Pick up a copy of our 2025 Community Calendar from the Manningham Civic Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, while stocks last. 

Unable to pick up a copy? 

We're committed to being a financially and environmentally sustainable council. 

We will only be mailing calendars to those experiencing circumstances that prevent them from travelling to a pick up location.

If you are unable to collect a copy, contact us.

The Manningham Community Panel has reached a significant milestone, charting a course for the future after delivering its final recommendations to Council.

Manningham Mayor Councillor Deirdre Diamante said the Panel’s insights will be invaluable in ensuring that the Council’s strategic plans are grounded in the community's needs and aspirations.

“By listening to the voices of our community, we’re ensuring that our decisions and actions reflect and align with what matters most to our residents,” Cr Diamante said.  

“The Panel has played a crucial role in this process, comprising members from diverse age groups, cultural backgrounds and geographic locations that represent the unique tapestry of our community.

“This collaborative approach will help enable us to create a more inclusive, resilient, sustainable and vibrant community for all.”

The Panel was established to identify Manningham's key priorities, challenges and opportunities – to help guide our strategic plans. This includes the Community Vision 2040, the four-year Council Plan, and the 10-year Asset and Financial Plans.

Throughout the process, Panel members deliberated for approximately 1,680 collective hours and heard from over 50 speakers from Council and community.

They handed over their recommendations at the final meeting on 1 February 2025. They span several themes including community safety, transport, open spaces and more.

“Over the coming weeks, we’ll prepare a response to each of the panel’s recommendations, including how they will be implemented or the reasons for not supporting any recommendation,” Cr Diamante said.

“We’re sincerely grateful to the panel members for their time and efforts during this dynamic process and committed to implementing the panel’s recommendations to the fullest extent possible. We’ll ensure their insights are carefully considered in all our decision-making as we plan ahead for Manningham,” the Mayor added.

For further information and stay up to date, visit YourSay Manningham.

We’re seeking feedback on our draft Road Safety Strategy 2025-2035, which identifies road improvements, targeted education and speed zone reviews as our key priorities. 

The draft strategy outlines clear objectives and a detailed action plan to enhance road safety and reduce traffic-related accidents, injuries and fatalities

Our Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said this strategy will guide proactive projects and programs over the next decade.

“We’re committed to improving our transport system as we strive for ‘Vision Zero’— where nobody is seriously injured or killed on our roads,” said Cr Diamante. 

“To plan for safer roads, we first needed to understand the local issues and experiences of road users in Manningham.

“We received more than 200 responses to last year’s community survey, which told us what matters most to our community.

“Now we want to ensure the proposed strategy and action plan accurately reflects community priorities,” she said.

Key proposed actions include:

• road safety audits in high-risk areas
• infrastructure upgrades
• speed limit reviews
• continual road user education
• updates to the Manningham Walking and Cycling Strategy

The draft strategy was informed by feedback from last year’s community consultation, local road safety data, input from road safety partners and aligns with State and Federal strategies.
 

Have Your Say

Provide feedback by completing our survey on the draft Road Safety Strategy 2025-2035 via Your Say Manningham by 21 February 2025. 

Feedback from the community and Councillors will shape the final version of the strategy, which will be presented for Council endorsement in early 2025.

We have installed mini recycling stations at some locations around Manningham to make it easier to recycle common household items that you cannot put into your bins.

When these items - like small e-waste, batteries, globes and ink cartridges - reach the end of their life they can be harmful to the environment if they are sent to landfill. Our processor is able to recycle between 93 and 98 per cent of these products.

On this page:

• What can be recycled at these stations?

• How to place items inside the slot?

• Where are they located?

• How are the items recycled?

Place items loosely into their relevant slot during opening hours of their locations. 

One of Australia’s most important national occasions, ANZAC Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day in which we remember all Australians who served and died in all wars and operational service past and present.

Come along and mark the day at one of the RSL services in Manningham.

We’re excited to announce the first two public electric vehicle (EV) charger locations: Templestowe Village and Tunstall Square. 

About the chargers

Planned for installation in May to June 2025, these charging stations are part of a broader rollout of nine public EV chargers across Manningham.

Powered by renewable energy, these Evie ultra fast chargers are compatible with all EVs. They will provide 150km of range in 30 minutes, with charging costs ranging from 58 to 68 cents per kWh, depending on the location.

Both Templestowe Village and Tunstall Square will each have two chargers, with each charger servicing two parking bays. 

Following engagement with the local businesses, these locations were selected for their proximity to commercial, recreational and tourist destinations, as well as their access to reliable power supplies.

Why we’re supporting EVs

By installing these charging stations – and the seven more to follow – we aim to accommodate the growing use of electric vehicles, especially following new legislated vehicle standards.  

We’re also responding to community support for local public charging facilities, as revealed in our 2023 Manningham community survey. 

The public charging network will help ensure that EV charging is accessible and practical while also reducing our transport emissions, boosting local businesses with enhanced car parking, and supporting EV drivers to travel with confidence. 

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.

It is with sadness that we learned last week of the passing of the Honourable Kevin Andrews.

As the Federal member for Menzies for more than 30 years, Kevin Andrews was a long-standing advocate and supporter of our Manningham community.

A State Funeral will be held at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne today.

The livestream will be available from 11.00am.

The flags at our Civic Centre will be at half-mast today as a sign of respect and to acknowledge the passing of a significant Australian.

UPDATED: 28 March 2025 partnership details and timeline 

Improving our local sporting facilities is one of the ways we’re building a better Manningham. 

What is happening?

In partnership with the Australian Government through the Play Our Way Funding Program, we're upgrading the netball courts and flood lighting at Wonga Park Reserve, Wonga Park.

The project will involve:

Stage 1

• reconstructing the netball courts with compliant courts of play, lighting, fencing, and additional space for basketball
• stabilising the embankments around the courts and addressing overgrown vegetation
• removal of the timber bridge beside the existing netball courts
• new player shelters

Stage 2

• a new small sized facility to service the netball courts, including toilets, a multi-purpose change space, storage, drinking station, and scorer's shelter. 

This project will be delivered as part of our 2025/26 Capital Works Program.
 

Where are the works?

Works will take place at the Wonga Park Netball Courts at Wonga Park Reserve, Wonga Park.

When will the works happen?

Stage 1 construction is scheduled to begin in June 2025 with an expected duration of five months. This schedule is subject to weather conditions.

Stage 2 will follow the completion of Stage 1 works.
 

Why are the works needed?

The need to upgrade this facility was identified through a Netball Victoria Facility Audit and is planned as part of our Wonga Park Reserve Masterplan.

The existing facilities, including lighting, must be upgraded to comply with the latest Netball Victoria and industry guidelines. 

The project will also provide new player shelters and a multipurpose facility, including a toilet and scorers shelter to support local clubs and communities who use the facility.
 

How will the works affect me?

The works will take place on weekdays during the hours of 7.00am and 5.00pm. 

You may notice:

• construction noise
• minor traffic delays, including a temporary single lane closure
• disruptions to car parking
• footpath detours around the works
• temporary disruptions to the reserve access.

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 facilities in your area.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this project, contact us.

We're installing new public toilets at Cat Jump Park, Donvale.

This project is part of the Public Toilet Plan 2021 and Cat Jump Park Masterplan.
 

Where is it?

These public toilets will be located on the southern side of Cat Jump Park, near the Bellevue Avenue and Leslie Street roundabout in Donvale.

This location is easy to access for use, maintenance, and service connections.
 

When will it happen?

We plan to begin installing the toilet facility in early to mid-2025, and expect it to take around three to four months to complete.
 

Why is it needed?

Accessible public toilets allow people to spend more time in public spaces, socialising, exercising, and engaging with the community. Without them, residents and visitors are limited in where they can go and how long they can stay. 

A safe, well-maintained, and environmentally friendly toilet will significantly improve the experience for Cat Jump Park visitors.
 

What will the toilets look like?

The new modular toilets will include:

• An accessible cubicle
• An ambulant cubicle 
• Baby and child change facilities
• A rainwater tank to utilise a natural water supply 
• External and internal powered lighting 
• Skylights for natural lighting 
• Concrete paths to connect the toilets with surrounding facilities
   

How will the works affect me?

To minimise any potential noise or disruption to the community, our modular toilets are made offsite and will be delivered to the site.

During the installation, you may notice some construction noise and increased traffic in the area.

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.”
 

We welcome the Victorian Government’s commitment to purchasing only Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) for public transport from 1 July 2025. 

The move to ZEB’s will significantly reduce emissions and pollutants, creating a healthier environment for our community. 

It will also provide a smoother, quieter and cleaner travel experience, which we hope will encourage greater use of Manningham’s extensive bus network. 

Learn more at Zero Emissions Bus Trial and Transition Plan | vic.gov.au

26 February 2025

We’re calling for Federal Government support for a number of priority projects ahead of this year’s Federal election.

At its meeting on Tuesday 25 February, Council set out its advocacy priorities across four key themes of Our Commute, Our Environment, Our Safety and Our Wellbeing.

This includes seeking funding support for seven major projects as well as a series of local sports infrastructure, road and footpath upgrades in Manningham.

Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said Council is calling for Federal Government funding for projects that will benefit the local community.

“We’re advocating for our community and seeking funding support for important local projects that will improve the wellbeing, safety, environment and transport in Manningham.”  

We’re advocating for:

• $15 million for the redevelopment Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre outdoor precinct
• $7.5 million for open space upgrades, some of which include:
• Wombat Bend and Finns Reserve upgrade in Templestowe Lower
• Anderson Park in Doncaster East
• Warrandyte Skate Park
• The Boulevarde playspace at Ruffey Lake Park.
• $5 million for safety improvements at the 5-ways intersection in Warrandyte South
• $3 million for a feasibility study to inform the high frequency busway implementation along Doncaster Road
• $2.5 million for a new building for the Park Orchards Community House and Learning Centre
• $350,000 to support community legal services in Manningham
• the Federal Government to encourage the Victorian Government to make commitments around the North East Link Project.

And we’re seeking funding support for road and footpath upgrades, sports infrastructure projects and LED floodlighting conversion projects.

We want to see a range of improved transport options for our Manningham community.

We’re calling for $3 million to undertake a feasibility study to inform the high frequency busway implementation along the Doncaster Road corridor, between Mitcham Station and Doncaster Park and Ride.

“The North East Link Program (NELP) is having a significant impact on our community and we are continuing our advocacy for the best outcomes for local residents,” Cr Diamante said

As a funding partner of the North East Link Project, we want the Federal Government to encourage the Victorian Government to:

• deliver a Transit Oriented Development when Doncaster Park and Ride is redeveloped.
• improve access and transparency on the Environment Protection Agency air quality data reports.
• install filters within the Southern Portal Ventilation Stack or improve transparency around the trigger for when filters would be required.

As a member of the Eastern Region Group of Councils, we also supports the regional goals and advocacy priorities of:

• Addressing financial stability
• Supporting housing growth
• Building climate resilience
• Transforming movement in the east.

For more information, visit our Advocacy page

From aspiring gardeners to seasoned growers, there’s a session for everyone at this year’s Home Harvest. 

About Home Harvest

Our monthly gardening program, Home Harvest, teaches you how to grow delicious and nutritious food at home. 

From discovering how to choose the right crops to diving deeper into growing Asian vegetables, there’s a diverse array of topics on offer. 

Your new skills will lead to homegrown produce – and can even boost your physical and mental health. 

It’s also a simple, enjoyable and empowering action you can take against climate change.

Our 2025 program

Sessions run on a Wednesday evening from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, with a food swap commencing at 6.15pm. 

Everyone with an interest in gardening is welcome. No experience necessary.

The first phase of the Melbourne Hill Road drainage upgrade is now complete, and we're preparing for phase two works to start late next year.

Our Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante said the completion of phase one marks a significant milestone for the project.

“Phase one has tackled key safety and flooding issues for locals, while also enhancing the local habitat through planting of species of native vegetation to provide shelter and food as well as contributing to the overall biodiversity.”

This major project, covering approximately 35 hectares of residential area, aims to reduce flood risk to protect local properties and businesses.

Commencing earlier this year, with the installation of underground drainage along the roadside, widening of the road, and removal of deep depressions and driveway culverts.

We're now preparing for the second phase of construction, which will focus on upgrading the drainage systems within easements on private properties. This phase will improve stormwater management and provide flood protection for properties by addressing surface water runoff.

“We’re looking forward to the next stage of construction starting next year, as it will provide essential flood protection for properties along Melbourne Hill Road,” the Mayor added.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 and take approximately one year to complete. However, the schedule may be affected by weather conditions and the potential relocation of underground service assets.

In the meantime, we will continue the planting program, supporting the establishment of new native plantings over the coming years.

For further information and the latest project updates, visit Your Say Manningham.

We’re temporarily closing the Aranga Reserve dog park to prune trees that are extending onto Heatherwood School’s grounds.

When will the park be closed?

The park will be closed from Monday 6 January to Tuesday 7 January 2025.

Why is the park temporarily closing?

Significant tree limbs are extending onto the grounds of Heatherwood School.

We’re temporarily closing the park to prune these trees, which will help prevent any pontential hazards and keep our community safe.

By closing the park, we’re also avoiding startling your dog with loud machinery.

How will this closure affect me?

If you live nearby, you may notice construction noise during this period.

If you regularly visit this park with your dog, we encourage you to explore our nearby parks and reserves during these days.

Thanks for your understanding.

While it might look like a regular street post, this is a ‘virtual fence’, designed to protect our local wildlife.

Virtual fences are activated by approaching headlights and emit sound and light to deter animals from crossing the road. 

Local wildlife rescuer, Katja Gutwein, has seen the benefits of these fences firsthand.

“The virtual fence is a low-cost solution that has drastically reduced wildlife fatalities and improved safety for all road users,” she explained.

By preventing animals from darting onto the road, these fences help protect both wildlife and drivers.

If you see a flashing light along Jumping Creek Road, it’s likely from a virtual fence. We’ve installed 20 in the area to help protect both wildlife and road users.

We know the virtual fences can look suspiciously like cameras, but these lights are alerting animals to your car’s presence and deterring them from crossing the road.  

Please keep our wildlife safe by leaving the fences alone. 

If you spot any damage to the fences, contact us on (03) 9840 9333 or email environment@manningham.vic.gov.au. 

These fences were installed as part of the Jumping Creek Road upgrade. 

For more information on this project, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/jumping-creek-road-upgrade.

We’re reviewing our Road Management Plan to ensure local roads remain well-maintained, safe and functional for everyone.

Manningham’s Road Management Plan (RMP) sets our responsibilities, standards and procedures for managing our road network, which consists of more than 680 kilometres of local roads. 

The plan doesn’t include the management of road safety issues or the maintenance of trees, vegetation, nature strips or private assets, such as vehicle crossings.

Proposed changes to the Road Management Plan

As part of our review, we’re proposing some updates to the RMP, including clear, concise language and a streamlined format, consistent with the latest industry-standard template from the Municipal Association of Victoria. 

These changes aim to make it easier for you to understand our road maintenance standards and what you can expect from our services. 

Our Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said community feedback will help ensure the revised plan responds to emerging needs and priorities. 

“Maintaining our roads and footpaths is one of Council’s most important services – helping keep our community safe and connected,” Cr Diamante said.

“I encourage all residents to share their feedback to help us create a plan that will deliver outcomes that matter most to our residents,” she said.

Have your say

You can review the revised Road Management Plan online, or in person at the Manningham Civic Centre at 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.
Have your say before 5.00pm on Thursday 17 April 2025, through:

• an online form at Your Say Manningham. 
• mail submission addressed to Manningham Council, Andrea Szymanski, Manager Infrastructure and Sustainable Operations, PO Box 1, Doncaster 3108 
• email at manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au.

All submissions will be considered before the revised RMP is presented to Council for adoption.

For more information, go to Your Say Manningham.
 

We’re developing a Nature Plan to help protect and enhance our environment over the next 15 years. 

The Plan will set a strategic direction for the future of our biodiversity and tree canopy assets, while also responding to challenges such as urbanisation, habitat loss and biodiversity decline.

It will also look to enhance Manningham’s bushland areas, landscape scale habitat connections, tree canopy, and provide recommendations to allow our natural environment to thrive and communities to live in a cooler, greener environment. 

Make your voice heard 

We want to hear your thoughts on:

• What our top priorities should be in protecting and enhancing our environment?  
• What practical solutions can help address these challenges?
• What type of Council support would be most helpful to you and the community? 

Share your ideas by:

• Completing our online survey
• Registering your interest in a workshop 

To get involved, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/nature-plan.