Join sustainable craft teacher and artist Emma Grace for a free hands-on workshop to learn how to make seed bombs.
Participants will get an introduction to germination, learn the benefits of flowers and see a demonstration on how to make seed paper.
Each child will go home with their own seed bombs to add colour and life to their garden – right in time for spring!
Suitable for children aged 5 to 12.
Victoria is undergoing transformative change, with the State Government’s release of a number of important planning reforms.
These changes will affect the way that Manningham grows and will have impacts on the character and liveability of our neighbourhoods.
We will continue to advocate to the State Government on the implications of these reforms. We’re urging the State Government to continue to consult with us as we work closely with our communities to ensure these reforms align with their needs.
The State Government released its new statewide strategy, Plan for Victoria, on 28 February 2025.
The Plan for Victoria focuses on directing housing to activity centres close to stations and public transport. With updated planning controls, activity centres and priority precincts have been identified as the key places for the delivery of more homes.
The identified priority precincts are based around the Suburban Rail Loop precincts, including Box Hill and Burwood. The targeted activity centres are focused around the 60 identified activity centres that have both fixed rail and tram infrastructure.
It’s proposed that new planning controls will provide for taller buildings in the core of these centres and lower rise apartments within walking distance of the centre. None of these precincts or activity centres fall within Manningham.
On 24 February 2025, the Minister released the final housing targets for each local government area within Victoria, for delivery over the next 30 years.
Following Council advocacy, Manningham’ s housing target has been reduced to 28,500 dwellings, from the original target of 39,000 dwellings.
This revised target will have implications on Manningham’s future residential growth strategy and the identification of areas for increased densities.
We’re currently preparing a draft Residential Strategy that will respond to this target.
The next stage of consultation on the draft strategy will focus on identifying how housing growth and diversity of housing types will be managed in the urban parts of the municipality.
On 25 February 2025, the Victorian Government announced a new Townhouse and Low-rise code to come into effect in all planning schemes.
These changes represent a significant departure to the standards for multi-unit development under ResCode, which have been in place for many years. In addition, where a development proposal is deemed to meet the Code, residents will still be able to lodge an objection to council, however, will be unable to appeal the matter in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
On 27 February 2025, the Victorian Government announced the final 25 ‘train and tram zone’ locations to the Activity Centres Program.
This program is part of the Victorian Government Housing Statement reforms to provide capacity for 300,000 additional homes to 2051.
No additional activity centres within Manningham have been identified as part of this announcement.
We’re currently preparing detailed draft Activity Centre Design Guidelines to manage built form outcomes for residential development within our neighbourhood activity centres.
We expect that the implications of these reforms will become clearer in the coming months.
The changes will have direct impacts on a number of strategic projects being progressed by Council.
We’ll continue to keep you updated on any further changes announced by the State Government.
Spirit Worlds and Dreamscapes explores for the first time Albert Tucker’s lifelong fascination with spiritual and esoteric ideas and how he integrated his belief in invisible forces into his art.
The exhibition has been made possible by the Albert and Barbara Tucker Foundation and is showing until 31 August 2025 in the Albert and Barbara Tucker Gallery.
Visit the Heide website for opening hours and information about how to plan your visit.
Image: Installation view, Albert Tucker: Spirit Worlds and Dreamscapes, 2025, photograph: Christian Capurro.
Our goal is to create a liveable and harmonious city that people want to grow older in.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines ageism as stereotyping and discriminating against individuals or groups, on the basis of their age. Ageism can take many forms, including:
At some point, most of us have formed subconscious and negative judgements based on a person’s age. Unfortunately, these attitudes have become socially acceptable and common. To learn how to identify and overcome ageism, you can take this quiz.
We also recommend the following links to resources, videos and podcasts to learn more about ageism and its effects.
Come along to our 2025 Inspired Living Series panel to learn about the exciting future of electrification and energy efficiency – both at home and beyond!
Heidi Lee
Heidi is the CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions, an independent think thank that shows how Australia can prosper in a zero emissions economy through ambitious research, influential engagement and compelling communications. Heidi has two decades' experience in sustainable design and architecture, and in 2024, was named one of The Australian's 'Top 100 Green Energy Power Players' for the third year running.
Tim Forcey
Tim is one of Australia's leading voices in home energy efficiency and electrification. He is an avid researcher and author of 'My Efficient Electric Home Handbook', which captures a decades worth of advice and insight. Tim founded and contributes to the thriving My Efficient Electric Home online community. As a qualified home energy advisor who has advised in more than 1,000 homes, Tim will share his main insights on how to transform and retrofit any home to be efficient, comfortable and sustainable.
Brendan Lang
Brendan is an electrician with more than 10 years' experience operating his electrical contracting business. He's also the founder of Get Off Gas. The core motivation for his work is to help accelerate the transition to renewable all-electric buildings and transport, which will reduce running costs and improve liveability. Brendan and his Get Off Gas team offer solutions to electrify homes, with a strong focus on educating homeowners to ensure they make great choices for the environment and their wallets.
Inspired Living Series – keynote speaker events
Our 2025 Inspired Living Series showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings. The series will introduce you to a diverse lineup of local keynote speakers who will offer unique insights on embracing sustainability.
Topics range from sustainable food to low waste lifestyles. Each speaker will share their journey – inspiring our audience to embrace positive choices, nurture a connection to nature, and foster community for a stronger, more resilient future.
Registration for this event is required.
This event is part of our Electrify Your Life program, supporting residents to go all-electric at home and power up a brighter future for Manningham. Learn how to make the switch at Electrify Your Life. By switching to electric appliances, you can create a safer and healthier home for your family.
This is a Partner Event hosted independently as part of Renew’s Sustainable House Day 2025 program. Visit Sustainable House Day for the full program.
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
Everyone has the right to live their lives free from abuse.
There’s a number of things we can all do to prevent elder abuse from getting out of hand such as:
Elder abuse is hard to picture, but happens every day. What starts out small doesn't always stay that way.
Actions causing harm to an older person from someone they know or trust is elder abuse. It can include:
Anyone experiencing elder abuse may:
Elder abuse often occurs within close relationships and is a form of family violence. It’s unacceptable and we need to call it out.
There’s several actions we can take to stop elder abuse and includes:
If you or anyone you know is experiencing elder abuse, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Learn more about how we’re tackling ageism in Manningham.
Compass is a national website created to help older Australians navigate the complex issue of elder abuse and to guide action to end the problem. Compass make resources and information available both for older Australians and for the people who care for and support them.
As a voice for action, Compass acts against elder abuse by raising nationwide awareness of this growing social issue and simplifying the process of connecting people to services and information that can help.
Learn more by visiting compass.info or by calling 1800 ELDERhelp.
The OPERA project is a partnership between Eastern Community Legal Centre and Swinburne University. The project engages with older people about their experiences of ageing and age discrimination in the community.
The aim of the project is to ensure that older people feel valued and respected. It’s also about challenging some of the harmful beliefs and attitudes that can lead to age discrimination.
Every individual has the right to feel safe, respected and valued.
Learn more about the OPERA Project.
Do you need support to help your newborn baby learn to sleep? Come along to one of our free information sessions.
Through the Maternal and Child Health Sleep and Settling initiative, we are providing support for parents experiencing sleep and settling concerns with their young children.
During this in-person session, consultants will teach you an evidence-informed sleep and settling model of care.
Topics covered will include:
There will be time at the end of the session for you to ask questions about your specific situation.
In addition to the sessions, we are proud to provide an outreach service for interested parents. Speak to our Sleep and Settling Specialist at the end of the session for more information.
Only parents who attend Manningham Maternal and Child Health service are eligible for this service.
Sessions are also available for older babies and toddlers.
Working in partnership with the Victorian Government, this program is part of the 'More help for new Victorian mum and dads’ initiative.
Do you need support to help your baby learn to sleep? Come along to one of our free information sessions.
Through the Maternal and Child Health Sleep and Settling initiative, we are providing support for parents experiencing sleep and settling concerns with their young children.
During this online session, consultants will teach you an evidence-informed sleep and settling model of care.
Topics covered will include:
There will be time at the end of the session for you to ask questions about your specific situation.
In addition to the sessions, we are proud to provide an outreach service for interested parents. Speak to our Sleep and Settling Specialist at the end of the session for more information.
This session is designed specifically for parents of older babies aged between 6 and 8 months.
Sessions are also available for newborn babies and toddlers.
Please note: these sessions are only open to Manningham registered clients.
Working in partnership with the Victorian Government, this program is part of the 'More help for new Victorian mum and dads’ initiative.
Do you need support to help your newborn baby learn to sleep? Come along to one of our free information sessions.
Through the Maternal and Child Health Sleep and Settling initiative, we are providing support for parents experiencing sleep and settling concerns with their young children.
During this online session, consultants will teach you an evidence-informed sleep and settling model of care.
Topics covered will include:
There will be time at the end of the session for you to ask questions about your specific situation.
In addition to the sessions, we are proud to provide an outreach service for interested parents. Speak to our Sleep and Settling Specialist at the end of the session for more information.
This session is designed specifically for Manningham parents of newborn babies aged between birth and 3 months.
Sessions are also available for older babies and toddlers.
Working in partnership with the Victorian Government, this program is part of the 'More help for new Victorian mum and dads’ initiative.
Do you need support to help your toddler learn to sleep? Come along to one of our free information sessions.
Through the Maternal and Child Health Sleep and Settling initiative, we are providing support for parents experiencing sleep and settling concerns with their young children.
During this online session, consultants will teach you an evidence-informed sleep and settling model of care.
Topics covered will include:
There will be time at the end of the session for you to ask questions about your specific situation.
In addition to the sessions, we are proud to provide an outreach service for interested parents. Speak to our Sleep and Settling Specialist at the end of the session for more information.
This session is designed specifically for parents of toddlers aged between 18 and 24 months.
Sessions are also available for newborns and older babies.
Working in partnership with the Victorian Government, this program is part of the 'More help for new Victorian mum and dads’ initiative.
Do you need support to help your newborn baby learn to sleep? Come along to one of our free information sessions.
Through the Maternal and Child Health Sleep and Settling initiative, we are providing support for parents experiencing sleep and settling concerns with their young children.
During this in-person session, consultants will teach you an evidence-informed sleep and settling model of care.
Topics covered will include:
There will be time at the end of the session for you to ask questions about your specific situation.
In addition to the sessions, we are proud to provide an outreach service for interested parents. Speak to our Sleep and Settling Specialist at the end of the session for more information.
Only parents who attend Manningham Maternal and Child Health service are eligible for this service.
Sessions are also available for older babies and toddlers.
Working in partnership with the Victorian Government, this program is part of the 'More help for new Victorian mum and dads’ initiative.
Join us for the Healthy, Happy & Wise: Healthy Ageing Forum, an informative event designed to support older adults in ageing well.
Featuring expert speakers from organisations such as Eastern Community Legal Centre, Bendigo Bank, and Elder Rights Advocacy, the forum will cover key topics including financial literacy, retirement planning, elder rights, housing, and active living.
The expert panel will be addressing key topics relating to healthy ageing, and what it means to be Healthy, Happy and Wise.
Participants will be able to explore resource stalls, and enjoy complimentary morning tea.
Held in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2025, this event highlights the importance of elder rights, ageism prevention, and a safe, respectful community for all.
This event is now sold out, but you can join the waitlist by clicking the "join waitlist" button on the right.
Join us for the Healthy, Happy & Wise: Healthy Ageing Forum, an informative event designed to support older adults in ageing well.
Featuring expert speakers from organisations such as Eastern Community Legal Centre, Bendigo Bank, and Elder Rights Advocacy, the forum will cover key topics including financial literacy, retirement planning, elder rights, housing, and active living.
Attendees can engage in a panel discussion with Q&A, explore resource stalls, and enjoy a complimentary morning tea for networking and community connection.
Held in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2025, this event highlights the importance of elder rights, ageism prevention, and a safe, respectful community for all.
This is a free event, however places are limited. Register your attendance today.
Come along and learn from therapeutic horticulturist Shani Shafrir, who will discuss the health benefits of gardening and how being in nature and engaging in gardening activities can support a healthy mind, body and soul.
Shani will also discuss how gardening and garden spaces can become age-friendly and support healthy ageing through design and management techniques.
The seminar begins at 6.30pm, or join us from 6.15pm for our monthly food swap, where you can bring and trade homegrown produce, cuttings, seeds, gardening magazines, jars, ferments and more!
About Home Harvest: Home Harvest is a free, complete home gardening program that runs monthly from February to December. It aims to educate and inspire residents to grow their own organic, nutritious and delicious produce at home. The series hosts seminars, question and answer time, on-site activities and food swaps!
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
There are a range of health and support services, programs and resources to support our community.
These community-based agencies and organisations provide emergency relief and material aid such as food hampers, vouchers and pantries to people in financial crisis living in Manningham as part of the Food Relief Network.
Homelessness and crisis accommodation and support
We take a dignity first approach to homelessness, recognising that homelessness or sleeping rough in public places is not illegal. With the ever-increasing cost of living, and any one of a number of life changing events, people can find themselves needing crisis accommodation when they least expect it.
We work closely with a range of service providers to enable people experiencing homelessness, sleeping rough and/or needing crisis accommodation to find a safe place to rest.
If you do have a welfare concern for a person who appears to be experiencing homelessness and/or sleeping rough, contact us on 9840 9333 and we will make a referral to the appropriate service provider.
The following community agencies provide crisis accommodation and support:
If emergency assistance is required or a person is suspected of committing an offence or is engaged in any illegal activity, the matter should immediately be reported to the Victoria Police on 000.
Our community is diverse with residents from more than 140 countries.
Mental health is a state of emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also impacts how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Find support with our online resource directory.
Presented by Cancer Council Victoria and BreastScreen Victoria, this free session will cover topics such as
Content is particularly relevant to those up to 75 years of age, however all welcome.
Places are limited - bookings essential.
Carers Saturday cuppa and chat is a chance for all people who are currently caring for people with disability, illness, mental health issues and/or ageing to reconnect and find support over a free cuppa.
The session will be facilitated by Dr Nakisa Malakooti. Dr Malakooti is a carer and a neuroscientist and has lived at Manningham for the last 27 years. She is a strong advocate for carers, disability, mental health and dementia patients.
The new Manningham Community Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of those who are helping to shape our vibrant community.
The expanded program celebrates individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond in making Manningham a better place to live, work and visit over the past 12 months.
Nominations close on Sunday 20 July at 11.59pm. Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 16 September 2025.
The awards recognise achievements in eight categories and one of these individual category winners will be named the Manningham Citizen of the Year.
Nominations for the 2025 Manningham Community Awards are open.
Find out how to nominate and how the winners are selected.
Anyone can make a nomination.
To nominate, you must have the permission of the person or group you’re nominating before you submit the nomination.
You can nominate yourself, however written references will be required to support your nomination.
To nominate a person or group for a Manningham Community Award, complete the online nomination form. You can also pick up a hard-copy nomination form from the Manningham Civic Centre.
Nominations must include:
Nominations are assessed against a set criteria and are judged by a panel, which includes the Manningham Mayor, Director Connected Communities, the previous Citizen of Year recipient (in 2025 this will be the previous Manningham Civic Awards Citizen of the Year) and two members of Manningham Council’s advisory committees.
Nominations for the 2025 Manningham Community Awards open on Monday 16 June and close at 11.59pm on Sunday 20 July 2025.
Find out more about nomination eligibility and what is required of the winners.
To be eligible for nomination, the nominee must meet the following criteria:
The nominee must reside in Manningham.
Nominators must have the permission of the person/group they are nominating, prior to applying.
Previous recipients of the Manningham Community Awards, or preceding Manningham Civic Awards, are ineligible to receive the same Award within a 10-year period.
For the Manningham Young Achiever Award, the nominee must be under 25 years old on 30 June of the nominating year.
Manningham Councillors, Manningham Council employees, Manningham Council Programs and Committees, State and Federal politicians are not eligible, but are encouraged to nominate others.
Self-nominations are accepted, however written references will be required to support the nomination.
Nominees can only be nominated once and in a single category. Nominations across multiple categories are not accepted. However, multiple supporting documents can be attached to the nomination.
All questions on the nomination form must be answered.
All nominators will be told the outcome of their application in August 2025, with each category having a maximum of three finalists.
The winner of each category will be amongst the notified finalists and will be announced at the Awards Ceremony in September 2025.
All finalists must be able to attend the Award Ceremony on Tuesday 16 September 2025.
Each finalist will be issued a complimentary ticket plus two tickets for additional guests (3 in total per finalist).
The winner of each category must be willing to share their achievements within the 12 months following the award, including promotional campaigns and photo opportunities.
The winner of the Manningham Citizen of the Year Award will be invited to join the assessment panel for the subsequent year’s awards.
Unsuccessful nominees and finalists may be re-nominated in subsequent years.
The decision of the judging panel is final, and no correspondence will be entered into in respect of the decision.
This award is not open for direct nomination.
The Citizen of the Year will be chosen by the judging panel from the winners of all other categories, excluding:
The Manningham Community Excellence Award.
Any category winner which was a group, not an individual.
The panel will assess each eligible finalist for their outstanding contribution to the Manningham community within the last 12 months.
This is an individual-only award.
There is no age limit on this award.
The nominee must have demonstrated ongoing commitment to volunteerism over the past 12 months and reflect the values and dedication exemplified by the late Doreen Stoves AM PSM JP.
This is an individual-only award.
There is no age limit on this award.
The nominee must have contributed to community participation in active lifestyles, sports or physical activity in Manningham over the past 12 months.
This is an individual or group award.
There is no age limit on this award.
The nominee must have contributed to enhancing the lives of older residents in Manningham, fostering social connection, safety or active ageing over the last 12 months.
This is an individual or group award.
There is no age limit on this award.
The nominee must have contributed to Manningham’s creative community, sparking artistic, cultural or creative expression in the last 12 months.
This is an individual or group award.
There is no age limit on this award.
The nominee must have delivered outstanding programs or initiatives contributing to the wellbeing, development, and cohesion of the Manningham community over the last 12 months.
This is a community organisation or group award.
There is no age limit on this award.
The nominee must have enhanced health, wellbeing or resilience within the Manningham community, whether through advocacy, program development or direct service delivery over the last 12 months.
This is an individual or group award.
There is no age limit on this award.
The nominee must have actively contributed to community accessibility, inclusivity or diversity in Manningham over the last 12 months.
This is an individual or group award.
There is no age limit on this award.
The nominee must have made a positive impact within the Manningham Community through demonstrated leadership, innovation or commitment to helping others over the last 12 months.
This is an individual-only award.
The nominee must be under 25 years old on 30 June 2025.
The 2025 Manningham Community Awards will be announced at the Award Ceremony on Tuesday 16 September. Please note this has changed from the 11 September date advised in the June edition of Manningham Matters.
Tickets will be available for purchase at a subsidised cost for Manningham community members from Monday 28 July.
Find support with our online resource directory
For Emergencies | call 000
IMMEDIATE HELP
SuicideLine Victoria | 1300 651 251
Suicide Victoria offers free professional online counselling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people at risk of suicide, concerned about someone at risk, bereaved by suicide and people experiencing emotional or mental health issues.
Lifeline Australia | 13 11 14
Lifeline provides mental health support and emotional assistance on the phone and online.
Kids Helpline | 1800 55 1800
Kids Helpline is a free phone and online counselling service for young people aged between 5-25 years.
Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636
Beyond Blue provides support programs to address issues related to depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental illness.
Nurse on Call | 1300 60 60 24
Nurse-on-call helpline provides health advice from registered nurse, 24 hours a day.
Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) | 1300 721 927
The Outer East Crisis Assessment Treatment team provide mobile assessments to people in psychiatric and short-term home treatment as an alternative to hospital.
Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL) | 1800 806 292
SACL is a state-wide after hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault.
Safe Steps | 1800 015 188
Safe Steps is a specialist support service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing family violence specialist support to anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence.
General Information
Mental Health Foundation Australia provides a range of networks, services, advocacy, events, and support groups for the community to seek support on mental health illness.
Translating and Interpreting Service provides access to services for people with limited or no English language ability. Phone 131 450
Ask Izzy is a mobile website that connects people who are in crisis with the services they need right now and nearby.
PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood.
MensLine Australia is a national 24 hour, 7 days a week men’s helpline offering support, information and referrals for men with emotional health, family and relationship concerns. Phone 1300 78 99 78
Parentline is a phone service for parents and carers of children from birth to 18 years old. Confidential and anonymous counselling and support on parenting issues is provided. Phone 13 22 89
NEAMI is a not-for-profit organisation providing mental health, homelessness and suicide prevention services.
SANE provides mental health support, information, resources and online forums for family and friends. Phone 1800 187 263
Find support with our range of online resources for wellbeing and mental health support.
Community legal centres work with residents to prevent problems, progress fair outcomes and support the wellbeing and resilience of communities. Community legal support providers for Manningham include:
This content was correct as of September 2024 and will be reviewed frequently.
If amendments are identified or you know of another mental health service to be considered, contact us.
Solar Savers is a trusted local government initiative that has helped households and businesses go all-electric since 2019. This initiative is supported by us and is available to all Manningham residents.
Solar Savers takes the hassle out of home energy upgrades by vetting quality suppliers and negotiating competitive prices. The Council-backed program has now expanded to include more suppliers and product choices, as well as home energy assessments for personalised advice.
They can assist with quality and affordable rooftop solar, batteries, hot water heat pumps, reverse cycle air conditioners, induction cooktops, EV chargers, draught-proofing and insulation.
Solar Savers can provide you with:
Looking to go all-electric but not sure where to start? Would you like to improve comfort levels in your home, or learn where to get the most savings? A Home Energy Assessment is a great place to start.
A Home Energy Assessment, also known as a Scorecard Assessment, is a comprehensive evaluation of a home’s energy efficiency and sustainability. Assessments are conducted by Government-accredited home energy efficiency experts.
Homeowners may qualify for Victorian and Federal Government incentives for a range of energy efficient products and services. Through Solar Savers, you can learn about your eligibility for these discounts and loans.
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Contact Solar Savers to book a home energy assessment or obtain a quote from trusted installers.
Manningham residents are going all-electric and reaping the rewards. Read about how they made the switch, as well as their top tips.
For country-raised Ken and his wife Joan, purchasing solar and a battery system simply made good sense.
Now, the Donvale residents are saving more with stable renewable energy.
Rising costs led Paul to decommission his central gas heating.
After just one summer, he is reaping the rewards of his new 9.02kW solar system and battery storage.
Join local ecologist John Harris as he takes you on a journey through Warrandyte State Park’s Fourth Hill.
John will undertake a bird survey and help you identify birds found in the Warrandyte area.
Walk rating: 3km moderate walk, includes steep and narrow sections, creek crossing, slippery sections and tripping hazards.
Food and snacks
A light breakfast will be provided at the end of the walk.
If you have any special dietary requirements, we recommend bringing your own food and snacks.
What to bring and wear
Bring a water bottle, wear solid shoes, weather appropriate clothing and bring your own binoculars so you don't miss a thing!
Download the Aussie Bird Count Smartphone Application on Android and Apple before the walk and bring your smartphone on the day.
Where to meet
The meeting place will be at Gold Memorial Drive Picnic Ground. 10 minutes before the walk starts.
Please note: the nature walk could be cancelled due to extreme weather.
This event is part our Manningham Spring Outdoors Series, where we offer a range of fun outdoor activities across Manningham.
You can also check what’s happening across other Councils by visiting the Spring Outdoors website.
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
