… FOGO has halved waste sent to landfill Manningham residents have achieved impressive environmental gains since …
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Manningham residents have achieved impressive environmental gains since introducing our Food Organics Garden Waste (FOGO) service, cutting the waste sent to landfill by half and more than doubling our organic waste.
In the first year of FOGO, more than 24,600 tonnes of food and organic waste has been composted – that’s equivalent to the weight of 10 Mullum Mullum Stadiums.
This significant reduction in landfill is helping reduce climate emissions, contributing to a healthier environment and resilient community.
It will also minimise the impact of the rising landfill levy, which is set to increase by an estimated 30 per cent in July 2025.
Manningham’s accomplishments can be attributed to the community’s commitment to working together toward environmental sustainability.
Residents are being encouraged to stay FOGO focused and continue their efforts to protect the environment for future generations.
This involves placing the correct items in FOGO bins and only using the certified lime green compostable liners.
Eligible items for FOGO bins include food waste, grass clippings, prunings, weeds, leaves and other garden waste. Each Manningham household can collect a free roll of 150 compostable liners (approximately one year’s supply) at the Manningham Civic Centre or Council Depot.
… Day: Removing trash to preserve our treasure Manningham residents are invited to come together and celebrate Clean Up …
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Manningham residents are invited to come together and celebrate Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 2 March, with a clean up event at Koonung Creek Linear Park from 10.00am to 1.00pm.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante encourages the local community to get involved.
“Clean Up Australia Day is coming up and a great way to take collective action to help our parks, waterways and wildlife.”
Manningham is home to a variety of parks and reserves as well as rivers and creeks that connect to larger water systems. Unfortunately, litter is being found in many of these areas, which can endanger waterways and wildlife.
When our waste ends up on the ground, it doesn’t just stay there – it washes into local waterways, especially during rainy or windy weather.
This litter can disrupt water quality and create hazards for our aquatic life, making it harder for plants and animals to thrive. Wildlife can also mistake plastic bags, food wrappers or small debris for food.
Clean Up Australia Day is a chance to take positive, practical action.
“By keeping litter out of our natural environment, we can create a cleaner, healthier Manningham for all.”
Event details
Sunday 2 March 2025
10.00am to 1.00pm
Koonung Creek Linear Park, 105 Leeds Street, Doncaster East, enter via Boronia Reserve
Gloves, litter collection gear, and a barbecue lunch will be provided. Registration is required.
"It’s incredibly rewarding to get outside, connect with nature and work together to make a positive impact – plus, the free barbecue is always a bonus!” Cr Diamante said.
For more information about this event or to register, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/events/clean-australia-day.
… local business 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. On this page …
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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.
… iconic ' Sentinel ' sculpture by Inge King is moving to a new, but nearby home. On this page North East Link All News … …
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Manningham’s iconic ‘Sentinel’ sculpture by Inge King is moving to a new, but nearby home.
The sculpture was carefully transported into temporary storage as one-piece to allow North East Link Project (NELP) to progress works on the Eastern Freeway upgrades.
Sentinel will return to take pride of place at a suitable gateway location when works at the Doncaster interchange are completed in 2026. It will remain a prominent piece for Manningham to be enjoyed by local community and visitors alike.
Located at the Doncaster Road exit of the Eastern Freeway, Sentinel was conceived as an icon of the City of Manningham – casting a watchful eye over the area. Its curved shapes symbolise the two creeks of the municipality; the Mullum Mullum and the Koonung Creeks. They enclose the blue oval form representing the City of Manningham.
Standing at 13 metres high and weighing 12 tonnes, Sentinel was created by internationally renowned artist and long-term Manningham resident Inge King.
“Sculpture is the exploration of form and space, it is a drawing from a thousand different angles” - Inge King (National Gallery of Australia).
A leading Australian sculptor, Inge King AM (1915 – 2016) was pivotal in developing and diversifying sculpture in Australia and worked actively until she was 98 years old.
Born in Berlin, Inge moved to Australia in 1950, creating many iconic public works in Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. She was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1984.
… iconic ' Sentinel ' sculpture by Inge King is moving to a new, but nearby home. On this page Media releases … Media …
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Manningham’s iconic ‘Sentinel’ sculpture by Inge King is moving to a new, but nearby home.
The sculpture has been carefully transported into temporary storage as one-piece, to allow North East Link Program to progress works on the Eastern Freeway upgrades.
Created by world renowned artist and former Warrandyte resident, Inge King, Sentinel was conceived as an icon of the City of Manningham – casting a watchful eye over the area.
Its curved shapes symbolise the two creeks of the municipality – the Mullum Mullum and the Koonung Creeks. They enclose the blue oval form representing the City of Manningham.
Sentinel will return to take pride of place at a suitable gateway location when works at the Doncaster interchange are completed in 2026.
While the location is still to be confirmed, we’ll ensure it will remain a prominent piece for Manningham to be enjoyed by local community and visitors alike.
For North East Link Program construction information and updates, call 1800 105 105 or visit the Big Build website.
About the artist
A leading Australian sculptor, Inge King AM (1915 – 2016) was pivotal in developing and diversifying sculpture in Australia and worked actively until she was 98 years old.
Inge King and her husband Australian painter and printmaker Grahame King (1915-2008) built their home and studio in Warrandyte in 1952.
Born in Berlin, Inge moved to Australia in 1950, creating many iconic public works in Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. She was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1984.
… The Get Active Kids Voucher program is back! A new round of the Get Active Victoria voucher program will …
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The Get Active Victoria voucher program aims to help eligible families and their children get active in sports and recreation by reimbursing the cost of membership and registration fees.
The Get Active Kids Voucher Program has delivered over 147,000 vouchers to eligible families to date!
The vouchers can help pay for sporting equipment, uniforms, and memberships in a range of activities from cricket to dance.
This initiative is part of Get Active Victoria’s efforts to inspire all Victorians – regardless of age, ability or location – to move more, every day.
Applications open October 2024. To find out more about the voucher program and how you can apply, visit Get Active Victoria.
Information for providers
Approved Activity Providers can receive vouchers from their members and then redeem the cost from the government.
Registrations to become a Get Active Kids Voucher Activity Provider are now open!
Register to become a provider
Registrations close at 12:00pm on Monday 23 September 2024.
An extensive investigation determined this as the only suitable site on Council-owned land in the area.
This was for several reasons, including:
sufficient space
access to essential services
adequate parking for users and maintenance vehicles.
This location also benefits from passive surveillance due to nearby residents and passing traffic. In an area of secluded bushland, the site is visible and easily accessible to trail users. Additionally, it provides a mid-point facility between the existing toilets at Mullum Mullum Stadium and Schwerkolt Cottage.
Why is it needed?
Currently, without a public toilet in this area, visitors are limited in where they can go and how long they can stay. A safe, well maintained, and environmentally friendly toilet would significantly improve the experience for people using the Mullum Mullum Trail.
A new exciting opportunity to celebrate, develop and grow our local live music scene is coming to Manningham.
The Live and Local program 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.
The free program offers professional development workshops along with performance and networking opportunities. It will provide valuable resources and support to musicians and song writers of all genres and levels, music industry professionals, venues and businesses within the Manningham community.
What’s included?
Professional Development Workshops: Gain knowledge and skills from industry experts to grow your sustainable music career
Mentoring and networking: Spending time with professionals and meeting other local people with the same music drive as you
Micro-Music Festival: Get the opportunity to perform at, host or attend our local Micro-Music Festival events
Local Industry Forum: Engage with key figures in the music industry and grow your network at our free forum on Saturday 28 June, 1:00pm-4:00pm at the Warrandyte Mechanics Institute in Warrandyte. Register today!
Who’s it for?
Local musicians, song writers, bands, producers, music industry professionals such as venue bookers, gig promoters, photographers, designers, production companies, managers.
Venues and businesses with space for small live music events in Manningham.
Sign up to get involved
Join us to strengthen the local music scene, improve your skills and make meaningful connections.
We’re creating the Manningham Music Database to connect local musicians and venues for future live music programming. This database will serve as a central hub for opportunities and collaborations within the Manningham community.
We’ll begin programming as expressions of interest come in, so get yours in today.
Musicians, song writers and music industry professionals
Musicians, bands, song writers, music industry professionals, producers and acts will have the chance to participate in paid events, connect with other local industry professionals, build their experience and contribute to the growth of the local live music scene.
If you run a local space that could be used for live music, or if you already book live shows in your venue, we want to hear from you.
You don’t need to be a traditional live music venue to take part, you may have just a small space within your café, gallery or retail or service area that could make a great little performance area.
Our Venues Liaison Officer can provide guidance and connect you to local musicians, other businesses and industry professionals through the program.
You're invited to our free Manningham Live Music Industry Forum on Saturday 28 June, 1:00pm-4:00pm at the Warrandyte Mechanics Institute in Yarra Street, Warrandyte.
Whether you're a musician, business or venue owner, event manager or all-round live music enthusiast, this forum is a valuable opportunity to network with us and the broader community and discuss what a thriving music scene looks like for Manningham.
The outcomes of this forum will assist us to develop professional opportunities for local musicians, inform our planning, includidng our upcoming Live and Local microfestival.
… Soft plastic recycling is back in Manningham thanks to a new trial at Woolworths supermarkets. On this page Wards All …
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Soft plastic recycling is back in Manningham thanks to a new trial at Woolworths supermarkets.
Items must be clean and dry. Eligible soft plastics include:
plastic bags
zip lock bags
cling wrap
bread bags
chip packets
cereal liners
yoghurt pouches
baby food pouches
pet food pouches.
These materials will be transported to local recycling facilities to be processed into products like shopping trolleys, park furniture and road additives.
How to return your soft plastics
Find a designated bin at the front of your local Woolworths store.
… public artwork community workshops Help shape Manningham’s new public artwork at Ruffey Lake Park . On this page All …
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Pictured: Ship of Wonder - Julian Clavijo
Would you like to help shape a new public artwork at Ruffey Lake Park?
If you have migrated from overseas and now live or work in Manningham, you’re invited to help shape our new Migrant Peace public artwork at Ruffey Lake Park, Doncaster.
You can participate in our series of interactive community workshops, which will be facilitated by award-winning and internationally renowned artist, Julian Clavijo.
The workshops will be held at the Manningham Art Studios - MC Square, 687 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster, from 6.30 to 8.30pm.
Bookings essential, places limited.
To book, select the workshop you want to attend and complete the Eventbrite form. You can attend one or multiple sessions.
The final artwork will be installed at Ruffey Lake Park in Doncaster in 2025.
For further information on the workshops, or if you would like this information in another format, please contact arts@manningham.vic.gov.au or call 9840 9382.
About the artist
Julian Clavijo is a nationally and internationally renowned Award Winning Artist currently based in Melbourne, Australia. In 2008, he graduated with a Bachelor of Advertising from the Universidad International de las Americas in Costa Rica. In 2011, he completed a Masters of Arts (Art in Public Space) at RMIT University in Melbourne.
The new sculpture by Natasha Johns-Messenger was installed in June this year.
Named EllipseCircleView, this artwork draws inspiration from the panoramic views of Ruffey Lake Park. Its simple geometric forms encourage visitors to contemplate their surroundings and appreciate the beauty of the landscape.
Starting in October 2024 and continuing through 2025, we’ll be enhancing the pathways around Ruffey Lake Park. These works aim to improve accessibility and connectivity, creating a better experience for park users.
Works will be carried out in stages through 2025, and will include:
King Street pedestrian bridge
We’re building a new bridge across Ruffey Creek to provide a safe and accessible all-weather connection for pedestrians. The bridge will offer an alternative to the existing narrow footpath along King Street.
These works will begin later this month and are expected to be completed in December. This schedule is subject to weather conditions.
King Street underpass widening
We’re widening the existing path under the King Street pedestrian bridge. The upgraded 2.5 metre wide shared path will support pedestrians and cyclists travelling through the area.
These works are scheduled to begin in 2025.
Quarry pedestrian bridge
We’re building a new bridge at the Quarry to provide a safe and accessible path for pedestrians. These works will likely begin in 2025.
Ruffey Lake boardwalk
We’re building a boardwalk along Ruffey Lake to create a safe, accessible, and visually appealing pathway that encourages the community to enjoy the lake and its surroundings.
The boardwalk construction is expected to start in 2025.
We’ll continue to publish updates on the works and schedule on the Ruffey Lake Masterplan Your Say Manningham page – subscribe to receive updates via email.
… Aquatic and Leisure Centre will include an exciting new water play area and improved café. On this page All News …
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An exciting new water play area and improved café will be part of the major redevelopment of the outdoor area at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
The project's detailed design is now underway, following Council's endorsement of the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan last August.
Our Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said the community is eagerly awaiting the redevelopment, which will bring Aquarena’s outdoor area up to the centre’s modern, state-of-the-art indoor areas.
Concept of the new outdoor area
“Around 2,500 people visit Aquarena each day, and we love welcoming the regular swimmers, local families, swim clubs, and community and school groups.
The centre is highly valued by the Manningham community and visitors alike,” Cr Lange said.
“This redevelopment will ensure the outdoor space continues to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the community for generations to come.”
We have appointed Co.Op Studios as the architect to design the new space, and bring the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan vision to life.
“The design process has been informed by the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan, which involved extensive consultation with community users and industry experts, to guide the redevelopment of the outdoor spaces,” Cr Lange said.
“I want to thank everyone who shared their passion and interest in the future of the outdoor space. More than 800 people provided feedback to inform the development of the Masterplan. We’re excited to be delivering what the community asked for, and more”, she added.
Concept of the new water play area
Feedback from the community and stakeholders emphasised the need for more seating, shade, change rooms, a fun water play area, better spaces for schools and clubs, and a sustainable design to reduce environmental impact.
“An enhanced café will now serve both indoor and outdoor areas. The new outdoor change rooms will be only metres from the outdoor pool, and the outdoor pool will now have ramp access and a swim wall to swap between 50 metre and 25 metre lanes,” the Mayor said.
Concept of the new wet lounge (cafe)
Other enhancements include state-of-the-art landscaping and the electrification of outdoor pool equipment, marking another significant step toward achieving Manningham’s emissions targets.
“Aquarena is currently our largest gas user. Making the switch from gas to energy efficient heat pumps, we can heat the outdoor area in an environmentally sustainable way,” the Mayor added.
The replacement of the centre's 50-metre outdoor pool will take place at the same time as the redevelopment works.
Concept of the 50-metre pool (refurbished)
“Aquarena’s outdoor area has a rich history of over 50 years and has been a source of community pride for generations. For many in our community, this is their backyard – we’re embracing the theme of your backyard to create an inviting space where our community can get active, play, socialise, host events and relax,” Cr Lange said.
“We’re excited to start sharing the draft designs and offering on site consultation opportunities in the coming weeks. We’ll also be connecting with various user groups to keep them informed as the project progresses,” she added.
The redevelopment works are planned to begin in late 2025, with project completion expected in late 2027.
Project updates will be available on the project's Your Say page. Subscribe to the project to receive updates directly to your inbox.
If you have any questions about this project, contact us.
… construction: Serpells Road, Templestowe We're proposing a new footpath connection on Serpells Road, Templestowe, to …
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Connecting our community through safe footpaths is one of the ways we’re building a better Manningham.
What is happening?
We're proposing a new footpath connection on Serpells Road, Templestowe, to improve accessibility and safety.
The project will include:
a 1.5 metre wide concrete footpath along the north side of Serpells Road
kerb and channel (concrete gutters) along the edge of the street to direct stormwater into drains.
This project will be designed under our 2024/25 Capital Works Program and constructed under our 2025/26 Capital Works Program.
Where is it?
Construction will occur on the north side of Serpells Road, Templestowe, between properties 35 and 81.
Why is it needed?
This footpath will connect the existing footpaths on Serpells Road to improve pedestrian connectivity and provide a safe and accessible walking route to encourage healthier, more active lifestyles.
When is it happening?
This project will be designed under our 2024/25 Capital Works Program and constructed under our 2025/26 Capital Works Program.
… live music Manningham Council has launched an exciting new program to boost the local live music scene. On this page …
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Manningham Council has launched an exciting new program to boost the local live music scene.
Live and Local is designed to celebrate, develop and support our local musicians, bands and businesses.
This free program offers professional development workshops as well as performance and networking opportunities, providing valuable resources and support to musicians, venues and music lovers within the Manningham community.
Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said Council wanted to support and grow the grassroots live music scene.
“We have so many talented musicians, and music industry professionals in our local area. We want to support our local industry so our community can enjoy live music close to home,” Cr Diamante said.
“This in turn will boost small businesses, bringing more patrons to local venues and activity centres.”
To launch the program, Council is seeking expressions of interest from musicians and local venues and businesses to get involved.
Musicians will have the chance to showcase their talents and get paid, while connecting with other local industry professionals. This opportunity will build their experience and contribute to the growth of the local live music scene.
Businesses don’t need to be a traditional live music venue to take part. All is required is a space for small-scale performances. Examples include retail spaces, cafes and galleries, as well as hotels, restaurants and bars.
Expressions of Interest to be part of the program close on Sunday 1 June at 11.59pm.
Live and Local is presented by Manningham Council in partnership with the Live Music Office, One Music Australia and APRA AMCOS (the Australasian Performing Rights Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society). This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia.
… Melbourne Design Week comes to Manningham A new installation at the Manningham Art Gallery will provide …
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A new installation at the Manningham Art Gallery will provide plenty of food for thought as part of Melbourne Design Week – Australia’s premier design festival.
Beyond the Table: The Dinner Party Reimagined, is a reimagining of a traditional dinner party by local artists Isobel Goodman and Jade Piltz.
It’s one of more than 350 events, exhibitions, talks and installations on show across the state during Melbourne Design Week, which runs from 15-25 May.
Goodman, of Donvale, has used works from Manningham Council’s ‘Potters Cottage Collection” to inspire her signature papier mache and plaster sculptures that reference a dinner party table setting. The sculptures sit alongside the handmade pottery created by the Potters Cottage co-operative, founded in Warrandyte in 1958.
Visitors can view the setting, or, during Melbourne Design Week, pick a flower from the setting to take home.
Surrounding the dining table presentation is a display of paintings by Piltz, of Warrandyte, that depict bright, layered and abstract domestic objects.
The dinner party will continue beyond Melbourne Design Week, with the installation on display until 28 June.
Melbourne Design Week is an initiative of the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and is curated and delivered by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).
An interactive reimagining of a traditional dinner party, with a nod to 1970s nostalgia and celebrating one of the key gathering spaces in our homes, the humble dining table.
Painted Country presents the work of five Australian First Nations artists - Nellie Ngampa Coulthard, Brenda Napaltjarri, Clara Napurrula, Rene Sundown and Adrian Jurra Tjungurrayi.
… installation - Cat Jump Park, Donvale We're installing new public toilets at Cat Jump Park, Donvale. On this page …
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We're installing new public toilets at Cat Jump Park, Donvale.
This project is part of the Public Toilet Plan 2021 and Cat Jump Park Masterplan.
Where is it?
These public toilets will be located on the southern side of Cat Jump Park, near the Bellevue Avenue and Leslie Street roundabout in Donvale.
This location is easy to access for use, maintenance, and service connections.
When will it happen?
We plan to begin installing the toilet facility in early to mid-2025, and expect it to take around three to four months to complete.
Why is it needed?
Accessible public toilets allow people to spend more time in public spaces, socialising, exercising, and engaging with the community. Without them, residents and visitors are limited in where they can go and how long they can stay.
A safe, well-maintained, and environmentally friendly toilet will significantly improve the experience for Cat Jump Park visitors.
What will the toilets look like?
The new modular toilets will include:
An accessible cubicle
An ambulant cubicle
Baby and child change facilities
A rainwater tank to utilise a natural water supply
External and internal powered lighting
Skylights for natural lighting
Concrete paths to connect the toilets with surrounding facilities
How will the works affect me?
To minimise any potential noise or disruption to the community, our modular toilets are made offsite and will be delivered to the site.
During the installation, you may notice some construction noise and increased traffic in the area.
… Beauty of nature on full display at Civic Centre Stunning new botanical art displays at the Civic Centre provide …
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Stunning new botanical art displays at the Manningham Civic Centre provide inspiration for bringing the natural world into your own home or workplace.
The displays, on show until Spring, are by artist Kayla Moon, of floristry business xfloss, and are examples of biophilic design.
Biophilic design is about increasing our connection to the natural world within our built environment.
Kayla specialises in unusual large-scale sculptural pieces that combine different materials, colours and structural elements that are both beautiful and thought-provoking.
“Our work is unconventional because of the style of the materials that we use,” Kayla said.
“I love to create sculptures that are big floral monsters - more unusual, even grotesque – beautiful but a bit terrifying.”
Indeed, Kayla’s displays in the foyers of the Civic Centre and MC Square feature the dried and preserved weed Amaranthus, highlighting the beauty of what could considered a ‘monster’ outside its native environment.
Kayla has combined the Amaranthus with the air plant Old Man’s Beard, Papyrus Sedge, and branches of Corokia to create beautiful sculptural displays.
“I’ve brought together different types of plants at different stages of their lifecycle – weeds, airplants, bushes and deciduous plants. I think it provides insights into natural materiality and the beauty of nature and how you can use flowers, twigs, rocks and other natural items as a medium.”
Biophilia refers to our innate connection with nature and was first coined by psychologist Eric Fromm in 1964. The word biophilia originates from the Greek words ‘bio’, meaning life, and ‘philia’, meaning ‘love of’, resulting in ‘in a love of life or living things’.
In our modern world, biophilic design supports connection to the natural world through practical design principals such as the use of natural shape and forms, environmental features, light and space.
Bringing the natural world into our home and work environments has many health benefits, including relieving stress and improving our mental and physical wellbeing.
You, too, can bring biophilic design into your own home or workplace. Try some of these tips:
Live plants: One of the easiest ways to bring biophilic design into your home is through live plants. Spider plants, snake plants, rubber plants and peace lilies are all known for their air purifying abilities and look good too.
Texture and shape: Decorate your home with textures and shapes that replicate what you might find in nature. Materials such as wood, clay, cork or wool add a natural feel or you could find objects that mimic the patterns and forms of our natural world.
Colour: In colour psychology, green is known to calm and rejuvenate, so think about bringing natural colours into your home that make you feel peaceful and bring you a sense of joy, seek inspiration from sunsets, waterways and green spaces.
Light: If you can, position desks or communal areas around windows to optimise natural light. Reflective surfaces such as stainless-steel bench tops and mirrors can help make a small space feel brighter and more expansive.
Airflow: Open windows when you can to ensure natural air flow or invest in an air purifier.
Scent: Can be a powerful sensory experience. Use diffusers, candles, incense, or natural cleaning products in the home, think about natural scents such as lavender or citrus and made from natural or non-toxic ingredients. You might want to try growing herbs like rosemary, mint or thyme on your windowsill – they smell fantastic, and you can cook with them, too.
… underway for Aquarena Outdoor redevelopment An exciting new water play area and improved café will be part of a major …
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An exciting new water play area and improved café will be part of the major redevelopment of the outdoor area at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
The project's detailed design is now underway, following Council's endorsement of the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan last August.
Our Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said the community is eagerly awaiting the redevelopment, which will bring Aquarena’s outdoor area up to the centre’s modern, state-of-the-art indoor areas.
“Around 2,500 people visit Aquarena each day, and we love welcoming the regular swimmers, local families, swim clubs, and community and school groups.
The centre is highly valued by the Manningham community and visitors alike,” Cr Lange said.
“This redevelopment will ensure the outdoor space continues to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the community for generations to come.”
We have appointed Co.Op Studios as the architect to design the new space, and bring the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan vision to life.
“The design process has been informed by the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan, which involved extensive consultation with community users and industry experts, to guide the redevelopment of the outdoor spaces,” Cr Lange said.
“I want to thank everyone who shared their passion and interest in the future of the outdoor space. More than 800 people provided feedback to inform the development of the Masterplan. We’re excited to be delivering what the community asked for, and more”, she added.
Feedback from the community and stakeholders emphasised the need for more seating, shade, change rooms, a fun water play area, better spaces for schools and clubs, and a sustainable design to reduce environmental impact.
Concept of the new water play area
“An enhanced café will now serve both indoor and outdoor areas. The new outdoor change rooms will be only metres from the outdoor pool, and the outdoor pool will now have ramp access and a swim wall to swap between 50 metre and 25 metre lanes,” the Mayor said.
Concept of the new wet lounge (cafe)
Other enhancements include state-of-the-art landscaping and the electrification of outdoor pool equipment, marking another significant step toward achieving Manningham’s emissions targets.
“Aquarena is currently our largest gas user. Making the switch from gas to energy efficient heat pumps, we can heat the outdoor area in an environmentally sustainable way,” the Mayor added.
The replacement of the centre's 50-metre outdoor pool will take place at the same time as the redevelopment works.
Concept of the 50-metre pool (refurbished)
“Aquarena’s outdoor area has a rich history of over 50 years and has been a source of community pride for generations. For many in our community, this is their backyard – we’re embracing the theme of your backyard to create an inviting space where our community can get active, play, socialise, host events and relax,” Cr Lange said.
“We’re excited to start sharing the draft designs and offering on site consultation opportunities in the coming weeks. We’ll also be connecting with various user groups to keep them informed as the project progresses,” she added.
The redevelopment works are planned to begin in late 2025, with project completion expected in late 2027.
Project updates will be available on the project's Your Say page. Subscribe to the project to receive updates directly to your inbox.
If you have any questions about this project, contact us.
… - have your say on arts, history and local history A new Arts Action Plan is set to guide future arts, culture and …
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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.
… say on arts, culture and local history We’re developing a new action plan to guide future arts, culture and local …
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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.”
