Join Open Table a not-for-profit community organisation for an informative and fun cooking class showcasing practical ways to reduce your food waste.
Learn how to make gnocchi from stale bread as well as tips and tricks for meal planning and food storage.
Recipe and ingredients list will be provide prior to the class so you can cook along at home!
Stay fit and active from home with our online walking class for cardio endurance.
Join Carol for an energizing workout that incorporates standing movements to boost your heart rate and improve stamina.
Enjoy a fun, low-impact session designed for all fitness levels—bring your enthusiasm and get ready to move.
This class is aimed at anyone who wants to improve their flexibility and feel good about themselves. It includes time to chat with Carol before and after class if you want to talk about your personal fitness goals and how Third Age Fitness can help you.
The winners of the 2025 Manningham Monster Community Raffle have been announced, as the long-running initiative celebrates 20 years of giving back to community and supporting local fundraising.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante drew this year’s winners on Wednesday 23 July at the Templestowe Bowling Club.
The Mayor praised the raffle’s long-standing contribution, highlighting the role it’s played in strengthening community connections.
“For two decades, this raffle has brought our community together and helped countless local groups deliver programs and initiatives. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of,” Cr Diamante said.
“This year’s fundraiser raised $16,000, bringing our five-year total to over $100,000 – every dollar of which has gone directly back into our community,” she said.
For every $2 ticket sold, $1.50 goes directly to participating schools, clubs and groups. The remaining 50 cents supports the Manningham Community Fund, which backs local initiatives focused on:
The Mayor thanked raffle partner Templestowe Bowling Club for its valued support.
“A special thank you to our raffle partner, Templestowe Bowling Club for wholeheartedly embracing this opportunity,” Cr Diamante said. She also commended the Women’s Friendship Group for its outstanding contribution, having sold the highest number of tickets.
She also commended the Women’s Friendship Group for its outstanding contribution, having sold the highest number of tickets.
“Congratulations to the Women’s Friendship Group for selling over 2,000 tickets – the most of any group this year. It’s an incredible achievement and real testament to your dedication,” she said.
Templestowe Bowling Club President, Eric Virgona said the raffle is a fantastic initiative.
“Templestowe Bowling Club is proud to partner with Manningham Council and be part of the Monster Community Raffle. It’s an initiative that brings real joy and value across our community,” Mr Virgona said.
“Having the chance to hand out prizes personally, I see firsthand the excitement and gratitude from the winners. At the same time, it’s incredibly rewarding to know that local organisations like ours have raised funds to support our clubs and programs.
“This raffle is a reminder that when community comes together, everyone wins!”
For more information, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/monster-community-raffle
Pictured above (left to right): Cr Isabella Eltaha, Barbara Mann, Manningham Mayor Cr Deidre Diamante, Sue Cefai, Eric Virgona, Cr Anna Chen.
By going all-electric, you can create a safer home and brighter Manningham.
That’s why Manningham Council has partnered with Solar Savers, a local government initiative that takes the hassle out of home energy upgrades. The Council-backed program has now expanded to offer more suppliers and product choices, as well as home energy assessments for personalised advice.
Do you have questions about making your home more comfortable and efficient? Keen to install solar, batteries or efficient electric appliances? Drop in to learn more.
Join us at your local library for a session between August and October 2025.
Registration is not required. Drop in any time during the 1-hour session.
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.
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
By going all-electric, you can create a safer home and brighter Manningham.
That’s why Manningham Council has partnered with Solar Savers, a local government initiative that takes the hassle out of home energy upgrades. The
Council-backed program has now expanded to offer more suppliers and product choices, as well as home energy assessments for personalised advice.
Do you have questions about making your home more comfortable and efficient? Keen to install solar, batteries or efficient electric appliances? Drop in to learn more.
Join us at your local library for a session between August and October 2025.
Registration is not required. Drop in any time during the one-hour session.
Power up a cleaner future
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.
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
Native Bees and butterflies are great pollinators and beautiful additions to any garden. There are many things you can do to attract them to your garden.
This workshop will introduce you to the wonderful world of native bees and butterflies. It will cover the role of insects in nature as pollinators and discuss practical ways you can attract them to your garden. You’ll be helping the environment while enjoying the splash of colour, movement and beauty native bees and butterflies bring to a garden.
Presenter: Charlotte Harrison from Sustainable Gardening Australia.
Supper is at 6.45pm, the seminar begins at 7.00pm sharp.
Registration is essential.
This is the third session of a four-part series on Gardening for Biodiversity. The following and final session will cover how to attract small birds into your garden. The series of workshops is run by Sustainable Gardening Australia and provides tips and tricks to garden for wildlife and support biodiversity in your local area.
Join Elana from Cloth Nappy Workshops Melbourne who will take you through the different reusable menstrual products and how to decide which one suits your needs, budget and body.
She will discuss washable cloth pads, menstrual discs and cups, and absorbent period underwear, and how to use and wash them, so you can avoid spending money at the shops each month.
GO Soccer Mums is an introductory soccer program designed specifically for women.
It's not only for mums but women from all walks of life!
In 2022, we've been excited to welcome our Muslim community and any women, female-identifying, and non-binary participants.
Participants will have fun, meet new people, and learn basic football skills in a judgment-free environment.
It doesn't matter if you have never kicked a football before. No experience is necessary, and anybody can take part.
Bring a drink bottle and wear shoes and clothes that allow you to move, run and kick.
The term ‘heart attack’ is frequently used in the media, but do you actually know what it means, how it might affect you and what you can do to avoid it?
Heart disease is by far the most common cause of death in Australian adults.
This 2-hour session will explain in simple terms exactly what ‘heart disease’ and ‘heart attack’ mean and how and why they occur. You'll also learn what the main risk factors are and how best to minimize your risk.
There is parking available onsite and regular public transport by bus adjacent at The Pines Shopping Centre.
Meeting Date: 29 September 2015
Meeting Time: 7.00pm
Location: Council Chamber, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster
View and download the full Council Agenda below. A clearer version of the Attachments can be viewed separately by clicking on the item below.
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 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.
With support from Manningham Council, the new Jackson Court Traders Association has seen the launch of its first initiative – a welcoming new sign at Jackson Court Shopping Centre.
Formed just over a year ago, the Jackson Court Traders Association advocates for its businesses, collaborates with Council, pursues funding opportunities and creates initiatives to promote the popular activity centre.
Jackson Court has more than 90 businesses, making it one of Manningham’s busiest and most vibrant centres.
The new sign on Doncaster Road is designed to showcase the mix of local businesses and advertise the centre.
Manningham Council supports activity centres with infrastructure upgrades, business support and planning. At Jackson Court, Council helped establish the traders’ association with registration, governance, communication and business development support.
President of the Jackson Court Traders Association, Con Valsamis said the sign brings a new look and increased advertising space for businesses at the centre.
"As a group, we have so many ideas on ways to continue improving this important shopping district. This new signage is a big step towards us achieving these goals,” Mr Valsamis said.
“A big thank you to my fellow committee members for their passion and dedication and to Manningham Council for their support in setting up our traders association.”
“We want to bring this area to life and really show people what we at Jackson Court have to offer,” Mr Valsamis added.
You can follow Jackson Court Traders Association on Instagram @jacksoncourt.doncaster.
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.
Council has endorsed Manningham’s suite of key strategic documents, marking a decisive step toward building a vibrant and sustainable future. This includes its Council Plan 2025-2029 and 2025/26 Budget.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said: “It’s essential that Council’s actions reflect what truly matters to the people who live here – what they value, what they want improved and what kind of future they envision for our neighbourhoods.
“Endorsing these strategic documents is more than a procedural step. It’s a commitment to delivering real and lasting outcomes for our community.
“Together, they set a clear direction for the future – one that is community-led, inclusive and focused on delivering meaningful outcomes for everyone who calls Manningham home,” Cr Diamante said.
At its meeting on Monday 30 June, Council formally endorsed the following documents:
The endorsed documents are the result of extensive community engagement. They have been shaped by the Manningham Community Panel’s recommendations, the Community Vision 2040, and feedback from the broader community, advisory bodies, partners, Councillors and Council officers.
“We’ve listened to our community’s concerns, priorities and aspirations for Manningham. From the rising cost of living, community safety, access to transport and open spaces, and protecting the unique character of our neighbourhoods as we grow – we understand what matters most to you.
“Together, we’ve created a roadmap that reflects our shared values and sets us on a path toward a healthier, more connected and resilient future,” Cr Diamante said.
At the heart of the Council Plan is a strong focus on building a healthier, more vibrant city.
For the first time, Council has integrated its Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan into the Council Plan to ensure a unified approach to achieving the highest possible standard of public health and wellbeing, while meeting legislated obligations.
“We know that building a great city isn’t just about infrastructure and services. It’s about the health, happiness and resilience of our people. This integrated approach ensures that every decision we make supports the wellbeing of our community, now and into the future.
"Together, all these strategic documents lay the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive Manningham – one that reflects our community’s voice and is ready to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead," Cr Diamante said.
Join our local Land Restoration Guides, Alan Noy and Glenn Jameson for an interactive walk in 100 Acres Reserve, and for a summary session in the study room. Learn how to successfully tackle weeds and support local wildlife on your block. Become empowered to collectively regenerate our native bushland and help it thrive, so that you can improve the natural beauty of where you live.
This workshop is FREE and take home notes will be provided.
Wear shoes and clothing appropriate for a bush walk and the weather on the day.
Bring a water bottle and a notepad and pen.
Free light lunch provided.
Location will be provided upon registration
Meeting Date: 10 November 2015
Meeting Time: 7.00pm
Location: Council Chamber, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster
View and download the full Council Agenda below. A clearer version of the Attachments can be viewed separately by clicking on the item below.
A one-day practical seminar visiting sites around Warrandyte that have had their local native vegetation restored using a range of techniques.
Join your land restoration guides, Alan Noy and Glenn Jameson on the land and for a short summary session in the study room.
They will take you on a local journey observing and discussing practical aspects of revegetation design, local vegetation patterns, choosing plants, maintenance, and long-term management of natural vegetation.
Visit sites where our community is attempting to reconcile the loss of biodiversity and learn how we can be part of that reconciliation process through the revegetation of the land.
Build on the basic skills acquired in Smartphones and Devices - The Basics. You'll extend your understanding of technology, use of digital devices, their functionality, and the ways you can use these devices to connect with others on a variety of platforms and access services over the internet.
The topics covered include:
Plus additional and separate activities on PowerPoint.
Car parking is available onsite and Bus 905 stops at Thompsons Road / Sunhill Road bus stop.
