Welcome to our second digital edition of Manningham Matters, which will be published fortnightly during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis to bring you all the latest news from us and from our community as we navigate this new time.

I would like to start by offering on behalf of our Council and community our deepest condolences to Victoria Police and the families of those involved in the tragic accident on the Eastern Freeway earlier this week. We're incredibly saddened by this news and want to acknowledge the dedication of Victoria Police and its service to our community.

We have been facing the COVID-19 crisis for some weeks now and the daily pressures of this new way of living, plus its challenges and surprises are continuing to evolve and be felt acutely throughout our entire community. 

I would like to thank everyone in Manningham who has responded with flexibility and resilience to what is a very challenging time. I encourage you to continue following the steps you have taken to stay safe and healthy and to help slow the spread of the virus.

Please continue to follow the advice of health professionals and the government to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection to yourself and our neighbours and friends. Remember to follow the recommendations to stay at home if you can, protect the health system and save lives.

We are all learning to navigate new routines and disruptions to our usual ways of doing things. Like me and my family, you are no doubt finding new and interesting ways to stay connected with your friends and community.

We are here to help

We are especially aware of the social, emotional and financial impact COVID-19 is having on people in our community and understand that it will put pressure on everyone in the months to come. We have been working hard at Council to find ways we can immediately help and support you during this time.

We have launched a Community Connect service which is available seven days a week. You can ask us questions and find out where you can get the right support. We’re here to help, so call us on 9840 9333, or email communityconnect@manningham.vic.gov.au

Our Councillors have also been meeting regularly by video to work on some relief measures for our residents, businesses and community groups. We have extended our fourth quarter rates instalment due date to 30 June. If you still can’t pay by this date and are suffering genuine financial hardship, please call us to discuss other financial arrangements.

As a Council, we will be considering other ways to support Manningham residents, business and local organisations at our upcoming Council meeting on 28 April 2020.

Thank you and stay safe

I want to thank everyone in our community for your support of each other as we face the challenges and impacts of COVID-19 together. I encourage you to look out for your neighbours, friends and family while continuing to stay at home and practise good hygiene to stay safe, healthy and well.

And if you haven’t already, I encourage you to subscribe to Manningham Matters and receive future editions and updates on what’s happening locally, straight to your inbox.

Stay safe and well.

Cr Paul McLeish
MAYOR