Manningham Council is inviting residents of Warrandyte, Wonga Park and surrounds to help shape infrastructure projects planned for their neighbourhood.

Locals are encouraged to attend a drop-in session this August to view project designs, ask questions and share feedback.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said hearing directly from residents is essential to making decisions that reflect the community’s priorities.

“Discussing projects with residents throughout the design and planning phase leads to better decision-making and outcomes that reflect community needs and preferences,” 

“These sessions are a chance for us to explain decisions that have been made and ensure future outcomes are shaped by community input.”.

Projects open for consultation include:

• Footpath construction - Paynters Road and Reserve Road, Wonga Park
• Main Yarra Trail Extension (stage three) - Pound Road to Taroona Avenue, Warrandyte
• Footpath construction - Tindals Road, Warrandyte 
• Drainage upgrade - Trezise Street, Brackenbury Street and Cemetery Road, Warrandyte

Final designs available for viewing:

• Footpath and drainage upgrades - Alexander Road, Warrandyte
• Pedestrian refuge installation - Russell Road, Mullens Road and Ringwood Warrandyte Road intersection, Warrandyte
• Intersection upgrade - Pound Road, Warrandyte

Community drop-in session details:

• Monday 18 August, 4:00pm to 7:00pm
  Warrandyte Community Hall, 2–8 Taroona Avenue
• Monday 25 August, 4:00pm to 7:00pm
  Wonga Park Hall, corner of Launders Avenue and Yarra Road

No registration is required - just drop in and have your say.

For more information or to have your say via our online survey, go to yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/capital-works-warrandyte-wonga-park.

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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.
 

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’s wild deer control program is helping reduce the negative impact of deer on private properties, bushland, waterways and road safety.

Since 2017, Manningham Council has supported residents to manage deer on their properties through our Local Environment Assistance Fund (LEAF) program. 

In recent years, this support has been strengthened through funding from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), enabling Council to provide a 100 per cent rebate for eligible Green Wedge residents who engage a professional deer control contractor.

Through the program, since January 2024 more than 200 Sambar deer have been managed in Warrandyte, Warrandyte South, Park Orchards and Wonga Park. Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, commended the program’s impact on both local biodiversity and road safety.

“Thanks to LEAF, we’ve been able to make significant headway in controlling the wild deer population and reducing the associated damage to private land and our environment,” Cr Diamante said. 

“It’s important that we continue this work, and I encourage eligible landowners to take advantage of the support and expertise offered by the LEAF program.”

Wild deer cause significant and widespread impacts to both private and public land, including destroying native vegetation, disrupting ecosystems and threatening agricultural activities.

The LEAF program provides residents with access to professional support and expertise, ensuring that deer control is done safely, effectively and responsibly.

Manningham Council’s deer control efforts on private land are supported by Parks Victoria’s work on public land, including its successful expansion of deer control activities across five reserves in Warrandyte State Park since July 2024. 

The DEECA grant that helps fund Council’s deer control program is set to end in June 2025.

Manningham Council is in ongoing discussions with DEECA about securing further funding to help support deer control. 

If you see a deer or notice damage, please report it using the FeralScan app to help us reduce the impact of wild deer. Data is securely stored in the FeralScan database and may assist government and biosecurity agencies in planning deer control. You can choose to make your report public or private.

For more information about our LEAF program, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/deer-control 

Manningham Council has launched an exciting new community awards program to honour and celebrate individuals and groups doing amazing things in Manningham.

Mayor Deirdre Diamante officially announced the Manningham Community Awards, with nominations to open 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. One of the individual winners will also be 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 artistic, 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 are open Monday 16 June to 11.59pm, Sunday 20 July.

Winners and finalists will be celebrated at a special Awards Ceremony at the Manningham Function Centre on Tuesday 16 September.

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

For more information, visit the Community Awards page on Manningham Council's website.
 

We’ve finished our review of the Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan 2025 to 2034.

The updated strategy was adopted at the Council meeting on 27 May 2025 and is in line with the national and state road safety strategies.

Community consultation

Between 20 January and 21 February 2025, we invited you to provide feedback on the proposed Strategy and Action Plan. 

Here's a snapshot of what 127 people told us through our online survey:

• More clarification is required around the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in relation road safety, and how we and the stakeholders would work together around road safety education and enforcement of road rules.
• You support infrastructure improvements; but have some concerns about how and where cycling infrastructure will be provided. 
• Safety in our activity centres is important to you.
• You’d like us to focus on older adults, who are overly represented in fatal and serious injury crashes. 
• You are concerned about the level of road maintenance and its implication on road safety and crash risks.

The feedback was generally positive, however, we made some adjustments to the wording of the action plan to better reflect your priorities and ensure alignment with other Council strategies.

We also added several new actions, including:

• advocate to the State Government for upgrades to key arterial roads
• review of parking restrictions to enhance road safety where needed
• explore opportunities involving emerging transport technologies.
• place a greater emphasis on inclusion to ensure the strategy addresses the needs of all road users.

The adopted Road Safety Strategy

The strategy will remain a living, adaptable document designed to guide our work over the next 10 years. It will continue to evolve with emerging technologies, best practices, and alignment with state and national frameworks.

You can view the adopted Road Safety Strategy on our website.

 

Updated 17 September 2024

The following information reflects Council's position on the use of signage by candidates at Federal, State and Local government elections.

Manningham’s Community Local Law requires approval before any signage is placed in any public place, space or on Manningham’s footpaths or roads. 

However, to maintain Council’s neutrality during an election period, applications to erect electoral signage on public land will not be supported.  Any electoral related signs erected on Council land may be impounded.  Infringements may also be issued to anybody who breaches the Local Law.

Locations for electoral signs

Private property

Under the planning scheme a planning permit is not required to display an electoral sign on private land that promotes an election candidate provided all the following are met:

• only one sign is erected on the site
• the area of the sign does not exceed 5 square metres
• the sign is not animated or internally illuminated
• the sign must not be displayed for longer than three months or 14 days after the event is held.

If these criteria are not met, a planning permit will be required before the display of any signage on private land. 

Displaying a sign before obtaining a planning permit may result in significant penalties being issued under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to the owner of the land and to the person who erects the sign.

Mobile signage

Signage on vehicles, trailers and/or caravans must be attached to a moving vehicle. When parked these may require additional approvals.

Council property

No signage is permitted on any Council properties and/or at any Council facilities.

To discuss any requirements for election signage beyond these specifications, please contact us.

For more information on the Manningham Community Local Law, visit Guiding legislations (LGA and our Local Law).

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.

Manningham Council has welcomed more than $450,000 in Victorian Government funding to support three major recreation and leisure projects, including the Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre outdoor redevelopment.

Mayor Cr Deirdre Diamante met with North-Eastern Metropolitan MP Sonja Terpstra, and the new Federal Member for Menzies, Gabriel Ng, MP, at Aquarena this week for the funding announcement. The three projects that have received support through the 2024-25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, are:

• Aquarena outdoor redevelopment: $250,000
• Domeney Reserve sports field LED floodlight upgrade: $162,937
• Manningham Recreation Strategy: $40,000.

“We’re grateful to receive this critical financial support through Sonja Terpstra and the Victorian Government’s 2024-25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund,” Cr Diamante said.

“This funding will go toward important projects that benefit the health, wellbeing and safety of our community in Manningham.

“Aquarena has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. From learn to swim lessons in the old outdoor 25m pool, to hot summer days climbing those endless stairs to the car park. Aquarena is part of the fabric of Manningham.”

Sonja Terpstra said, “The Allan Labor Government is delivering on its promise to upgrade Aquarena at Doncaster. As a seasoned swimmer myself, I couldn't be more excited about what this means for locals in Doncaster and surrounding suburbs who love to swim.

“We're also investing $162,937 for LED lighting at Domeney Reserve in Park Orchards and $40,000 towards Manningham Council's recreation strategy. These investments ensure our community sporting facilities are modernised and accessible, which means more people can enjoy playing local sport right on their doorstep.”

The redevelopment of the outdoor precinct at Aquarena will see a new 50m outdoor pool, family zone with interactive water play, splash pad and toddler pool, spectator seating, change rooms, a new café and more.

At Domeney Reserve, the sports field floodlighting will be upgraded to a minimum of 100LUX to meet the needs for evening AFL play. This will improve facility capacity and participant safety and ensure the lighting meets appropriate standards.

A new Manningham Recreation Strategy will help guide the future provision of community-based sport, recreation and leisure opportunities for residents over the next 10 years.

Image: Federal Member for Menzies Gabriel Ng, MP, Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante and North-Eastern Metropolitan MP Sonja Terpstra at Aquarena for the funding announcement.

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.