In recognition of Dementia Action Week, you’re invited to a free Dementia Awareness Community Seminar at Manningham Uniting Church and Community Centre.
This session will provide valuable insights and resources for people living with dementia, their care partners, and the broader community.
Together, we’ll foster greater understanding and support meaningful social connections.
During the session we will hear from Anita Koochew from Eastern Community Legal Centre, Dr Kate Lawler (Physiotherapist) and Dr Courtney Shelton (Geriatrician and Research Fellow).
Afternoon tea will be provided.
Dementia is the second cause of death in Australia.
Come and hear experts talk about research, clinic and the App.
Free parking is available for the duration of the seminar and there is a bus stop in front of the Manningham Civic Centre.
For more information, you can contact the organisers through the booking website
This online program provides an overview of dementia and how to proceed after a diagnosis. The program runs over seven sessions and covers coping with change, relationships and communication, planning for the future and staying healthy.
You will gain knowledge in:
- dementia and related issues such as planning for the future
- strategies for living positively with dementia including support
- the management, reduction and/or prevention of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Suitable for people living with dementia and their family carers and family members. This program is not suitable for professionals employed in the health or aged care sectors.
Dementia Australia's facilitators have specialist dementia knowledge, skills and experience. This program is delivered interactively - you will be encouraged to share your experiences alongside other participants, giving you an opportunity to develop new support networks.
If you register to attend this program you will be contacted by Dementia Australia staff to ensure that the program will meet your needs and that you meet the eligibility requirements.
We are actively working towards a Dementia-Friendly Community.
In a Dementia-Friendly Community, people committed to making change come together. They create a more inclusive, supportive and welcoming place where everyone can thrive.
People living with dementia are at the heart of all dementia-friendly communities, sharing their experiences to help create an inclusive community for all. You can be an individual, a group, a business or organisation, anyone can make a difference.
Each Dementia-Friendly Community is unique, they may include social, sporting, recreational, faith-based or community groups. However, what they all share is that they engage with people living with dementia to understand their needs to create inclusive and supportive environments.
Finding support for someone recently diagnosed with dementia
After a dementia diagnosis, it’s easy for you or your loved ones to feel overwhelmed. Support is available to help maintain a person’s independence and help them live well.
Dementia Australia can help individuals, couples and families by helping you:
- learn how to live well at home
- understand more about dementia
- access local support services.
Free and confidential, the National Dementia Helpline provides expert information, advice and support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They can:
- provide emotional support and guidance
- connect you to Dementia Australia and community support services and programs
- discuss government support, including My Aged Care, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Carer Gateway and Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS).
Call 1800 100 500 to speak with the National Dementia Helpline.
Helpful resources
Dementia Australia language guidelines
Misusing words with negative connotations when discussing dementia can have negative impacts. It can also lead to stigma or discrimination. To ensure that the words we’re using are sensitive to those affected by dementia, Dementia Australia’s language guidelines is a great resource.
Dementia Australia – quick links
You can visit Dementia Australia’s Quicklinks to find information relating to dementia, support, information and services provided by Dementia Australia.
Manningham Dementia Information Booklet
The revised Dementia Information Booklet was created in partnership with community members with lived dementia experience. Download a copy below or pick up a hard copy from various locations throughout Manningham, including libraries, medical centres, neighbourhood houses and the Manningham Civic Centre.
Become a Dementia Friend
Proudly, the entire Healthy Ageing Team at Manningham are Dementia Friends. Being a Dementia Friend means we are interested in learning how to support our community to become more friendly and inclusive of people living with dementia.
You can become a Dementia Friend and make a positive difference to people living with dementia. Register today and help increase awareness and support for people living with dementia.
Join Elizabeth Baxter, Dementia Services Specialist, for an online session to learn about changes you can expect with dementia.
She will explain how to plan for the changes, and what to do to support the person you care for stay safe, connected and active when living with dementia.
Our strategies and action plans detail how we deliver outcomes for the community and Manningham. Planning is developed in consultation with the community in line with our community engagement policy.
Manningham’s 2040 Community Vision
Manningham is a harmonious, inclusive and safe community that is committed to sustainable growth, wellbeing, and innovation. We celebrate our diversity and natural environment whilst fostering a connected community that enriches the lives of all.
Strategies
Action plans
Transport systems shape cities, build lifestyles and drive local economies, and a well-integrated transport network often underpins the successful operation of a city.
Focus areas:
- improve current transport options including bus and active transport
- reinforce advocacy for the Doncaster Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Suburban Rail Loop (SRL)
- actions that will assist Manningham to move towards sustainable transport technologies such as on-demand bus services, car-share schemes and electric vehicles
- support the concept of achieving a City of 20-minute neighbourhoods throughout the municipality.
Related downloads
Council Plan theme
The Red Gum Café located in the Manningham Uniting Church and Community Centre, has now been accredited by Dementia Australia as being Dementia Friendly.
The Red Gum Café has been established as an accessible and safe environment for people living with dementia, and their carers and families, with staff having successfully undertaken training to help people living with dementia to enjoy social and community connections.
The café is open Tuesday to Friday, 9.00am to 3.30pm, and on Saturdays from 9.00am to 2.00pm.
A support group for carers assisting people living with dementia currently meets in the café on the first Friday of every month, at 1.30pm.
Please note: The Friday group is established and no new participants will be added. New additional meeting days and times will be arranged for those wanting to attend and connect.
Please contact the Church Hub to express your interest to join a new group.
We are committed to ensuring that all people in our community are treated with dignity, respect and fairness. We will consider the gender, equality and diversity of all people in our community as we develop our plans, strategies and services.
Focus areas:
- an overarching policy and planning environment which commits Council to addressing gender equality and other disadvantage related to intersectionality
- leadership commitment, capability, and accountability
- an organisational culture which embraces gender equality, diversity, and inclusion
- people leaders and key staff who have the understanding, commitment, confidence, and skills to implement gender equity action, including Gender Impact Assessments
- policies and systems which enable effective action to progress gender equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Related Pages
Council Plan theme
The Green Wedge is a valued part of Manningham that protects important remnant vegetation providing habitat for rare flora and fauna, conserving biodiversity while enabling a lifestyle of living amongst nature. It creates a desirable destination for visitors, tourists and recreational users. The Green Wedge’s environmental, cultural and landscape values are important for all residents of Manningham.
Focus areas:
- the challenges and opportunities identified during the implementation and review of the Green Wedge Strategy November 2004
- a strategic framework and approach to implementation for the management of the Green Wedge up to 2020
- ensuring a clear plan of action up to 2020
- a set of targets and a monitoring and review process to ensure measurement and reporting against progress.
Related Pages
Protecting our environment and biodiversity is everyone's responsibility. We encourage residents to get involved in climate action and sustainability – whether in natural spaces, at home, or in the garden.
Find out how you can participate in climate action

Climate Emergency Response Plan
Our Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP) outlines our approach to addressing climate change and its impact on Manningham.
We encourage and support residents to get involved in climate action, sustainability, and protecting our natural environment.
How can I get involved?
Residents can sign up for the following programs and events.
Spring Outdoors Program
Come along to one of the many Spring Outdoors events. In collaboration with Nillumbik and Banyule Councils, we offer over 50 programs each year, including sessions on local frog and bird species.
Check our What's on event calendar each spring to find out what's happening near you.
Home Harvest
The Home Harvest seminar series is a free monthly program that teaches you how to grow fresh, healthy food at home. Home gardening is a fun way to take climate action and benefits both you and the environment. Whether you're new to gardening or an expert, everyone is welcome.
Find out more about the program and view upcoming sessions.
Doncaster Hill Community Food Garden
Join the Doncaster Hill Community Food Garden. Help local volunteers grow fresh produce, most of which is donated to local charities and community food banks.
Landcare
Join your local Landcare group.
- Andersons Creek Landcare Group
- Jumping Creek Catchment Landcare Group
- Friends Of Warrandyte State Park
- Wonga Park Environment Group
- Friends of Park Orchards Reserve
- Friends of Yarra Valley Parks
Guided walks
Join a guided walk through Manningham bushland and learn more about our unique biodiversity. Check our What's on event calendar to find upcoming walks.
Inspired Living Series
Come along to the Inspired Living Series. A range of sustainable activities and events for all ages, including keynote speaker events featuring a diverse line-up of local and international subject matter experts.
National Tree Day
Plant some trees with us on National Tree Day. Check our What's on event calendar each July to find planting locations.
Clean Up Australia Day
Join us every March to help clean up the parks and waterways in Manningham. This one-day event is a fantastic way to get involved in a nationwide effort to protect and preserve our local environments and wildlife from the damages of litter.
Solar Savers
Get free advice about energy saving and solar installation services via the Solar Savers Program. You can register for a free solar and/or battery quote and get access to state and local government rebates and subsidies. We also run regular Solar Savers information sessions.
Check the What's on event calendar for more details.
iNaturalist - City Nature Challenge
Observe and document Manningham's natural environment as part of the iNaturalist - City Nature Challenge. During a four day observation period, residents are invited to find, photograph and document the native wildlife that lives and grows in our neighbourhoods.
iNaturalist observations submitted are added to the global iNaturalist database and shared with the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to help scientists find and use your data. All you have to do is observe.
Aussie Backyard Bird Count
Sign up for the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, run each October by Birdlife Australia. You can join in on the fun and contribute with any birds you spot in Manningham by visiting Birdlife Australia.
Melbourne Water Frog Census
Get involved in local citizen science by recording frog species in Manningham with the Melbourne Water Frog Census App. An easy to use app to record audio and identify frog species by their call in local waterways, parks, and on your own property.
More information is available at Melbourne Water.
Waterwatch program
Join Waterwatch and get involved in exploring and protecting our local waterways. Volunteers collect water quality data that contributes to scientific research, management planning and on ground actions that improve the health of our waterways.
To sign up for Waterwatch, email environment@manningham.vic.gov.au.
For more information, contact the Environment team at environment@manningham.vic.gov.au or on 9840 9333.
The Vibrant Villages Action Plan aims to support the development of vibrant and inclusive local places, aligning with key policy initiatives to create a high-quality urban environment, enhance community well-being, and promote economic growth.
Focus areas:
- development of a public square or meeting places
- installation of bike racks, and infrastructure to support active transport
- improvement of all abilities access including disabled car parking spaces, uneven surfaces and tactile paving
- planting of quality landscaping and canopy trees
- expansion of outdoor seating areas
- development of ‘parklets’ or play spaces
- display of public or community art
- improvement of car parking and traffic flow.
Council Plan theme
We're striving for vision zero in Manningham, which means nobody is seriously injured or killed on our roads. Our Road Safety Strategy sets out clear objectives and a detailed action plan to help us get there.
Focus areas:
- Promote road safety within the local community.
- Reduce the number and severity of road crashes.
- Improve road user behaviour through targeted education.
- Provide safer roads by upgrading infrastructure and reviewing speed limits.
- Conduct road safety audits in high-risk areas.
- Manningham Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2034pdf2.54 MBUPDATED: 8 September 2025download
Related pages
Council Plan theme
Wondering what to do in the school holidays? Fed up playing the same old thing?
Come along to Bulleen Library and swap your pre-loved games. We will also have some simple traditional games for you to stop and try.
Join The Men’s Table for an evening of food and laughter in celebration of Men's Health Week.
What can you expect from the evening?
- Food (included in the ticket price)
- Laughter
- Camaraderie
- Connection
- Did we mention food and laughter?
- And hear what is happening in your community to prioritise men’s health, not just in Men’s Health Week but all year round.
Hear from The Men’s Table, a men’s peer support group that meets at The Grand Hotel over dinner once a month to share openly about their lives, their challenges, their highs and lows with a group of like-minded men.
No membership fee, just the cost of your meal each month.
This event is proudly supported by Manningham City Council and Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
About the Men's Table
The Men’s Table creates a unique environment for men to share openly about their lives with other men.
The Men’s Table creates a sense of belonging, community, peer support and camaraderie that is lacking for many men, even for some who already have a group of mates.
The Men’s Table began in 2011 with 12 men who have met once a month for dinner and has since become a national charity and grown to 59 tables across Australia.
This evening will give you an insight into what it is like to be part of a Men’s Table and how it benefits the community as a whole. We’ll also provide details on how to join a Men’s Table for those men interested in joining.
Looking to celebrate the end of another great Seniors Festival?
Carol is going to get you moving and grooving in her online dance party exercise class. This event will have you laughing as you step back in time to the days of disco and boot scootin'!
This class is aimed at anyone who wants to improve their health and boost energy levels from the comfort of their own home. A good internet connection is required and you will be sent a Zoom link once registered.
Are you interested in connecting with others to talk about climate safety and climate action?
Reducing our climate impact and preparing for extreme weather caused by climate change is easier than you think!
Drop in for a free cuppa at your local cafe and chat with CFA, SES and Council about topics like:
- ways to take climate action in our local communities
- how to build environmentally-friendly practices into our everyday lives
- how to be prepared for severe weather like floods, storms and bushfires.
People of all age and abilities are welcome. There will be great resources to take home, including information for people with disability and additional needs.
This session is being run in partnership with Nillumbik Council.
Warrandyte Tennis Club and Happy Little Learners present: Learning the fun way - free two week trial.
Come along for a free two week trial of our all new Learning the Fun Way - through music, movement and play program.
Sessions are designed for children 6 months to 7 years. Children are supported by their parents/carers to learn a huge range of age-appropriate skills and understandings in a creative, fun and interactive way.
Separate classes will be offered, specifically catering for children with ASD, ADHD or learning difficulties.
Where applicable, please include a description of your NDIS goals or ILP goals, to ensure we can cater towards your specific needs.
Class timetable
Mondays:
- Kinder kids (4 year olds) - 9.45am to 10.30am
- Babies (6 months to walking) - 10.45am to 11.15am
- ASD / ADHD (3 to 5 year olds) - 11.30am to 12.45pm plus 30 minutes 'stay and play' 12.45am to 1.30pm
Wednesdays:
- Kinder kids (4 year olds) 9.45am to 10.30am
- Toddlers (walking to 3 year olds) 10.45am to 11.15am
- ASD / ADHD (5 to 7 year olds) 4.00pm to 4.45pm plus 30 minutes 'stay and play' 4.45pm to 5.30pm
Join renowned educational group Sustainable Gardening Australia as they discuss how the garden can be a place of climate action.
You'll also learn how to implement changes to reduce your contribution to climate change and help build personal and community climate resilience.
The session will also discuss how to climate proof your garden using organic waste, microclimates and water smart gardening.
The seminar begins at 6.30pm, or join us from 6.15pm for our monthly food swap, where you can bring and trade homegrown produce, cuttings, seeds, gardening magazines, jars, ferments and more!
About Home Harvest: Home Harvest is a free, complete home gardening program that runs monthly from February to December. It aims to educate and inspire residents to grow their own organic, nutritious and delicious produce at home. The series hosts seminars, question and answer time, on-site activities and food swaps!
Registrations are essential.
Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
Join in a range of fun, social and informative events and activities in recognition of Dementia Action Week from 15 to 21 September.
Dementia touches many lives in our community and the week aims to build support and understanding, while raising awareness across our community.
This year’s theme, ‘Nobody can do it alone’, highlights the importance of community connection and support.
If you’re seeking more information about dementia, are living with the condition or are a family member, carer or friend, these events are for you.
Across the week, we’ll be supporting a range of community activities including a Dementia Awareness Community Seminar on Tuesday 16 September, social café catch-ups, bowls events, therapeutic gardening and more. You can see the full list of events at the bottom on this page.
Alan Ellery, of Templestowe Lower, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 12 years ago, and credits his healthy and active lifestyle for helping him to live with the condition.
“Social contact is very important. Join a new group or continue with the groups you already associate with. The social group run by Mannacare is excellent and an opportunity to meet new people and take part in outings and activities," Alan said.
“Exercise is important, too, if that is suitable.”
Alan and his wife, Margaret (pictured above), were two of the community members with lived dementia experience to help create our Manningham Dementia Information Booklet.
This pocket guide provides valuable information, resources and contacts for people living with dementia, those with concerns about dementia, as well as carers and families.
Download the booklet below, or pick up a copy from local libraries, medical centres, neighbourhood houses or the Manningham Civic Centre.
We also have a range of helpful resources and information available on our website.
Looking for more support or advice? Contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit Dementia Australia