Setting up a new business is an exciting and challenging time with many things to consider such as budgets, staffing, branding, operations and marketing. It's important to think about the big picture and how you would like to grow into the future.
Below you'll find a range of resources, tools and information available to support all types of local businesses.
The Manningham Business Team are here to assist you with resources, networking events and various training programs throughout the year.
Have a new business idea? Find out when you need a permit and where you can get advice.
Eastern Volunteers delivers services directly to the community and encourages and supports volunteering in the community.
There are a range of local associations that encourage networking and mentoring opportunities for small businesses as well as annual events and training.
In this workshop, primary school-aged children are invited to join the staff from Awareaway to create fish from re-purposed plastic waste. The fish will then be displayed as part of the 'School of Plastic Fish' exhibition at the Box Hill Community Art Centre.
Participation in the workshops is free but places are limited.
The exhibition runs from 23 May until 29 May 2022 at the Box Hill Community Art Centre.
'School of Plastic Fish' is an exhibition responding to the alarming study that predicts by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans.
The fish depict an eerie yet beautiful ocean-scape where they are displayed, reminding us of a possible future and encouraging us to embrace positive behaviour change to reimagine a better and more sustainable future.
Awareaway is a social and environmental enterprise, co-founded by Sophie Dahm and Alex Child, dedicated to sustainable and creative design by re-purposing and up-cycling plastic waste.
The Community Grant program supports and empowers community groups and organisations to deliver programs and activities for our community in Manningham.
We are committed to developing and fostering partnerships with not-for-profit groups and organisations whose work enriches the municipality and is consistent with our vision.
These grants are designed to help property owners with land care education, land stewardship, pest and animal control and ecological improvement works.
Getting involved in climate action is vital to creating a more liveable future. We’re making this action easier by offering resources, events, programs and partnerships.
Since we recognised the Climate Emergency in 2020, we’ve introduced several initiatives to help us move towards our zero emission targets – for Council by 2028 and for the Manningham community by 2035.
Here’s how we’re supporting you to act on climate, both individually and together as a community.
We’re making individual change feel less solo by sharing handy resources, connecting you with government discounts and even providing a year’s supply of compostable bin liners.
| 1. Resources and discounts to go electric |
We’re supporting households to go electric with free resources, webinars and information sessions. Residents can also access installers and government discounts through our partnership with Solar Savers. The benefits? The opportunity to create a healthier, more efficient home while also powering a cleaner future. | |
| 2. A network of public electric vehicle (EV) chargers |
Considering purchasing an electric vehicle (EV)? Owning one will soon be more convenient in Manningham, as we’re rolling out a network of nine public EV chargers from early 2025. The chargers will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, through government accredited GreenPower. | |
| 3. FOGO support (and a free roll of liners!) |
The FOGO service is one of the simplest ways to reduce carbon emissions. By using our FOGO bins, we can decrease the waste sent to landfill to create a healthier environment for us all. This means placing the right items in your FOGO bins and using the certified compostable liners (that meet the AS4736 standards), as these decompose. To make this simpler, we’re providing each Manningham household with a free roll of 150 compostable liners (approximately one year’s supply), available for collection from the Manningham Civic Centre or Council Depot. We’re also sharing FOGO tips and tricks, ‘how to’ videos, translated language guides and more to help you with FOGO. Explore our helpful FOGO resources. | |
| 4. Clothes swap days |
Fast fashion has a negative impact on our environment, accounting for 10 per cent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. An alternative to this?
Clothes swap days are a fantastic way to refresh your wardrobe and meet new people. Here at Council, we regularly run clothing exchange days. See when the next one is. |
Our impact is greater when we work together. That’s why we’re facilitating community events and connecting you to local groups who make a positive difference.
| 5. Tree planting days |
Planting trees is one of the best and simplest ways to take climate action, while making Manningham a greener and more beautiful place to live and work. Join us next National Tree Day (Sunday 28 July) to plant trees together. Check our What's on event calendar each July to find planting locations. | |
| 6. Access to community groups |
Local environmental groups are a fantastic opportunity to connect with neighbours and make a difference in your shared backyard. We can connect you to: | |
| 7. A regular community garden |
The Doncaster Hill Community Garden is a friendly space for anyone interested in gardening and making new friends. Meeting every second Tuesday morning, volunteers tend to the garden with all produce donated to Doncare’s food relief program. Register for the next session. | |
| 8. Sustainable schools program |
We run several programs to encourage local schools to protect and care for our natural environment, as well as sustainable education programs for our teacher network. This includes:
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Want to stay up to date with our sustainability events? Subscribe to our Environment newsletter.
Are you intrigued by electric vehicles (EVs) but not yet clear about whether owning one will be a practical choice, of benefit to your household and help you to take action against climate change?
This information session will cover all aspects of EV ownership and help you understand:
All Manningham residents who attend on the night will go into the draw to win a Virtual Home Energy Assessment worth $225!
This phone assessment will be tailored to your household, helping you to plan for a cost-effective and comfortable transition away from gas. We may contact the winner to check on progress in both reducing bills and making the home more energy efficient.
To attend this event, you must have an internet enabled PC or device and be able to download Zoom. Don’t have Zoom? Download it for free. You’ll be provided with the Zoom meeting link when you book.
This free information session is brought to you by Manningham and the Australian Energy Foundation. If you're unable to make the session, you can still learn more about how to keep your home cool while saving energy on the Australian Energy Foundation website.
This event is for Manningham residents only.
Our local wildlife is struggling with the impacts of urbanisation and the removal of habitat. But with a few simple changes, a garden can become an inviting space for fauna to visit and live in.
Learn how to become a ‘Wildlife Champion' by incorporating food sources, water, shelter and nesting places in your garden for our indigenous animals.
Topics covered:
This series of workshops by Sustainable Gardening Australia aims to give you the skills and knowledge to plan and build a wildlife friendly garden at home. All seminars are at Currawong Bush Park Conference Centre, Reynolds Road Doncaster East. Supper is at 6:45pm and the seminar begins at 7:00pm sharp.
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. Backed by Manningham Council, the program has recently expanded to offer more suppliers and a wider range of products. It now also includes home energy assessments for personalised advice.
Solar Savers can provide you with:
Solar Savers can assist with quality and affordable:
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.
Come to this online session with your questions about the Community Development, Arts, Festivals and Events and Healthy Ageing grant categories.
Interested representatives from community organisations are invited to attend this Q&A session. Council officers will be available to respond to questions about Grant Guidelines, eligibility to apply for a grant and the application process.
Registrater now
The Digital Accelerator Program is offering this free hands-on workshop to local Manningham-based businesses.
Designed for small business owners getting started with Instagram. Learn what works on Instagram today and the key elements for success.
We’ll show you what works and key elements for success. We will cover:
Bonus: We will also provide a range of additional resources and help, including templates and cheat sheets. Plus, a bonus a follow up question and answer troubleshooting session if you have questions as you work to create an action plan for your business.
About the speaker
Kirri Romero, Director and Chief Digital Strategist, The Online Fix
Kirri Romero is the lead digital strategist and principal consultant at the Online Fix, a strategy, mentoring and upskilling digital consultancy. Kirri has over 20 years of experience working in all facets of online, creating successful online experiences working in a variety of industries, from finance to education, food, fashion and health industries. She is a top-rated mentor and training facilitor for the Digital Solutions program, Business Resilience Program and Partners in Wellbeing program. Kirri has her own mentoring client book, she helps hundreds of businesses each year with their digital marketing strategy and tactical help to take action on their marketing.
Her foundational knowledge was gained during the formative years of growing the digital presence of Australian Super to what you see today and continues now with her own multi-channel marketing consultancy servicing a range of clients. As a result, her strategy and solutions work are grounded in up to the minute practical experience gained from operating the field.
The digital know how gained from years of working online and her in-depth understanding of the online environment has made her adept at adapting to the unfolding trends of digital while being able to quickly show her clients how to take advantage of the ever-changing environment.
Before embarking on building, renovating, tree removal/lopping or any other works, it is important to ascertain whether you require a permit.
Planning permits and building permits serve different purposes.
A planning permit is required to ensure that your project complies with the relevant zoning and overlay controls applicable to your property and to ensure that your project considers its impact on the surrounding area with respect to character, built form and materials, surrounding neighbours, traffic, environmental impacts and community need.
A building permit focuses on the technical aspects of construction and safety ensuring that your project complies with the relevant building codes and regulations.
Links to the relevant controls are:
Here are some common projects that need approval - contact us even if your project is not listed here:
New to building or renovation?
For advice on all things renovation and construction, visit the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).
Every dream project is different with its own needs and challenges. Here are the steps to give you a rough guide on the process, timeframes and costs when starting any project.
You can also view:
If you don't need a planning permit you can proceed straight to building permit
After you apply you can also
We do not issue building permits so you will need to contact a building surveyor to organise a building permit.
You will need the permit to ensure what you're hoping to construct or change is done right and to building code standards.
You may need permits for connecting to infrastructure, protection of public assets and more. Often you will find out which permits you need throughout the process, so it is always best to discuss your plans with us or industry professionals.
Some common permits include:
Hoping to build sustainably?
We've created a list of resources to help you build a sustainable, energy-efficient home or commercial building.
View resources
As part of the Inspired Living Series, Sarah Wilson will present This One Wild and Precious Life at the Manningham Function Centre.
Sarah is a multi-New York Times and Amazon best-selling author, podcaster, international keynote speaker, philanthropist and climate change advisor. Her most recent title, This One Wild and Precious Life, won the 2021 US Gold Nautilus Award.
Sarah is an expert at creating a sense of hope and inspiring communities to thrive, united through connection - recognising that deep down, many of us are feeling that same itch for a new way of living.
This powerful presentation will challenge you to reclaim your wild, precious life and offer a radically hopeful path forward.
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.
Join us in all your colours as the Cobras compete in the Pride Cup on Saturday 18 May.
Old Yarra Cobras Football Club host a Pride Round football game to show their support for Pride Cup who are a non-for-profit organisation.
The Pride Cup works toward changing sporting culture to make LGBTIQA+ people feel safe, welcome and accepted.
When you change sport, you change entire communities.
Hear from local ecologist John Harris about Manningham's threatened species and the challenges they face, including habitat loss, invasive species and climate change.
Manningham is home to 56 threatened animal species, including the Brush-tailed Phascogale, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Swift Parrot and Barking Owl.
There are 466 threatened plant species, 246 of which are critically endangered.
A species is considered threatened when it's at risk of extinction within a local area, even if it's not globally endangered.
About the presenter
John Harris (BASc, GDipEd) is the Director and Principal Zoologist/Ecologist at Wildlife Experiences. With a background in both environmental science and education, John has led fauna and flora surveys, environmental audits and sustainability programs across Victoria and beyond.
He's also an experienced educator, delivering seminars, guiding Nature Stewards walks, and formerly teaching secondary science for more than 17 years.
You can also attend the Environment Seminars - Solutions to Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions Wednesday, 24 September 2025 7.00 to 8.30 pm.
Manningham Environment Seminar Series - Threatened Fauna Species of Manningham
Spend an evening with local ecologist John Harris and learn about threatened fauna species that are found locally in Manningham
Manningham is home to a significant number of threatened species, both animals and plants, facing threats like habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. The municipality has identified 56 threatened animal species, including some of national and state significance like the Brush-tailed Phascogale, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Swift Parrot, and Barking Owl. Additionally, there are 466 threatened plant species, with a substantial portion (246) considered critically endangered. #Swifft State Wide Integrated Flora and Fauna Teams
A species is determined to be threatened when its population within a specific geographic area (like Manningham or Victoria) is at risk of extinction, even if it's not globally threatened. This can happen due to factors like habitat loss, invasive species, or pollution within that area, making the species susceptible to local extinction.
Presenter: John Harris (BASc, GDipEd) - Director and Principal Zoologist / Ecologist
John Harris (BASc, GDipEd) is the Director and Principal Zoologist / Ecologist at Wildlife Experiences.
John has worked in both the environmental and education sectors, often combining the two. As an ecological consultant, John has been involved in flora and fauna surveys, environmental audits, flora and fauna salvaging (spotter/catcher) and as sustainability adviser in Victoria and interstate. He has co-authored or contributed to a number of books on wildlife, authored many flora and fauna assessment reports and management plans.
He is also an environmental educator working with landcare groups, delivering seminars for local governments and also provides fauna presentation and walks for the Nature Stewards program. He was previously in the education sector for over 17 years as a secondary Biology/Science teacher as well as Environment and Sustainability Manager.
Discover and develop your own creative expression through weaving your own uniquely individual hand woven cloth.
SAORI style weaving encourages you to respond intuitively to your environment and make cloth which displays the humanity of its creator.
Only the human hand can create such cloth and show the true self of each weaver. No experience is needed. Bring an open mind and willingness to explore and create together.
Limited numbers so book early.
Join Elizabeth Baxter, Dementia Services Specialist, for an online session to learn about changes you can expect with dementia.
She will explain how to plan for the changes, and what to do to support the person you care for stay safe, connected and active when living with dementia.
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.
Manningham Community Fund is a charitable fund account of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation. The fund is a separate legal entity from the City of Manningham.
The Fund has been established to raise much-needed funds to help community organisations with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR)* status support the needs of people living in Manningham. It does this by encouraging tax-deductible donations, gifts and bequests that build up the fund corpus in perpetuity. Each year the fund earns income (in the form of interest) which can then be available to the community in the form of grants.
The Manningham Community Fund supports and distributes funds to community organisations to create a positive change in the community.
The Manningham Community Fund supports and distributes funds to community organisations in Manningham. It operates under the umbrella of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, which has been supporting charities across the Melbourne metropolitan area since 1923.
The Manningham Community Fund will accept applications for grants up to the maximum value of $10,000. There's no minimum amount you can apply for.
Activities must be based in the City of Manningham.
Funding is available annually to community organisations that have:
Applications are closed and will reopen in 2026
Not for profit organisations with DGR (1) status that deliver activities to benefit the Manningham community will be invited to apply.
Please read through the guidelines to make sure you are eligible to apply.
Subscribe to the Community Grants program mailing list to stay connected and be informed about the latest grants opportunities.
| Organisation | Project | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pines Learning Incorporated | Kids Everywhere | $3,690 |
| Manningham Inclusive Community Housing Inc | A Transition and Affordable Homes Facilitator | $9,985 |
| Alex Makes Meals Group Ltd | Meals for Hope: Donvale Community Fridge Project | $8,525 |
Donating to the Manningham Community Fund enables us to offer grants to charitable organisations to create a positive change in the community.
The fund is a separate legal entity from the City of Manningham.
It aims to raise much-needed funds to help community organisations with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR)* status that support people living in Manningham. It does this by encouraging tax-deductible donations, gifts and bequests that build up the fund corpus in perpetuity. Each year the fund earns income (in the form of interest) which can then be available to the community in the form of grants.
* A deductible gift recipient (DGR) is an entity or fund that can receive tax-deductible gifts.
Online donations can be made on the Manningham Community Fund Donations page of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation website.
Visit the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation website for more information.
Join Claudia Rigoni-Brazzale, Aged Care Specialist, for an informative and engaging session that explores the key changes to the Aged Care System coming into effect from 1 November 2025.
Claudia will break down what these changes mean for older Australians, their families, and care partners — including updates to services, funding, and support pathways.
Whether you're navigating aged care for the first time or supporting someone through the system, this session will help you feel more informed and prepared.
This is a great opportunity to stay up to date and connect with others in the community who are also navigating aged care.
Amendment VC267 was gazetted by the Minister for Planning on 6 March 2025.
From March 6, 2025, any new applications for units, townhouses, and apartment buildings up to three storeys must follow the new code.
The Townhouse and Low-Rise Code introduces a new way to assess these applications.
Within Manningham, the new code standards apply to residential development applications within the General Residential Zone, and Residential Growth Zones.
If a development site is subject to other overlays, the relevant decision guidelines of applicable overlays must still be considered in addition to the standards of the code.
The Townhouse and Low-Rise Code introduces a new way to assess applications.
The new rules include all the standards from Clause 55. If a proposal meets a standard, it automatically meets the related objective. This means that authorities (like the Council or a Tribunal) cannot consider the decision guidelines for that standard.
The code also introduces "applicable" standards. If ALL "applicable" standards are met, objectors have no third-party appeal rights, even if other standards are not fully met.
Where proposals comply with all the “applicable” standards of the Code (Clause 55 only), objectors are exempted from third party appeal rights irrespective of whether they comply with all the other remaining standards.
Applications will still be advertised, and objections can still be lodged. However, if an objection is about a standard that meets the code, the Council cannot request plan changes to address the concern.
If all "applicable" standards are met, objectors cannot apply for a review to VCAT.
If a proposed residential development also needs a permit under another planning scheme provision, like a Design and Development, Environmental, or Heritage Overlay, the objector appeal rights for that provision will still apply.
Applications for apartment buildings of four or more storeys are assessed under different provisions, and objector appeal rights remain.
The new provisions codify all the standards contained within Clause 55 of the Manningham Planning Scheme. This means that where a proposal meets a standard, the corresponding objective is deemed to be met.
Applicants should familiarise themselves with the full suite of changes to Clause 55 of the Scheme. More details can be found on the Department of Transport and Planning’s website, as well as within the Manningham Planning Scheme.
Need help?
Advocacy is an important way for us to provide a voice for the community on issues that matter. This is an essential role of local government.
We are advocating to influence state and federal governments to fund important priority projects around planning, transport, infrastructure and services.
This includes seeking funding support for seven major projects as well as a series of local sports infrastructure, road and footpath upgrades in Manningham.
Aquarena is Manningham’s sole aquatic centre, the outdoor area (built in 1960s) is a much-loved space, however, is at the end of its lifespan and requires a total refresh.
This facility serves the entire municipality, receiving 1.14 million visits annually, and without this redevelopment, Manningham Council will struggle to accommodate the growing demands of the community and the delivery of essential health and wellbeing outcomes effectively.
Manningham is the only municipality in metropolitan Melbourne without train or tram, making buses the only form of public transport for our residents.
Manningham Council has continuously advocated for a High Frequency Busway link along Doncaster Road corridor from Mitcham Station to the CBD.
Our community continue to raise concerns regarding the safety of the intersection at Ringwood-Warrandyte Road, Croydon Road, Husseys Lane and Brumbys Lane in Warrandyte South (commonly known as ‘5-ways’).
Manningham Council has been advocating to the State Government and directly to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) for multiple years seeking help to fix this serious safety issue.
NELP has committed to deliver a like for like replacement of Doncaster Park and Ride whereas we are seeking a Transit Oriented Development with increased capacity.
There has been concern from the community over instances of noise and dust that have not triggered intervention.
We have been advocating for filters to be installed within the ventilation stack since 2019 through the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) Hearings.
The Park Orchards Community House and Learning Centre is a highly successful service, engaging over 1200 individuals each week. The development of a new community house was identified as a high priority in Council’s Community Infrastructure Plan.
Neighbourhood/community houses are a shared responsibility with the State Government. Manningham Council has already demonstrated its commitment to this new building by purchasing the land for a new community house.
Council calls on the Federal and State Government for significant funding.
There is no dedicated community legal service located in Manningham.
Manningham has a high percentage of overseas born residents (44%) and an increasing number of very low-income residents (25%). These factors indicate that our population has a range of vulnerabilities and needs for a legal service that provides free or low-cost assistance in a service that caters for cultural and linguistic diversity.
Manningham’s open space network is facing increasing pressure from increased population density, major projects such as the North East Link, loss of private open space and tree canopy cover, climate change and increased demand for recreation facilities . Population forecasts an increase from 133,00 today to 149,000 by 2036, which will exacerbate the pressure on our open spaces.
We're advocating for a Doncaster Station to be included in the first phase of construction of the Suburban Rail Loop.
The Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance (EAHA) is a formal collaboration of six councils working to address the housing affordability crisis in Melbourne’s eastern metro region.
Improved transport infrastructure through Doncaster Hill will unlock and complement regional opportunities for improved access to jobs, educational and health facilities and to other community and social services.
Jumping Creek Road Wonga Park is in a unique and environmentally sensitive area. The road is being upgraded to improve safety for all users, including motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, whilst also protecting our wildlife and vegetation.
The works are expected to cost up to $21 million over the project life. This is a significant burden for the Manningham community, and we seek contributions from all levels of government to enable this project to proceed.
