We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Jim Poulter, a beloved local historian, educator and tireless contributor to our community. 

Jim served as a Councillor of the City of Doncaster and Templestowe (now Manningham Council) in the 1980s. His impact, however, extended far beyond the council chambers.

Jim was a tireless advocate for truth-telling about our First Peoples, which was channeled through his work as an Aboriginal Studies tutor and columnist of Birrarung Stories in the Warrandyte Diary. 

In 2018, Jim became the second person to receive the Keys to the City for his contribution to Reconciliation Manningham and as a member of the Manningham University of the Third Age (U3A).

A lifelong athlete, Jim competed at the Doncaster Athletics Track, where he held a club record in pole vault and continued training well into his 80s.

We thank him for the wisdom, generosity and dedication he gave to our community.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, students and all those touched by his work.

The funeral will be held on Thursday 30 October at 2:00pm, at Tobin Brothers Funerals, 816 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster.

Deirdre Diamante
Mayor Manningham Council

Updated: 9 September 2025

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?

The installation is scheduled to start in October and finish in late December 2025, weather permitting.
 

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.

Workers will usually be on site between 7:00am and 5:00pm weekdays.

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.”
 

Residents of Warrandyte, Wonga Park and surrounds are invited to help shape infrastructure projects planned for their neighbourhood.

Attend a drop-in session this August to view project designs, ask questions and share feedback.

Our Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said hearing directly from residents is essential to making decisions that reflect the community’s priorities.

“Discussing projects with residents throughout the design and planning phase leads to better decision-making and outcomes that reflect community needs and preferences,” 

“These sessions are a chance for us to explain decisions that have been made and ensure future outcomes are shaped by community input.”.

Projects open for consultation include:

• Footpath construction - Paynters Road and Reserve Road, Wonga Park
• Main Yarra Trail Extension (stage three) - Pound Road to Taroona Avenue, Warrandyte
• Footpath construction - Tindals Road, Warrandyte 
• Drainage upgrade - Trezise Street, Brackenbury Street and Cemetery Road, Warrandyte

Final designs available for viewing:

• Footpath and drainage upgrades - Alexander Road, Warrandyte
• Pedestrian refuge installation - Russell Road, Mullens Road and Ringwood Warrandyte Road intersection, Warrandyte
• Intersection upgrade - Pound Road, Warrandyte

Community drop-in session details:

• Monday 18 August, 4:00pm to 7:00pm
  Warrandyte Community Hall, 2–8 Taroona Avenue
• Monday 25 August, 4:00pm to 7:00pm
  Wonga Park Hall, corner of Launders Avenue and Yarra Road

No registration is required - just drop in and have your say.

For more information or to have your say via our online survey, go to Your Say Manningham - Capital Works in Warrandyte and Wonga Park.

We're inviting community feedback as we develops a new masterplan for Timber Reserve in Doncaster.

Manningham Mayor Cr Deirdre Diamante, who is the Councillor for Tullamore Ward, encouraged residents and reserve visitors to get involved.

“We want to hear how you use Timber Reserve and your ideas for how we can make it even better,” Cr Diamante said. 

“The 4.6ha reserve is a much-loved space for formal and informal sport and recreation including soccer, cricket, walking, jogging, and dog exercise. It also features two playgrounds for children to enjoy.

“Your feedback will help us create a master plan that supports sport and recreation for all members of our community for many years to come,” Cr Diamante said.

The Timber Reserve masterplan will assess the current sporting infrastructure, explore how the area is used, and identify opportunities for future improvements. 

Community members are invited to complete a survey at Your Say Manningham.

The consultation is separate to that by Victoria’s Big Build on behalf of Yarra Valley Water regarding a pressure reducing station at the reserve as part of the North East Link Project.

Council Officers will be available to answer questions a drop-in “Have your say” session at the Timber Reserve sportsground on Thursday 16 October, 5:00pm to 6:30pm.

Consultation continues to 11.59pm on Sunday 26 October 2025.

We’re making the Doncaster Hill Community Garden safer, more accessible and even better for our community to enjoy.

The garden will be temporarily closed from June to August 2025 while we make these upgrades. 

Redesign goals

The new garden will deliver:

• A safer and more accessible design: A new level surface will remove tripping hazards while raised garden beds at varying heights will suit all ages and abilities.
• Increased food production and sustainability: New wicking beds, better composting and water management aim to boost vegetable yields.
• Better protection against theft: Trellising, soft fencing and access via a gate will enhance security. We are also installing lockable compost bins to reduce damage.
• A more inviting community space: More seating and improved diverse language signage will encourage greater community involvement and learning.

Shaped by feedback from our gardeners and volunteers, the transformation will model what a thriving urban space can achieve.

Feeding those in need

The garden is a space for community members to grow food, meet others and learn new skills.

Community members meet every fortnight where they plant, sow seeds, weed, water and harvestfresh produce. All food is donated to Doncare’s food relief program, providing fresh produce to those in need.

The community garden plays a vital role in strengthening the local food system, fostering social connections and supporting our community’s wellbeing. 

 

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.

As part of the Ruffey Lake Park Masterplan, we are developing a tree walk to promote environmental education and appreciation.

About the tree walk

This multi-year project will enhance the park’s natural beauty and provide an educational tour of trees in Manningham. 

The tree walk will feature a mix of indigenous, native, climate-resilient and exotic trees.

Works begin mid-May 2025

To create this walk, we are scheduling staged works. 

Stage one will begin on 13 May 2025 in the space across from the Victoria St Playground. This stage will involve pruning and removing non-indigenous vegetation, woody weeds and trees in poor condition. This will allow space to plant new trees.  

In response to removing low-quality trees, we will plant 10 new trees for every one removed. This replanting effort is on top of our ongoing tree planting program, which has been underway for the past three years.  

We will then focus on preparing the soil from June to November 2025 (stage two).

Stage three will commence in May 2026, with planting additional trees.  

The Ruffey Lake Park Masterplan

The Ruffey Lake Park Masterplan outlines a 15-year vision for the park’s design, development and management. 

Before being endorsed by Council in 2021, the Masterplan’s development involved a comprehensive review of background documents, extensive engagement with the community, and consultation with key external and internal stakeholders.

More than 1,000 community members provided feedback over two rounds of community consultation.

Learn more at yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/ruffey-lake-park. 

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’ve finished our review of the Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan 2025 to 2034.

The updated strategy was adopted at the Council meeting on 27 May 2025 and is in line with the national and state road safety strategies.

Community consultation

Between 20 January and 21 February 2025, we invited you to provide feedback on the proposed Strategy and Action Plan. 

Here's a snapshot of what 127 people told us through our online survey:

• More clarification is required around the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in relation road safety, and how we and the stakeholders would work together around road safety education and enforcement of road rules.
• You support infrastructure improvements; but have some concerns about how and where cycling infrastructure will be provided. 
• Safety in our activity centres is important to you.
• You’d like us to focus on older adults, who are overly represented in fatal and serious injury crashes. 
• You are concerned about the level of road maintenance and its implication on road safety and crash risks.

The feedback was generally positive, however, we made some adjustments to the wording of the action plan to better reflect your priorities and ensure alignment with other Council strategies.

We also added several new actions, including:

• advocate to the State Government for upgrades to key arterial roads
• review of parking restrictions to enhance road safety where needed
• explore opportunities involving emerging transport technologies.
• place a greater emphasis on inclusion to ensure the strategy addresses the needs of all road users.

The adopted Road Safety Strategy

The strategy will remain a living, adaptable document designed to guide our work over the next 10 years. It will continue to evolve with emerging technologies, best practices, and alignment with state and national frameworks.

You can view the adopted Road Safety Strategy on our website.

 

Manningham is celebrating a new chapter in its history with the official opening of the new Schramms Cottage Museum and Visitor Centre in Doncaster East.

The $3.5 million facility and precinct upgrade officially opened on Friday 17 October, and will help the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society preserve the history of Manningham for generations to come.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said she was pleased to open the new centre, with Schramms Cottage an integral part of Manningham’s more recent pioneer story.

“Local history is important because it helps us understand who we are as a community. It tells the stories of the people, places and events that have shaped us, where we live and our way of life," Cr Diamante said.

“Thank you to the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society, whose passion and dedication helps keep these vital stories of our community alive.”

The new building complements the historic Schramms Cottage and provides extra exhibition and storage space for the society to display and preserve their collection.

The spaces are climate controlled, ensuring that historical objects, particularly dresses and fabrics, will be preserved for longer.

The development also includes upgraded car parking, pathways and a new meeting room, which will be available for the general community to hire from late 2026.

“I’m excited that community will be able to access this space for meetings and events, creating new opportunities for the community to view and appreciate our heritage,” Cr Diamante added.

Schramms Cottage was first built in 1874 on Doncaster Hill, near the present Manningham Civic Centre, for German immigrant Max von Schramm for use as a house and school. 

In 1971, it was moved to its current location in Rieschiecks Reserve and now provides a picture of what life was like in the pioneering days of the late 1800s.

Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society President Geoffrey Broome said the society was delighted to see completion of the new facility, a culmination of many years of collaboration with Manningham Council.

“The museum is a community asset and helps to preserve the heritage of the Manningham municipality. Going back to the mid-1800s, this area was full of orchards and one of the main fruit growing districts of Victoria,” Mr Broome said.

“We have a wide range of items on display such as clothing from the early settlers including wedding gowns, household goods, furniture.”

The new visitor centre will be open to the public from Sunday 2 November. 

The existing historic complex, including Schramms Cottage, is open every Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm and is available mid-week for local school excursions. 

More information is available at the websites of Manningham Council and the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society.  

Gum Nut Gully Preschool will remain at its current location in Doncaster East following Council’s decision not to support a proposal to rebuild it at a new site.

Instead, we'll advocate to the State Government for the necessary funding to plan and build a custom-designed facility at the preschool’s current location on Larnoo Drive in Doncaster East to support the kindergarten to meet the requirements of the Victorian Best Start Best Life reforms.

The unanimous decision at the Tuesday 25 November Council Meeting follows extensive community consultation in August about the proposal to relocate the preschool to a new modular building in nearby Corsican Reserve in Corsican Ave, Doncaster East.

We received 279 survey responses to a Your Say Manningham survey on the matter. The feedback was also supported by a community-led petition presented to Council with 967 signatories.

Mayor, Cr Jim Grivas, said the community was overwhelmingly in favour of keeping the preschool in its current location next to the Mullum Mullum Linear Park.

“We’ve listened to the community, who have made it clear why the preschool’s bushland setting is so special, and how vital it is to its much-loved bush kinder program,” Cr Grivas said.

“We’re committed to working with the preschool and the community to find the best way forward, ensuring local children receive high-quality educational experiences.

“I’d like to thank the Gum Nut Gully Preschool Committee, families and the many local residents who have provided their feedback,” Cr Grivas said.

The long-term future of the preschool cannot be guaranteed in its current building, which is almost 40 years old and reaching its end of life. 

In 2024, we received a $3 million grant through the Victorian Government’s Building Blocks program to build a new two-room modular-style preschool, providing space for extra kindergarten places and allowing it to deliver on the Best Start Best Life reforms.

However, site investigations by the Victorian School Building Authority revealed the current site is not viable to build the funded modular building due to planning considerations such as bushfire controls and tree loss. Nearby Corsican Reserve was identified as the best alternative, subject to community consultation.

“As a result of the community’s strong opposition to the proposal, we will now explore the potential to rebuild a traditional or bespoke modular two-room preschool in Larnoo Ave,” Cr Grivas said.

“This will cost significantly more than the original proposal, due to the unique attributes of the site. We will therefore need State Government support and will strongly advocate for the funding needed to make this happen.”

The decision comes as Council also adopted our Early Years Infrastructure Plan at the 25 November 2025 Council Meeting. The plan will guide the planning, maintenance and investment in early childhood services facilities in Manningham.

This includes expanding and upgrading Council-owned kindergarten facilities in high-demand areas with funding from the State Government, and working with the State Government to create new kindergartens on school sites.

The Early Years Infrastructure Plan is available to read in full at Your Say Manningham.
 

Community members will enjoy a safer, more accessible and usable Doncaster Hill Community Garden, with a redesign planned to get underway in June.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said the garden is a treasured place where people come together to grow, share and connect.

“The Doncaster Hill Community Garden plays a vital role in supporting our community,” Cr Diamante said.

“Beyond providing fresh and nutritious food, it nurtures a stronger local food system, social connections and community wellbeing.

“Importantly, it also provides fresh produce to people experiencing hardship through Doncare’s food relief program,” she said.

The works will include levelling uneven ground to reduce tripping hazards and installing raised garden beds at varying heights to support gardeners of all ages and abilities.

New wicking beds, improved composting and better water use will support more efficient and diverse food growing, including culturally significant crops. Security will also be improved through soft fencing, gated access and lockable compost bins.

“We’ve listened to our dedicated volunteers and gardeners, whose insights and aspirations have helped shape the planned improvements to the garden,” Cr Diamante said.

“The result will be a more accessible space that reflects our community values of sustainability, sharing and inclusion,” she said.

The Doncaster Hill Community Garden is a friendly space for anyone interested in growing food, meeting others and learning new skills. It hosts a working bee every second Tuesday, where community members come together to grow and harvest produce.

The garden will be temporarily closed from June to August 2025, while the works take place.

The shed will not be impacted in the redesign.

For more information, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/garden-redesign 

Greater energy resilience and emergency backup power are coming to Mullum Mullum Stadium by early 2026, thanks to a new neighbourhood battery.

Manningham Council has secured $277,636 in State Government funding to install a 100kW/200kW behind the meter battery at Mullum Mullum Stadium. This will cover 90 per cent of the total project cost.

Connected to the stadium’s 450kW solar panels, the battery will store excess energy to help power the facility.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante welcomed the funding – highlighting its positive impact for the community.

“This is an exciting step towards a more sustainable and energy-secure future for 
Manningham,” Cr Diamante said.

“The battery will help improve energy reliability, lower power costs and provide a crucial 
backup power source during emergencies,” she said.

As a Regional Emergency Relief Centre, this battery will also enable the facility to maintain critical services during emergencies, supporting the community with immediate support and resources when they need it most.

A neighbourhood battery is an electricity storage system that lets you generate, store and consume your own renewable energy.

In front of the meter neighbourhood batteries are connected directly to the local electricity network. Behind the meter batteries store and consume energy separately from the grid.

Neighbourhood batteries help:

• provide better access to renewable energy
• lower household power bills
• ensure a more reliable electricity supply
• contribute to Victoria’s clean energy transition.

For more details on the 100 Neighbourhood Battery Fund, visit: energy.vic.gov.au/grants/neighbourhood-batteries/100-neighbourhood-batteries-program-grants 

Don’t miss an afternoon of live and local music as Yarra Street Sounds presents homegrown bands and performers in Warrandyte this October.

Our free all-ages festival will showcase a lineup of 15 local acts across five venues.

Performers include Headphone Jones, BOTH (pictured), Chris Cavill, Tall Dan & The True Stories, The Skiffle Sisters, Diablos, Bones, Cherry Temple, Sonse, John Flanagan, Bron, Eclipse, Dan Cully, Aimee Maric, and Grace Forster.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said the event aimed to celebrate Manningham’s diverse local music scene and provide a platform for local established and emerging artists.

“Yarra Street Sounds will give locals and visitors a chance to experience live music close to home, while supporting our local venues and businesses,” Cr Diamante said.

“Live music brings people together and it really will showcase the best that Warrandyte has to offer,” she said.

Event details

Date: Saturday 25 October
Time: 1:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: Yarra Street, Warrandyte 
See performances at the Warrandyte Mechanics Institute, SaHa, Now and Not Yet Café, Warrandyte RSL and The Bakery.
Entry: Free

The music festival is part of the broader Live and Local program aimed at developing Manningham’s live music scene.

Local musicians, venues and businesses are invited to participate in the program by joining our Manningham Music Database – a hub for future live music programming and performance opportunities.

Initiatives have included forums and workshops, as well as regular Live and Local meet-ups for members of the local live music industry to connect. The next meet-ups are scheduled for 9 October in Templestowe Lower and 6 November in Doncaster.

Live and Local is presented in partnership with the Live Music Office, One Music Australia and APRA AMCOS (the Australasian Performing Rights Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society). It has also been assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia.

Visit the Manningham Council website for more information about Yarra Street Sounds and the Live and Local program.

Image above: Members of the band BOTH, who will be performing at Yarra Street Sounds.

A bold new initiative, PUBLIC VIEW, is inviting the community to experience art as part of daily life – transforming familiar urban spaces into outdoor galleries.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, welcomed the initiative as a meaningful way to reconnect with creativity, nature and one another. 

“In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the beauty woven into our surroundings. PUBLIC VIEW invites us to find moments to pause, take notice and engage more deeply with the spaces and people around us,” Cr Diamante said.

“Bringing creative expression into everyday environments opens space for reflection and sparks curiosity. It’s a gentle invitation to connect in ways we often overlook,” she added.

The current exhibition, view of nature in art, selected works by Terry Napier is now on display at Tunstall Square in Donvale. 

A celebrated natural history artist, Terry has lived in Park Orchards for more than 57 years and has been painting since childhood. Terry has works held in Victorian collections. Renowned for his contributions to art education and his intricate nature studies, Terry’s work encourages viewers to pause and observe the natural world around them.

“Exhibiting at Tunstall Square is another chance to show people the magic and beauty in nature – to share with them what intrigues me and perhaps remind them of what we are in danger of losing. Art in public spaces can be that reminder,” Terry said. 

To learn more about the exhibition, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/view-nature-art.

Top image: Terry Napier at the Tunstall Square Laneway exhibition of his work.