Manningham Council has partnered with two of Australia’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging operators to set up a network of nine public charging stations across the municipality.

The partnership with JOLT Charge and Evie Networks will deliver universal direct current chargers, at key commercial and tourist destinations from early 2025.
These chargers will be situated on council land and powered by 100% renewable energy. Their supply, installation, operation, and maintenance will be fully financed by the private sector at no cost to council.

The public charging infrastructure aims to accommodate the increasing use of electric vehicles, especially following new legislated vehicle standards.

In Manningham, a 2023 community survey revealed strong community support for local public charging facilities and highlighted the dependence of many local EV drivers on public chargers.

Locations for the chargers are being investigated, focusing on areas where the community can take advantage of the 30 to 40 minute charge time to visit local cafes and restaurants, retail outlets, and sporting facilities.

Possible locations include Tunstall Square car park, MC Square and Jackson Court car park, which were identified as preferred sites in the community survey. The final locations will depend on technical feasibility, particularly access to adequate power supply.

This initiative aligns with Council’s commitment to reducing the high level of transport emissions in Manningham, improving local air quality, and enhancing fuel security.

It is another way we are working towards achieving net zero community emissions by 2035, as outlined in the adopted Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP).

Find out more at manningham.vic.gov.au/electric-vehicle-charging.

Manningham’s highly anticipated International Women’s Day Breakfast event returns on Thursday 6 March, with tickets now available.

This year’s keynote speaker, Dr Emma Fulu, is a world-leading expert on gender equality and ending violence against women and girls. She has worked for the United Nations and other global programs.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said International Women’s Day was an opportunity to celebrate, connect and reflect.

“I’m so pleased to welcome Dr Emma Fulu to Manningham to speak on such an important issue that demands attention and action both globally and locally,” Cr Diamante said.

“Championing gender equality and respect in every aspect of our lives is at the heart of driving change.

“We all have a role to play in turning promises into progress. I encourage men and women to join us for what will be an insightful and inspiring morning,” the Mayor added.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women’s achievements and raises awareness for women’s equality.

Dr Fulu will speak to this year’s UN Women Australia IWD theme, ‘March Forward: It’s time to turn promises into progress’.

The theme is in reference to the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) – considered to be the most progressive blueprint for advancing women’s rights.

While women have broken many barriers since then, there’s still much to be done for millions of women around the world and it’s time to turn promises into progress.

Dr Fulu will be joined by a panel of guest speakers who will bring their lived experience and individual lens to this important discussion.

The event will be held on Thursday 6 March, 7.30am to 9.30am at the Manningham Function Centre. Tickets are $25 and include a plated breakfast.

For more information and to book your ticket, visit the International Women's Day page on our website.

Local community groups, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations are set to share in more than $290,000 through Manningham’s Annual Grant Program.

Grant applications open on Monday 3 February and eligible local groups can receive between $3,001 and $20,000 in funding.

Mayor Cr Deirdre Diamante said the program helped fund local initiatives, projects and activities that made a positive impact in Manningham.

“These include a wide range of community-driven projects such as arts, festivals and events, wellbeing programs, as well as inclusive and multicultural activities,” Cr Diamante said.

“We want to support our outstanding local organisations who do a wonderful job in helping make Manningham a vibrant, connected and inclusive community for all.”

Grants are available in the following categories:

• Community Development
• Arts
• Festivals and Events
• Healthy Ageing.

The Manningham Toy Library was one of last year’s successful recipients. The library received a grant to support its free 40th Anniversary Messy Play Day.

Toy Library Coordinator Anlina Jones said the event will be a wonderful way to showcase the benefits of the group to the Manningham community.

“We love running messy play events, but it can be costly purchasing the equipment required, so this grant was such an amazing opportunity for us. We can really celebrate the 40 years of play at the toy library,” Anlina said.

Applications for Manningham’s Annual Grant Program are open until 5.00pm, Tuesday 11 March. 

To assist groups with their applications, Council will host the following information sessions:

• Grant Writing Workshop, Wednesday 12 February, 10.00am to 12.00pm, Manningham Function Centre.
• Healthy Ageing Grant Information Session, Thursday 13 February, 11.00am to 12.00pm, Manningham Function Centre.
• Online Q&A session, Wednesday 19 February, 4.30pm to 5.00pm.

The sessions are free, but registrations are essential. For details visit the Annual Grants Program page.

Active Manningham and Manningham Council are bringing Pride Night at Aquarena back for 2025. This free event will bring together our LGBTQIA+ community and their families, friends and allies.

Pride Night 2025 will be held Sunday 2 February 2025 from 5.00pm to 8.00pm at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre on Williamsons Road in Templestowe Lower.

Guests can expect fun, fitness, and connection with performances by Holly Pop and Xena Ghost, music provided by DJ Literally, Zumba classes and water aerobics, and a free barbecue.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said Council is committed to ensuring there are opportunities for everyone to be included in community life. 

“Pride Night is a celebration of diversity, joy, and connection, and we’re thrilled to invite everyone to come along and join the fun.”
 

“Diversity is at the heart of what makes Manningham such a vibrant and connected community, these events strengthen our understanding, and reminds us that inclusion makes us all stronger,” Cr Diamante said.

Manningham Youth Service support worker Leo went along in 2024 and shared their thoughts on the value of inclusive community events. 

"Events like this are an important way for community organisations like Aquarena to invite in the LGBTQIA+ community in and show them that it is a safe space to exist and that the service is for them as well as everyone else."

Come along to Aquarena and celebrate Pride Night in February.

You can find out more and register for the event on the Manningham Council website.

A new larger-than-life exhibition is now open at the Manningham Art Gallery in Doncaster.

Pages of Me: A Bird, an Eye, Clouds, Ice cream, is a multimedia project by celebrated Melbourne artist and designer Beci Orpin.

Drawing from her textile-focused background, Orpin delves into mascot culture by creating a giant cat called Pomme, set in a display of oversized pages pulled from her sketchbook, blending bold patterns, found images and positive mantras.

The exhibition explores finding happiness through individuality and acceptance, and visitors are drawn in to read the mantras from Orpin’s pages and catch further glimpses of Pomme.

“The idea for the mascot came from seeing a series of photos of mascots caught in odd, unexpected places – doorways, ticket booths, elevators,” Orpin said.

“It struck me both as comical and a metaphor for getting ‘stuck in the cracks’. I often say that ‘the cracks’ are where I exist – somewhere between creative categories, never fully fitting into one genre.

“Though it can be challenging to exist in ‘the cracks’, it’s where I’m most authentic, where I can be fully myself and do my best work.”

Visitors are encouraged to get creative at the gallery themselves, drawing their own mascot, based on their unique qualities.

Orpin is known for her signature application of colour, shape and optimism. She has collaborated with major brands and organisations including Apple, Google Disney, Uniqlo and the Australian Ballet.

Manningham Mayor Deirdre Diamante said: “We’re thrilled to have such a highly regarded artist exhibit at the Manningham Gallery. It’s a wonderful exhibition and I encourage you to come and see it for yourself while you can.”

Pages of Me continues until Saturday 5 April 2025.

Manningham Art Gallery, 687 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, is open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 11.00am to 4.00pm.

More information about the event is available in Council's events calendar.

Image courtesy of the artist.

The upgrade of the Templestowe Memorial Reserve is now complete and offers a new space for residents to reflect and enjoy. 

The reserve now includes a new ampitheatre-style standing area and a memorial feature along with additional seating areas and new landscaping.

The upgrade will help ensure the reserve can accommodate the growing crowds at ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services.

Works included landscaping and planting of notable species such as the Gallipoli Centenary Rose, Callistemon ‘White ANZAC’ bottlebrush and rosemary. 

Funded through Manningham Council’s Capital Works Program, the upgrade aims to honour the significant contribution and memory of our service people.

It also builds on the rich history of the Templestowe Memorial Reserve site, which was originally the Bulleen Shire Hall, until 1910, when it became the Shire Pound. The location became a memorial reserve in 1971.

Manningham Council completed the upgrade with involvement from the Templestowe RSL and Rotary Manningham City.

Residents can visit the upgraded Templestowe Memorial Reserve on the corner of High Street and Foote Street in Templestowe Lower.

For more information, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/parks/templestowe-memorial-park
 

Manningham Council has launched an exciting new program to boost the local live music scene.

Live and Local is designed to celebrate, develop and support our local musicians, bands and businesses.

This free program offers professional development workshops as well as performance and networking opportunities, providing valuable resources and support to musicians, venues and music lovers within the Manningham community.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said Council wanted to support and grow the grassroots live music scene.

“We have so many talented musicians, and music industry professionals in our local area. We want to support our local industry so our community can enjoy live music close to home,” Cr Diamante said.

“This in turn will boost small businesses, bringing more patrons to local venues and activity centres.” 

To launch the program, Council is seeking expressions of interest from musicians and local venues and businesses to get involved.

Musicians will have the chance to showcase their talents and get paid, while connecting with other local industry professionals. This opportunity will build their experience and contribute to the growth of the local live music scene.

Businesses don’t need to be a traditional live music venue to take part. All is required is a space for small-scale performances. Examples include retail spaces, cafes and galleries, as well as hotels, restaurants and bars.

Expressions of Interest to be part of the program close on Sunday 1 June at 11.59pm. 

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

Find out more and get involved at our Live and Local program page.

Image: Musician Alex Robertson from Cleo Black.

The Manningham Community Panel’s deliberations have begun, with local voices steering the way to a thriving future for Manningham.

Through a series of externally facilitated discussions and learning sessions, panel members will deliberate for over 40 hours. They will determine key priorities for the community and provide a list of recommendations to Manningham Council.

This dynamic and community-driven process will play a crucial role in ensuring that Council’s strategic plans reflect local needs, values and aspirations.

The panel recruitment started with 8,000 envelopes sent randomly to local households. Of those who accepted the invitation, a second random draw resulted in the final 40 individuals chosen.

This second draw was stratified to ensure people selected were representative of Manningham by age, gender, location, living situation and the language spoken at home.

Residents, businesses and community organisations have also contributed to the panel’s work in several ways.

In the Plan Manningham 2025+ survey (between May and July 2024), community provided their top three priority areas for Council to focus its resources for the next four years.

Council also hosted a series of ‘Targeted conversations’. These small group discussions invited people with similar backgrounds or interests together to discuss detailed information around topics that affect their needs and priorities.

Community could also share ideas on how to improve Council services through ‘Individual submissions’.

Council has committed to an open, transparent and rigorous process that puts community interests at the forefront. Community are invited to listen and watch the deliberations.

You can register to be an Observer for any of the panel sessions. Each registration segment is 90 minutes. Registration will ensure you get a spot, however you can also register upon arrival.

The final four panel sessions will be held between November 2024 and February 2025.

Find out more and stay up to date at Your Say Manningham.

A garden along the Yarra River in Warrandyte has been refreshed with locally sourced plants in memory of Darcy Bulman.

Darcy was tragically killed in the catastrophic Hunter Valley bus crash that occurred in June 2023.

It is hoped that this garden will thrive and can be a reminder of Darcy and all the joy she brought into this world throughout her life.

Volunteer-led community groups and clubs will receive new support under changes to the Manningham Volunteer Resource Service.

Manningham Council will move to a new delivery model for supporting volunteering once the current contract with external provider EV Strengthening Communities (formerly Eastern Volunteers) ends on 30 June 2025. 

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said Council is committed to supporting volunteers and ensuring we continue to meet their evolving needs and aspirations. 

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community, and essential for the continued success of local clubs, groups and associations,” Cr Diamante said. 

“We are deeply grateful to our volunteers for their dedication to making Manningham a better place, whether that’s through community, sport, emergency services, environment or arts and local history groups, among others.

“We’ve valued our partnership with EV Strengthening Communities since 2019, and I’d like to thank them for their work in supporting volunteerism in Manningham,” she said.

In recent years, there have been significant shifts in the volunteering sector, and a gradual decline in people undertaking formal volunteering right across Australia.

“We have been listening to our local clubs and groups, who are seeing increasing demands on their time to meet the growing administrative, regulatory and funding requirements for volunteering activities,” Cr Diamante said.

“These demands are stretching our volunteers, requiring not only extra time, but specific skills.

“We want to ease the burden on volunteers, so they can get back to doing what they do best – supporting the Manningham community,” the Mayor added.

Further details of the new program will be made available in the coming months.

Manningham residents will be able to continue to search for volunteer roles through Volunteering Victoria.

An exciting new water play area and improved café will be part of the major redevelopment of the outdoor area at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre. 

The project's detailed design is now underway, following Council's endorsement of the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan last August.

Our Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said the community is eagerly awaiting the redevelopment, which will bring Aquarena’s outdoor area up to the centre’s modern, state-of-the-art indoor areas.

“Around 2,500 people visit Aquarena each day, and we love welcoming the regular swimmers, local families, swim clubs, and community and school groups.

The centre is highly valued by the Manningham community and visitors alike,” Cr Lange said.

“This redevelopment will ensure the outdoor space continues to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the community for generations to come.”

We have appointed Co.Op Studios as the architect to design the new space, and bring the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan vision to life. 

“The design process has been informed by the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan, which involved extensive consultation with community users and industry experts, to guide the redevelopment of the outdoor spaces,” Cr Lange said.

“I want to thank everyone who shared their passion and interest in the future of the outdoor space. More than 800 people provided feedback to inform the development of the Masterplan. We’re excited to be delivering what the community asked for, and more”, she added.

Feedback from the community and stakeholders emphasised the need for more seating, shade, change rooms, a fun water play area, better spaces for schools and clubs, and a sustainable design to reduce environmental impact.

“An enhanced café will now serve both indoor and outdoor areas. The new outdoor change rooms will be only metres from the outdoor pool, and the outdoor pool will now have ramp access and a swim wall to swap between 50 metre and 25 metre lanes,” the Mayor said.

Other enhancements include state-of-the-art landscaping and the electrification of outdoor pool equipment, marking another significant step toward achieving Manningham’s emissions targets. 

“Aquarena is currently our largest gas user. Making the switch from gas to energy efficient heat pumps, we can heat the outdoor area in an environmentally sustainable way,” the Mayor added.

The replacement of the centre's 50-metre outdoor pool will take place at the same time as the redevelopment works.

“Aquarena’s outdoor area has a rich history of over 50 years and has been a source of community pride for generations. For many in our community, this is their backyard – we’re embracing the theme of your backyard to create an inviting space where our community can get active, play, socialise, host events and relax,” Cr Lange said.

“We’re excited to start sharing the draft designs and offering on site consultation opportunities in the coming weeks. We’ll also be connecting with various user groups to keep them informed as the project progresses,” she added. 

The redevelopment works are planned to begin in late 2025, with project completion expected in late 2027.

Project updates will be available on the project's Your Say page. Subscribe to the project to receive updates directly to your inbox.

Manningham Council is developing a Stormwater Management Strategy (Strategy) to help identify, manage and reduce flood risk to people, property, infrastructure and the environment.

The Strategy will be informed by Council endorsed documents, existing data, customer requests, flood mapping information and internal stakeholder feedback.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange said: “With a rapidly changing climate, population growth and increased development, effective stormwater management is critical in supporting a healthy, safe and resilient community.”

“As identified in our endorsed Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP), we’re committed to sustainably, mitigating against, and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The management of flood risk is also a significant strategic outcome included in the Yarra Strategic Plan,” Cr Lange said.

“Flooding is an inevitable part of our weather cycle. With more frequent and extreme weather events projected, we need to be proactive and consider how we can improve our preparedness and flood resilience.

“To achieve this, we’re leveraging customer and flood data to help inform the Stormwater Management Strategy – setting priorities to help us sustainably meet the challenges ahead,” Cr Lange said.

The Strategy forms part of Council’s approach to managing flooding and stormwater for a resilient future for Manningham. It will provide clear objectives to help guide stormwater planning and delivery of future projects and infrastructure as part of the long-term Capital Works Program.

It will comprise a two-part document including:

1. Stormwater Management Policy: a framework detailing the methodology and criteria for prioritisation of Council’s future drainage capital works projects.
2. Future Works Plan: a prioritised list of future capital works projects within the municipality.

It will also identify current regulatory obligations relating to stormwater management flood risk and safety controls, considering residual and future flood risk management standards.

Council is undertaking several flooding and stormwater management initiatives, aimed at building a more resilient and liveable Manningham and facilitating robust planning for the future.

Part of this work includes developing a draft Integrated Water Management Strategy, which will respond to emerging water risks and challenges and identify opportunities to adapt to a more water constrained future.

Together with Melbourne Water, Council is also preparing comprehensive flood mapping to better identify and respond to areas of flood risk throughout Manningham.

In August 2022, Council appointed a Flooding and Stormwater Management Community Reference Panel, providing a direct link between Council and representatives of the Manningham community.

In informing Council’s deliberations, the Panel is helping support quality transparent decision making processes, to best place the Manningham community to proactively address emerging water challenges.

Council will consider the draft Stormwater Management Strategy Policy for adoption in August 2024. The Strategy is expected to be completed in late 2024.

For further information on our flooding and stormwater management initiatives, visit the Flooding and Stormwater Management Your Say Manningham page.

Sadly, the increase in overt racism seen around Melbourne is also being experienced here in Manningham.

Councillors and Council officers meet with community members regularly and are aware of the current rise in racist vandalism, including offensive graffiti.

There is absolutely no place in our community for hate-based symbols, language or behaviour.

As a community, we all have a responsibility to call it out.

Council stands solid and united in condemning any racist behaviour.

We remove offensive or political graffiti on Council property within one business day of becoming aware and encourage everyone to report instances to Council on 9840 9333 or via our website.

To report vandalism in other locations, please contact Victoria Police on 131 444.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Carli Lange

This year, Manningham residents have raised more than $20,000 for local schools, clubs and community groups with the support of the Manningham Monster Community Raffle.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, acknowledged the community effort, and the key role the community plays in fundraising.

"Thank you to our amazing community for your generous support! Because of you, $15,000 will go directly to the groups who participated and $5,000 will support the Manningham Charitable Fund. Your contributions make a big difference." Cr Lange said.

For every ticket sold for $2.00, groups receive $1.50 and the remaining 50 cents is donated to the Manningham Community Fund.

With a prize pool of $10,000 including five $1,000 Coles/Myer gift vouchers, and one $5,000 Coles/Myer gift voucher, the Monster Raffle prize draw was held on Wednesday 17 July.

Manningham residents, Alex and Adeline, were the lucky winners of a $1,000 Coles/Myer voucher.

The couple purchased tickets supporting both Milgate Primary School and 1st Templestowe Scout Group.

“We often participate in fundraising and buy tickets not thinking we are going to win, but so the money can go a good cause.” Alex said.

“My son attends 1st Templestowe Scout Group, and the leaders at the club always work so hard to give the kids a good experience, and Milgate Primary has also been a huge part of our lives with our two children going to school there, receiving such a quality education.

“We’re incredibly thankful for this win!” Alex said.

The Monster Community Raffle is held annually and will open again in April 2025.

“For 19 years, our raffle has been a cornerstone of community spirit. Together, we’ve made a significant impact, and we look forward to many more years of making a difference,” Cr Lange said.

“We are deeply grateful to our raffle partner, the Templestowe Bowling Club, whose support has been key to its success.”

The Manningham Community Fund supports community initiatives including homelessness and affordable housing, education and employment, diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and wellbeing programs throughout Manningham.

A full list of raffle winners is available on the Monster Community Raffle website.  
 

Women’s and girls’ sport is set for a boost in Wonga Park with the local netball facility to undergo a major redevelopment.

Manningham Council has secured a $1.47 million grant to upgrade the Wonga Park Netball Facility through the Australian Government’s Play Our Way program.

This funding is in addition to $450,000 allocated in Council’s 2024/25 capital works budget to deliver a new pavilion, lighting and to reconstruct the netball courts.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, welcomed the funding announcement, describing it as a huge win for women and girls’ sport and the Wonga Park community.

“We’d like to thank the Australian Government for their support in providing quality facilities for women and girls in Manningham that help reduce barriers and increase participation in sport and physical activity,” Cr Diamante said.

“Advocating for more inclusive and equal community facilities is a key part of Council's role and we’re thrilled that we’ve been able to achieve this significant win in collaboration with Wonga Park Netball Club.

“This is going to make a huge difference to the club and players – providing toilets, change facilities and storage at the courts. New lighting will also allow the club to train in the evenings,” the Mayor added.

Wonga Park Netball Club spokesperson, Jeanette Morriss, said the funding announcement was a fantastic early Christmas present for the club.

“We are just so excited. It’s going to be amazing for women and girls in sport and will create a much safer and inclusive space for our 150 players,” Ms Morris said.

“We would like to thank the Federal Government for the funding and the work Councillors and Council staff have done in advocating on our behalf,” she said.