We're counting down to Carols!

Manningham Carols by Candlelight returns 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 year’s event will be hosted by star entertainer and performer Lucy Durack and local Carols favourite Richard Thomas.

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

Reserve tickets

Manningham Council’s Gambling Policy is due for an update with the latest evidence, data and community input. We are inviting community members to participate in one of two workshops to discuss gambling harm in Manningham.

During these workshops, we want to hear about your understanding of gambling harm in the community and where you think Council should prioritise its response. Your feedback will help us to develop evidence-based strategies to address gambling harm in Manningham.

Topics covered will include:

• gambling harm in Manningham in relation to key community groups and settings
• where the community believes Council should prioritise its effort in responding to gambling harm

We are interested in hearing from people who have been impacted by gambling harm, either directly or indirectly.

For more information, please visit Manningham Gambling Policy on Your Say.

Please note: this session will be held online. A Zoom link will be sent to you prior to the session.

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.

Bridget Hillebrand's site-specific work River draws on innovative techniques using handmade washi paper, relief printing and audio.

The works are informed by the changing ecology of the Birrarung (Yarra River), which winds its way through Manningham to Port Phillip Bay.

River (detail). Linocut on washi paper. Image courtesy of the Artist.

Learn how to identify our local eucalypt trees and find out how understanding where they grow can help you to read the landscape.

If all the trees and bush look a bit the same to you, this short walk and talk could change the way you see the world!

Join experienced local naturalist and ecologist Alan Noy to guide you through the process.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) have come a long way in a very short time. The transition to EV's is speeding up like the world of renewable energy. 

Is it time to make the switch? 

If you’re considering an EV, join this free webinar where we will examine the rapid changes and evolution of the EV car industry.

The information session will help you understand:

• distances that Australians usually travel and how the perceived barrier to EVs is dissolving
• charging systems, charging times and expanding infrastructure
• battery technologies - innovation is driving higher capacity, less weight, longer life spans, better safety and end of life recycling
• the cost to travel using electricity as a fuel and the impact of a growing electric fleet for our electricity grid
• the various models that are available now, and the many more that will arrive with policy changes and surging demand.

Is it time for you to make the switch to a lean, clean transport machine?

Learn how to identify our local eucalypt trees and find out how understanding where they grow can help you to read the landscape.

If all the trees and bush look a bit the same to you, this short walk and talk could change the way you see the world!

Join experienced local naturalist and ecologist Alan Noy on an easy walk through Pound Bend, as we discuss the distinctive identification features of the local trees.

The theme of this Business Breakfast focuses on the topic "Closing the Loopholes".

Brad Dodemond of People Partners HR will present a professional, extensive overview of how the Federal Government's new "Closing the Loopholes" bill will change Australia's employment laws, in particular for casual employment, and impact on our workplaces.

The Manningham Business Network Inc. (MBN) is your local business network that is open to all small and medium businesses in the Manningham area.

Are you looking to return to work, perhaps start up your own business or change career?

Register now for this FREE informative session in a relaxed environment at Pines Learning

Find out from the experts about short course ideas, the Swinburne Skills and Job Centre, Jobs Vic Advocates, the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme which helps you turn your business idea into a viable business, the Reconnect program and the Carers Employment Project.

You will also be provided with an opportunity for one-on-one consultations with representatives.

The Men’s Table creates a unique environment for men to share openly about their lives with other men.

The Entree event is an introduction to The Men’s Table through open sharing over a relaxed and conversational meal.

It is a chance to meet other men, learn about how a Table works and help you decide whether you'd like to part of this local Men’s Table group.

The event will be hosted by two long standing members of other Men's Tables. They will share experiences from their Tables and respond to your questions, concerns and ideas.

The cost of the event includes a meal and a drink.

This event is proudly supported by Manningham's Community Grants Program.

About the Men's Table

There's never been a better time to get connected and be part of building community. It's healthy to show emotions and share feelings, and it is time we freed men from outdated masculine norms.

The Men’s Table creates a sense of belonging, community, peer support and camaraderie. These things are often lacking for many men, even for those who already have a group of mates.

Belonging to a Men’s Table contributes to mental, emotional and social wellbeing. It provides powerful support to individual member’s journeys through life.

Australia’s population is steadily increasing, prompting the need for new houses, shops and roads. While these developments are important for our community, they may have a negative impact on our local birds. 

So, how do birds respond to urban development? Why do some species cope better than others? And what can we do to better support the more sensitive species? 

To answer these questions, we’ve invited Dr Jacinta Humphrey to share her findings on what makes a residential street, urban park or private garden bird-friendly.

Speaker bio:

Dr Jacinta Humphrey (she/her) is an Urban Ecologist and Research Fellow with the ICON Science group at RMIT University. She completed her PhD at La Trobe University and continues to work with the Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Her work explores Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design (BSUD) and aims to find opportunities to enhance habitat for wildlife in residential streets, urban parks, schoolyards and private gardens. She also monitors the Birrarung Trial Floating Wetlands, a series of artificial habitat islands installed in the Yarra River (Birrarung), on behalf of The University of Melbourne.

Sporting clubs play in important role in our community. They can be important places of social connections and support, as well as influential structures where attitudes and behaviours, including those towards women and girls, are formed and upheld.

Sporting clubs also have an important responsibility to ensure all members are safe and free from discrimination and harassment. This can be achieved by creating and supporting fair, inclusive and respectful sporting environments on and off the playing field.  

Active Bystander training seeks to support fair, inclusive and respectful sporting environments through skilling participants to not only identify and challenge sexism, but other forms of discrimination such as racism, ableism, homophobia and transphobia. Active Bystander training equips participants to step in when they see or hear sexist or discriminatory language, jokes, behaviours or practices across a range of sports settings and scenarios.  

Research shows that promoting bystander action across your sporting club can support a range of benefits. Some examples of this include:  

• Improved club culture and relationships for all members  
• Attract and retain talent and increase performance and morale 
• Save money and increase profits 
• Support positive change and enhance your reputation 
• Contribute to the prevention of violence against women  

Spots in this workshop are limited so book your spot as soon as you can. 

Registrations are essential. Refreshments provided. 

This workshop is being delivered in partnership with Women's Health East and made possible thanks to Change Our Game - Community Activation Grants program.

This workshop is being delivered in partnership with Women's Health East and made possible thanks to Change Our Game - Community Activation Grants program.

Are you seeking a thrilling, impactful volunteer opportunity within your community? 

Warrandyte Country Fire Authority (CFA) are excited to kickstart their recruitment process for 2024! Applications are now live, with formal training scheduled to commence May 2024.

Join the Warrandyte Fire Brigade and become part of a team dedicated to serving, protecting, and uplifting our local community. Embrace the chance to respond to emergencies, save lives, and ensure safety for everyone.

As a firefighter, you'll encounter challenges requiring bravery, resilience, and quick decision-making. However, the satisfaction of making a daily positive impact is immeasurable.

Why choose Warrandyte CFA? 

• Give back to your local community, making a tangible difference.
• Access comprehensive training and resources for support.
• Join a close-knit team operating like family.
• Receive all personal protection clothing, a uniform and continual training.

Who are they seeking? 

Warrandyte CFA encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, aiming to reflect our community's richness. Ready to embody our values of professionalism, dedication, and teamwork? If you're passionate, committed, and eager to serve, we want you as a volunteer firefighter!

Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity. Join the Warrandyte Fire Brigade and embark on a fulfilling career as a volunteer firefighter today!
 

Join this free and informative webinar on the concept and practice of affirmative consent to learn about recent changes to Victorian law regarding consent within sexual relationships.

The webinar will be presented by a panel of local experts, including Chanel Contos, Executive Director of Teach Us Consent. 

Teach Us Consent is an organisation that provides holistic consent education and advocacy for structural reform to prevent normalised sexual violence. 

Registration is essential to attend. 

This event is part of the 2024 Health and Wellbeing Series, brought to you by collaborating Eastern Metropolitan Region Councils.