What do you do with a broken toaster? Or with a bike when the wheel runs out of true? Or with a sweater full of moth holes? Toss it? No way! 

The Warrandyte Mechanics Institute and Arts Association (WMI&AA) runs the Warrandyte Repair Café at the Mechanics Hall on the first Sunday of each month.

At the Mechanics Hall, on the corner of Yarra Street and Mitchell Avenue, everything centres on making repairs. 

Starting from 10:30 am and ending at 12:30 pm, various volunteer repair experts (we call them our lovely ‘fixers’) will be available to help make all possible repairs free of charge. 

Tools and materials will also be on hand. People visiting the Repair Café will bring along their broken items from home. Toasters, lamps, hair dryers, clothes, bikes, toys, crockery... anything that is broken is welcome, and can more than likely be repaired. 

The Repair Café specialists almost always have the know-how.

These sessions provide women exclusive access to Aquarena 's facilities, ensuring privacy and cultural sensitivity while promoting physical well-being and community engagement. 

Held on the last Sunday of each month, this evening is designed exclusively for women to enjoy access to the pool, along with new additions: a Dance Fusion group fitness class and Open Gym access.

• A vibrant Dance Fusion class from 8:15pm to 9:15pm
• The introduction of a NEW Aqua Aerobics session! 8:30pm to 9:30pm
• Open access to the gym floor from 8.30pm to10.00pm, with female staff on hand for guidance

All programs are run by female-only staff,.

Casual entry is $8.80 for adults and $7.70 for children. The event remains free for members.

Entry is between 8.15pm and 8.30pm, after which the doors will be locked and set to exit only.

More information at Active Manningham.

Are you a responsible older driver who wants to upgrade your knowledge and build on your experience in the company of your peers in an informal and friendly setting?

Access Health and Community together with Manningham Council offers a free comprehensive program to help keep you driving confidently.

The course covers:

• challenges for older drivers
• safety tips for Wiser Driving
• safety rules
• car safety features
• being roadworthy
• planning for the future
• alternative travelling methods
• VicRoads resources
• other resources for older drivers.

The full course is spread over four sessions. Participants must attend all four sessions.

Places are limited and registration is essential.

How to register

To register, contact our L2P Project Officer on 9840 9333 or email L2P@manningham.vic.gov.au. 

The Sustainable Gardening Australia, Edible Gardening Seminar Series is a complete home gardening program that will teach you how to grow your own delicious fresh, healthy, and nutritious food at home.

Growing your own food can be not only rewarding and enjoyable but can also save you money as well.

Each seminar will cover a different aspect of growing organic food including soil preparation, pest and diseases and selecting what fruits and vegetables are right for your garden. 

Edible gardening topics

• Tuesday 11 October: Getting Started with Veggie Gardening
  The first step is to want to grow organically, but where do you start? This workshop will set you up to start your veggie gardening journey so you can enjoy the benefits of growing your own fresh, healthy, and nutritious food.
• Tuesday 18 October: Healthy Soil for Produce Gardening
  Healthy soil is full of life and fundamental to the health of our gardens, providing plants with all the nutrients and water they need to grow. Good soil is essential for growing produce.
• Tuesday 8 November: Dealing with Garden Pests without Harsh Chemicals - CANCELLED
  Garden pests can be managed using nature and its resources to strengthen the balance within your garden, avoiding unnecessary chemical use.
• Tuesday 15 November: Composting and Worm Farming
  Using compost, worms, bokashi or chooks to turn kitchen and garden waste into black gold for your garden.
• Tuesday 22 November: Preparing for Summer Harvest
  Everything you need to know to grow fresh produce at home this summer.

Food and gardening swap

Bring along your home-grown foods, seedlings, and other gardening items to share with someone else. The home-grown food and seed swap takes place 20 minutes prior to the start of the seminar. So don't forget to bring your own treats to share.  

This program is part of the wider Spring Outdoors Sustainable Gardening Australia Seminar Series. This series includes seminars and webinars at Nillumbik and Banyule councils.

For a full list of events in this series, download the Spring Outdoors Sustainable Gardening Australia brochure, or visit Spring Outdoors.

By improving your home's efficiency, you can lower your bills and create a more comfortable home for your family.

Interested in making your home more comfortable and energy efficient, but don’t know where to start?

Our expert presenter Lucinda has worked with hundreds of households to improve their home's comfort and energy efficiency.

Instead of focusing on how to upgrade, Lucinda will help you review the strengths and weaknesses of your own home, so that you feel confident about where to start and how to prioritise your efforts.

During the session, we’ll talk about:

• how heat moves in and out of homes, so you can identify the areas creating heat movement (loss or gain)
• home upgrades that can reduce heat movement such as draught sealing, insulation, window treatments, glazing, frames and shading 
• identify the most important upgrades for your home
• review and rank your major appliances in terms of age, efficiency and need for upgrade

There will be time for questions throughout, so you can understand what matters and why.

We will also provide a matching data collection sheet to take home, plus additional resources, so that you can gather further information and pinpoint areas you need to investigate further.

One week after this event, join an optional one-hour online Q&A, where you can ask all of those questions you forgot to ask or didn't realise you needed to! 

Registrations are essential and places are limited due to venue capacity.

• This workshop is funded by Manningham Council and hosted in partnership with Wonga Park Community Cottage.

Power up a cleaner future

This event is part of our Electrify Your Life program, which supports residents to go all-electric at home, creating a brighter Manningham. Learn how to make the switch at Electrify Your Life.

Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter

Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.

Subscribe now

Are you struggling to get a good night's sleep? 

You’re not alone - about 40% of Australians experience sleep difficulties, which can affect mood, memory, and stress levels. According to research by Beyond Blue, getting enough sleep is crucial for your mental health. Join this free webinar which will offer you tools and understanding to rest easy.

What to expect

• Explore the science behind sleep with expert psychologists Henrique Salles and Erin Oldenhof.
• Learn about common sleep challenges and the factors—like stress, anxiety, and pain—that can impact your rest.
• Discover proven strategies, including cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), to improve sleep quality.
• Enjoy a dynamic 60-minute presentation followed by a 30-minute interactive Q&A session.

Webinar details

• Date: Thursday 23 October 2025 
• Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
• Location: Online event access details will be provided by the event organiser
• Presenters: Henrique Salles and Erin Oldenhof
• Cost: Free
• The webinar will be recorded and available to all registered attendees for a limited time
• Registrations required : Register online

About the presenters

Henrique Salles

Henrique and Erin are psychologists trained in delivering cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), the gold-standard treatment for insomnia. They will help you understand the science of sleep and identify factors contributing to sleeping difficulties, such as stress, anxiety and pain. They were involved in the development of Reconnexion’s Better Sleep Program, a stepped-care intervention designed to address the issue of untreated insomnia in Australians.
Henrique is a developmental psychologist who supports people of all ages, from childhood to older adulthood. He has a particular interest in sleep psychology, as well as the mental health benefits of spending time in nature. He is a past teaching associate at Monash University.

Erin Oldenhof

Erin is the Research and Innovation Lead at Reconnexion and a Research Fellow at Deakin University. Her research focuses on improving sleep disorder management, addressing benzodiazepine dependence, and increasing access to evidence-based sleep treatments. She provides expert consultation to GPs, pharmacists, and AOD clinicians.

This webinar is proudly bought to you by Maroondah City Council, Knox City Council, Manningham Council, City of Monash and Whitehorse City Council as part of the Health and Wellbeing Series, in partnership with Eastern Access Community Health (Each).

If you require support to attend this program or would like further information please contact Fiona Burridge, Community Wellbeing Facilitator at Maroondah Council, email fiona.burridge@maroondah.vic.gov.au or call 9294 5737.

Join JamFactory's Associate of the Ceramic Studio, artist Holly Phillipson, for this specialist clay-colouring and hand forming workshop.

Holly will be teaching techniques employed by renowned artist Angela Valamanesh, such as dying clay with stains and oxides, and a demonstration of the ‘scratch-back’ technique utilised in many of her objects. 

Participants will each create a unique piece that is dyed and formed by hand.

Held as part of the exhibition JamFactory ICON Angela Valamanesh: About being here, on now at Manningham Art Gallery until Saturday 17 September 2022.

Available sessions:

• Friday 2 September, 10.30am to 1.30pm
• Saturday 3 September, 3.00pm to 6.00pm

Please bring a towel and wear covered shoes and old clothes or an apron.

Other public programs

Artist Talk with Angela Valamanesh

Hear more from Angela about the many amazing works in her exhibition About being here.

Saturday 3 September, 2.00pm to 3.00pm

Free event.

Find out more and register online. 

Join us at Currawong Bush Park to learn about local wildlife and come face to face with local animals of Manningham.

Recommended for children aged 5 to 12 years, the Manningham Junior Ranger Program is designed to get young environmentalists out and active in our local environment.

Activities include:

• Go on a bush park discovery walk with Environment Officers as they explore why Currawong Bush Park is known as the best little wilderness in town
• Survive a live wildlife show presented by Reptile Encounters
• Experience nature as a place to play, imagine, relax and explore.

Participant information:

• Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to start time.
• Come prepared and dress for the weather on the day. Please wear closed-toed footwear.
• Don’t forget to bring a snack and water bottle for morning tea.
• In the event of extreme weather, this event will be cancelled.
• Currawong Bush Park is protected habitat, dogs are not permitted in the park at any time.

Do you have the power to paddle? Looking to get outdoors these school holidays? Learn to paddle and be safe on the water with the Paddle Power program!

Program information

• all equipment provided
• suitable for all genders
• this activity is for kids aged seven to 13 years.

Terms and conditions

• Participants must be Manningham residents to qualify for the subsidised rate of $5. All other participants will be charged $35.
• Eligible families can apply for multiple children. Only one session application at the discounted rate can be submitted per child per program.

How to apply

To secure one of the low-cost places, you will need to:

1. register your interest now via the online form
2. once you have submitted the form, you will receive the discount code and instructions on how to complete payment and confirm your spot in the program.

Please note: applications via this online form do not guarantee a spot in this program. After completing the online form, additional steps must be followed to secure a spot in this program.

A free event for young people aged 12 to 17 years! 

This pop up event is designed to get youth active, learn new skills, and have fun together in a relaxed environment.

Manningham Youth Services, Active Manningham and Skateboarding Victoria will be at the Warrandyte netball courts from 11.00am to 2.00pm. Drop in whenever suits you!

Activities:
Learn to Skate Session:
Whether you're a beginner or want to polish your skills, this All Aboard Learn to Skate session will help you improve your skating technique. Skate coaches will provide hands-on instruction, offering tips for mastering basic skills or learning advanced tricks. Boards and helmets will be available to use, but feel free to bring your own.
Sports Equipment Zone:
Bring your friends with you and play with a variety of sports equipment. Whether you're into badminton, basketball, soccer, racquet sports or want to try something new, there will be plenty of equipment on hand to play with.

Do you need support to help your toddler learn to sleep? Come along to one of our free information sessions.

Through the Maternal and Child Health Sleep and Settling initiative, we are providing support for parents experiencing sleep and settling concerns with their young children.

During this online session, consultants will teach you an evidence-informed sleep and settling model of care.

Topics covered will include:

• Age specific development
• Normal sleep patterns
• Ways to deal with sleep difficulties
• Information about your wellbeing.

There will be time at the end of the session for you to ask questions about your specific situation.

In addition to the sessions, we are proud to provide an outreach service for interested parents. Speak to our Sleep and Settling Specialist at the end of the session for more information.

This session is designed specifically for parents of toddlers aged between 18 and 24 months.

Sessions are also available for newborns and older babies. 

Events Partners

Working in partnership with the Victorian Government, this program is part of the 'More help for new Victorian mum and dads’ initiative.

Do you need support to help your newborn baby learn to sleep? Come along to one of our free information sessions.

Through the Maternal and Child Health Sleep and Settling initiative, we are providing support for parents experiencing sleep and settling concerns with their young children.

During this online session, consultants will teach you an evidence-informed sleep and settling model of care.

Topics covered will include:

• Age specific development
• Normal sleep patterns
• Ways to deal with sleep difficulties
• Information about your wellbeing.

There will be time at the end of the session for you to ask questions about your specific situation.

In addition to the sessions, we are proud to provide an outreach service for interested parents. Speak to our Sleep and Settling Specialist at the end of the session for more information.

This session is designed specifically for Manningham parents of newborn babies aged between birth and 3 months.

Sessions are also available for older babies and toddlers. 

Events Partners

Working in partnership with the Victorian Government, this program is part of the 'More help for new Victorian mum and dads’ initiative.

A free, fun and inclusive day connecting children with disabilities to local sport and active recreation opportunities.

Disability Sports Australia and Manningham Council invite children living with disabilities to our free Variety Abilities Unleashed Kids event. 

Proudly supported by Variety Victoria - The Children's Charity and Matchworks, this multi-sport come and try day marks the initial steps in the active journey of children living with disabilities.

Each event enables and empowers participants to discover local active opportunities within a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. 

Participants will be split into smaller groups upon registration. After a welcome at 10.00am, they will rotate across 4 to 6 stations. These activities will consist of modified  sport and active recreation with the use of adaptive equipment to suit the participants. The stations will be facilitated by specialised coaches with the support of students and community organisations.

Registrations are required - places are expected to fill quickly, so register today!

For children and youth aged 5 to 18 years.

Learn to paddle and be safe on the water with the Paddle Power program!

All equipment will be provided.

These sessions are for primary school children aged seven to 14 years.  All genders are welcome, no prior paddle experience is needed.

This activity will be delivered by Paddle Victoria qualified coaches and guides. All guides and coaches have a Working with Children Check and a First Aid Certificate.

These sessions are being delivered in partnership with Manningham Council and Paddle Victoria as part of the Birrarung Riverfest 2025. Celebrate our river at one of 60+ events hosted over three weeks from 6–28 September. Whether you enjoy riverside walks, cleanups, creative workshops or paddling adventures, there's something for everyone at Riverfest. Riverfest is presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association and our partners Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo collaboration and Melbourne Water. Check out the full program of events here.

Manningham City Council has partnered with Richmond Institute to deliver Mental Health First Aid training to volunteers of Manningham sport and recreation clubs.

Using practical, evidence-based action plan, this mental health first aid (MHFA) course equips people with the knowledge and skills to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, and assist someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

This opportunity is available for two people per club.

The Blended Face to Face course is made up of two components:

1. eLearning online modules (3-4 hours completed prior to workshop)
2. Face-to-face workshop (4 hours)

It is strongly encouraged to have completed the e-Learning modules prior to the face-to-face session as this session will present scenarios and activities that apply these learnings.

Topics include:

• Mental Health in the Community
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Psychosis
• Substance use

To register, speak to your club and then get in touch with our Recreation Participation Officer.

Create your garden to become an inviting space for our local native fauna to thrive in.

In this workshop, learn how to become a ‘Champion for Wildlife’ by incorporating food sources, water, shelter and nesting places in your garden for wildlife.

Presenter: Charlotte Harrison from Sustainable Gardening Australia.

Supper is at 6.45pm, the seminar begins at 7.00pm sharp.

Registration is essential. 

This is the first of a four-part series on Gardening for Biodiversity. The series of workshops is run by Sustainable Gardening Australia and provides tips and tricks to garden for wildlife and support biodiversity in your local area. 

Footy 4 Fun Multicultural is an offering for kids aged five to 12 years from diverse backgrounds that focuses on providing a safe and inclusive introduction to football. While the kids are learning all about the basic skills of the game, parents will be provided an opportunity to understand the game of Australia Rules Football too!

Click on the flyer below for more information.

Skate Park Leagues (SPL) is coming to Warrandyte! Locals will battle it out in the skate, scoot and BMX competitions to decide the winner. 

Athletes can compete to be crowned the winner of not only Warrandyte, but also the Victorian Melbourne Metro. Points from each round accumulate throughout the year to decide the best of 2023.

Entry is free and people of all ages and abilities can have a go.

Those still finding their feet get the opportunity to have a go, improve skills and confidence and interact with the pros.

Prizes will be raffled off between competitors so everyone has a chance at taking something home.

Event schedule:

• Scoot - 11.00am
• BMX - 12.30pm
• Skate - 1.30pm

SPL competitions give the community the opportunity to come together, watch and support the talent, get involved and cheer on their own.

The Warrandyte round of SPL has been brought to life through a partnership between Manningham Council, The Y, Victorian Skateboarding Association (VSA), AusCycling and Skate Australia.