Painted Country – a new major exhibition featuring the work of five First Nations artists – is now open at the Manningham Art Gallery in Doncaster. 

The artists – Nellie Ngampa Coulthard, Brenda Napaltjarri, Clara Napurrula, Rene Sundown and Adrian Jurra Tjungurrayi – bring diverse practices and perspectives to reveal their unique depictions of the Australian landscape in their work.

The senior and emerging artists represent two Indigenous arts centres – Iwantja Arts in South Australia and Papunya Tula Artists in the Northern Territory.

The exhibition has been timed to coincide with National Reconciliation Week, which is held each year from 27 May to 3 June, with the 2025 theme Bridging Now to Next.

Aboriginal writer, artist, arts worker and Aboriginal affairs advocate from Cape York Peninsula Jack Wilki-Jans has described the 14 artworks featured in Painted Country as “hypnotic visions” of the artists’ Country.

“Visions of a wide country, a country of colour and texture, of sand dunes and salt lakes, scorched earth and radiant sunsets, of brushes and sweeping tufts of grasses with flowers – Australia!” Jack Wilki-Jans  said.

“It isn’t the hand that paints which this exhibition exalts, it’s the eyes which see.”

This celebration of First Nations contemporary painting is presented in collaboration with Alcaston Art Gallery, with special thanks to the artists, Iwantja Arts in South Australia and Papunya Tula Artists in the Northern Territory.

Gallery opening hours

Manningham Art Gallery, 687 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, is open Wednesday to Saturday, 11.00am to 4.00pm.

An exciting new water play area and improved café will be part of the major redevelopment of the outdoor area at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre. 

The project's detailed design is now underway, following Council's endorsement of the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan last August.

Our Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said the community is eagerly awaiting the redevelopment, which will bring Aquarena’s outdoor area up to the centre’s modern, state-of-the-art indoor areas.

“Around 2,500 people visit Aquarena each day, and we love welcoming the regular swimmers, local families, swim clubs, and community and school groups.

The centre is highly valued by the Manningham community and visitors alike,” Cr Lange said.

“This redevelopment will ensure the outdoor space continues to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the community for generations to come.”

We have appointed Co.Op Studios as the architect to design the new space, and bring the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan vision to life. 

“The design process has been informed by the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan, which involved extensive consultation with community users and industry experts, to guide the redevelopment of the outdoor spaces,” Cr Lange said.

“I want to thank everyone who shared their passion and interest in the future of the outdoor space. More than 800 people provided feedback to inform the development of the Masterplan. We’re excited to be delivering what the community asked for, and more”, she added.

Feedback from the community and stakeholders emphasised the need for more seating, shade, change rooms, a fun water play area, better spaces for schools and clubs, and a sustainable design to reduce environmental impact.

“An enhanced café will now serve both indoor and outdoor areas. The new outdoor change rooms will be only metres from the outdoor pool, and the outdoor pool will now have ramp access and a swim wall to swap between 50 metre and 25 metre lanes,” the Mayor said.

Other enhancements include state-of-the-art landscaping and the electrification of outdoor pool equipment, marking another significant step toward achieving Manningham’s emissions targets. 

“Aquarena is currently our largest gas user. Making the switch from gas to energy efficient heat pumps, we can heat the outdoor area in an environmentally sustainable way,” the Mayor added.

The replacement of the centre's 50-metre outdoor pool will take place at the same time as the redevelopment works.

“Aquarena’s outdoor area has a rich history of over 50 years and has been a source of community pride for generations. For many in our community, this is their backyard – we’re embracing the theme of your backyard to create an inviting space where our community can get active, play, socialise, host events and relax,” Cr Lange said.

“We’re excited to start sharing the draft designs and offering on site consultation opportunities in the coming weeks. We’ll also be connecting with various user groups to keep them informed as the project progresses,” she added. 

The redevelopment works are planned to begin in late 2025, with project completion expected in late 2027.

Project updates will be available on the project's Your Say page. Subscribe to the project to receive updates directly to your inbox.

An exciting new water play area and improved café will be part of the major redevelopment of the outdoor area at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre. 

The project's detailed design is now underway, following Council's endorsement of the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan last August.

Our Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said the community is eagerly awaiting the redevelopment, which will bring Aquarena’s outdoor area up to the centre’s modern, state-of-the-art indoor areas.

“Around 2,500 people visit Aquarena each day, and we love welcoming the regular swimmers, local families, swim clubs, and community and school groups.

The centre is highly valued by the Manningham community and visitors alike,” Cr Lange said.

“This redevelopment will ensure the outdoor space continues to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the community for generations to come.”

We have appointed Co.Op Studios as the architect to design the new space, and bring the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan vision to life. 

“The design process has been informed by the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan, which involved extensive consultation with community users and industry experts, to guide the redevelopment of the outdoor spaces,” Cr Lange said.

“I want to thank everyone who shared their passion and interest in the future of the outdoor space. More than 800 people provided feedback to inform the development of the Masterplan. We’re excited to be delivering what the community asked for, and more”, she added.

Feedback from the community and stakeholders emphasised the need for more seating, shade, change rooms, a fun water play area, better spaces for schools and clubs, and a sustainable design to reduce environmental impact.

“An enhanced café will now serve both indoor and outdoor areas. The new outdoor change rooms will be only metres from the outdoor pool, and the outdoor pool will now have ramp access and a swim wall to swap between 50 metre and 25 metre lanes,” the Mayor said.

Other enhancements include state-of-the-art landscaping and the electrification of outdoor pool equipment, marking another significant step toward achieving Manningham’s emissions targets. 

“Aquarena is currently our largest gas user. Making the switch from gas to energy efficient heat pumps, we can heat the outdoor area in an environmentally sustainable way,” the Mayor added.

The replacement of the centre's 50-metre outdoor pool will take place at the same time as the redevelopment works.

“Aquarena’s outdoor area has a rich history of over 50 years and has been a source of community pride for generations. For many in our community, this is their backyard – we’re embracing the theme of your backyard to create an inviting space where our community can get active, play, socialise, host events and relax,” Cr Lange said.

“We’re excited to start sharing the draft designs and offering on site consultation opportunities in the coming weeks. We’ll also be connecting with various user groups to keep them informed as the project progresses,” she added. 

The redevelopment works are planned to begin in late 2025, with project completion expected in late 2027.

Project updates will be available on the project's Your Say page. Subscribe to the project to receive updates directly to your inbox.

We have signed the contract to purchase 576-578 Park Road, Park Orchards as part of its planning for a new Park Orchards Community House and Learning Centre.

A priority action in our Community Infrastructure Plan, discussions and advocacy have already commenced for the replacement of this popular neighbourhood house and it is hoped that this significant investment will be the catalyst for investment from other levels of government.

Our Mayor, Deirdre Diamante, said the existing community house needs replacing to bring programs and services together.

"The Community House is widely used and offers a variety of programs and services in learning, fitness and art for all ages, and includes a well-loved childcare facility.

“The current building is coming to the end of its useful life, has limited accessibility and is too small to cater to all programs. These limitations have resulted in programs moving to different locations and spread across multiple local venues.

“By bringing these programs together into one building with better access and more space, we can improve efficiency and better support the community’s growing needs.”

The location of the new property, adjacent to the existing Community House at 572 Park Road, will allow for more space for the variety of programs on offer.

“Located in the heart of Park Orchards, as part of a community and education precinct and near public bus transport, the site will maintain convenient access to childcare, schools, recreational areas, and shops.” Cr Diamante added.

The purchase of 576-578 Park Road is part of our long-term planning to replace this important neighbourhood house for Park Orchards.

Neighbourhood houses are predominantly funded by government grants and additional state and commonwealth government funding will be needed to deliver this new community facility.

“We have purchased this property as part of our long-term plan for the community house and local area. We’re pleased to be able to secure a site for a new centre in Park Orchards and will continue to advocate for State and Federal funding to deliver it.”

The purchase was funded by our Strategic Fund which is part of our 10 Year Financial Plan 2024/25 to 2033/34.

For more information, visit Your Say Manningham.

We've received more than $450,000 in Victorian Government funding to support three major recreation and leisure projects, including the Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre outdoor redevelopment.

Mayor Cr Deirdre Diamante met with North-Eastern Metropolitan MP Sonja Terpstra, and the new Federal Member for Menzies, Gabriel Ng, MP, at Aquarena this week for the funding announcement. The three projects that have received support through the 2024-25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, are:

• Aquarena outdoor redevelopment: $250,000
• Domeney Reserve sports field LED floodlight upgrade: $162,937
• Manningham Recreation Strategy: $40,000.

“We’re grateful to receive this critical financial support through Sonja Terpstra and the Victorian Government’s 2024-25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund,” Cr Diamante said.

“This funding will go toward important projects that benefit the health, wellbeing and safety of our community in Manningham.

“Aquarena has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. From learn to swim lessons in the old outdoor 25m pool, to hot summer days climbing those endless stairs to the car park. Aquarena is part of the fabric of Manningham.”

Sonja Terpstra said, “The Allan Labor Government is delivering on its promise to upgrade Aquarena at Doncaster. As a seasoned swimmer myself, I couldn't be more excited about what this means for locals in Doncaster and surrounding suburbs who love to swim.

“We're also investing $162,937 for LED lighting at Domeney Reserve in Park Orchards and $40,000 towards Manningham Council's recreation strategy. These investments ensure our community sporting facilities are modernised and accessible, which means more people can enjoy playing local sport right on their doorstep.”

The redevelopment of the outdoor precinct at Aquarena will see a new 50m outdoor pool, family zone with interactive water play, splash pad and toddler pool, spectator seating, change rooms, a new café and more.

At Domeney Reserve, the sports field floodlighting will be upgraded to a minimum of 100LUX to meet the needs for evening AFL play. This will improve facility capacity and participant safety and ensure the lighting meets appropriate standards.

A new Manningham Recreation Strategy will help guide the future provision of community-based sport, recreation and leisure opportunities for residents over the next 10 years.

Image: Federal Member for Menzies Gabriel Ng, MP, Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante and North-Eastern Metropolitan MP Sonja Terpstra at Aquarena for the funding announcement.

Manningham Council has welcomed more than $450,000 in Victorian Government funding to support three major recreation and leisure projects, including the Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre outdoor redevelopment.

Mayor Cr Deirdre Diamante met with North-Eastern Metropolitan MP Sonja Terpstra, and the new Federal Member for Menzies, Gabriel Ng, MP, at Aquarena this week for the funding announcement. The three projects that have received support through the 2024-25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, are:

• Aquarena outdoor redevelopment: $250,000
• Domeney Reserve sports field LED floodlight upgrade: $162,937
• Manningham Recreation Strategy: $40,000.

“We’re grateful to receive this critical financial support through Sonja Terpstra and the Victorian Government’s 2024-25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund,” Cr Diamante said.

“This funding will go toward important projects that benefit the health, wellbeing and safety of our community in Manningham.

“Aquarena has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. From learn to swim lessons in the old outdoor 25m pool, to hot summer days climbing those endless stairs to the car park. Aquarena is part of the fabric of Manningham.”

Sonja Terpstra said, “The Allan Labor Government is delivering on its promise to upgrade Aquarena at Doncaster. As a seasoned swimmer myself, I couldn't be more excited about what this means for locals in Doncaster and surrounding suburbs who love to swim.

“We're also investing $162,937 for LED lighting at Domeney Reserve in Park Orchards and $40,000 towards Manningham Council's recreation strategy. These investments ensure our community sporting facilities are modernised and accessible, which means more people can enjoy playing local sport right on their doorstep.”

The redevelopment of the outdoor precinct at Aquarena will see a new 50m outdoor pool, family zone with interactive water play, splash pad and toddler pool, spectator seating, change rooms, a new café and more.

At Domeney Reserve, the sports field floodlighting will be upgraded to a minimum of 100LUX to meet the needs for evening AFL play. This will improve facility capacity and participant safety and ensure the lighting meets appropriate standards.

A new Manningham Recreation Strategy will help guide the future provision of community-based sport, recreation and leisure opportunities for residents over the next 10 years.

Image: Federal Member for Menzies Gabriel Ng, MP, Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante and North-Eastern Metropolitan MP Sonja Terpstra at Aquarena for the funding announcement.

Manningham Council property purchase sets the stage for new community house

Manningham Council has signed the contract to purchase 576-578 Park Road, Park Orchards as part of its planning for a new Park Orchards Community House and Learning Centre.

A priority action in Council’s Community Infrastructure Plan, discussions and advocacy have already commenced for the replacement of this popular neighbourhood house and it is hoped that this significant investment by Council will be the catalyst for investment from other levels of government.

Manningham Mayor, Deirdre Diamante, said the existing community house needs replacing to bring programs and services together.

"The Community House is widely used and offers a variety of programs and services in learning, fitness and art for all ages, and includes a well-loved childcare facility.

“The current building is coming to the end of its useful life, has limited accessibility and is too small to cater to all programs. These limitations have resulted in programs moving to different locations and spread across multiple local venues.

“By bringing these programs together into one building with better access and more space, we can improve efficiency and better support the community’s growing needs.”

The location of the new property, adjacent to the existing Community House at 572 Park Road, will allow for more space for the variety of programs on offer.

“Located in the heart of Park Orchards, as part of a community and education precinct and near public bus transport, the site will maintain convenient access to childcare, schools, recreational areas, and shops.” Cr Diamante added.

The purchase of 576-578 Park Road is part of Council’s long-term planning to replace this important neighbourhood house for Park Orchards.

Neighbourhood houses are predominantly funded by government grants and additional state and commonwealth government funding will be needed to deliver this new community facility.

“We have purchased this property as part of our long-term plan for the community house and local area. We’re pleased to be able to secure a site for a new centre in Park Orchards and will continue to advocate for State and Federal funding to deliver it.”

The purchase was funded by Council’s Strategic Fund which is part of its 10 Year Financial Plan 2024/25 to 2033/34.

For more information, visit Your Say Manningham.