Manningham resident and trailblazing interdisciplinary artist Grace Dlabik is presenting her latest exhibition titled kose karu kin at the Manningham Art Gallery from 26 June to 10 August.

Grace has over 25-years’ experience and has been highly sought after for her vision and work in future thinking and community building.

Grace’s work has been deeply informed by her Melanesian heritage as she creates connected environments with community care and culture at its core.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said the exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to experience the works of local resident and distinguished artist Grace Dlabik.

“This immersive exhibition explores the themes of culture, connection and community and I encourage everyone to visit the gallery and enjoy.” Cr Lange said.

Grace was awarded the 2023 Mordant BLAK C.O.R.E Fellowship, during which she led karu kin, a project focused on connecting indigenous women and non- binary folk through clay making. This project informed her current exhibition at the Manningham Art Gallery, titled kose karu kin.

“This exhibition is a combination of my own art, titled kose, and a special project karu kin that I led during my fellowship.” Grace said.

“kose is comprised of limestone sculptures that represent pillars of strength in community, kinship systems of care and nourishment.

“A reminder of who I am, who we are and where we come from and honouring my matrilineal bloodline.

“karu kin is the project that speaks to the kinship relationality and ways of connection through gathering and sharing through clay making. This involved seven indigenous women and non-binary people.

“Both projects of work use nature as a way of deeply connecting to our culture and the body of work that combines the use of both materials of the earth, limestone and clay.”

To see Grace’s incredible exhibition and experience her inspired work in person, visit the Manningham Art Gallery, located Ground Level, MC Square, 687 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.

For more details, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/events/kose-karu-kin.

Manningham Council has proudly honoured the exceptional individuals and organisations making a meaningful difference in the community at the 2024 Civic Awards.

Held last week, family and friends of the nominees gathered at the Manningham Function Centre for the awards ceremony.

The nominees were celebrated for their outstanding contributions, and winners were announced for their exceptional community service.

Brian Tyedin was awarded Manningham Citizen of the Year for his work with Rotary over the past 25 years.

“Being nominated is a reward in itself and to be recognised for what we are doing in the community,” Brian said.

“There are so many opportunities to volunteer in this community and so many people doing great things.

“I hope that by receiving this award, I can work with other organisations to achieve an even better outcome for Manningham and help others in the community,” Brian said.  

This year there were two recipients of the Doreen Stoves Volunteer of the Year Award, Luke Bastian and Kate Gniel.

Luke was recognised for his outstanding commitment to the local Scouting community over the past two decades. Park Orchards-based mum of three, Kate, was recognised for her remarkable work in the community and with the Sharks Junior Football Club.

“Volunteering fills my heart and makes me feel content. My youngest son was diagnosed with leukemia a few years ago, and during that time, we were overwhelmed by the kindness of so many people,” Kate said.

“That’s when we discovered the true power of community and felt deeply connected. It inspired us to give back and help others in the same way we were helped.”

Meet the winners – 2024 Manningham Civic Awards

2024 Citizen of the Year – Brian Tyedin 

Brian was awarded Citizen of the Year for his tireless support and service to the local community. He is a champion of the Rotary movement and has served Rotary and the Manningham community with distinction.

2024 Doreen Stoves Volunteer of the Year – Luke Bastian and Kate Gniel 

Luke Bastian 

Luke has played a crucial role in the Scouting community for over two decades. His remarkable contributions to Rotary and the Doncaster Baseball Club have also been significant. Luke is a dedicated member of the Manningham community and exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional citizen.

Kate Gniel

Kate is an outstanding individual who consistently makes remarkable impact in the community through her volunteering efforts. Over the past five years, Kate has dedicated her time and energy to enhancing and enriching the lives of others. In 2022 Kate became the first ever female president of the Sharks Junior Football Club and has focussed efforts on making the mental health of players and families first and foremost.

2024 Sports Volunteer of the Year – Anthony Milicia 

Anthony dedicates himself to volunteering with Manningham Juventus Football Club as if it were a second job, setting a positive example and motivating others. His actions serve as a source of inspiration and consistently makes himself available to others.

Community Organisation of the Year – Rotary Club of Manningham City

The Rotary Club of Manningham City Inc. received its official charter on 1 July 2023, bringing together Rotary clubs and individuals with diverse talents who have contributed to Manningham for over 45 years. The Club’s dedication to serving the community spans across all demographics, capabilities and requirements and plays a crucial role in maintaining connections among people.

In addition to the 2024 winners, the following nominees were highly commended for their outstanding contributions:

Highly Commended, Sports Volunteer of the Year – Michael James 

Michael’s dedication to enhancing the Sharks Football Club has positively impacted the lives of many. His strong belief in fostering sporting values and essential life skills underscores his passion for nurturing well-rounded individuals. Michael has introduced programs that have contributed to the overall growth and success of the club’s players.

Highly Commended, Community Organisation of the Year – Manningham Toy Library 

Founded 39 years ago, the Manningham Toy Library has served as a vital resource for the Templestowe Lower community, positively impacting the lives of numerous families. The Library’s focus on inclusivity and accessibility sees it offer a wide selection of toys that address different needs and developmental phases, highlighting its commitment to supporting the entire community.

To find out more, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/manningham-civic-awards.   
 

The Manningham Community Panel’s deliberations have begun, with local voices steering the way to a thriving future for Manningham.

Through a series of externally facilitated discussions and learning sessions, panel members will deliberate for over 40 hours. They will determine key priorities for the community and provide a list of recommendations to Manningham Council.

This dynamic and community-driven process will play a crucial role in ensuring that Council’s strategic plans reflect local needs, values and aspirations.

The panel recruitment started with 8,000 envelopes sent randomly to local households. Of those who accepted the invitation, a second random draw resulted in the final 40 individuals chosen.

This second draw was stratified to ensure people selected were representative of Manningham by age, gender, location, living situation and the language spoken at home.

Residents, businesses and community organisations have also contributed to the panel’s work in several ways.

In the Plan Manningham 2025+ survey (between May and July 2024), community provided their top three priority areas for Council to focus its resources for the next four years.

Council also hosted a series of ‘Targeted conversations’. These small group discussions invited people with similar backgrounds or interests together to discuss detailed information around topics that affect their needs and priorities.

Community could also share ideas on how to improve Council services through ‘Individual submissions’.

Council has committed to an open, transparent and rigorous process that puts community interests at the forefront. Community are invited to listen and watch the deliberations.

You can register to be an Observer for any of the panel sessions. Each registration segment is 90 minutes. Registration will ensure you get a spot, however you can also register upon arrival.

The final four panel sessions will be held between November 2024 and February 2025.

Find out more and stay up to date at Your Say Manningham.

You’re invited to share your ideas and priorities for our community’s future by making an ‘Individual submission’ to the Manningham Community Panel.

Make an individual submission.

Your input will be considered by the Panel as they deliberate and prepare recommendations for Council’s major strategic plans.

What will the panel deliberate on?

Council endorsed the following remit for the Manningham Community Panel at its 25 June 2024 meeting.

Council has a budget of $147m, but we can’t do everything and need to make hard choices. We need to know what services you value most to help us create a new Council Plan, Asset Plan and Financial Plan to guide Council activity for the next four years to align with the Community Vision. It will inform what the community pays and gets in return.

What range and level of services are you prepared to pay for?

Submit your ideas about what the panel should consider as they work together to answer this question.

This consultation closes Thursday 19 September at 11.59pm.

Community will also be welcome to observe the deliberative process at several open Panel sessions – more information will be available on the Your Say Manningham page shortly.

We’re engaging local community groups this month, to help plan the future direction of community facilities in Warrandyte.

Our Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange said we’re looking for future improvements to community facilities that will better support local services and connectivity for residents.

“Last year’s consultation on the Community Infrastructure Plan highlighted the need for a holistic review into the provision of community facilities in Warrandyte. With an increasing demand for services, we need to ensure the right infrastructure is in place to support community need,” Cr Lange said.

“The Review will help guide future investment into community facilities in Warrandyte,” she said.

During the consultation, community groups will provide information on their usage, needs, and expectations of facilities. They will also share ideas for future services and buildings, including opportunities for partnerships and facility sharing.

“We want to better understand the needs, priorities and aspirations of our local community groups.

“These discussions will guide the preparation of our draft recommendations, which will be shared with the broader community for further feedback early next year,” the Mayor added.

We’ll contact community groups and services directly to participate in the consultation.

If you haven’t heard from us by the end of July and would like to participate, please get in touch by calling us on 9840 9333 or emailing manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au.

We aim to present the final plan to Council for endorsement in 2025.

Manningham Council will engage local community groups to help plan the future direction of community facilities in Warrandyte.

Engagement will commence in July as part of the Warrandyte Community Facilities Review (Review) – a key project under Manningham’s Community Infrastructure Plan (CIP).

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange said Council is looking for future improvements to community facilities that will better support local services and connectivity for residents.

“Last year’s consultation on the Community Infrastructure Plan highlighted the need for a holistic review into the provision of community facilities in Warrandyte. With an increasing demand for services, we need to ensure the right infrastructure is in place to support community need,” Cr Lange said.

“The Review will help guide future investment into community facilities in Warrandyte,” she said.

During the consultation, community groups will provide information on their usage, needs, and expectations of facilities. They will also share ideas for future services and buildings, including opportunities for partnerships and facility sharing.

“We want to better understand the needs, priorities and aspirations of our local community groups.

“These discussions will guide the preparation of our draft recommendations, which will be shared with the broader community for further feedback early next year,” the Mayor added.

Community groups and services will be contacted directly to participate in the consultation.

If you haven’t heard from Council by the end of July and would like to participate, please contact Council via Your Say Manningham.

The final plan will be presented to Council for endorsement in 2025.

For further information, go to https://yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/warrandyte-community-facilities-review.

Sadly, the increase in overt racism seen around Melbourne is also being experienced here in Manningham.

Councillors and Council officers meet with community members regularly and are aware of the current rise in racist vandalism, including offensive graffiti.

There is absolutely no place in our community for hate-based symbols, language or behaviour.

As a community, we all have a responsibility to call it out.

Council stands solid and united in condemning any racist behaviour.

We remove offensive or political graffiti on Council property within one business day of becoming aware and encourage everyone to report instances to Council on 9840 9333 or via our website.

To report vandalism in other locations, please contact Victoria Police on 131 444.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Carli Lange

We're engaging local Warrandyte community groups to help plan the future direction of local community facilities.

Engagement will begin in July and is part of the Warrandyte Community Facilities Review (Review) – a key project under our Community Infrastructure Plan (CIP).

Our Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange said that we're looking for future improvements to community facilities that will better support local services and connectivity for residents.

“Last year’s consultation on the Community Infrastructure Plan highlighted the need for a holistic review of the provision of community facilities in Warrandyte. With an increasing demand for services, we need to ensure the right infrastructure is in place to support community needs,” Cr Lange said.

“The Review will help guide future investment into community facilities in Warrandyte,” she said.

During the consultation, community groups will provide information on their usage, needs, and expectations of facilities. They will also share ideas for future services and buildings, including opportunities for partnerships and facility sharing.

“We want to better understand the needs, priorities and aspirations of our local community groups.

“These discussions will guide the preparation of our draft recommendations, which will be shared with the broader community for further feedback early next year,” the Mayor added.

We'll contact community groups and services directly to invite them to participate in the consultation.

If you haven’t heard from us by the end of July and would like to participate, please contact us via Your Say Manningham.

The final plan will be presented to Council for endorsement in 2025.

For further information, go to Your Say Manningham.

UPDATED: 12 August 2024 - new community and candidate information session

Would you like a role in shaping the future of Manningham Council? Are you passionate about making a positive contribution to your community? 

The Victorian Local Government elections will be held in October 2024 with the vote to take place by post. Now is the time to put up your hand to represent your community and take on one of the most important leadership opportunities our country has to offer, one that enables you to make a real difference.

Councils are the closest level of government to community. To ensure our communities are successfully represented we need quality candidates to nominate for election.  

Are you interested in becoming a councillor? If so, here are some things you need to know: 

There is a range of eligibility criteria for candidates, including:

• being an Australian citizen or an eligible British subject
• being at least 18 years of age on election day
• being enrolled to vote in the municipality.

For the full list of eligibility criteria, visit the VEC – Becoming a Council Election Candidate. You can also get some further information on what being a councillor involves at Role of a Councillor. 

To support potential candidates, Manningham Council, in partnership with the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), is hosting a candidate information session to provide information and inspiration to future candidates. Details of the upcoming session are listed below.

Keep an eye on our website and socials for information on a local session closer to election day. If you’re keen to learn more in the meantime, the closest upcoming session will be held at Port Phillip City Council in July.

Stand for Council (Community and Candidate Information session)

• Date: Monday 19 August 2024
• Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm (in person registration 6.00pm)
• Attendance: In person or online
• Location: Manningham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster (Function Room 1) 
• Registration details: Register via the MAV website.

Please ensure you register as places are limited. We cannot wait to see you there as a future leader of our community.

Manningham encourages applicants from all walks of life

We recognise the benefits of a diverse range elected representatives to best reflect the rich diversity of people and cultures within our community.

As such, we are proud to encourage nominations from all members of our community, including persons who are from First Nations backgrounds, people of different ages, abilities, gender identities, sexual orientations and cultural backgrounds.

If you require any additional support or information regarding nominating for Council elections, please contact 9840 9333.

Mandatory Training

Under the Local Government Act 2020, candidates must complete the separate mandatory training to be eligible to nominate as a candidate.  Access to the online training, along with further information, can be found at Local Government Victoria – Candidate Training.

For more information on the MAV Stand for Council campaign, please visit the MAV website.

It’s not too late to join the 730 people who shared their feedback and contributed to our proposed 2024/25 Budget and proposed 10 Year Financial Plan.

The draft documents were endorsed by Councillors at their meeting on Tuesday night (28 May 2024).

Now’s your chance to have a sneak peek and tell us what you think before they’re finalised in late June.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange said, “For this year’s engagement on the Budget and 10 Year Financial Plan, we did things a little differently!

“After hearing from community members about their priorities for Council spending, we invited them along to pitch their ideas for inclusion in the proposed 2024/25 Budget and 10 Year Financial Plan.

“As a result, the draft documents align with our community’s priorities and will see us deliver an operating budget of $155 million to deliver more than 100 valuable services for our residents, businesses and visitors.”

This includes a $54 million capital works program to maintain and enhance our community assets, like:

• $12 million for roads and bridges
• $6 million for footpaths and cycleways
• $4 million for drainage
• $3.1 million for the Schramm’s Cottage Museum Complex Visitor Centre
• $1.6 million for playspace renewals
• $1.2 million for Ruffey Lake Park Masterplan implementation
• $1.1 million for Rieschiecks Reserve Management Plan
• $1.0 million to commence works on a co-working hub
• $1.0 million for a battery for Mullum Mullum stadium
• $0.3 million for a youth hub.

“We will also continue to deliver on our Climate Emergency Action Plan to reduce the impacts of climate change. We have allocated $11 million in our capital works program over the next ten years for Circular Economy, sustainability initiatives,” Cr Lange said.

The Mayor added, “With inflation continuing to be higher than average, we are conscious of cost-of-living pressures in our community.”

We will continue to support rate payers through:

• our financial hardship provisions including rates rebates for Low Income (LI) Health Care Card holders
• $2.25 million for community grants and contributions programs
• continued financial support to agencies that provide emergency relief to those in need in our community
• funding for the provision of food relief for those in need in our community
• subsidies for school holiday programs
• an average general rate increase in line with the State Government’s rate cap of 2.75 per cent.

“Conscious of cost of living pressures we have also proposed to freeze the waste service charge well below the 4.80 per cent increase in the cost of waste services to Council.” 

Cr Lange said increasing prices for delivering Council services, particularly around materials, labour and State Government cost shifting had created a challenging economic environment.

“Despite this, we have continued to focus on ongoing financial sustainability through innovation, efficiencies and responsible spending. We are also seeking alternative sources of income to reduce the dependence on rate income.”

We’re delivering on our Council Plan, including:

• $21 million for a healthy community
• $40 million for liveable places and spaces
• $19 million for a resilient environment
• $6 million for a vibrant prosperous economy
• $33 million for a well governed Council.

Provide your feedback

Visit Your Say Manningham to view the proposed 2024/25 Budget and proposed 10 Year Financial Plan, and complete a short survey to provide your feedback.

Hard copies of the proposed documents and survey are available at the Manningham Civic Centre customer service desk and Manningham libraries.

The final 2024/25 Budget and 10 Year Financial Plan will be considered for endorsement by Council at its meeting on 25 June 2024.

From this week, 8,000 randomly selected households across Manningham will receive an invitation to express their interest in participating in the Manningham Community Panel.

From those who apply, independent non-profit research group, newDemocracy, will draw a panel of 40 people to represent the wider community.

How will it work?

The Manningham Community Panel will play a crucial role in developing our major strategic plans.

Through externally facilitated discussions and learning sessions, participants will help determine key priorities for Manningham and provide a list of recommendations to:

• inform the next Council Plan, Asset Plan and Financial Plan

• help us refresh of our community vision

• define and help us manage the community's top service priorities

• help guide how we manage our services financially

• guide how we manage and invest in physical assets.

Panel sessions will be held between September 2024 and February 2025.

Are there other ways to participate in this engagement if I’m not selected for the panel?

There will be further opportunities to make individual submissions for the panel’s consideration, as well as observe the deliberation sessions.

Learn more and get the latest updates at Your Say Manningham. 

North East Link Project (NELP) has released designs for the redevelopment of the Doncaster Park and Ride, which you can now provide feedback on and have your say. 

The designs are within a draft Urban Design and Landscape Plan (UDLP), which shows that the Doncaster Park and Ride will connect to a new dedicated busway along the Eastern Freeway, known as the Eastern Busway. 

The plan is to construct the facility into a modern version of its existing state (like-for-like), resulting in the Park and Ride being retained as a car park and bus interchange only, with a similar number of car parking spaces. The draft UDLP is currently on exhibition for public comment.

Council will be providing a submission in response to the UDLP to propose that the current plan is a missed opportunity to reconstruct the Doncaster Park and Ride as a mixed-use Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). 

While the facility being redeveloped into a modern interchange is positive, this is a key opportunity for TOD, which could provide wide-ranging benefits to the community, environment and local economy.

We will be advocating that there is a growing demand for park and ride facilities due to population growth and the lack of any rail infrastructure in Manningham. This is shown through the high-usage of the newly opened Bulleen Park and Ride which consistently operates at capacity, and reinforces the significant opportunity this Doncaster Park and Ride site offers for our community.

As such, our submission seeks to include a multi-level car park with increased capacity, new open spaces areas, as well as retail and other commercial opportunities. This is in-line with our commissioned 2022 site design concept which was endorsed on 26 July 2022 as Council’s preferred redevelopment outcome for the Doncaster Park and Ride site.

We ask you to join us in advocating that Doncaster Park and Ride be reconstructed to include: 

• mixed-use transit-oriented development
• increase in carpark spaces, or
• flexibility to address population growth and allow for mixed-use development in future. 

Have your say

Help shape the Doncaster Park and Ride. You can provide feedback while the UDLP is on exhibition until 5.00pm Tuesday 24 September 2024.

To find out more, or to make a submission, head to Engage Victoria.

What’s next?

Council will be considering its submission on the Doncaster Park and Ride UDLP at its meeting on Tuesday 16 September. Following this, the submission will be lodged on behalf of Council to Engage Victoria. 

NELP will consider all written comments and submissions received, before the final UDLP is submitted to the Minister for Planning for consideration.

You can read more on the Big Build website and sign up to receive email updates.

As part of the North East Link Project (NELP), Doncaster Park and Ride will be closed from January 2025 and temporary bus stops will be put in place along Doncaster Road.

Buses will remain operational across all bus routes, including the 207, 280, 282, 284, 285, 303 and the 907 and 908 DART SmartBuses. The Park and Ride will be closed and temporary bus stops will be in place until 2028.

This is part of NELP’s upcoming redevelopment of the Doncaster Park and Ride to connect it to the Eastern Busway, a new dedicated busway along the Eastern Freeway.

We understand that the community and residents will be impacted as a result of the closures and are actively advocating on your behalf to improve commuter options. Our suggestions to North East Link Project and the State Government include:

• developing a temporary car park at a nearby site
• developing a temporary pick up/drop off area nearby
• providing a dedicated shuttle service
• adding secure bicycle parking, or
• funding improvements to active transport connections from key Manningham locations to the temporary bus stops.

Over the next few weeks, NELP officers will be distributing flyers and doing a door-knock in the local area. You’ll also start to see signage appear soon. 

We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available and will continue to advocate for ways that can minimise the impact for our community.

We’re also seeking reliable and sustainable transport options for the Manningham community while the Eastern Busway is being developed. Continue to check back here for updates.

You can read more on the Big Build website and sign up to receive email updates.

We've provided a submission to the Urban Design and Landscape Plan (UDLP) for the Doncaster Park and Ride Upgrades, as part of the North East Link Project (NELP).

Our recommendations throughout the submission demonstrate our strong commitment to advocating for a mixed-use transit-oriented development due to the wide-ranging benefits to the community, environment, and local economy.

Our detailed submission focuses on key outcomes we're seeking, including: 

• multi-level car park with increased capacity
• a mix of retail and commercial development
• public open space areas
• increased car parking spaces for bus commuters
• improved access to retail for surrounding residents
• improved public transport access
• pedestrian connectivity to be maintained and improved   
• noise walls that meet the expectations of our community, and
• robust future-proofing for our growing population and evolving community needs.

Our submission also provides a detailed assessment of the UDLP, focusing on key areas across: 

• traffic, car parking and access
• urban design and architecture
• open space and landscaping
• amenity
• cultural themes
• as well as other considerations.

We lodged our submission in September 2024.

For more information, please download the Urban Design and Landscape Plan submission.

For more information and to view the UDLP, visit Doncaster Park and Ride Upgrades on Engage Victoria.

What’s next?

NELP will consider all written comments and submissions received, then finalise the UDLP and submit it to the Minister for Planning for consideration.

After the Minister for Planning has approved the UDLP, the community will be updated on how feedback was considered.

You can read more on the Big Build website and sign up to receive email updates.

Our community panel came together for the first time on Saturday for the first of six and half day’s deliberation.

The Panel recruitment started with 8000 envelopes sent randomly to local households. Of those who accepted the invitation, a second random draw resulted in the final 40 people chosen. This second draw was ‘stratified,’ set up, so people chosen were representative of Manningham by age, gender, location, living situation and the language spoken at home.

This will be our most significant deliberative engagement to date, with the panel set to play a crucial role in shaping our major strategic plans. 

Here’s some feedback from two panel members after day one:

“I was surprised when I got the invite but said to myself, I have grandchildren and what better way to leave a legacy for them but to have a say into shaping Manningham.” 

“I am from an accounting background so especially interested to look at Council’s financial documents and exploring that side of the process.”     

You can also participate in the deliberative process by registering to be an observer. Observing the process means that you can form your own assessment of the merits of the deliberative approach.

It is with great sadness that I learned today of the passing of the Hon. Kevin Andrews.

As the long-standing Federal member for Menzies, Kevin was a wonderful advocate for the Manningham community and supporter of Manningham Council.

Kevin served his country as a part of the Commonwealth government at the highest levels and genuinely loved Australia.

Anyone who heard Kevin speak at a local Anzac Day or Remembrance Day ceremony would recall his authenticity and eloquence in acknowledging those who served and articulating his passion for Australia.

Most of all Kevin loved his family.

On behalf of Manningham Council I extend our deepest sympathies to Margie and his family and this sad time.

Kevin's legacy is substantial and enduring.

Deirdre Diamante
Mayor Manningham Council.

The 2025 Manningham Asian Cultural Festival will feature a fantastic lineup of cultural performances, delicious street food and family friendly activities as well as fireworks.

A celebration of culture and community, the festival will be held on Sunday 9 March 2025 at Doncaster Reserve, next to the Jackson Court activity centre.

We’re proud to be a major sponsor of the event, an initiative of the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse (ABAW), organisers of the hugely popular Lunar New Year Festival in Box Hill.

Our Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, attended the official launch of the festival at Jackson Court last week, welcoming the opportunity to support the association in bringing such an exciting opportunity to Manningham.

“Manningham is a proud multicultural community. Forty-four per cent of our population is born overseas, coming from an incredible 99 different countries including China, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Vietnam,” Cr Diamante said.

“It’s events such as these that really bring us together to celebrate what makes our diverse community so special," Cr Diamante said. 

"We thank the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse for bringing the festival to Manningham.

“This will also highlight our fantastic local traders at Jackson Court and is just one of the many ways Council is working to support businesses and build a strong local economy.”

It is anticipated the new Manningham festival will be a drawcard for up to 10,000 people. 

ABAW President Bihong Wang said, “The ABAW is thrilled to present the inaugural Manningham Asian Cultural Festival, a vibrant celebration of our shared multicultural values.

“Join us as we come together to embrace diversity, culture and community. We can’t wait to see everyone there,” she said.

President of the Jackson Court Traders Association, Con Valsamis, said the festival would be the biggest event held in the activity centre.

“Our association, along with all Jackson Court traders, are excited to be part of such a major event and have an incredible opportunity to showcase the offerings of our unique businesses.”