Given the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and uncertainty as to what those restrictions will look like in December, the Manningham Carols by Candlelight is sadly unable to proceed this year.

Instead of the traditional carols, we are looking at new and exciting ways to bring some festive cheer to our community in a safe environment.

If you’re a performer, musician, community group or local food business who might be interested in participating in another form of festive cheer – depending on restrictions – we want to hear from you.

To support local hospitality businesses in the road to recovery from COVID-19, Manningham Council is making it possible for eligible traders to expand their outdoor dining footprint with a new permit.  

Council hopes extended footpath dining will help local hospitality businesses to increase the number of customers they can offer a dine-in experience too and increase revenue.    

Eligible businesses can apply for a Footpath Dining Extension permit which will allow them to set up outdoor dining either side of the footpath area directly in front of their premises until 31 July 2021.   

Director City Planning and Community, Angelo Kourambas said “We’re committed to cutting the red-tape and making it easy as possible for business to extend their current outdoor dining on Council footpaths.  

“In addition we’re exploring opportunities to create new outdoor public seating and dining spaces in suitable shopping centres and open spaces around Manningham for the community to enjoy.  

“A key focus for us is supporting our local hospitality businesses. I would encourage any businesses who are interested in this opportunity to reach out to our business liaison team who are ready to take your call.”  

For more information, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/extended-footpath-dining, email business@manningham.vic.gov.au or call 9840 9333.   

Over the past few weeks you may have noticed workers in hi-vis gear out and about in our streets, parks and public spaces.  They are playing an important role in minimising the spread of the COVID-19 virus by sanitising seats, handrails, and our newly reopened playground and fitness equipment.

This cleansing blitz is part of the Victorian Government’s $500 million Working for Victoria initiative and is providing jobs for many local people.

The cleansing is being managed by contractor Citywide, who have appointed 100 new workers in cleaning teams working all over our city.

Luke and Vas are two team leaders who have been supervising teams of 10 cleansing different areas in Manningham for the past three weeks. Both previously worked at a bread dough manufacturing company, sanitising the machines and equipment. COVID-19 saw a downturn in contracts and bread production and so they were left looking for other employment.

Luke’s team has been cleansing Ruffey Lake Park and the surrounding area, sanitising BBQ and picnic areas and surfaces people touch with their hands. They have also been cleansing every single seat in the park and surrounds. Best still, now that the playgrounds are open, they have been cleansing the equipment that our children play on.

Vas and his team has been cleansing the stretch of Doncaster Road between Westfield and Springvale Road, including focusing on cleansing MC Square, pedestrian crossing signals and every bus stop. Both Luke and Vas have been enjoying the new role, and say that the comments of appreciation from the public have been especially gratifying.

 “Lots of people have come up to us to say thank you for the work we are doing,” Vas says. “We are just pleased to help people feel safe to come out and do their shopping and feel that the areas they are using have been cleansed and sanitised.”

The cleansing by these new teams is in addition to the work that we are already doing to slow the spread of COVID-19. Read more about our efforts and how you can get involved.

Image: A worker cleaning a playspace at one of our parks 

Following the gradual easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions and Victorian Government advice, our parks, playspaces, outdoor fitness equipment and skate parks are now open for you to enjoy.

The safety of our community is our top priority during this time. We have a regular cleaning and sanitising schedule in place for equipment in all of our parks in Manningham.

Please remember that you should not be gathering in groups of more than 20 people. We encourage everyone to continue practising physical distancing by staying 1.5 metres apart and maintaining good hygiene at all times.

Read more about the four play areas we have recently upgraded, which you can now enjoy with you children and families. And visit our website for more information about our parks and playspaces.

The number of homeless people is growing in our suburbs and COVID-19 has further impacted the vulnerability of those who sleep rough without a safe place to call home.

Manningham is among 13 eastern and south eastern councils uniting to address homelessness with a best practice guide launched during Homelessness Week, the Housing First for People Sleeping Rough Practice Guide for Local Government.

According to the ABS 2016 Census*, on any given night pre-COVID-19, more than 116,000 Australians and almost 25,000 Victorians were homeless, including 7,490 across the 13 municipalities and 220 in Manningham.  

In 2019, Manningham and the other councils formed the Regional Local Government Homelessness and Social Housing Charter Group to end homelessness and advocate for more social housing. The 2016 Census found 32 per cent of Victorians without a home lived in this region.

Led by Monash Council, the Charter Group Councils recognised the growing need for suburban and local government advocacy for our most vulnerable through improved supports and more permanent and safe housing.

The municipalities include Bayside, Casey, Cardinia, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Knox, Kingston, Manningham, Monash, Maroondah, Mornington Peninsula, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges.

Housing First for People Sleeping Rough Practice Guide for Local Government acknowledges homelessness is a complex issue requiring a triage of support including mental health, but the first step needs to be providing a safe and secure home.

The guide outlines the problem and possible solutions based on current best practice. It draws on evidence-based research about the value of social housing across the local government sector and communities, with an emphasis on the ‘Housing First’ model.

Housing First is based on consumer choice, harm minimisation, human rights and collaboration. It relies on adequate housing supply and coordinated support services.

Manningham is advocating for systemic change to improve the supply of permanent, safe, appropriate and timely housing for those who need it, and to embed Housing First as a key foundation principle.

We believe by working together with other councils enables us to share ideas, develop best practice protocols, resources and set benchmarks.

As the closest level of government to the community, we are well-place to provide ground-level services and make a difference.

Homelessness Week is an opportunity to reflect on what having a home means and what it might be like for those who are homeless. If there’s one thing that COVID-19 has highlighted, it is the importance of a home for everyone.  

For more information social housing in Manningham, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/social-housing-and-homelessness

Masks play a crucial role in stopping the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and it’s essential to wear them when you leave your house.

Some friends, family or neighbours may not have access to masks or be able to make one for themselves.

Touch base with your loved ones and, if they need a mask but cannot get one themselves, help them out and make them a mask. It’s really simple.

Check out our how-to video below or visit the Department of Health and Human Services website for a full set of instructions.

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

We are aware of the continuing social, emotional and financial impact Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having on our community and understand that it will put pressure on everyone in the months to come. Watch the message from our Mayor to find out about what Council is doing.

Find more information on:

• Changes to our services
• Changes to our facilities
• Support for small businesses affected by COVID-19
• Reduce your risk of COVID-19

Local learner drivers have a reason to celebrate, as the L2P Program for L-plate drivers is back on the road for the first time since April last year after being suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The TAC L2P Program assists learner drivers under 21 years of age who do not have access to a supervising driver or vehicle, to gain the 120 hours driving experience required to apply for a probationary licence.

Thanks to the Vermont Lions Club’s generous donation of a brand new Hyundai i30 to the program, we now have two cars to cater for the needs of young learner drivers in Manningham and Whitehorse who face significant barriers in getting their mandatory 120 driving hours.

Find out more about participating in the program or how you can volunteer as a driving instructor.

Image: Manningham Deputy Mayor Cr Anne Chen with Mike Milton from Vermont Lions Club

The Governor of Victoria, the Hon. Linda Dessau AC, has written a message of support to the community.

You can download and read the letter at the link below.

The Victorian Government established the Community Activation and Social Isolation (CASI) initiative to help people maintain important connections with family, friends and community.

Funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, the initiative helps people build social connections and support networks in their local communities during COVID-19.

Manningham Council is managing this program for our community and partnering with community organisations to provide on-the-ground support.

Residents seeking support can either call the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 or Manningham Council on 9840 9333.

We have an initial phone conversation to confirm the resident’s immediate needs. We then connect the resident with local organisations to support their needs and these could include:

• food relief for people in non-mandatory isolation
• practical help such as shopping, navigating online, run errands, prescriptions etc
• emotional support - daily check ins, psychosocial support friendships or connecting people online with family and friends
• social activities such as online book clubs, learning a new skill, hobby etc.

To date, requests have varied from needing food supplies to more complex needs. We have an amazing group of food relief providers and other organisations in our municipality that we have been working with to support people in these tough times. Many have gone above and beyond to make our residents’ lives easier.

Chris Mountford at Living & Learning @ Ajani sends clients photos of their food pantry, so they can hand pick items based on their family likes and needs. This provides our clients some semblance of control in their lives.

Kellie from Manningham Christian Centre CareNet (MCC CareNet) has gone out of her way to accommodate the needs of a few clients with complex needs.

Our clients have provided feedback on what a difference this service have made in their lives and thanked MCC CareNet and Manningham for providing them with the amazing support.

If you or anyone you know require assistance, call our Community Connect team on 9840 9333 during the hours of 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

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Local sport plays an important role in bringing the community together, which is increasingly significant as we re-open after the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown.

Through the Federal Government’s Community Development Growth Program, we have received $375,000 in funding which will support lighting upgrades at three of our local sporting facilities.

These three projects include:

• A lighting upgrade at Tom Kelly Athletics Track in Doncaster East
• An upgrade to the Manningham Templestowe Leisure Centre Pavilion in Templestowe
• New flood lighting for the sports oval at Boronia Reserve in Doncaster East

These upgrade projects will play a crucial role in helping Manningham clubs access even better facilities and support local athletes to get back into sport. We’re currently liaising with relevant clubs and other project partners around the works with these upgrades to be completed by June 2021.

Being stuck inside is tough.

It often means that many people around Manningham are missing the connections they would usually make within their community.

Pick up the phone. Set up a video chat. Or give your neighbours a shout over the fence, while maintaining a physical distance.

Having a chat during this time can make a world of difference to someone.

If you think that a neighbour might need some help, print off a Here to Help card, fill it out and drop it in their mailbox.

Manningham Business has a range of support programs available for local businesses that are navigating the challenges of this new business and consumer environment.

Free Business Mentoring
During these free, two hour, confidential, one-on-one mentoring sessions with experienced business coach Peter Blasch, you will receive guidance and essential information to assist you to navigate your way through the current business climate. Available throughout April.

12 Week Marketing Series
Fully subsidised online program, this marketing makeover series will assist you to shift your thinking and create some practical marketing strategies to tackle current challenges.

Crisis Management for Tourism Businesses 
This free three-part online course will cover what measures tourism businesses can implement to cope with the post-COVID tourism landscape. 

You can find more information and resources for your business on the Manningham Business website.

With only a few reasons to leave your house during stage three restrictions, the team at Aquarena are helping you stay fit while at home.

Live Facebook classes

Free daily live Facebook group fitness classes are available on Aquarena’s Facebook page. Classes will be led by your favourite Aquarena instructors and range from high intensity Body Attack to Older Adults Momentum classes.

Home Fitness Network

Whether you’re into solo fitness, group fitness, yoga, meditation and mindfulness or looking for some nutrition and meal inspiration - Home Fitness Network has you covered. An online initiative by the team behind Aquarena, free access has been provided for the next six weeks to get you through the lockdown (normally $5 per week).

Through the Home Fitness Network, you’ll enjoy:

• 25+ live group fitness sessions, weekly (hosted via ZOOM)
• 80+ streamable video workouts inclusive of HIIT, strength, tone + more
• 150+ meal plans and recipes
• Healthy mind activities and resources - mental health is more important than ever
• Weekly #FitFam emails - loaded with health, fitness and nutrition tips

For more information, visit Home Fitness Network.

Telehealth with Exercise Physiologists

Telehealth enables Aquarena’s Exercise Physiologists to deliver high-quality healthcare and exercise advice online. If you need some assistance from an exercise physiologist during this period, visit Home Fitness Network to get in touch.

For more tips and tricks for staying fit while staying at home, visit Aquarena's website.

Want to read more stories like this? View Manningham Matters.

The return to Stay at Home restrictions means that many businesses in Manningham and across Melbourne are either limited in their operations or can no longer operate.

Local businesses and not for profits that are affected by the return to Stay at Home restrictions may be eligible for a one-off, $5,000 grant under the Victorian Government’s Business Support Fund - Expansion program.

Businesses that are eligible for this grant will meet all the below criteria:

• operate a business located in metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shire,
• be a participant in the Commonwealth Government’s JobKeeper Payment scheme,
• employ people,
• be registered with WorkSafe on 30 June 2020,
• have an annual payroll of less than $3 million in 2019-20 on an ungrouped basis,
• be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) as at 30 June 2020,
• hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and have held that ABN at 30 June 2020, and
• be registered with the responsible Federal or State regulator.

Applications for the program close on 19 August 2020. For more information and to apply now visit Business Victoria.

Want to read more stories like this? View Manningham Matters.

Manningham Council has confirmed its 2021 meeting schedule. All residents and interested people are most welcome to attend the meetings, subject to COVID-19 restrictions.

The meetings are held in the Council Chamber at the Manningham Civic Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster commencing at 7.00pm. You can also view our meetings online at manningham.vic.gov.au/council-meetings 

Ordinary Council Meetings: 

• Thursday 28 January         
• Tuesday 23 February 
• Tuesday 23 March 
• Tuesday 27 April 
• Tuesday 25 May 
• Tuesday 29 June 
• Tuesday 27 July 
• Tuesday 24 August 
• Tuesday 28 September 
• Tuesday 26 October
• Tuesday 23 November 
• Tuesday 14 December 

Annual Council Meeting: 

• Thursday 4 November 

For more information on Council meetings, visit our Council meetings page.

Manningham Council has announced additional coronavirus (COVID-19) financial relief initiatives to support small business and community sport organisations.  

A new dedicated $140,000 Business Grant program will provide support to local businesses to assist their financial recovery, while winter sporting clubs will be able to apply for rent and fee relief for the upcoming 2021 season.  

Trader engagement with more than 600 local businesses has highlighted a need for increased cash flow and the ability to access additional funds. The new grant program will be available to Manningham based businesses to support a range of business operations such as e-commerce activities or promotional campaigns to attract customers.  

The rent and fee relief for winter sporting clubs follows Council support during the 2020 sporting season, which included waived rent, fees and utility costs. Club eligibility will be in accordance with Council’s financial hardship criteria.  

Manningham Mayor, Cr Andrew Conlon said these financial incentives will help to keep local business and winter sporting organisations afloat in these unprecedented times.  

“Council is committed to help local business and sporting organisations make it through the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) and assist in their financial recovery.  

“Our local businesses have been impacted by the pandemic and its various restrictions over the past 12 months. We are pleased to extend further support through a dedicated business grants program this year.  

“We know many of our sporting clubs experienced financial hardship during the 2020 winter sports season and want to continue to support these groups as they recover in 2021 and embark on this year’s season,” Cr Conlon said.   

These initiatives are part of a suite of financial support Council has provided to the Manningham community. To date, Council has provided over $4.62 million in targeted COVID-19 financial relief through a range of initiatives to help our community.  

Council endorsed the financial support relief initiatives at its Council meeting on Tuesday 23 February 2021. To view the livestream of this meeting, visit: manningham.vic.gov.au/council-meeting-23-february-2021  

Council has an interpreter service that can be reached on 9840 9355 for any resident that would like to call and arrange to speak to someone in their own language about any Manningham Council matter including these financial relief initiatives. 

As restrictions continue to relax and we move towards a new COVID normal, we’re excited to welcome more of our community back to sport and recreation in Manningham.

Outdoor activities

The current restriction levels in effect from Monday 9 November allow many activities to take place at our outdoor sport and recreation facilities.

Public open space
Public open space areas including sports ovals, fields and parks are all open. Tom Kelly Athletics Track is also open and groups must maintain a distance of 10 metres from other users.

Outdoor sport
All outdoor sport (contact and non-contact) can resume for under 18 players. All adult outdoor non-contact sport and contact sport in a non-contact manner may resume in line with COVID safe practices. Get in touch with your local club for further information around their return to sport plan.

Training and fitness
Personal training, fitness and dance classes can be held outdoors with up to 10 people. All groups must have permits to use council space for these activities.

For further information, please visit manningham.vic.gov.au/find-a-sporting-club

Indoor activities

From Monday 9 November, many indoor activities are returning under the latest easing of coronavirus (COVID) restrictions.

Different COVID safe restrictions are in place based on the sport or recreation activity. To find out the latest on the return to indoor activities, please visit the Aquarena and YMCA websites or contact your local club.

The safety of our community is our top priority during this time. Continue to do your part to stop the spread of this virus by maintaining a physical distance of 1.5m, regularly washing your hands with hand sanitiser or soap and wearing a mask at all times (for residents over the age of 12).

In Manningham, we are following advice from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) about coronavirus (COVID-19) and encourage everyone to visit the DHHS website for the most up to date information

We are proud to support residents returning to play their sport of choice.

Many community members have felt the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19). To support those financially impacted we have partnered with Bendigo Bank to provide funding to help local families return to sport in Manningham. The initiative will subsidise up to 50% of eligible participants’ annual sport and recreation club fees.

Sport and recreation clubs provide an invaluable service to the Manningham community. As we head towards winter we want to ensure that kids and adults have the opportunity to get involved with their sport of choice and to experience the physical, mental and social benefits that sport and recreation provide.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for the Financial Subsidy Program:

• Applicant is aged between 5 and 18
• Applicant resides in Manningham
• Applicant is applying for a sport or recreation club based in Manningham
• Applicant or family is financially impacted due to coronavirus (COVID-19; the applicant, parent or guardian must provide a reference letter from an employer or government agency as part of the application process.

Please share this information with participants you feel may be eligible for the Financial Subsidy Program, and encourage those who are to apply. If you have any further questions e-mail the Recreation team or call (03) 9840 9333.