As part of the Inspired Living Series, join us on Thursday 23 May to find out what is happening to our local weather patterns and biodiversity.

Our presenter line up includes weather and biodiversity experts Nate Byrne, Professor David Karoly and Dr Greg Moore.

Nate Byrne, is the weather presenter on ABC News Breakfast, meteorologist, oceanographer and science communicator. Nate will discuss the latest climate modelling and how it’s predicted to affect Melbourne’s weather.

Professor David Karoly is an internationally recognised climate change expert. David will explore the latest climate science and how we can help reduce the increasing risk of catastrophic climate change.

Dr Greg Moore is a member of the National Trust of Victoria’s Register of Significant Trees member and inaugural president of the International Society of Arboriculture, Australian Chapter. Dr Moore will discuss how Manningham’s changing climate is impacting local biodiversity.

Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events

The Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings at the iconic Manningham Function Centre.

The series will introduce you to a diverse line-up of local and international keynote speakers offering unique insights on how we can all shift to a greener future.

Topics range from permaculture to sustainable fashion. Each speaker will inspire and motivate simple, positive lifestyle choices, connection to nature and growing a thriving community in the midst dynamic change.

This Dementia Action Week, discover inclusive connections at our Talking Cafe! We believe in the power of shared stories and warm company, bringing together people living with dementia, their carers, and families. It's a place where every voice is valued, and every connection makes a difference.

Our Talking Cafes are weekly drop-in sessions at local cafes, perfect for socialising, learning about community happenings, and making new friends! A welcoming host will greet you each week and introduce any special guest speakers.

No booking is needed – just drop in when it suits you! Newcomers are always welcome. Each session runs for just one hour, and you're welcome to purchase a coffee or tea.

Feeling unsure about coming alone? No problem! Call the team for a friendly chat and help.




 

In this workshop, primary school-aged children are invited to join the staff from Awareaway to create fish from re-purposed plastic waste. The fish will then be displayed as part of the 'School of Plastic Fish' exhibition at the Box Hill Community Art Centre. 

Participation in the workshops is free but places are limited.

The exhibition runs from 23 May until 29 May 2022 at the Box Hill Community Art Centre.

'School of Plastic Fish' is an exhibition responding to the alarming study that predicts by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans.

The fish depict an eerie yet beautiful ocean-scape where they are displayed, reminding us of a possible future and encouraging us to embrace positive behaviour change to reimagine a better and more sustainable future.

Awareaway is a social and environmental enterprise, co-founded by Sophie Dahm and Alex Child, dedicated to sustainable and creative design by re-purposing and up-cycling plastic waste.

As part of the Inspired Living Series, Hannah Maloney and Adam Grubb will discuss permaculture and waterwise gardens at the Manningham Function Centre.

Hannah Moloney

Hannah Moloney is best known for her work in permaculture and as a presenter on ABC’s Gardening Australia. Her first book The Good Life: How To Grow A Better World explores ways to counter the climate emergency individually and collectively. Hannah will discuss founding Good Life Permaculture in Tasmania, Home Harvest an annual edible garden tour and why she is known as the 'compost queen'.

Adam Grubb

Adam Grubb runs Very Edible Gardens, who have been designing and creating edible home and community gardens in Melbourne for the last 15 years. He's also co-authored several books, including The Art of Frugal Hedonism and The Weed Forager's Handbook. He got into edible gardening (and co-founded the Permablitz movement of volunteer backyard makeovers) in the mid 2000's in the heart of the millenium drought. Adam will take some lessons learnt then and since to share ways that we can create lush and productive oases with a minimum of water use including wicking beds, passive water capture with micro earthworks, tanks, greywater and more. 
 

Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events

The Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings at the iconic Manningham Function Centre.

The series will introduce you to a diverse line-up of local and international keynote speakers offering unique insights on how we can all shift to a greener future.

Topics range from permaculture to sustainable fashion. Each speaker will inspire and motivate simple, positive lifestyle choices, connection to nature and growing a thriving community in the midst dynamic change.

Looking for a friendly way to connect with your community? 

Our Talking Cafes are weekly drop-in sessions held at local cafes, designed for you to socialise, learn what's happening in your community, and make new friends!

A welcoming Talking Café host will greet you each week and introduce any special guest speakers. Meet new people, share stories, and find out about local events and initiatives. 

No need to book. Just drop in when it suits you. 

Newcomers are always welcome. Each session runs for just one hour. Feel free to purchase a coffee or tea if you'd like.

Feeling a bit unsure about coming alone? No problem at all. Give our team a call on 0457 646 384 and we'll be happy to help.

As part of the Inspired Living Series and National Recycling Week, Nina Gbor and fellow panel members will discuss sustainable fashion in a circular economy at the Manningham Function Centre.

Nina Gbor:

Nina is a sustainable fashion educator, international speaker, sustainability consultant, and Founder of Eco Styles. Nina is also the Director of the Circular Economy and Waste Program at The Australia Institute and has been featured on the ABC's War on Waste. Nina will talk about her journey into sustainable fashion and discuss the collaborative effort needed to address sustainability challenges in the fashion industry.

Courtney Holm:

Courtney is a circular fashion systems designer, thought leader and entrepreneur. She founded experimental circular fashion label A.BCH in 2017 and built it into a world leading example of what circular fashion could aspire to. In early 2024, she made a strategic decision to step away from making new clothes in order to focus on industry wide solutions. Courtney is the founder and CEO of Circular Sourcing - a climate tech platform turning surplus textile waste into resource. Courtney's expertise is in circular design for clothing, material flows and circular systems design. The heart of her practice is industry transformation for sustainable and equitable futures.

Jenna Flood:

Jenna is a slow fashion advocate whose main focus is helping people understand the issues that surround fast fashion. She advocates for sustainable alternatives such as pre-loved, vintage and clothing made with sustainable practices. Jenna believes in slowing down our clothing consumption by curating capsule wardrobes and buying for long term investments instead of purchasing on a whim or following short trends. She hopes that in the future, more people invest in the sharing economy by renting or borrowing garments instead of owning them.

Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events

The Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings at the iconic Manningham Function Centre.

The series will introduce you to a diverse line-up of local and international keynote speakers offering unique insights on how we can all shift to a greener future.

Topics range from permaculture to sustainable fashion. Each speaker will inspire and motivate simple, positive lifestyle choices, connection to nature and growing a thriving community in the midst dynamic change.

A health and fitness program lead by a qualified Fitness Instructor, designed for men over 50.

Combine strength, fitness and balance training whilst making friends and having fun.

Held on Wednesday mornings.

Parking is available onsite and Bus 905 stops at Thompsons and Sunhill Roads bus stop.

Get expert answers to your burning questions about sustainable building practices, energy-efficient designs, and how to make your home greener.

This webinar is part of Renew's Sustainable House Day (SHD) 2025 webinar series.

Please note:

• Registration is essential.
• Manningham residents can book this event individually, or access a 50 per cent discount on the webinar Series Pass to attend all eight webinars ($37.50).
• This session will be recorded and sent out to registered participants. 
• Each webinar will take place on Zoom. If you need to download Zoom, you can do so here.
• You will receive the link to attend the sessions the day before each event.
• Renew is a small non-profit organisation that needs to raise money from ticket sales to cover the costs of hosting this event.

Electrify Your Life

This event 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.

Come along to find out how you can electrify everything to improve your home environment, and ease the burden on your budget.

This webinar will explore essential transition areas including:

• why an all-electric home
• the benefits of getting off gas
• which items need attention
• how to plan your transition
• what assistance and rebates are available.

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 an all-electric 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.

Bookings are essential.

Come along to celebrate the launch of our 2025 Inspired Living Series with a panel of two inspiring local storytellers and eco-adventurers!

Beau Miles

Beau is a father, YouTuber, author of The Backyard Adventurer, wannabe farmer and maker of stuff from other people's junk. Known for oddball storytelling that aims to turn seemingly mundane or silly ideas into things that are enjoyable, challenging and insightful. Beau is known for his ‘Backyard Adventurer’ philosophy of connecting people with their local heritage, history and environment.

Cezary Carmichael (Two Birders Two Bikes One School)

Cezary is a 19-year-old filmmaker and student who recently completed a year-long journey on his bike around Australia to fund the development of a school in Timor-Leste (raising more than $120,000). His upcoming documentary will explore the cultural and ecological significance of birds in Australia and the importance of storytelling and communication in fostering community.

Inspired Living Series – keynote speaker events

Our 2025 Inspired Living Series showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings. The series will introduce you to a diverse lineup of local keynote speakers who will offer unique insights on embracing sustainability.

Topics range from sustainable food to low waste lifestyles. Each speaker will share their journey – inspiring our audience to embrace positive choices, nurture a connection to nature, and strengthen their community for a stronger, more resilient future.

Registration for this event is required.

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Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.

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Come along to our 2025 Inspired Living Series panel to participate in an all-ages discussion on climate optimism and action. 

Lee Constable 

Lee is a science and sustainability presenter and edu-tainer. She is best known for hosting Network 10 kids’ science TV show Scope, as well as appearing on Studio 10 and War on Waste. Lee is the author of How to Save the Whole Stinkin’ Planet: A Garbological Adventure and How to Save the Whole Blinkin' Planet: A Renewable Energy Adventure. Lee uses comedy and humour on and off screen to reach untapped audiences and tackle the often-daunting topic of climate change. 

Ivy Sheng

Ivy is a 16-year-old student and youth advocate who is passionate about democracy, civic participation and community-led climate action. She is the creator and host of Taught, Not Told, a podcast that bridges generational gaps by sharing practical life lessons and personal stories from guests with diverse experiences – helping young people find clarity, direction and hope in an uncertain world. Ivy volunteers with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and City of Boroondara’s ‘Youth Voice’ reference group, where she works to make climate conversations more inclusive, grounded and hopeful.

Inspired Living Series – keynote speaker events

Our 2025 Inspired Living Series showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings. The series will introduce you to a diverse lineup of local keynote speakers who will offer unique insights on embracing sustainability.

Topics range from sustainable food to low waste lifestyles. Each speaker will share their journey – inspiring our audience to embrace positive choices, nurture a connection to nature, and foster community for a stronger, more resilient future.

Registration for this event is required.

Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter

Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.

Subscribe now

Our presenter, Ian Moxon, is a seasoned sustainability consultant with over 15 years of experience in Electric vehicles. He’ll share his extensive knowledge and valuable industry insights into the benefits of electric vehicles.

The information session will cover:

• charging systems, charging times and expanding infrastructure
• distances that Australians usually travel and how the perceived barrier to EVs is dissolving
• battery technologies - innovation is driving higher capacity, less weight, longer life spans, better safety and end of life recycling
• the cost to travel using electricity as a fuel and the impact of a growing electric fleet for our electricity grid
• the various models that are available now, and the many more that will arrive with policy changes and surging demand.

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.

Bookings are essential.

Are you tired of skyrocketing energy bills and worried about sweltering in the summer heat? It's time to control the heat and create a cool comfort haven at home this summer.

Join this webinar to discover how to:

• Repel the urban heat island effect by harnessing nature's incredible cooling potential! Explore natural cooling methods like passive solar design, landscaping, and ventilation to keep your home cool.
• Examine your home's performance. We'll discuss the impact of air leaks, insulation needs and window treatments which can greatly enhance your home's performance through the heat.
• Learn about best practice 'Active Cooling' using fans and air conditioners. There are smart ways to keep you comfortable, reduce wear and tear, consume less electricity and deliver lower energy bills.
• Consider smart technologies and upgrading appliances for an even more energy efficient future.
• Find out about rebates and get answers to your specific cooling challenges and concerns.

Whether you live in a small apartment or a spacious family home, this presentation offers solutions for every type of living space.

Join us for this essential presentation and take the first step toward creating a cool, comfortable, and 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. 

Registration is essential. 

Find out how solar power and solar batteries will improve your home, save you money and generate a clean future for the environment.

This webinar will include:

• how solar power and battery systems work
• buying good quality solar and battery products
• what to look for in a solar and battery quote
• how to find a good installer
• how government rebates help.

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 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.

Bookings are essential.

Come along to our 2025 Inspired Living Series presentation on the exciting world of sustainable food!

Jo Barrett 

Jo is one of Australia’s most innovative chefs, specialising in sustainable and low waste cooking. Having released her cookbook 'Sustain: Groundbreaking Recipes And Skills That Could Save The Planet', she went on to be named 'Chef of the Year' at the Good Food Guide 2024 awards.

Jo is a longtime collaborator with sustainability legend Joost Bakker, taking part in the groundbreaking eco-living experiment futurefoodsystem, a self-sustaining, zero waste, highly productive house at Federation Square. 

Jo also works with Wildpie, using invasive game species in pies, and is collaborating with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to develop creative, edible ways to use the 456 million loaves of bread wasted in Australia every year. Jo will discuss her journey to sustainable food and inspire audience members to embrace new ways of eating.

Serenity Hill

Serenity is a farmer at Pukawidgee Farm in Northeast Victoria and a food system innovator working with Open Food Network. Open Food Network supports regional supply networks and runs Discover Regenerative - a national website that makes it easy to find regenerative farmers, and Good Food for All - a voucher program that supports access to good food for low-income households. 

Serenity also provides advisory services to Sustainable Table and VicHealth on agro-ecological diet and supply networks, regional food activation and landscape regeneration. She is passionate about continually learning what makes 'good food' and increasing people's ability to access it, no matter their income, skill level or access to land. 

Inspired Living Series – keynote speaker events

Our 2025 Inspired Living Series showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings. The series will introduce you to a diverse lineup of local keynote speakers who will offer unique insights on embracing sustainability.

Topics range from sustainable food to low waste lifestyles. Each speaker will share their journey – inspiring our audience to embrace positive choices, nurture a connection to nature, and foster community for a stronger, more resilient future.

Registration for this event is essential. 

Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter

Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.

Subscribe now

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.

Bookings are essential. 

Come along to our 2025 Inspired Living Series panel to learn about the exciting future of electrification and energy efficiency – both at home and beyond!

Heidi Lee

Heidi is the CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions, an independent think thank that shows how Australia can prosper in a zero emissions economy through ambitious research, influential engagement and compelling communications. Heidi has two decades' experience in sustainable design and architecture, and in 2024, was named one of The Australian's 'Top 100 Green Energy Power Players' for the third year running. 

Tim Forcey

Tim is one of Australia's leading voices in home energy efficiency and electrification. He is an avid researcher and author of 'My Efficient Electric Home Handbook', which captures a decades worth of advice and insight. Tim founded and contributes to the thriving My Efficient Electric Home online community. As a qualified home energy advisor who has advised in more than 1,000 homes, Tim will share his main insights on how to transform and retrofit any home to be efficient, comfortable and sustainable. 

Brendan Lang

Brendan is an electrician with more than 10 years' experience operating his electrical contracting business. He's also the founder of Get Off Gas. The core motivation for his work is to help accelerate the transition to renewable all-electric buildings and transport, which will reduce running costs and improve liveability. Brendan and his Get Off Gas team offer solutions to electrify homes, with a strong focus on educating homeowners to ensure they make great choices for the environment and their wallets.

Inspired Living Series – keynote speaker events

Our 2025 Inspired Living Series showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings. The series will introduce you to a diverse lineup of local keynote speakers who will offer unique insights on embracing sustainability.

Topics range from sustainable food to low waste lifestyles. Each speaker will share their journey – inspiring our audience to embrace positive choices, nurture a connection to nature, and foster community for a stronger, more resilient future.

Registration for this event is required.
 

Electrify Your Life 

This event is part of our Electrify Your Life program, supporting residents to go all-electric at home and power up a brighter future for Manningham. Learn how to make the switch at Electrify Your Life. By switching to electric appliances, you can create a safer and healthier home for your family. 

This is a Partner Event hosted independently as part of Renew’s Sustainable House Day 2025 program. Visit Sustainable House Day for the full program.

Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter

Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.

Subscribe now

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.

Bookings are essential.