A safe and secure home is the foundation for a healthy life, education, and connection to community. Right now we are seeing more people in Manningham facing housing stress and homelessness.

National Homelessness Week runs from 4 to 10 August and is an opportunity to raise awareness of the practical steps to address homelessness in our community.

Homelessness doesn’t discriminate — it can affect anyone. Rising housing costs mean some people are forced to choose between rent and food. We're also seeing a growing need for food relief and emergency support services locally.

If you or someone you know needs help, our Manningham Wellbeing Support Card connects you with local services that can provide support. Hard copies of these are available at community venues including Council facilities, libraries community centres, neighbourhood houses, sporting and social clubs.

Let’s work together to make our community a place where everyone has a home.

Our website provides an online resource directory of local crisis support services, including homelessness and crisis accommodation, emergency food relief, family violence support and wellbeing services.

This National Homelessness Week, we’re joining other councils and community organisations to highlight how we’re working together to support people doing it tough.

Want to learn more? Join us for the webinar More than Shelter on Thursday 7 August at 12:30pm, where we’ll explore the support services that offer safety and dignity to people experiencing homelessness.

Register now

Updated: 22 January 2025

Improving the quality of our roads and stormwater drainage systems are some of the ways we’re building a better Manningham.

We're upgrading Oban Road in Ringwood North and Donvale to improve road and footpath safety and reduce flood risk.

Where is it?

This project will be delivered in two stages.

Stage one 

Construction will occur along Oban Road, between property 321 and the Glenvale Road intersection, Ringwood North. 

• stabilisation of the existing to improve pavement resilience
• localised pavement widening
• maintenance improvements to the existing kerb and channel
• new asphalt surface
• additional minor asphalt works along Beckett Road

Stage two

Construction will occur along Oban Road, between Glenvale Road and Smedley Road, Donvale.

• installation of underground stormwater drainage
• kerb and channel
• road widening in some sections
• weed removal
• new asphalt surface
• footpath upgrades, between Barnsdale and Smedley roads.

This project will be delivered under our 2024/25 Capital Works Program.

Why is it needed?

These works will deliver significant safety and environmental benefits.

Improvements include resurfacing the road to reduce potholes, rutting, and cracking, ensuring smoother and safer travel. Widening certain sections will provide sufficient space for vehicles to pass safely, minimising the risk of accidents. 

Installing underground drainage will effectively manage stormwater, reduce flood risks, and prevent road damage. Additionally, removing weeds will promote native biodiversity by controlling invasive species and supporting the local ecosystem.

When will the works happen?

• Stage one works will begin in early to mid-2025.
• Stage two works will begin after the stage one works, later in 2025.

These schedules are subject to weather conditions and third party approvals.

How will the works affect me?

Works will occur between 7.00am and 5.00pm on weekdays and 9.00am and 3.00pm on Saturdays.

During these times, you may notice:

• construction noise
• minor traffic delays 
• road closures with access granted to local residents
• reduced on street parking
• temporary disruptions to driveway access – we will contact affected properties directly.

Please follow the directions of staff and signs to move safely around the area.

We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work to improve the drainage in your area.

“If we can save on our bills and reduce our carbon footprint by going electric, I think it’s worth it,” said Doncaster East resident Jeffrey. 

When Jeffrey installed solar panels on his roof in 2007, the system had only a 1kW capacity. That’s around one tenth the size of today’s average setup.

“Back then, the systems were small – but it lasted us 13 years,” he said.

That first step planted the seed for what would become a 17-year electrification process.

In 2020, Jeffrey decided it was time for a boost and upgraded to a 10kW solar system to meet his growing energy needs and increase his energy independence. 

Around this time, he also replaced his gas hot water system with an efficient electric heat pump and installed an induction cooktop during a kitchen renovation.

“For me, going electric is about both helping the climate and enjoying more affordable bills,” he said.

The final piece of the puzzle came this year, when Jeffrey installed a battery through Solar Savers. The battery allows him to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it in the evening. 

“At the end of the day, we’re saving money and doing our small part to mitigate climate change,” he said.

Jeffrey’s advice to others?

“Do your research and make sure you’re working with reputable installers. There are a lot of cold callers out there, so vet carefully,” he said.

Jeffrey’s story highlights that going electric doesn’t have to happen overnight. It can be a gradual, considered process that suits your budget and evolving energy needs.  

Start building your Go Electric Plan at manningham.vic.gov.au/electrify-your-life

Councillor Jim Grivas has been elected the new Mayor of Manningham, at the Annual Meeting of Council on Thursday 6 November. 

He was unanimously chosen by his fellow Councillors to lead Manningham Council for the coming year, alongside Councillor Deirdre Diamante, who was elected as Deputy Mayor. 

In his acceptance speech, the Ruffey Ward Councillor and Manningham resident of more than 25 years said it was a great privilege to serve our diverse community as Mayor. 

“With this privilege comes a responsibility: as custodians of Manningham, we must ensure we leave our city stronger, more inclusive and better prepared for future generations,” Cr Grivas said.

Strengthening community engagement, enhancing sustainability initiatives and supporting local business and innovation will be a focus for Cr Grivas during his second Mayoral tenure.

He returns to the role after serving as Manningham Mayor in 2013/14, and as a previous Councillor in the 2012-16 Council term. 

“Our community is at the heart of everything we do – and I am looking forward to working with my fellow Councillors to leave a legacy that we all can be proud of,” Cr Grivas said. 

Newly elected Deputy Mayor, Cr Diamante, congratulated Cr Grivas on the appointment, and spoke of her commitment to continuing to work together to get the best outcomes for Manningham. 

“I’ve lived in Manningham all my life, and my goal is that it will be a place that my children and grandchildren will know and love in the future,” Cr Diamante said.

Manningham Council CEO Andrew Day echoed the sentiments of Council and congratulated the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor on behalf of the organisation.  

Councillors thanked Cr Diamante for her service as Mayor over the past year – including her commitment to supporting local businesses, residents impacted by the North East Link Project, and older adults. 

Find out more about Manningham’s Councillors, or watch the Annual Meeting of Council.

Councillor Jim Grivas has been elected the new Mayor of Manningham, at the Annual Meeting of Council on Thursday 6 November. 

He was unanimously chosen by his fellow Councillors to lead Manningham Council for the coming year, alongside Councillor Deirdre Diamante, who was elected as Deputy Mayor. 

In his acceptance speech, the Ruffey Ward Councillor and Manningham resident of more than 25 years said it was a great privilege to serve our diverse community as Mayor. 

“With this privilege comes a responsibility: as custodians of Manningham, we must ensure we leave our city stronger, more inclusive and better prepared for future generations,” Cr Grivas said.

Strengthening community engagement, enhancing sustainability initiatives and supporting local business and innovation will be a focus for Cr Grivas during his second Mayoral tenure.

He returns to the role after serving as Manningham Mayor in 2013/14, and as a previous Councillor in the 2012-16 Council term. 

“Our community is at the heart of everything we do – and I am looking forward to working with my fellow Councillors to leave a legacy that we all can be proud of,” Cr Grivas said. 

Newly elected Deputy Mayor, Cr Diamante, congratulated Cr Grivas on the appointment, and spoke of her commitment to continuing to work together to get the best outcomes for Manningham. 

“I’ve lived in Manningham all my life, and my goal is that it will be a place that my children and grandchildren will know and love in the future,” Cr Diamante said.

Manningham Council CEO Andrew Day echoed the sentiments of Council and congratulated the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor on behalf of the organisation.  

Councillors thanked Cr Diamante for her service as Mayor over the past year – including her commitment to supporting local businesses, residents impacted by the North East Link Project, and older adults. 

Find out more about Manningham’s Councillors, or watch the Annual Meeting of Council.