We operate and have established a large number of internal advisory groups and other committees. We are also a member of or associated with a number of external bodies and committees.
The table below shows the members appointed to each committee. These appointments are reviewed on an annual basis.
All current appointments were made by Council on 26 November 2024.
Council Committee | Appointee(s) for 2024/2025 | Chairperson Appointee for 2024/2025 |
Arts Advisory Committee | Cr Eltaha | Appointed Councillor |
Audit and Risk Committee | Cr Diamante Cr Lange | Independent Chairperson |
CEO Employment and Remuneration Committee | All 9 Councillors | Mayor |
Disability Advisory Committee | Cr Bain | Appointed Councillor |
Flooding and Stormwater | Cr Lange Cr Conlon Cr Gough | Cr Lange |
Gender Equality and LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee | Cr Mayne | Cr Mayne |
Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee | Mayor | Mayor |
Healthy Ageing Advisory Committee | Cr Chen Cr Bain | Cr Chen |
Historical Societies Working Group | Cr Lange | Appointed Councillor |
Liveable Places and Spaces Advisory Committee | Cr Gough Cr Grivas Cr Chen | Cr Gough |
Manningham Community Fund Grants Panel | Mayor Cr Grivas | Mayor |
Multicultural Communities Advisory Committee | Cr Diamante Cr Eltaha Cr Bain | Cr Diamante |
Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC) | Cr Lange | Director City Services or Delegate |
Municipal Fire management Planning Committee (MFMPC) | Cr Lange | Commander
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Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group | Cr Mayne | A member of the senior leadership team will serve as Chairperson |
Recreation and Sport Advisory Committee | Cr Conlon Cr Grivas Cr Mayne | Cr Conlon |
Manningham Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) | Cr L Mayne Cr Chen Cr Eltaha | Nominated committee Chairperson assisted by Cr L Mayne |
External Bodies | Appointee(s) for 2024/2025 |
Australian Local Government Women’s Association - Victoria (ALGWA-Vic) | Cr Mayne |
Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance (EAHA) | Cr Bain |
Eastern Region Group of Councils (ERG) The ERG works collaboratively on significant issues of common importance and priority through advocacy, integrated planning, shared services and joint procurement to benefit communities of the eastern region. | Mayor Cr Conlon |
Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) | Cr Chen |
Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) | Cr Chen |
Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) | Cr Grivas Substitute Cr Lange |
Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (NAGA) Executive Committee | Cr Eltaha |
Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) | All 9 Councillors |
Whitehorse Manningham Regional Library Corporation (WMRLC) | Cr Conlon Cr Grivas |
Have you had enough of rising energy bills? Do you feel like your bills are swallowing up your earnings?
It's time to take control! This webinar, ‘Reduce Your Energy Bills!’ is your ticket to a smart, more affordable and comfortable home. Learn how to create an efficient haven that nurtures your family, benefits your wallet and cares after the planet.
Connect with the best! Learn how to find the right energy plan and how to choose between the fog of so many offers. It may be confusing to navigate but we can help you knock down those overpriced bills!
See the power and direct the current! Learn about simple energy monitors that show you real-time energy usage. We'll show you how these clever tools reveal appliance costs and makes it easy to manage them.
Get practical - get rewarded! We highlight the best energy efficiency methods tailored for Australian homes. From insulation, draught proofing, windows and appliance upgrades, we'll show you where to start, what elements deserve attention now and how to optimize your appliances for results.
Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the full potential of your home and embark on a journey towards a more energy-efficient future.
Our presenter, Ian Moxon, is a seasoned sustainability consultant with over 15 years of experience in this field and 20 years living ‘Off-Grid’. He’ll share his extensive knowledge and valuable industry insights into the benefits of installing solar power and solar batteries at your home.
This event is part of our Inspired Living Series. This series showcases an exciting range of fun and sustainable activities and events for all ages, supporting sustainability at home, in the community and at work.
Calling all people from multicultural backgrounds in Manningham and surrounds!
Come and learn more about the importance of looking after your mental health and wellbeing, and the support that is available in your local community.
Our next Strength Through Connection event is a forum on Mental Health and Multicultural Communities as part of national Mental Health Week.
This event will feature:
- specialists in multicultural mental health
- a panel of experts
- local mental health and wellbeing service providers
- plus the launch of Manningham Council's mental health services webpage by Mayor Michelle Kleinert
Mental health is a key component of overall health and well-being. 1 in 5 (21.4 per cent) Australians aged 16 to 85 have experienced a mental disorder in the past 12 months.
Many people may not be aware of what poor mental health means, how to support someone or how they can get help. The individual needs, backgrounds and identities of people can impact how, or even whether, they will seek support.
We will have a broad range of speakers who will provide information about:
- types of mental health issues
- stories of lived experience
- what treatments are available
- how can you support someone
- how to get help
- hope for recovery
We look forward to seeing you there!
This online webinar will provide tips on creating healthy, affordable lunchboxes for all ages.
We’re partnering with Nutrition Australia for two free online webinars as part of Healthy Lunchbox Week - 9 to 15 February 2025.
- Healthy lunchbox tips for kindergarten and school starters
- Budget-friendly lunchbox tips
Learn how to:
- balance key food groups
- keep grocery costs down
- save time with simple prep
- change it up with a recipe and leftover ideas.
Presented by Monash Council, City of Kingston, Knox City Council, Manningham Council, and Maroondah City Council.
Getting involved in climate action is vital to creating a more liveable future. We’re making this action easier by offering resources, events, programs and partnerships.
Since we recognised the Climate Emergency in 2020, we’ve introduced several initiatives to help us move towards our zero emission targets – for Council by 2028 and for the Manningham community by 2035.
Here’s how we’re supporting you to act on climate, both individually and together as a community.
Individuals: How we can support
We’re making individual change feel less solo by sharing handy resources, connecting you with government discounts and even providing a year’s supply of compostable bin liners.
1. Resources and discounts to go electric | |
We’re supporting households to go electric with free resources, webinars and information sessions. Residents can also access installers and government discounts through our partnership with Solar Savers. The benefits? The opportunity to create a healthier, more efficient home while also powering a cleaner future. | |
2. A network of public electric vehicle (EV) chargers | |
Considering purchasing an electric vehicle (EV)? Owning one will soon be more convenient in Manningham, as we’re rolling out a network of nine public EV chargers from early 2025. The chargers will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, through government accredited GreenPower. | |
3. FOGO support (and a free roll of liners!) | |
The FOGO service is one of the simplest ways to reduce carbon emissions. By using our FOGO bins, we can decrease the waste sent to landfill to create a healthier environment for us all. This means placing the right items in your FOGO bins and using the certified compostable liners (that meet the AS4736 standards), as these decompose. To make this simpler, we’re providing each Manningham household with a free roll of 150 compostable liners (approximately one year’s supply), available for collection from the Manningham Civic Centre or Council Depot. We’re also sharing FOGO tips and tricks, ‘how to’ videos, translated language guides and more to help you with FOGO. Explore our helpful FOGO resources. | |
4. Clothes swap days | |
Fast fashion has a negative impact on our environment, accounting for 10 per cent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. An alternative to this?
Clothes swap days are a fantastic way to refresh your wardrobe and meet new people. Here at Council, we regularly run clothing exchange days. See when the next one is. |
Our community: How we’re helping
Our impact is greater when we work together. That’s why we’re facilitating community events and connecting you to local groups who make a positive difference.
5. Tree planting days | |
Planting trees is one of the best and simplest ways to take climate action, while making Manningham a greener and more beautiful place to live and work. Join us next National Tree Day (Sunday 28 July) to plant trees together. Check our What's on event calendar each July to find planting locations. | |
6. Access to community groups | |
Local environmental groups are a fantastic opportunity to connect with neighbours and make a difference in your shared backyard. We can connect you to: | |
7. A regular community garden | |
The Doncaster Hill Community Garden is a friendly space for anyone interested in gardening and making new friends. Meeting every second Tuesday morning, volunteers tend to the garden with all produce donated to Doncare’s food relief program. Register for the next session. | |
8. Sustainable schools program | |
We run several programs to encourage local schools to protect and care for our natural environment, as well as sustainable education programs for our teacher network. This includes:
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Want to stay up to date with our sustainability events? Subscribe to our Environment newsletter.
Home Harvest Manningham is a monthly home gardening seminar series that will teach you how to grow your own delicious fresh food at home.
Manningham has more than four seasons. Duncan Cocking from Leaf, Root and Fruit will deep dive into succession planning for local conditions.
Duncan will discuss the patterns that he sees in nature and how easily you can begin observing them too. Use these observations to inspire your gardening activities by working with nature rather than against it. Learn how to refine your succession planting and ripen that elusive Christmas tomato. Create your own action plan for your vegetable patch.
Topics covered include:
- the seasons of Melbourne/Manningham
- being an observant gardener
- Phenology
- timing of planting and succession planting
- growing Christmas tomatoes, creating an action plan.
Food swap from 6.45pm, session starts at 7.00pm.
Registration is recommended but not required.
This event is part of our Inspired Living Series. This series showcases an exciting range of fun and sustainable activities and events for all ages, supporting sustainability at home, in the community and at work.
Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
Manningham Council's Citizen Science program inspires a new body of work by ceramic artist Matt Butterworth.
These intimate sculptures question narratives surrounding function and beauty.
Beauty Disrupted (detail view). Image courtesy of the artist.
UPDATED: 30 August 2024 – stage 2 works
We’re revitalising sections of the Mullum Mullum Creek Trail, between Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road and Reynolds Road in Doncaster East.
We will
- remove overgrown grass and trimming vegetation to improve sight lines
- repair cracks and bumps caused by roots
- refresh line marking and install additional signs where required.
Where are the works?
We'll work along the trail between Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road and Reynolds Road in Doncaster East.
When are the works happening?
- Stage one was delivered in February 2024.
We removed overgrown grass and trim vegetation to improve sight lines. - Stage two will begin in September and will likely be completed by November 2024.
We'll repair cracks and bumps caused by roots, refresh line markings, and install additional signs.
This schedule is subject to weather conditions.
Why are they needed?
This project follows a recent safety audit that identified significant wear and tear on this section of the trail. The path is bumpy, and vegetation has overgrown it, encroaching on the path and reducing users' sight lines.
How will the works affect me?.
Works will occur between 7.00am and 5.00pm weekdays.
You may notice:
- Construction noise
- Footpath closures with detours where possible
- Reduced on street parking near trail access points.
Please follow the directions of staff and signs to move safely around the area.
We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work to improve the Mullum Mullum trail.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this project, contact us.
Taking its name from the unofficial description of the present day epoch which has seen human activity dramatically impact the earth's climate and ecology, this exhibition is the expression of four artists' efforts to record, reflect upon and potentially enact change in how humanity views and interacts with the world.
Shifting the Anthropocene features the work of Lesley Duxbury, Ruth Johnstone, Rosie Weiss and Stephen Wickham, who have variously photographed underwater ecosystems and stunning 400 year old eucalypts, and collected and drawn remnants of plants destroyed by bushfire, amongst other creative acts.
The works are descriptions of the immediate and personal effects of climate change as the artists have witnessed them. They also pivot to celebrate instances where individuals and communities have saved endangered species or enacted changes in environment laws through collective effort, thereby giving a hopeful and positive tenor to the exhibition overall.
Installation view of artworks by Lesley Duxbury. Photo by Charlie Kinross.
UPDATED: 27 March 2025. New locations for works.
We’re performing our annual Electric Line Clearance (tree pruning) works.
As part of these works, impacted residents can expect minor disruptions from now until 2 May, with cutting only taking between 10 to 15 minutes per property.
Where are the works?
We’ll be conducting works in Templestowe, Templestowe Lower and Bulleen.
When are the works happening?
Works are underway and will be completed by 2 May 2025.
Why are they needed?
These works are important, as they keep our community safe from fire risks and injuries by maintaining a safe distance between power lines and plants. It also protects important local vegetation and areas that matter to Manningham.
How will the works affect me?
If you live in one of the impacted suburbs, you may notice:
- minimal construction noise (cutting only takes between 10 to 15 minutes per property)
- branches and/or debris on your driveway
Please rest assured that branches will be left on the ground for less than a day – and removed for the weekend.
Thanks for your cooperation in keeping our community safe.
Take part in one of the largest Citizen Science projects in the world while contributing valuable information about Manningham’s biodiversity.
About the City Nature Challenge
In this worldwide BioBlitz, cities compete to observe the most species by the most people.
Manningham is collaborating with more than 25 local governments to form the Greater Melbourne project.
How to participate
During this four-day challenge, take photos of plants or animals and upload them to iNaturalist.
Your observations will be added to the Manningham iNaturalist projects (Manningham East or Manningham West) so that we can compete with participants from across Melbourne and around the world.
All data is added to Australia’s database of plants and animals, helping scientists with their research to improve outcomes for our environment.
Steps to prepare
- Install the iNaturalist app on your mobile phone and create an iNaturalist account.
- Join the Melbourne City Nature Challenge 2025: Greater Melbourne Project.
- Start adding your observations.
Did you know that Manningham is one of the leafiest areas of metropolitan Melbourne with more than 656 hectares of Council-managed parks and reserves?
With more than 60km of shared trails, 300 individual parks and reserves, 163 play spaces, numerous picnic areas and walking paths to manage, our Parks Improvement Program sets out a plan for the future upgrades of all our parks over the next 20 years.
We are guided by our Open Space Strategy, the Eastern Region Sport, Recreation and Trail Strategy, specific park masterplans, community requests and planned facility renewal programs.
Our Parks Improvement Program identifies opportunities for improvements and ensures our parks and reserves are well maintained and upgraded as our population grows.
What is the Parks Improvement Program?
The Parks Improvement Programs sets out a plan for the future renewal and upgrade of all parks in Manningham over the next 20 years.
How was this program developed?
The Parks Improvement Program is based on recommendations from our Open Space Strategy, Eastern Region Sport, Recreation and Trails Strategy, specific masterplans for our parks, feedback and requests from our community and planned facility renewal programs.
What are the objectives of this plan?
This program will ensure our parks and reserves remain relevant and accessible to everyone into the future. It will make sure that facilities are in good condition and adapt to changing needs.
How is the schedule of renewal and upgrade determined?
For most park facilities like playspaces, furniture, paths and garden beds they need to be renewed every 20-25 years to ensure they are in a good and safe condition. Other factors are the level of use, i.e. Regional parks and playspaces get much higher use and wear out more quickly; the population growth in that neighbourhood; and demand for new facilities like fitness equipment, lighting and trails.
Does the program factor in new parks in the future?
Yes a number of new parks or expansion of existing ones has been determined in the Open Space Strategy to cater for gaps in provision, links to other parks or where there is higher density living occurring. These sites will gradually be acquired and developed as they become available.
Current park and playspace upgrades
UPDATE: Due to the circuit breaker lockdown restrictions, this event has been cancelled. If you have already booked into this session, we will contact you with information on how to reschedule.
As part of Manningham Council's Community Training Program, we invite members of community organisations including community and children’s services, sports clubs, recreation, leisure, arts and cultural groups to attend this free session.
Learn how to write proposals to get a better chance of having your application selected.
The session will cover the following topics:
- Understanding the key application requirements and how your project will align with these
- How to define the project and the benefit it will have for the community
- Formulating your project plan to deliver the project
- Preparing the budget (including supplying quotes)
- Adhering to the grant conditions and responsibilities
Bookings: Bookings are essential and limited to 2 people per organisation. All bookings must be made through Eventbrite.
More information: Please contact the Grants Team for more information or for help with your booking.
We will be running multiple grant writing workshops. If you would like to attend but can't make this session, please view the full list of available dates on our Community Training Program page.
As Christmas approaches, thoughts often go to choosing that lovely cuddly pet for you, your family or a loved one. But we all know that sometimes things don't work out as we planned.
Discover how selecting the right pet. one that suits you and your lifestyle, can greatly enhance the joy and enrichment that comes from inviting that new family member into your home.
This session is presented by Friends of Manningham Dogs and Cats (FOMDAC) with special guest Dr. Kevin Foster. Dr. Foster is the founder of Vets in Melbourne (Vets on Parker), and a former TV presenter on Animal Extra on TEN and Pets Practice with Dr. Kevin.
A light supper will be provided.
In this webinar discover easy and practical ways to make your home more energy efficient including draught sealing, insulation, double glazing and appliances. The webinar also covers energy monitors, how to use a thermal camera and finding the best energy deal.
Our presenter, Ian Moxon, is a seasoned sustainability consultant with over 15 years of experience in this field. He’ll share his extensive knowledge and valuable industry insights into the benefits of changing to a more energy efficient home.
This event is part of our Inspired Living Series. This series showcases an exciting range of fun and sustainable activities and events for all ages, supporting sustainability at home, in the community and at work.
Your local business is critical to our vibrant and thriving economy. Find permits, guides, news and other resources for starting a new business, running existing businesses, or growing your business.
For your business
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Starting a new business is both exciting and challenging. Find permits, guides, news and other resources for starting a business.
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Running a business from home can be a perfect way to balance family commitments. Or you might be starting out and wanting to minimise overheads. We have resources available to help your home based business.
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Find out if you need a footpath trading permit when placing tables and chairs, displays and signs on our footpaths.
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Find out which permits and registration you will need to set up a hairdressing, beauty salon, day spa, make-up business or gym.
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Find out what the mandatory requirements are for setting up a food business, whether it's a café or homemade preserves.
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Find out if you need a permit for your business. This includes new and existing businesses and those looking to expand.
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Find out what the regulations are for operating an accommodation business in Manningham, including hotels and bed and breakfasts.
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We've compiled a list of useful websites and tools to help guide you through the essential steps of setting up and running your small business.

Our strategy
Our Economic Development Strategy (EDS) is a six-year plan to support businesses and employment in Manningham.

Find Your Local
Find Your Local helps our community discover and explore the many unique products, services, food experiences and outdoor adventures that are all here in Manningham.
Follow us on Instagram @findyourlocalmanningham and send us details of your business so we can feature you on our page!

How can we help?
The Economic Development team is here to support you setting up and growing your business. We are your point of contact for business enquiries and support, permit information, workshops and events.
Contact us at business@manningham.vic.gov.au or on 9840 9333.

Stay in the loop
Subscribe to our monthly eNews to receive the latest business news, tips, upcoming events and networking opportunities.
Follow our Manningham Business Facebook page.
Get the latest from Manningham Business
The Manningham Business E-News is distributed monthly. It is a great way to stay up to date with local business news and to see what events are happening in Manningham.
Subscribe to our monthly E-News
Take part in one of the largest Citizen Science projects in the world while contributing valuable information about Manningham’s biodiversity.
About the City Nature Challenge
The City Nature Challenge runs from Friday 25 April to Monday 28 April 2025.
In this worldwide BioBlitz, cities compete to make the most observations of the most species by the most people.
Manningham is collaborating with more than 25 local governments to form the Greater Melbourne project.
How to participate
It is free, easy and fun to get involved.
During the 4-day window of this challenge, take photos of plants or animals and upload it to iNaturalist.
Your observations will be added to the Manningham iNaturalist projects (Manningham East or Manningham West) so that we can compete with participants from across Melbourne and all over the world.
All data gets added to Australia’s database of plants and animals, helping scientists with their research to improve outcomes for our environment.
To prepare for the challenge:
- Install the iNaturalist app on your mobile phone and create an iNaturalist account.
- Join the Melbourne City Nature Challenge 2025: Greater Melbourne Project.
- Start adding your observations.
Did you know children consume around 30 per cent of their daily food intake at school? Most of this comes from the contents of their lunchbox.
We’re partnering with Nutrition Australia for two free online webinars as part of Healthy Lunchbox Week - 9 to 15 February 2025.
- Healthy lunchbox tips for kindergarten and school starters
- Budget-friendly lunchbox tips
This online webinar will provide tips and tricks for packing healthy lunchboxes for little ones starting kinder or school.
Learn how to:
- balance key food groups
- keep grocery costs down
- save time with simple prep
- change it up with a recipe and leftover ideas.
Presented by Monash Council, City of Kingston, Knox City Council, Manningham Council, and Maroondah City Council.
Managing our trees is essential for maintaining the health and wellbeing of our community and surrounding environment.
We have over 90,000 street trees in Manningham and countless more throughout our reserves and natural areas. We strive to protect and enhance our tree population to benefit us now and our future generations.
How we manage our trees
Our tree management activities include:
- street tree pruning program
- electric line clearance
- tree planting and maintenance
- tree risk management
- storm response
- tree protection
- urban greening project.
Tree planting program
Each year we plant up to 3000 trees throughout our streets and reserves. Our tree planting program is a critical part of future proofing Manningham against the negative effects of climate change.
Tree planting schedule
Street tree planting is done between May and September each year. Timings may vary to make the most of planting conditions.
Species of trees planted
Manningham has been divided into 18 precincts. Species have been selected based on urban forest principles, biodiversity values, risk, and landscape amenity. The species palette, a selection of native and exotic trees, will establish the long-term character for a street or main road.
Request a new street tree
You can make a request for an additional tree on your nature strip or to replace a dead or damaged tree.
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How to request a new tree
Requests for new trees can be made via the online form or by calling our Customer Service team on 9840 9333.
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What happens next?
The site will be inspected by our arborist to determine if the location is suitable for planting.
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When will the tree be planted?
If your request is approved, tree planting usually takes place during the following year’s planting season.
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What type of tree will be planted?
The type of tree will be decided by our arborist based on our Street Tree Planting Guide.
Australia’s population is steadily increasing, prompting the need for new houses, shops and roads. While these developments are important for our community, they may have a negative impact on our local birds.
So, how do birds respond to urban development? Why do some species cope better than others? And what can we do to better support the more sensitive species?
To answer these questions, we’ve invited Dr Jacinta Humphrey to share her findings on what makes a residential street, urban park or private garden bird-friendly.
Speaker bio:
Dr Jacinta Humphrey (she/her) is an Urban Ecologist and Research Fellow with the ICON Science group at RMIT University. She completed her PhD at La Trobe University and continues to work with the Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary.
Her work explores Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design (BSUD) and aims to find opportunities to enhance habitat for wildlife in residential streets, urban parks, schoolyards and private gardens. She also monitors the Birrarung Trial Floating Wetlands, a series of artificial habitat islands installed in the Yarra River (Birrarung), on behalf of The University of Melbourne.