Let's face it. Parenting is challenging. Would you benefit from some time out to focus on yourself? Facilitated by skilled therapists and counsellors and based on evidence based positive psychology, topics explored during the four sessions will include:

• the importance and different methods of self-care
• learn to recognise the signs of having a low tank and the effect on your parenting
• explore the values and aspects of thriving
• identify hopes and dreams as parents
• build your resources to thrive

Booking: For more information and booking visit Doncare's website or contact Andrea De Rauch at Doncare on 9856 1500 or email doncare@doncare.org.au

Getting There

Located on Doncaster Road between Westfield and the Manningham Council Civic Centre, MC2 is conveniently accessible by public transport. There is ample parking spaces on site including free 4-hour parking underneath the building. You can access level 1 via the lift or via stairs in the front foyer.

GO Soccer Mums is an introductory football program designed specifically for women, where participants can have fun, meet new people, and learn basic football skills in a social, judgement-free environment.

It's not just for mums - but for all women! It doesn't matter if you have never kicked a football before -  absolutely no experience in necessary - anybody can take part!

In 2022, our program has welcomed women from all walks of life! - Our Muslim community and any women, female-identifying, and non-binary participants.

Grab your friends or come on your own and make some new ones at this female-only social football program.

GO Soccer Mums is an initiative of Football Victoria proudly supported by VicHealth.

What to wear: Runners and clothes that allow you to move around in easy.

What to bring with you: A drink bottle.

#NoExperienceRequired | #NoJudgement

The Australian Skate Park League (SPL) is coming to Doncaster on Saturday 10th December for the Melbourne Metro Series, which is part of the Victoria League.

The Victoria League makes up one part of the YMCA's national pathway program that comprises of leagues in QLD, SA, NT, WA and NSW. The Doncaster round is part of an interconnected series of skate park events that will be held across Vic and will feature scooter, BMX and skateboard competitions.

The series is a great opportunity for both seasoned riders and young new skaters to get involved. People can compete to be crowned the winner of Melbourne Metro Series, while those still finding their feet get the opportunity to have a go, improve their skills, interact with the pros and win some fun prizes. SPL gives the community the opportunity to get involved and cheer on their own.

Free entry, all genders and abilities welcome

Learn how to build a frog pond/bog with local ecologist and frog expert David De Angelis.

David will discuss how you can construct a frog pond/bog at home that is ideal for local frog species.

Attendees will get a head start with a range of free indigenous habitat plants from the Friends of Warrandyte State Park Nursery. They will be there to assist you with water and pond fringing plants.

David De Angelis is a local naturalist, environmental educator, and consultant with interests in the ecology and conservation of frogs, and citizen science. Most of David’s work is done with ABZECO, La Trobe University’s Wildlife Sanctuary and Holmesglen Institute. He is also on the committee of Frogs Victoria.

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.

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Want to reduce the amount of waste you produce, but don’t know where to start?

Join Nanna Anna to discover how small, simple changes in your everyday life can significantly reduce the amount of waste you produce.

Living a lower waste lifestyle is something that many Australians are keen to do, as it becomes increasingly obvious that our daily choices directly affect the environment. But when faced with the abundance of information available, it can be overwhelming to know where, and how, to begin.

This free face-to-face presentation is designed to help you explore ways to live a more low-waste lifestyle. It will cover practical examples of how to identify waste elements in your household; low-waste alternatives to everyday items and consumables; and different approaches to implementing low-waste strategies and habits in the future.

Registration is required and spots are limited.

Join experienced tutor, Clare Mannion, in a relaxed and creative environment to enhance your drawing skills.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, our Life Drawing Classes provide a chance to practice sketching the human form from a live model. You will work on the basics of composition, colour and tone to find your own style with Clare.

Standing easels and materials are provided but if you wish to draw with a particular medium, please feel free to bring additional materials.

Please note: a minimum number of participants are required to proceed. Class bookings close 24 hours before the session so be sure to secure your spot early!

Attendance is on a drop-in basis, no commitment needed for future classes. Classes run on the first Thursday of each month until 3 April 2025.

Car parking is available onsite and Bus 905 stops at Thompsons Road / Sunhill Road bus stop.

Please join us at our annual Yaluk Langa Community Day to celebrate the continuing creative culture and traditions of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, Heide’s Traditional Owners.

Bring your picnic for this free Community Day, held in Heide’s new Gathering Space. Heide is a public art museum and sculpture park located on a stretch of the Birrarung/Yarra River that has long served as a meeting point and as a creative hub. Parking is available on site.

Learn about the Indigenous history of the local landscape and the role everyone can play in Caring for Country from Wurundjeri Elders, who will share stories around the contemporary tree scarring and shield projects funded by Manningham Council, and the revegetation of the river’s edge. 

Activities include performances by the Djirri Djirri dancers, Marn Grook ‘footy’ games played with a possum fur ball, and nature-based art making.

For more information, please click here.

Manningham Youth Services presents All Abilities, All Stars - a basketball event for young people to celebrate inclusion and diversity, as part of Youth Fest 2025. 

With the help of Active Manningham and Doncaster All Abilities Basketball, this all abilities, all stars event will be a full day of 3 v 3 basketball, mini games, free shooting, and fun for all young people aged 12 to 25 years.

• 10am to 12.30pm -  casual shooting, stall holders, mini games and more
• 1.00pm - 4.30pm - 3 V 3 competition

Please note: Competitions will be split by age and gender:

• boys - 12 to 14 years
• girls - 12 to 14 years
• boys - 15 to 17 years
• girls - 15 to 17 years
• mixed - 18 plus years

You will be contacted after registration with a form for team sign ups.

Walking Basketball is for participants across all ages, genders and abilities, however the program is particularly valuable for seniors or those returning to activity from illness, injury or surgery.

This is a low impact session, focusing on gentle movement, judgment free exercise, moving at your own pace and having a laugh along the way!

The program is a fun and engaging and will give participants a chance to socialise and be active at the same time.

A size five ball is used with lowered and modified rings. The program caters for all levels of walkers, including those with walking aids and limited mobility.

Morning tea is provided after each session.

What do I wear? Loose fitting clothes that allow you to move around in and runners or sport shoes

What do I bring?  Water bottle and a fun attitude

This program is delivered by the Bullen Templestowe Basketball Club.

Join a free tour to explore the Bio Gro organics facility.

Discover where Manningham’s food and garden waste is transformed into compost as part of our Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) service.

You can see first-hand how your food and garden waste is processed with the chance to ask questions along the way.

Important information:

• Closed-toe shoes must worn on the day.
• Participants must be 18 years or older.
• Please note that there are stairs leading to the decontamination line, which may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility.

Where to meet:

The tour includes bus transport to and from the Bio Gro organics facility in Dandenong South.

The tour will depart and return to the Manningham Civic Centre at 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster 3108.

Registration is essential as spots are limited.*

*Due to limited numbers, please note this event is for Manningham residents only. 

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.
 

Electrify Your Life 

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.

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Is now the right time to go electric?

Join Rotary Manningham City for an Electric Vehicle Expo, vehicle display and free seminars. 

Local dealerships and importers, as well as members of the Australian EV Association (AEVA) and EV owners, will bring along hybrid and electric vehicles for you to inspect and explore. 

The range includes Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Mini, Subaru, Honda, Chery, GWM, Nissan, MG Ringwood, Toyota YV, Renault, EV Automotive van, Ford Mustang Ringwood, Tesla Owners Club, Peugeot Balwyn, BYD, Polestar, Volvo, Zeeker, and others. EV charging companies will also be on hand. 

Where else can you see all these EV’s in one place at one time!

Event details

The Expo and car show will be held between 10.00am and 4.00pm in the Manningham Civic Centre carpark.

The seminar program will be held at Manningham Civic Centre in the reception area on Level 1, at the times listed below. 

The seminars are free, but bookings are essential.

Seminar 1: Electric Vehicles industry trends, the key issues, and myths, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

 11.00am to 12.30pm 

• Chair Brian Negus - Ambassador ITS Australia, Formerly GM RACV
• Opening and Address - Andrew Day CEO City of Manningham
• Bryce Gatton – EV Choice Consulting and RENEW
• Riz Akhtar – The Driven and the Australian Electric Vehicle Assoc – AEVA.
• Xavier Vagedes, Engineering Manager Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Robert Bosch (Australia) Pty. Ltd
• Q and A.
   

Seminar 2: Electric Vehicle Charging at Home and on the Go

 1.00pm to 2.30pm 

• Chair Brian Negus - Ambassador ITS Australia, Formerly GM RACV
• Nirav Thaker – Residential Delivery Manager, Jet Charge
• Rohan Smith – RACV Product Manager Home and Commercial EV Charging
• Nick Wodzinski - Head of Product, Chargefox
• Q and A.
   

The Electric Vehicle Expo and Seminars are brought to you by Rotary Manningham City, supported by Manningham's Community Grants Program.

For more information, go to Electric Vehicle Expo.

Artist Paul Handley’s Pillars of Déplacement traces his journey through the migrant settlement camps of Europe to the island shores of Lesbos, variously between 2016 and 2019, a period of social and political flux for the region. Geopolitical tensions and conflict at this time in countries including Syria and Afghanistan led to the displacement of thousands of people who were forced to seek refuge in foreign lands.

Despite it being a fundamental human right to seek asylum, this flow of refugees destabilised social fabrics across multiple communities and led to a wave of resistance from governments and local communities in the areas where the refugees sought asylum.

This exhibition represents the artist’s firsthand experience of this tension through a collection of documentary images, objects and artworks that stand as symbols hope, such as his sculptures inspired by the life-jacket graveyards of Lesbos. The exhibition acts as an artistic shrine to all the displaced and lost across the globe and throughout history, spurring reflection on migration and people movement and the ramifications it has on communities and countries.

Exhibition opening

Featuring opening remarks from Manningham Mayor Cr. Andrew Conlon, as well as Paul Handley in conversation with Manningham Art Gallery curator, Davey Warnock.

When: Saturday 17 April, 2.00pm to 3.30pm.
Cost: This is a free event but places are limited. 

Artist talk

Join Paul Handley for a conversation about his experiences travelling through the migrant camps of Europe and the process of translating those experiences into artworks.

When: Thursday 22 April, 11.00am to 12.00pm.
Cost: This is a free event but places are limited. 

Portable Protest Pod - workshop for youth (13-18yrs)

In this workshop for secondary school-aged youth, participants will discuss the history of protest and the art of creating impactful signs and performances.

When: Saturday 1 May, 3.30pm to 5.30pm.
Cost: Tickets are $5 per person. Places are limited. 

Image: Paul Handley, Pillars, 2021, wallpaper pigment print, 240 x 360cm.

More Information

Manningham Art Gallery

Located at the entrance to MC Square, Manningham Art Gallery presents a diverse range of contemporary art exhibitions and related public programs throughout the year. See all upcoming exhibitions.

As part of the Inspired Living Series, Hannah Maloney and Adam Grubb will discuss permaculture and waterwise gardens at the Manningham Function Centre.

Hannah Moloney

Hannah Moloney is best known for her work in permaculture and as a presenter on ABC’s Gardening Australia. Her first book The Good Life: How To Grow A Better World explores ways to counter the climate emergency individually and collectively. Hannah will discuss founding Good Life Permaculture in Tasmania, Home Harvest an annual edible garden tour and why she is known as the 'compost queen'.

Adam Grubb

Adam Grubb runs Very Edible Gardens, who have been designing and creating edible home and community gardens in Melbourne for the last 15 years. He's also co-authored several books, including The Art of Frugal Hedonism and The Weed Forager's Handbook. He got into edible gardening (and co-founded the Permablitz movement of volunteer backyard makeovers) in the mid 2000's in the heart of the millenium drought. Adam will take some lessons learnt then and since to share ways that we can create lush and productive oases with a minimum of water use including wicking beds, passive water capture with micro earthworks, tanks, greywater and more. 
 

Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events

The Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings at the iconic Manningham Function Centre.

The series will introduce you to a diverse line-up of local and international keynote speakers offering unique insights on how we can all shift to a greener future.

Topics range from permaculture to sustainable fashion. Each speaker will inspire and motivate simple, positive lifestyle choices, connection to nature and growing a thriving community in the midst dynamic change.

Come along to our 2025 Inspired Living Series panel to participate in an all-ages discussion on climate optimism and action. 

Lee Constable 

Lee is a science and sustainability presenter and edu-tainer. She is best known for hosting Network 10 kids’ science TV show Scope, as well as appearing on Studio 10 and War on Waste. Lee is the author of How to Save the Whole Stinkin’ Planet: A Garbological Adventure and How to Save the Whole Blinkin' Planet: A Renewable Energy Adventure. Lee uses comedy and humour on and off screen to reach untapped audiences and tackle the often-daunting topic of climate change. 

Ivy Sheng

Ivy is a 16-year-old student and youth advocate who is passionate about democracy, civic participation and community-led climate action. She is the creator and host of Taught, Not Told, a podcast that bridges generational gaps by sharing practical life lessons and personal stories from guests with diverse experiences – helping young people find clarity, direction and hope in an uncertain world. Ivy volunteers with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and City of Boroondara’s ‘Youth Voice’ reference group, where she works to make climate conversations more inclusive, grounded and hopeful.

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.

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Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.

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Save the date! 

Manningham Carols by Candlelight return on Friday 12 December bringing festive cheer to Ruffey Lake Park from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

Experience a magical evening of live music, entertainment and delicious food under the stars – capped off by a dazzling fireworks display.

This is a FREE, but ticketed event. By registering, you will receive important event information, including any announcements in the case of severe weather.

Reserve tickets

Getting there

Older residents can get to and from the event with Manningham Community Transport, provided by EV Strengthening Communities. Transport includes home pick up and drop off and a reserved seat at the event.

Spaces are limited, and bookings close Friday 28 November. The cost is $5 per person. To check your eligibility and book your spot, call 9870 7822 or visit ev.org.au
 

Disc Golf is a fun recreational activity for everyone!

The aim of the game is to throw your disc (similar to a frisbee) from the tee pad into the basket in the least number of throws.

At this come and try session members of the Melbourne Disc Golf Club will show you how to hold, throw and putt. Once you've got the hang of how it all works, you'll have the chance to play on the brand new, recently updated course.

No prior experience is required for this event. This event is suitable for families, all ages, all genders and all abilities.

Please note: entry is free but registrations are required.

Ruffey Lake Park Disc Golf Course is located near the Church Road entrance, just off King Street. 

This activity is hosted by Melbourne Disc Golf.

Want to find out more about Disc Golf? Visit Melbourne Disc Golf Club.

Presented by Onemda's Research and Innovation Centre. 

Come and discover tools and services designed to support independence and improve the quality of life of people living with disability, and their families and carers. 

Experts will showcase assistive technologies such as communication devices, fidget toys, inclusive fashion, therapy apps, home independence tools, phone accessibility features, and more.

You can take part in interactive sessions led by industry professionals, offering insights into the latest tools and resources to support your journey.

This is a free event. No need to register! Download the flyer. 

We hope to see you there!

This event is presented by Onemda's Research and Innovation Centre and supported by Manningham Council. 

Join fruit tree expert Christy Clarke from Fruit Tree Folk as he discusses how to effectively select, plant and care for a range of fruit trees for maximum health and abundance.

We will discuss the art of winter versus summer pruning, common pests and diseases, and organic solutions for these.

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!

Please see our events section for other upcoming sessions.

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Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.

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You are invited to have your say at the Manningham Live Music Industry Forum!

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 council and community and discuss what a thriving live music scene looks like for Manningham.

The outcomes of this forum will assist us to develop professional opportunities for local musicians, inform council's planning and the Live and Local Micro Festival Series.

This Industry Forum will be facilitated by the Live Music Office as a part of the Live and Local Program.

To learn more about Live and Local Click here: Setting the stage for local live music | Manningham Council

Bring your band, buddies and brain to help amplify live music in Manningham. This is a free event, please register through: Eventbrite.

If you have any questions about this event please email: arts@manningham.vic.gov.au or call 03 9840 9444.