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 

Greater energy resilience and emergency backup power are coming to Mullum Mullum Stadium by early 2026, thanks to a new neighbourhood battery.

Manningham Council has secured $277,636 in State Government funding to install a 100kW/200kW behind the meter battery at Mullum Mullum Stadium. This will cover 90 per cent of the total project cost.

Connected to the stadium’s 450kW solar panels, the battery will store excess energy to help power the facility.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante welcomed the funding – highlighting its positive impact for the community.

“This is an exciting step towards a more sustainable and energy-secure future for 
Manningham,” Cr Diamante said.

“The battery will help improve energy reliability, lower power costs and provide a crucial 
backup power source during emergencies,” she said.

As a Regional Emergency Relief Centre, this battery will also enable the facility to maintain critical services during emergencies, supporting the community with immediate support and resources when they need it most.

A neighbourhood battery is an electricity storage system that lets you generate, store and consume your own renewable energy.

In front of the meter neighbourhood batteries are connected directly to the local electricity network. Behind the meter batteries store and consume energy separately from the grid.

Neighbourhood batteries help:

• provide better access to renewable energy
• lower household power bills
• ensure a more reliable electricity supply
• contribute to Victoria’s clean energy transition.

For more details on the 100 Neighbourhood Battery Fund, visit: energy.vic.gov.au/grants/neighbourhood-batteries/100-neighbourhood-batteries-program-grants 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Manningham Council is seeking community feedback on a concept design for an upgrade at Wombat Bend Playground. 

Wombat Bend Playground is a much-loved regional playground catering to visitors of all abilities – created by the community, for the community. It embraces inclusive design to foster creative development, inspiration and imagination and to encourage the mind to explore.

The concept design developed for the playground upgrade reflects insights gathered from community consultations held in December 2024. The proposed upgrades include:

• a diverse range of play equipment suitable for all ages and abilities
• a dedicated swing zone with five different seat types
• a larger water play area
• a sand play zone with raised tables and a digger
• a refurbished maze zone
• improved access paths for better connectivity and movement
• upgraded amenities, including new seating, picnic areas, drinking fountains, shelters, and BBQs
• enhanced shade and expanded grassed areas
• a new co-located fitness station.

Community consultation now open

To have your say on the Wombat Bend Playground concept design, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/wombat-bend-playground-upgrade.

Council is also holding an onsite consultation session on Sunday 18 May.

Community members are invited to attend between 10:30am and 12:00pm (noon) to discuss the design directly with the project team.

Council values the input of the community in shaping the future of the Wombat Bend Playground and appreciates everyone’s involvement in making the playground a better space for all.

Consultation closes Monday 2 June 2025.

For more information, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/wombat-bend-playground-upgrade

Manningham Council proudly hosted its first Annual Grants Celebration on Wednesday 27 August – an evening dedicated to recognising and celebrating the remarkable organisations supported through the 2025 Annual Community Grants program. 

The event brought together community groups, volunteers, and local leaders to acknowledge the vital role of not-for-profit organisations in creating a more inclusive, connected, and vibrant Manningham. 

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said it was an honour to celebrate with the 30 grant recipients and acknowledge the efforts of the many volunteers, organisers and community members behind each project.

“A big congratulations to all our grant recipients and the people who work quietly and tirelessly in the background to strengthen our community,” Cr Diamante said. 

“There’s something really powerful about bringing people together who share the same compassion for our community in Manningham.

“This celebration marks the beginning of a new tradition for Manningham - one that not only recognises the incredible work happening in our community, but also encourages connection, collaboration and continued growth,” Cr Diamante said.  

Each year, Manningham Council is proud to provide grants that support local initiatives to enhance wellbeing, strengthen social connection, and promote active participation across Manningham. 

This year, Council awarded $314,223 in funding through its Annual Grants program, which includes four key streams of Community Development, Arts, Festivals and Events, and Healthy Ageing. 

The 2025 program highlights the diverse and meaningful ways community-led initiatives are making a difference. Some of the projects funded this year include:

• Heide Museum of Modern Art’s Yaluk Langa Learning Programs, designed in collaboration with First Nations artists and educators to deepen cultural understanding among young people through art.
• Onemda Association’s sensory wellbeing spaces, which provide calm, inclusive environments tailored to individuals with sensory processing needs.
• The Rotary Club of Manningham City’s Walk for Youth Mental Health, an initiative that brings the community together to raise awareness, reduce stigma and support young people’s mental health.

These projects are among 30 grant recipients making an impact on the lives of Manningham residents. 

View the full list of grant recipients at Council's Community Grants page. 

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.
 

The first phase of the Melbourne Hill Road drainage upgrades is now complete, and Manningham Council is preparing for phase two works to start late next year.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante said the completion of phase one marks a significant milestone for the project.

“Phase one has tackled key safety and flooding issues for locals, while also enhancing the local habitat through planting of species of native vegetation to provide shelter and food as well as contributing to the overall biodiversity.”

This major project, covering approximately 35 hectares of residential area, aims to reduce flood risk to protect local properties and businesses.

Commencing earlier this year, with the installation of underground drainage along the roadside, widening of the road, and removal of deep depressions and driveway culverts.

We are now preparing for the second phase of construction, which will focus on upgrading the drainage systems within easements on private properties. This phase will improve stormwater management and provide flood protection for properties by addressing surface water runoff.

“We’re looking forward to the next stage of construction starting next year, as it will provide essential flood protection for properties along Melbourne Hill Road,” the Mayor added.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 and take approximately one year to complete. However, the schedule may be affected by weather conditions and the potential relocation of underground service assets.

In the meantime, Council will continue its planting program, supporting the establishment of new native plantings over the coming years.

For further information and the latest project updates, visit Your Say Manningham.

Community members will enjoy a safer, more accessible and usable Doncaster Hill Community Garden, with a redesign planned to get underway in June.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said the garden is a treasured place where people come together to grow, share and connect.

“The Doncaster Hill Community Garden plays a vital role in supporting our community,” Cr Diamante said.

“Beyond providing fresh and nutritious food, it nurtures a stronger local food system, social connections and community wellbeing.

“Importantly, it also provides fresh produce to people experiencing hardship through Doncare’s food relief program,” she said.

The works will include levelling uneven ground to reduce tripping hazards and installing raised garden beds at varying heights to support gardeners of all ages and abilities.

New wicking beds, improved composting and better water use will support more efficient and diverse food growing, including culturally significant crops. Security will also be improved through soft fencing, gated access and lockable compost bins.

“We’ve listened to our dedicated volunteers and gardeners, whose insights and aspirations have helped shape the planned improvements to the garden,” Cr Diamante said.

“The result will be a more accessible space that reflects our community values of sustainability, sharing and inclusion,” she said.

The Doncaster Hill Community Garden is a friendly space for anyone interested in growing food, meeting others and learning new skills. It hosts a working bee every second Tuesday, where community members come together to grow and harvest produce.

The garden will be temporarily closed from June to August 2025, while the works take place.

The shed will not be impacted in the redesign.

For more information, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/garden-redesign 

The much-loved Spring Outdoors Festival is back this September, with a jam-packed program of free and low-cost events for all ages.

Running from September to November, the festival – a partnership program of Manningham, Banyule and Nilumbik Councils – features more than 50 events celebrating nature, sustainability and local biodiversity. 

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said the festival is a much-anticipated part of the annual calendar, offering the community a chance to connect with the environment and each other. 

“We’re lucky to live in an area with such incredible biodiversity and green spaces,” Cr Diamante said.

“The Spring Outdoors Festival is all about inspiring our community to get outside, learn something new and take simple steps that help our environment thrive.”

This year’s program shines a light on biodiversity, with environment seminars, a wildlife gardening seminar series, a guided nature walk and more. 

Festival highlights include:

• Breakfast with the platypus river walk (Sunday 7 September, 6:45am to 8:30am)
• Backyard birds of Warrandyte (Tuesday 14 October, 11:00am to 12:00pm)
• Wildlife Gardening Seminar Series: Attracting wildlife and birds into the garden (Thursday 30 October, 7:00pm to 9:00pm)
• Star gazing night at Ruffey Lake Park (Friday 17 October, 8:00pm to 10:00pm)

The festival kicks off on 7 September and runs until November. Bookings are essential.

For the full program and to register, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/spring-outdoors 

Don’t miss an afternoon of live and local music as Yarra Street Sounds presents homegrown bands and performers in Warrandyte this October.

Manningham Council’s free all-ages festival will showcase a lineup of 15 local acts across five venues.

Performers include Headphone Jones, BOTH, Chris Cavill, Tall Dan & The True Stories, The Skiffle Sisters, Diablos, Bones, Cherry Temple, Sonse, John Flanagan, Bron, Eclipse, Dan Cully, Aimee Maric, and Grace Forster.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said the event aimed to celebrate Manningham’s diverse local music scene and provide a platform for local established and emerging artists.

“Yarra Street Sounds will give locals and visitors a chance to experience live music close to home, while supporting our local venues and businesses,” Cr Diamante said.

“Live music brings people together and it really will showcase the best that Warrandyte has to offer,” she said.

Event details

Date: Saturday 25 October
Time: 1:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: Yarra Street, Warrandyte 
See performances at the Warrandyte Mechanics Institute, SaHa, Now and Not Yet Café, Warrandyte RSL and The Bakery.
Entry: Free

The music festival is part of the broader Live and Local program aimed at developing Manningham’s live music scene.

Local musicians, venues and businesses are invited to participate in the program by joining our Manningham Music Database – a hub for future live music programming and performance opportunities.

Initiatives have included forums and workshops, as well as regular Live and Local meet-ups for members of the local live music industry to connect. The next meet-ups are scheduled for 9 October in Templestowe Lower and 6 November in Doncaster.

Live and Local is presented in partnership with the Live Music Office, One Music Australia and APRA AMCOS (the Australasian Performing Rights Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society). It has also been assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia.

Visit the Manningham Council website for more information about Yarra Street Sounds and the Live and Local program.

Image above: Members of the band BOTH, who will be performing at Yarra Street Sounds.