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’re looking for passionate and dedicated community members to join our Recreation and Sport, and Youth advisory committees.

Our advisory committees provide an opportunity for locals to share expert advice, guidance and ideas to help drive positive change and outcomes for Manningham.

As an advisory committee member, you will:

• play an active role in shaping the decisions Council makes for your community
• gain valuable experience and skills in leadership, strategic thinking and collaboration
• network with other community leaders, learning from their experience
• share your interests and passions with the Manningham community.

Recreation and Sport Advisory Committee (RASAC)

Do you want to make a difference in recreation and sport for the Manningham community? We’re seeking individuals of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds to:

• share their experience and insights
• help improve sporting and recreational outcomes
• ensure Manningham remains an active and vibrant community.

Who can apply

Committees are open to people who live, work, play or study in Manningham. Unfortunately, presidents, secretaries, and treasurers of sports clubs are ineligible to apply.

How to apply

Complete the online Expression of Interest form. 

If you need help to complete the Expression of Interest form, email Recreation at recreation2@manningham.vic.gov.au. 

Before applying, read the Terms of Reference.

Apply now

Manningham Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC)

Are you passionate about the future of young people in Manningham? Join the Youth Advisory Committee to:

• help shape government decisions that impact young people
• be a voice for youth in the community
• influence programs and policies that affect young people
• develop leadership skills and make a lasting impact.

Who can apply

Committees are open to young people between the ages of 15 and 25 who live, work, play or study in Manningham.

How to apply

Complete the online Expression of Interest form.

If you need help to complete the Expression of Interest form, email Children Youth and Family Services at youthadvisory@manningham.vic.gov.au. 

Before applying, read the Terms of Reference.

Apply now

UPDATED: 28 March 2025 new date for community workshop

We’re developing a new action plan to guide future arts, culture and local history services, programs and activities in Manningham.

We want to hear what’s important to you about arts, culture and local history, and the types of programs you would like to see in our municipality.

Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said arts, culture and local history enriched community life by providing opportunities for expression and creativity, social connections and a sense of identity and belonging.

“Whether it’s visual arts and exhibitions, theatre, music and live performances, writing and literature, or photography and film - arts and culture touches everyone,” Cr Diamante said.

“Our local history dates back thousands of years from the traditional owners, the Wurrundjeri Woi-wurrung people, through the days of European settlement to our present multicultural community.

“Creative industries also form an important part of our local economy.”

Share your thoughts by:

• completing our online survey at Your Say Manningham
• registering to attend our online community workshop on Wednesday 8 April 2025, 6.00pm to 7.30pm

Visit Your Say Manningham for more information and to have your say. 

Survey closes Friday 25 April 2025 at 5pm.

Are you planning to light a burn pile after the Fire Danger Period ends? Have you met the requirements of our Local Law?

View the requirements for lighting fires and open air burning.

 If you cannot meet the requirements, contact us to apply for a permit.

 If you meet all requirements to burn, or have obtained a permit, notify Triple Zero Victoria (firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify).

You must notify Triple Zero Victoria of your burn. Plan ahead and notify online. ONLY if you are starting your burn within two hours, notify by calling 1800 668 511. Notifying Triple Zero Victoria of your burn prevents unnecessary callouts for firefighters.

Are you looking for advice on managing your vegetation? Contact us to explore your options. 

Other ways to manage vegetation on your property:

• order an additional garden waste bin
• book a bundled branches collection
• take it to a local transfer station
• utilise our Garden Waste Disposal Days, in September to December
• apply for a land management grant

Manningham Council is encouraging local seniors community groups and clubs to apply for a new Seniors Club Support Grants program, aimed at supporting initiatives that benefit and empower older people in Manningham.

These grants provide up to $8,000 in funding and can be used for a wide range of activities, including digital literacy programs, creative writing classes, or exercise sessions.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange invites clubs and group to apply for a grant.

“This is a chance for our dedicated seniors clubs and groups to receive support for new programs that boost the health and wellbeing of their members.” Cr Lange said.

“It’s also an opportunity to support initiatives where our older community, family members and carers to come together and make meaningful connections.

“A lack of social connection can really affect older individuals and their caregivers. These grants provide great opportunities to get involved in a safe and welcoming environment.”

Applications open on Monday 5 August and close on Wednesday 4 September.

Council is hosting a free grant writing workshop for existing Seniors Clubs members on Tuesday 6 August at the Manningham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.

Bookings are essential and limited to two people per organisation.

To register, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/events/manningham-grant-writing-workshop-seniors-club-support-grant. 

For more information or to apply, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/community-grants or contact the Community Grants team on 9840 9333 or grants@manningham.vic.gov.au.

Manningham Council is preparing a submission to the State Government's proposed new housing targets.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said the submission would draw on Council’s significant strategic planning work and community feedback.

“We’ll use our existing planning and community data to advocate for a range of outcomes that support Manningham’s current and emerging needs,” Cr Lange said.

The State Government has proposed a draft target of 39,000 new dwellings in Manningham by 2051. This target represents a 76 per cent increase in dwellings over the next 26 years or around 1,500 dwellings per year.

Cr Lange said this represented a significant increase in growth projections for Manningham.

“Over many years, Manningham Council has accepted growth, planned for growth and managed growth in a balanced and incremental way – in close consultation with our local community.

“The increased growth projections, and absence of detailed information provided, are a concern for Council, however we welcome the opportunity to engage with the State Government to ensure positive outcomes for the future of housing in Manningham.

“We’re eager to better understand the thinking and data behind the targets and how the state and federal governments will support the market to provide this additional housing,” the Mayor added. 

Council recently undertook comprehensive community engagement on its Residential Discussion Paper and Activity Centre Design Concepts. These initial phases of engagement will assist in preparation of the draft new Manningham Residential Strategy and Activity Centre Design Guidelines.

As part of the Residential Discussion Paper consultation, more than 70 per cent of respondents said the ‘look and feel of their suburb’ was their main reason for living there.

Respondents also identified a need for more diverse housing types, including more single level townhouses for downsizers and larger housing to suit intergenerational families.

When asked about preferred housing types needed for the future, single dwellings were the top choice (40 per cent), followed by townhouses (23 per cent).

The community expressed similar values and preferences in their feedback on the Activity Centre Design Concepts.  

Around half of the survey participants identified as visiting Park Orchards and Warrandyte Goldfield activity centres most often. Many of these respondents urged the importance of protecting these areas from development because of the sensitive environment, valued character and amenity, and lack of public transport.

“The valuable community insights received through our recent consultations will help inform our submission to the State Government,” Cr Lange said.

“Plans for future housing growth should respect the valued neighbourhood attributes of local communities.

“Planning also needs to ensure that the housing delivered is diverse and provides for a range of incomes, lifestyles and life stages. It should also consider the impact on core infrastructure (roads, footpaths, drainage, community facilities), the environment, public transport, traffic and more. 

“In addition to commercial development, we also expect that our major and neighbourhood activity centres will play an integral role in accommodating urban growth and development in Manningham,” she said.

To date this financial year, Council has approved planning permits for 651 dwellings – with 88 per cent of all our decisions made within the 60-day statutory timeframe.

Like other Councils, Manningham has issued permits for many homes that have not yet been built. As has been widely reported, the delivery of these already approved homes on the ground are challenged by the current economic conditions and rapidly increasing construction costs.

Council will keep the community informed throughout the engagement process with the State Government.

Residents are encouraged to have their say on the State Government’s plan for Victoria or learn more about the draft housing targets at engage.vic.gov.au/shape-our-victoria.

UPDATED: 28 March 2025 new date for community workshop

A new Arts Action Plan is set to guide future arts, culture and local history services, programs and activities in Manningham.

To inform the plan, artists, creatives and community members are invited to provide feedback to Council on what’s important to them about arts, culture and local history, and the types of programs they would like to see in the municipality.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said arts, culture and local history enriched community life by providing opportunities for expression and creativity, social connections and a sense of identity and belonging.

“Whether it’s visual arts and exhibitions, theatre, music and live performances, writing and literature, or photography and film - arts and culture touches everyone,” Cr Diamante said.

“Our local history dates back thousands of years from the traditional owners, the Wurrundjeri Woi-wurrung people, through the days of European settlement to our present multicultural community.

“Creative industries also form an important part of our local economy.”

Feedback can be provided by completing an online survey, or attending an online community workshop on Wednesday 8 April 2025, 6.00pm to 7.30pm.

More information is available at Your Say Manningham. Feedback closes Friday 25 April 2025.

The Manningham Community Panel has reached a significant milestone, charting a course for the future after delivering its final recommendations to Council.

Manningham Mayor Councillor Deirdre Diamante said the Panel’s insights will be invaluable in ensuring that the Council’s strategic plans are grounded in the community's needs and aspirations. 

“By listening to the voices of our community, we’re ensuring that our decisions and actions reflect and align with what matters most to our residents,” Cr Diamante said.   

 

“The Panel has played a crucial role in this process, comprising members from diverse age groups, cultural backgrounds and geographic locations that represent the unique tapestry of our community. 

 

“This collaborative approach will help enable us to create a more inclusive, resilient, sustainable and vibrant community for all.”

The Panel was established to identify Manningham's key priorities, challenges and opportunities – to help guide the Council’s strategic plans. This includes the Community Vision 2040, the four-year Council Plan, and the 10-year Asset and Financial Plans.

Throughout the process, Panel members deliberated for approximately 1,680 collective hours and heard from over 50 speakers from Council and community. 

They handed over their recommendations to Council at the final meeting on 1 February 2025. They span several themes including community safety, transport, open spaces and more. 

“Over the coming weeks, we’ll prepare a response to each of the panel’s recommendations, including how they will be implemented or the reasons for not supporting any recommendation,” Cr Diamante said. 

 

“We’re sincerely grateful to the panel members for their time and efforts during this dynamic process and committed to implementing the panel’s recommendations to the fullest extent possible. We’ll ensure their insights are carefully considered in all our decision-making as we plan ahead for Manningham,” the Mayor added.

For further information and stay up to date, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/help-shape-manninghams-future

Manningham resident and trailblazing interdisciplinary artist Grace Dlabik is presenting her latest exhibition titled kose karu kin at the Manningham Art Gallery from 26 June to 10 August.

Grace has over 25-years’ experience and has been highly sought after for her vision and work in future thinking and community building.

Grace’s work has been deeply informed by her Melanesian heritage as she creates connected environments with community care and culture at its core.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said the exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to experience the works of local resident and distinguished artist Grace Dlabik.

“This immersive exhibition explores the themes of culture, connection and community and I encourage everyone to visit the gallery and enjoy.” Cr Lange said.

Grace was awarded the 2023 Mordant BLAK C.O.R.E Fellowship, during which she led karu kin, a project focused on connecting indigenous women and non- binary folk through clay making. This project informed her current exhibition at the Manningham Art Gallery, titled kose karu kin.

“This exhibition is a combination of my own art, titled kose, and a special project karu kin that I led during my fellowship.” Grace said.

“kose is comprised of limestone sculptures that represent pillars of strength in community, kinship systems of care and nourishment.

“A reminder of who I am, who we are and where we come from and honouring my matrilineal bloodline.

“karu kin is the project that speaks to the kinship relationality and ways of connection through gathering and sharing through clay making. This involved seven indigenous women and non-binary people.

“Both projects of work use nature as a way of deeply connecting to our culture and the body of work that combines the use of both materials of the earth, limestone and clay.”

To see Grace’s incredible exhibition and experience her inspired work in person, visit the Manningham Art Gallery, located Ground Level, MC Square, 687 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.

For more details, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/events/kose-karu-kin.

Manningham Council is investigating options to rehabilitate the site of the former Doncaster Quarry after identifying issues that prevent the land from being developed in its current state.

Earlier this year, Council sought expressions of interest for the potential development of the former quarry site, located at 620-628 Blackburn Road in Doncaster East. 

This process was part of Manningham Council's Strategic Property Portfolio initiative, which aims to find new ways of funding the increasing costs of services and infrastructure locally.

Due to issues with the quarry site limiting the financial return of any proposed development, the expressions of interest received were not found to be feasible. 

Manningham Council Chief Executive Officer Andrew Day said due to issues with fill, compaction, water and slope, the site will need to undergo rehabilitation before it could be developed.

“Our focus for the former Doncaster quarry site has shifted to rehabilitating the land site to support potential further development.”

The first step will be an investigation into what is required to remediate the land for future use and development. 

The findings of this investigation will be presented to Council mid next year.

“We only get one opportunity to determine the future of this site, and we want to ensure the best financial return for the community. Once we understand what is required to rehabilitate the site, we will be in a better position to assess its potential,” Mr Day added.

For more information, go to Your Say Manningham.
 

Manningham Council property purchase sets the stage for new community house

Manningham Council has 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 Council’s 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 by Council will be the catalyst for investment from other levels of government.

Manningham 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 Council’s 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 Council’s Strategic Fund which is part of its 10 Year Financial Plan 2024/25 to 2033/34.

For more information, visit Your Say Manningham.