road users,” Ms Gutwein said. 

If you spot any damage to the fences, contact Manningham Council on 9840 9333 or email environment@manningham.vic.gov.au. 

The fences were installed as part of the Jumping Creek Road upgrade, which aims to improve road safety for all road users.

For more information on this project, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/jumping-creek-road-upgrade.