… range of essential services to our community. On this page AllNews Community Centres Assistance and Support … Eastern …
Article Content
Many local volunteers are now unable to volunteer in the ways they are used to or are being encouraged to stay at home due to their age, health or other COVID-19 related reasons.
So Eastern Volunteers is calling for new volunteers so they can continue to provide a range of essential services to our community.
Eastern Volunteers has established a volunteer bank to recruit and redeploy people who may not be able to work at this time or can’t volunteer at their usual place of work. They are especially interested in hearing from younger people who are suddenly out of work and want to give back.
New volunteers will help deliver vital services to those who are isolated and vulnerable in our community such as door-to-door delivery of shopping and care packages, plus remote IT and telephone support.
Get in touch with Eastern Volunteers to register your interest. Organisations that need volunteers to continue providing their programs should also register their interest to access this service.
… and the United Kingdom. On this page About Council AllNews … New CEO for Manningham Council …
Article Content
Manningham City Council has appointed Warwick Winn as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Mr Winn, who will officially take up the helm at Manningham on Monday, 11 April 2016, is a seasoned local government executive with extensive experience in senior leadership positions, including at CEO level, in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Mr Winn will join Manningham from North Sydney Council where he has been the General Manager since late 2013.
Before moving to North Sydney, he was the Group Manager of Environment and Customer Services at the Blue Mountains City Council and prior to that he was City Planning Manager at the Dunedin City Council in New Zealand.
Earlier in his career, Mr Winn was professionally trained and worked in the United Kingdom in the urban and environmental planning field for nine years. He was also involved in leading European Committee of Regions studies in spatial planning and environmental policy.
His qualifications include an Advanced Diploma of Management, Masters of Environmental and Local Government Law, Post Graduate Diploma of Town and Country Planning, Advanced Diploma of Environment and Development and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Organisational Psychology. He is a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
His appointment follows an extensive recruitment process which attracted candidates from far and wide, predominantly within the local government sector.
Manningham Mayor, Cr Jennifer Yang, said Mr Winn’s extensive local government experience in Australia and abroad will bring renewed depth to the organisation as it responds to significant change and reform within the sector over the coming years.
“I am excited by the depth of experience that Warwick will bring to the organisation and Councillors are confident that he will work with them and the organisation to help ensure Manningham is ‘future ready’”.
“We look forward to Warwick’s valued contribution to Manningham in the years ahead as we strive and work together to achieve a balance between the needs and expectations of our community and respond to the growing challenges facing our sector and our City.”
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Winn said: “I look forward to working with Councillors, management and staff to build on Manningham’s reputation in the local government sector and to ensuring we remain responsive to community needs and expectations despite the uncertainty and many challenges ahead.”
“Manningham is highly regarded in the local government sector and has accomplished many achievements under the leadership of previous Chief Executive Officers. I look forward to building on those successes and exploring new opportunities for the future.”
… seating, landscaping and signage. On this page Yarra Ward AllNews Parks, Reserves and Playgrounds … Facelift for …
Article Content
The refurbishment program for the much loved Gooligulch playspace at Wonga Park Reserve will commence in June.
The playspace, based on the Graeme Base book My Grandma Lived in Gooligulch, will receive significant upgrades including restoring and revamping Grandma’s House, refurbishing play units, reinstating art panels, and improving seating, landscaping and signage.
Manningham Mayor, Cr Andrew Conlon said that these refurbishments will help to keep the iconic Wonga Park playspaces in excellent condition for years to come.
“Manningham Council is proud to be investing in this facility to provide a unique character filled playspace for the children and families of Wonga Park to enjoy,” Cr Conlon said.
Council has been working with author Graeme Base as well as the original creative team on the plans to restore and refurbish the existing aged fixtures and add new attractions. Key features of the playspace including the Joey kangaroo swings, the junior rockers and the Goanna slide will be brought back to life.
To carry out these works, the playspace will need to be partially and at times fully closed from June 2021. The community will be able to use the playground closest to the oval or the playground alongside the tennis courts in Wonga Park Reserve. Updates will be provided on the Manningham Council website.
Manningham Mayor, Cr Andrew Conlon also spoke with Grandma and has a message to pass on from her.
“Hello Everyone,
Just to let you know I have asked Gooligulch Town Council if they have any cans of paint or timber lying around to help fix up my old house. So if some bits have been taken away or are closed off for a while, don’t worry - all will be back the way it's supposed to be before you can say Bandywallop East. And with a few new surprises as well!
Cheers,
Grandma”
Refurbishment of Grandma’s House and the Gooligulch playspace will commence in June. It’s anticipated that repairs and improvements will be completed by the end of the year.
… upload it here on our website. On this page Councillors AllNews COVID-19 … Message from our Mayor …
Article Content
Hello everyone. Earlier this month I was invited to speak with Virginia Trioli on ABC Radio Melbourne. This was a fantastic opportunity to talk about what we're doing in Manningham and to also hear about some things that are important to our community. If you missed it, ABC Radio Melbourne have kindly allowed us to upload it here on our website. You can listen to the full interview below.
We had a great chat about the need for a dedicated youth mental health service in Manningham and we talked with residents about transport, traffic and planning issues.
In fact, those issues are linked: limited public transport means our youth are facing travel times of around two hours to access Commonwealth-funded youth mental health services — often involving multiple bus routes and long walking distances.
We want to improve safety across Manningham. And that means better roads, footpaths, naturestrips and parks, and better access to services that improve our community’s mental wellbeing, health, and connectedness.
There were also a few really important questions in the Facebook comments that Virginia and I didn’t get a chance to chat about. Thank you for sending those through. I’ve put together my responses here and look forward to more conversations with you on the radio, online and out in the beautiful suburbs of Manningham.
Cr Andrew Conlon MAYOR
Mornings with Virgina Trioli: Interview with Cr. Andrew Conlon
Courtesy: ABC Radio Melbourne
Broadcast: Tuesday 4 May 2021, 8:30am
Why doesn’t Manningham Council have a robust Urban Design Framework?
This is a fantastic question and something we’re really passionate about.
Right now, we are working on the Liveable City Strategy 2040 (LCS). That’s our plan to improve the liveability of Manningham. We’ll be getting feedback from the community, asking what you care about in regards to urban design and liveability.
Your feedback will help us create a high-quality urban environment for our long-term future; a place where people feel safe and connected and have choice in where they live work and play.
The LCS provides an aspirational long-term vision, framework and implementation plan for the preferred urban structure, built for public realm outcomes.
The LCS will be out on public exhibition later in the year.
What are you planning for your citizens to get into the city without three changes of buses?
I often speak with residents who have the same concerns about buses to the city and our local Park and Ride facilities.
We’ve been advocating for the State Government to undertake a review of the bus network in the Eastern suburbs. We know — and we agree with you — that it is a matter of urgency.
We’re also advocating for a dedicated bus way and mass transit solution for our City.
Recently, the NELP announced that the new Bulleen Park & Ride is being fast-tracked and will be open by late 2022.
We are also advocating for a bus route along the future Stage 2 SRL route to build demand along the North/South route.
What are you doing to help the infrastructure keep up with the increased housing density you are approving in Manningham?
This is a topic that our residents are passionate about and we are too.
We’re working closely with the State Government to get the best outcomes for our residents as they deliver major transport infrastructure projects to meet the growing population. The North East Link will take pressure off many local and arterial roads throughout Doncaster Hill.
We’ve told the State Government that we want a train station in Doncaster Hill, a dedicated Busway along the Eastern Freeway and Bus Rapid Transit high-capacity bus route along Doncaster Road. We’re continuing to advocate for general improvements to the bus network and bus services to and from Doncaster Hill.
We’re delivering a new park on Hepburn Road, new bike path connections in and around Doncaster Hill and more bus shelters and pedestrian crossing points on Tram Road and Doncaster Road.
When will more than one parking space per new dwelling be mandatory to get some parked cars off the roads so we can actually drive on them? I’d hate to drive a garbage truck on some of those streets!
Clause 52.06 of the Manningham Planning Scheme requires new developments to provide two off-street car spaces for every dwelling that has three or more bedrooms.
It can be a challenge in some of these roads for garbage trucks. If needed, we will make changes to parking restrictions to ensure traffic is able to flow and that essential large trucks (like garbage and fire trucks) are able to access these areas.
What are the traffic management plans for when the Bunnings and hotel next to Westfield opens up?
With the new Bunnings development, the Department of Transport required a number of changes along Doncaster Road and the nearby intersections. These roadworks are almost complete and will cater for the expected flows. We’ve seen a lot of issues with workers parking in the nearby streets. Hopefully these will ease when the development is completed. We’ll be monitoring the traffic once it is completed and will make changes if needed.
Why doesn’t Manningham collect food waste for composting?
We need help from the State Government to access an organic processing facility and we’re investigating how and when such a service could commence across the municipality. Stay tuned.
What are you doing to protect our green wedge?
As part of the Council Plan, our goal is to ‘protect and enhance our environment and biodiversity’. And we’re doing a lot of work to protect Manningham’s Green Wedge area:
maintain 40 Council bushland reserves and other green spaces with weed and pest animal control and revegetation
support landholders with Local Environment Assistance Fund (LEAF) grants and advice for weed and pest animal control and revegetation
support landholders with woody weed removal and bushfire mitigation
support landholder and environment group pest deer monitoring and control program with LEAF grants and advocating for more State Government leadership and support for this growing problem
provide biodiversity protection advice for Council capital works projects including the Jumping Creek Road upgrade and for State projects such as North East Link and the Fitzsimmons Lane upgrade
provide advice with planning permit applications and vegetation removal compliance work
community engagement programs such as the recent City Nature Challenge
support for local environment and landcare groups.
What's the percentage of Council employees, managers on up, who are actually residents of Manningham?
We do have a significant number of employees who live locally. However, our recruitment policy supports appointing the best candidate for the job. Locality of the employee is not a selection criteria. We make sure that we engage the person with the relevant qualifications, appropriate prior work experience and who are a fit for the culture of the organisation. We do not discriminate by only employing people living in the Manningham Council area.
… Step in its roadmap to reopening. On this page Councillors AllNews … A message from Manningham …
Article Content
As coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions continue to ease and new parts of Manningham are able to open up, it is great to see many people out and about in Manningham supporting our local businesses and facilities as we head towards a new COVID normal.
Last weekend, the Victorian Government introduced further easing of restrictions as part of the Third Step in its roadmap to reopening.
These latest changes mean there are now no limits on how far you can travel or the reasons to leave your home. They also provide increased capacity for indoor exercise, hospitality businesses, retail and venues. See the full list of changes to restrictions here.
Following the announcement of the recent Council election results, the easing of COVID-19 restrictions allowed us to bring together Manningham’s nine new Councillors this week to be officially sworn in. We are pleased to welcome both the new and returning councillors as they help to shape the future of Manningham. You can read more about our new council in this week’s Manningham Matters.
Lastly, as we all spend more time outside with our loved ones and our community, it is as important as ever to make sure that we follow good hygiene measures to keep everyone safe. Wash your hands regularly, maintain a distance of 1.5m from others and wear a mask when you leave your home. And if you have any symptoms, make sure you get tested and stay home.
We look forward to seeing you out in the Manningham community.
The campaign raises awareness about the impacts violence against women have on their physical, psychological, social, sexual, financial and spiritual well-being.
While family violence is experienced by both men and women and people of all backgrounds, cultures and abilities, it’s clear men and women do not assault each other at equal rates or with equal effect. Around 95 per cent of violence, whether women or men, experience violence from a male perpetrator. Experiences of violence are also gendered, with men subjected to violence mostly from men in public space, and intimate partner violence happens more often to females from men they know in their own home. Women are also far more likely than men to experience sexual violence and violence from an intimate partner, and with more severe impacts.
Regardless of gender, violence against anyone is unacceptable. As a community, we must address the underlying cause of violence against women – gender inequality.
We are calling on the community of Manningham to join us to promote, advance and champion the human rights of women and girls.
What can you do?
This year's theme is #HearMeToo, which features the voices of family violence. By hearing the powerful stories, we learn about the impacts of violence and what we can do to prevent gender-based violence.
You can get involved and learn more about this campaign in a number of ways:
Follow us on social media to learn more about 16 Days of Activism. Remember to also share this among your networks.
If you have children aged two to five, visit storytimes at Whitehorse Manningham Libraries, where we share stories that present both boys and girls with the message that their futures are not limited or predetermined by their gender.
Promote equal and respectful relationships between men and women and build cultures of respect and non-violence. This can be done by:
Challenging the justification and disregard of violence against women.
Promote women’s independence and decision making.
Challenge gender stereotypes and roles.
Strengthen positive, equal and respectful relationships.
Help and advice
If you are experiencing family violence, please know there are organisations that can offer support.
… four-year term. On this page About Council Councillors AllNews … Manningham’s new Mayor Cr Paula Piccinini …
Article Content
Manningham’s new Mayor Cr Paula Piccinini has been elected to lead the community over the next 12 months.
The Heide Ward Councillor was elected as Manningham’s Mayor at its Annual Meeting of Council on Thursday 8 November.
Cr Piccinini, a lawyer by profession, was elected as a councillor in 2016 and is serving her first four-year term.
A former RACV board member and chairperson of EDVOS, a family violence service in Melbourne’s eastern metropolitan region, Cr Piccinini said she looked forward to serving as Manningham Mayor.
“As Councillors it is our responsibility to listen to and advocate for our community, sports clubs, residents and families, so that we can continue to make Manningham a wonderful place to live, work and visit,” she said.
“As Mayor, I will continue to build on our recent successes. We are working towards better transport options and a healthy and inclusive Manningham.
“I am honoured to take on this role and understand it comes with significant responsibility,” Cr Piccinini said.
During the meeting, Cr Piccinini also acknowledged the valuable contribution of outgoing Mayor Cr Andrew Conlon.
At the same meeting, Cr Anna Chen was elected Deputy Mayor.
… Hearing. On this page Key Projects North East Link AllNews … Community passionate about protecting Manningham from …
Article Content
Manningham residents, businesses and community groups were well represented at the joint Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) Directions Hearing on the North East Link (NEL) Environment Effects Statement (EES) today.
Manningham Mayor, Cr Paula Piccinini congratulated the community for showing their support by attending the Directions Hearing.
“People are passionate about protecting Manningham – they’re worried about the social, environmental and economic impacts the North East Link will have on our community,” she said.
“Manningham will be the most impacted municipality with seven years of construction, homes lost, 1,200 jobs gone and our industrial business precinct erased. The needs of our community and surrounding environment must be considered, before, during and after construction.
“It was good that people had the opportunity to ask questions about the Public Hearings and find out what they can expect when presenting on their concerns.”
The next step in the process is individuals who provided an EES submission will have the opportunity to talk about the impacts to them at the Public Hearings. The hearings will be held from 25 July 2019 at The Veneto Club, Bulleen for approximately seven weeks.
Council’s legal representatives, Harwood Andrews will present on Council’s EES submission, providing detailed information and robust data to highlight the specific impacts to Manningham.
To ensure the best outcomes, Council officers have collaborated with neighbouring municipalities to represent communities along the interfacing boundaries of local government areas. Work has been undertaken together on projects impacting Bulleen Park, Koonung Creek and the Yarra River corridors.
“While we have been working with neighbouring Council’s and share common concerns, we do have some significantly differing views relating to Manningham’s open space.
“Where appropriate we will continue to work with other Councils. Most importantly, we will keep fighting for the best possible outcome for our community,” she said.
To find out more about what Manningham Council is doing around the North East Link project visit: manningham.vic.gov.au/NEL
… us by phone, email or online . On this page About Council AllNews … We have reopened our customer service counter …
Article Content
This week we’re pleased to reopen our Civic Centre customer service counter to customers who need to visit us.
Some of our services are not yet available in person. If you need to talk to our building, planning, city compliance, health or aged services team please continue to contact us by phone, email or online.
While our front doors were closed, we’ve been busy behind the scenes working on an exciting upgrade to our Civic Centre customer service area. Over the next month we’ll be creating a new contemporary and welcoming space to provide increased accessibility and disability spaces to help all of our residents visit and do business with us.
We’ll be making it easier for visiting customers by offering enquiries and payments in a single transaction.
The upgraded customer service counter will be easy to access for all our customers. New meeting rooms will provide a comfortable and private place to meet with our staff.
We look forward to welcoming you to the new space in early July 2020.
… about what it is like to live with dementia. On this page AllNews Assistance and Support Seniors … One family’s journey …
Article Content
Next week is Dementia Action Week and provides an important time to learn more about those in our community who live with this diagnosis every day. We speak to local Donvale resident Brian Quirk who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, a form of dementia, in 2017, and his wife Mary about what it is like to live with dementia.
It was months before his formal diagnosis that Brian started noticing some signs that made him wonder if he may be in the early stages of dementia. He contacted Dementia Australia and got a booklet and found himself relating to a number of indicators mentioned, and then spoke to his family.
Mary, who has worked with people with dementia, their son Ben and daughter Amy, a nurse, had also noticed signs. Brian met with his GP and then other doctors and finally a diagnosis was made.
“I can’t remember the early days of it,” Brian says. “But it wasn’t an overnight thing. It was very gradual. Once the diagnosis came my GP was very helpful and that was really appreciated. He referred me to a Geriatrician who I very much respect who said there was no reason why I shouldn’t get on with my life and so that’s the approach I have taken. From a personal perspective I just want to be treated normally.”
This vigour for life and living it to the full comes across strongly when speaking to Brian. He has a razor sharp sense of humour and quick wit and he is a true raconteur as he tells tall stories peppered with jokes while his wife Mary laughs along saying, “Take that with a grain of salt!”
“My friends are true blue and they have been a big source of support. Although,” he jokes, “It wasn’t a chore telling them as most of them aren’t too bright anyway.”
Mary says their friends have been really supportive, which has been very helpful for them as she knows that some people find it really hard to accept that their loved ones will change.
“Our friends have been amazing,“ she says. “Brian and I started courting when we were 16 and we have many friends from that era, with some newer friends too. A lot of them have Brian’s sense of humour so they take the mickey out of him, but they have also been extraordinarily supportive.”
“But even more importantly, Brian has owned his dementia," Mary continues. "It’s a huge thing and from my point of view has been pretty wonderful. We need to accept it. And I admire him so much for accepting it."
Mary says it’s important to be really upfront in talking about the diagnosis and the future.
“You do need to talk about it. Both Brian and I as a couple and also us as a family. To really face it. This is a grieving process for all of us, both family and friends. And it’s been important realising that it is. And accepting that it is that way,” she explains. “You still need to plan for the next stage of your life. It’s all about management of it as well. And living as normal a life as possible.”
“Our daughter has been very involved as well. She adores her Dad, as does his son Ben, and Amy has been a big player in this. As a nurse, her experience working in aged care and ‘navigating the health system’ has been a big help to all of us.”
Brian and Mary both emphasise the importance of having practical, reliable information and support of healthcare professionals and services once you have a diagnosis. They are active members of the Manningham Dementia Alliance Group and appreciate how proactive it is within the community.
Brian says the most important thing for people who have been diagnosed with dementia is to know that is not the end of the world.
“It’s a life changer but it is not leprosy, it can be dealt with,” he says. “It’s not a fun time but given it’s there it’s a matter of making it work. You can still live a good life, notwithstanding the challenges. So while it’s important to plan for the future you can still do the things you love and enjoy.”
Dementia Action Week will be held from 21 to 27 September. To find out more information visit Dementia Australia. Or visit our webpage to discover more about how we are creating a Dementia Friendly Manningham.
… the longer term. On this page Key Projects North East Link AllNews … Proposed plans released for North East Link …
Article Content
Proposed plans released for North East Link
The North East Link Authority (NELA) has recently released more detailed plans for the proposed North East Link.
These plans include additional lanes at the Eastern Freeway interchange in Doncaster, additional bus laneways as well as information on how impacts to noise and recreational spaces will be managed during construction and in the longer term.
Manningham Mayor, Cr Andrew Conlon said that while Council welcomes the proposed express lanes for bus services he had reservations over the increased number of lanes on the Eastern Freeway and its impact on open spaces, traffic and noise.
“Consultation with our residents highlighted that they were most concerned by the introduction of toll roads, protecting parklands and local amenity as well as impacts from traffic and noise pollution.
“While we support any efforts that will reduce noise impacts on our residents, we do share concerns around how open spaces and recreational spaces will be affected by the North East Link, including the Koonung Creek corridor.
“We are reviewing these plans to understand how they are likely to affect our residents and will continue to advocate on the issues our residents have told us are a priority for them”, he said.
Cr Conlon said they will also be working with the NELA to minimise impacts to local businesses affected in the Bulleen/Banksia Industrial Precinct and make sure that the local economy and employment in this area are considered.
Manningham Council would encourage everyone to view the NELA’s proposed plans and provide their feedback at the NELA’s upcoming drop in sessions. Details can be found on the NELA’s website, northeastlink.vic.gov.au
… Discrimination), but every day. On this page Be kind AllNews … Manningham Mayor makes impassioned plea: "Join forces …
Article Content
More than 43 per cent of Manningham residents are born overseas yet dishearteningly many still face racism and discrimination in their daily lives.
Mayor, Deirdre Diamante is calling on the Manningham community to take an active role in ending racism - not just today (International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination), but every day.
“At Council, we work closely with people from all over our community; we hear their stories and directly see the terrible impacts of racism – it needs to end”
The impacts of racism are immense. Individuals may experience a lack of confidence, sadness, anger and depression. They may also experience physical symptoms such as headaches, an increased heart rate and muscle tension. They may no longer want to go to school, be able to perform as well at work or feel comfortable trusting people outside their family. These impacts often extend to affect the broader community.
“If you live in Manningham, it is highly likely that you have been impacted because you are from a multicultural background or have friends, family members and colleagues who are,” the Mayor said.
“We are proud of our multicultural community and the respect shown among many residents but equally devastated that many of the people we care for still face racism and discrimination.
“When racial tensions develop, they don't just affect one or two of us - they affect us all and diminish our community’s harmony and health.”
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is an opportunity for us to pause and consider how we can make Manningham safer and more welcoming for everyone who calls it home.
"When we were developing our Council Plan, the community made it clear that building a connected and inclusive community is important to them.
“Racism divides us and we're working to tackle this issue but everyone has a role to play. Join forces with us and end racism; call it out, report it, talk about it. Let's vocalise and normalise that racism is not tolerated here." Mayor Diamante said.
Council is delivering its commitment to reducing racism through several actions, including:
Endorsing the Welcoming City framework that supports local governments in advancing communities where everyone can belong and participate in social, cultural, economic, and civic life.
We have developed a Reconciliation Action Plan for 2023-2025 that maps out what actions the council will take to advance reconciliation in the workplace and across the municipality, including addressing race relations.
Establishing a Multicultural Communities Advisory Committee to advise the council on items of importance to multicultural communities, including addressing barriers to participation, such as racism.
Establishing the Manningham Multicultural Network to build stronger relationships between multicultural community leaders and the council.
Hosting Welcome events for international students to link them into their immediate communities and services.
Supporting people from the community when they make contact to report racism, including training customer service teams to support individuals impacted by racism.
Installing 30 Racism Not Welcome street signs in popular community areas to acknowledge that racism exists, normalise conversations about racism, and send a strong message that racism is not welcome in Manningham.
Mayor Diamante encourages anyone who has experienced racism or religious discrimination to access support resources and tools from the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission or use the Community Reporting Tool to make a report.
For those who need support to report racism or discuss their options, the Social Planning and Community Strengthening team at Manningham Council is available to help. If the matter is urgent and you are in danger, please call Victoria Police on 000.
For further information, contact the Social Planning and Community Strengthening team at Manningham Council on 9840 9333 or email manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au.
… and 20 families on the wait list. On this page Ruffey Ward AllNews Multicultural … Celebrating Eid al-Fitr in Manningham …
Article Content
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a time when family and friends come together and celebrate the breaking of the fast.
On 22 May, our local Islamic community gathered at the Ajani Centre to celebrate Eid al-Fitr after completing a month of prayer, devotion and self-control. The event was extremely popular and fully booked; with over 140 people attending and 20 families on the wait list.
The community-led event featured a circus workshop, Taekwondo activity, emoji and trivia quiz. Special food was shared to celebrate the end of the 30 days of fasting, including a special ‘Kahk-Eid cookie’.
Marwa Mostafa and Ceza Omar helped organise the event and said the intention was to bring people together.
“We wanted to hold a community gathering that would make people feel happy, so we applied to Manningham for funding under the Placemaking project," Marwa said.
“We have many people in our community who live on their own or are newcomers, so we wanted to get them together.
“Every year it is important to gather with family and friends. Most people have family members overseas in Egypt, Sudan or Jordan and haven’t seen them for two or three years. This event was a good way for them to avoid isolation, especially after lockdown.
“And it’s important for our children to connect with other children who live locally. They really loved it and joined in the circus, Taekwondo and trivia events.
“When we want to meet as a community we usually have to travel to Footscray. This event helped us to celebrate in Lower Templestowe in our own space, where we live and that’s so important.”
Manningham Mayor, Cr Andrew Conlon said it was important for everyone to feel welcome in Manningham.
“Manningham is home to people from many different backgrounds and faiths and we want them to be able to meet and celebrate together,” he said.
Ms Mostafa said the event inspired them to form a community group in Manningham.
“We are so grateful to the people who volunteered to make this happen and to Manningham Council for making it possible. We hope we can continue to meet as a group in the future,” she said.
… Council's main priority. On this page About Council AllNews Venues and Facilities … MC Square update …
Article Content
The Victorian Building Authority has conducted a state wide cladding review. While MC Square was the only Council owned building in Manningham identified as being a building of interest, investigation undertaken by an independent expert has identified that there is no immediate risk and no need to stop service provision. The safety of tenants and people who visit MC Square every day remains Council's main priority.
… silent auctions and more. On this page About Council AllNews Kids and Family … Mayoral Ball raises more than $35,000 …
Article Content
More than 260 people dressed to the nines celebrated this year’s Manningham Mayoral Ball with Cr Paula Piccinini to raise funds for community organisation Doncare’s Resilient Kids – Positive Futures.
The fundraising dinner event on Friday 25 October raised more than $35,000 for the Doncare initiative through live auctions, silent auctions and more.
The funds raised will support the new Resilient Kids – Positive Futures initiative, which provides a holistic response and support services to children aged 6 to 17 in Manningham.
The Ball also celebrated 50 years of Doncare in the Manningham community. Doncare is a community care and counselling service providing support to enhance the quality of life of local residents.
Manningham Mayor, Cr Paula Piccinini said Doncare was an incredible organisation that does fantastic work in our community.
“Doncare opened its doors in 1969 and 50 years on it continues to play a very important role in Manningham, providing counselling for families and children in crisis, prevention, support and recovery following domestic violence, specialist intake and risk assessment, integrated family services, case management, emergency relief, social support for seniors and financial and material aid,” she said.
“We are so pleased to have raised funds for this important cause and be part of Doncare’s new Resilient Kids – Positive Futures initiative.”
Doncare CEO Doreen Stoves AM PSM JP said Doncare was grateful Cr Piccinini nominated Doncare to partner with and fundraise for at this year’s Mayoral Ball.
“The night was a tremendous success celebrating our past 50 years and looking forward to our future,” she said.
“Resilience is the number one factor leading to success in a child’s life,” Doreen said.
… mix of grant opportunities available to you. On this page AllNews Assistance and Support Grants and Funding … Grant Finder …
Article Content
We’re excited to introduce Grant Finder. Our new platform connecting you with a wide range of grant and funding opportunities.
Bringing together grants from national, state and local government along with opportunities from corporate organisations and foundations, Grant Finder provides a comprehensive list of grant and funding opportunities. You can use the search to find the mix of grant opportunities available to you.
Register online to receive email alerts about upcoming funding opportunities, save grants that are relevant to your business or community organisation and access tips and advice to create stronger applications.
… bins and excess waste will not be collected. On this page AllNews Waste and Recycling … Waste Collection over Christmas …
Article Content
Waste collection in Manningham will continue without interruption over the Christmas and New Year period. Your garbage, recycling and garden waste will be collected as usual according to your waste collection calendar. Households often produce more garbage and recycling during the festive season. Please remember we will only collect material which is placed inside the bins. Overfull bins and excess waste will not be collected.
General waste
Excess garbage, polystyrene packaging and recycling, including wrapping paper, can be disposed of at the following locations. Please note that charges may apply:
Whitehorse Recycling and Waste Transfer Centre
638-648 Burwood Highway, Vermont South
Melway ref. 62 K9
Phone: 9262 6236
Banyule Waste Recovery Centre
Corner Waterdale Road and Banksia Street, Heidelberg
Melway ref. 31 F4
Phone: 9490 4222
Nillumbik Recycling and Recovery Centre
290 – 304 Yan Yean Road, Plenty
Melway ref. 11 D1
Phone: 9433 3555
Garden waste only
Manningham Garden Waste Recycle Centre, Corner Balckburn and Websters roads, Templestowe
Melway ref. 34 D2
Phone: 9846 0579
Large amounts of garden waste and Christmas trees (smaller than 100mm in diameter) can be disposed of on Sundays only, between 9.00 am and 3.00 pm. Charges will apply.
Each year, Austswim honours Austswim teachers, presenters and recognised swim centres across Australia for their respective contributions to aquatic education and water safety. Aquarena was awarded the accolade in acknowledgement of its parent and child water safety programs and sessions, which were designed to increase education and skills within the community.
Visit Aquarena this summer to experience our award-winning facility for yourself.
The centre is running two school holiday programs in January:
Aquarena Holiday Program
Monday 4 to Thursday 8 January 2021, 1 x 30 minute lesson per day
This program is free for current GOswim students, $79 for non GOswim members
VICswim
11 to 15 January 2021, 1 x 30 minute swimming lesson per day
Aquarena is currently open Monday to Friday 6.00am to 8.00pm, Saturday 7.00am to 6.00pm and Sunday 8.00am to 6.00pm. For memberships, bookings and more information visit the Aquarena website.
… over the next 20 years. On this page Capital Works AllNews Parks, Reserves and Playgrounds … Massive parks renewal …
Article Content
Our beautiful parks and reserves are among our most treasured parts of Manningham, with almost 20 per cent of the entire city occupied by greenery and space for leisure and recreation.
Now we have developed a Parks Improvement Program to lay out a plan that prioritises the future renewal and upgrade of over 300 parks and reserves in Manningham over the next 20 years.
We will be investing an average of $5 million annually on improving our parks and open spaces.
In addition to improving existing parks and facilities, we are also planning a significant number of new parks or extensions to current parks to cater for the growth in population, decreasing private open space and to create walking linkages between our trails. These new parks will gradually be developed to include new playspaces, picnic and barbecue areas, paths, shared trails and revegetation.
Find out more about the key sites to be developed in your area over the next four years.