We’re seeking events to be included in our local activity guides for Dementia Action Week (15 to 21 September) and Seniors Month in October.

Our local guides aim to help older people, people living with dementia, carers and family members find fun and affordable events and activities in the community during both major events.

If your group, club or organisation is planning a free or low-cost activity in recognition of these significant dates, let us know!

Submissions for events to be included in the 2025 Local Activity Guides are now closed. Thank you for your interest. 

The 2025 Local Activity Guides will be distributed from late August. For more information, contact the Healthy Ageing Team on 9840 9230.

View our 2024 local activity guides:

• 2024 Dementia Action Week

• 2024 Seniors Month

Local not-for-profit organisations and community groups can apply for Manningham Council’s latest round of Community Partnership Grants, which support projects that drive long-term community and cultural development across the region.

Eligible groups can apply for funding across 3 key streams:

• Community development – initiatives that deliver essential services, programs, and responses to the needs of Manningham’s diverse community
• Minor community events – to support the activation of key locations and attract people to Manningham
• Major community events – to support the activation of key locations, attracting and engaging a minimum of 8,000 people to key events in Manningham

Successful applicants could receive funding for up to 4 years, providing long-term support for projects that make a meaningful impact in the Manningham community.

Applications are open from Monday 27 October and close at 5pm on Wednesday 10 December, with funding available for activities scheduled from 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2030.

To help organisations prepare their submissions, we will host 2 free information sessions and a grant writing workshop, offering practical support for developing grant proposals: 

• Grant Information Session: Tuesday 28 October, 10:00am to 11:00am, Manningham Function Centre, Doncaster (in-person)
• Grant Writing Workshop: Monday 10 November, 9:00am to 12:00pm Manningham Function Centre, Doncaster (in-person)
• Questions and Answers (Q&A) Session: Wednesday 12 November, 4:00pm – 5:00pm (online).

For more information, to book in for an information session or grant writing workshop, or to apply, visit Community Partnership Grants.
 

Soft plastic recycling is back in Manningham thanks to a new trial at Woolworths supermarkets. 

Items must be clean and dry. Eligible soft plastics include: 

• plastic bags
• zip lock bags
• cling wrap
• bread bags
• chip packets
• cereal liners
• yoghurt pouches
• baby food pouches
• pet food pouches.

These materials will be transported to local recycling facilities to be processed into products like shopping trolleys, park furniture and road additives.

How to return your soft plastics

Find a designated bin at the front of your local Woolworths store. 

In Manningham, locations include:

• Devon Plaza: 978 Doncaster Road, Doncaster
• Westfield Doncaster Shopping Centre: 619 Doncaster Road, Doncaster
• Macedon Square: 325 Manningham Road, Templestowe
• The Pines Shopping Cente: 181 Reynolds Rd, Doncaster East

A full list of stores participating in the trial is available on the Woolworths website.

For more information

Visit the Woolworths website.

We’ve finished our review of the Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan 2025 to 2034.

The updated strategy was adopted at the Council meeting on 27 May 2025 and is in line with the national and state road safety strategies.

Community consultation

Between 20 January and 21 February 2025, we invited you to provide feedback on the proposed Strategy and Action Plan. 

Here's a snapshot of what 127 people told us through our online survey:

• More clarification is required around the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in relation road safety, and how we and the stakeholders would work together around road safety education and enforcement of road rules.
• You support infrastructure improvements; but have some concerns about how and where cycling infrastructure will be provided. 
• Safety in our activity centres is important to you.
• You’d like us to focus on older adults, who are overly represented in fatal and serious injury crashes. 
• You are concerned about the level of road maintenance and its implication on road safety and crash risks.

The feedback was generally positive, however, we made some adjustments to the wording of the action plan to better reflect your priorities and ensure alignment with other Council strategies.

We also added several new actions, including:

• advocate to the State Government for upgrades to key arterial roads
• review of parking restrictions to enhance road safety where needed
• explore opportunities involving emerging transport technologies.
• place a greater emphasis on inclusion to ensure the strategy addresses the needs of all road users.

The adopted Road Safety Strategy

The strategy will remain a living, adaptable document designed to guide our work over the next 10 years. It will continue to evolve with emerging technologies, best practices, and alignment with state and national frameworks.

You can view the adopted Road Safety Strategy on our website.

 

We’re currently seeking community input on our proposed upgrade of Larnoo Playground to improve facilities for the community. 

We have created a concept plan and are inviting community members to share their thoughts via Your Say Manningham by Friday 20 December 2024.

The proposed upgrade will include new play equipment, new park furniture, new shade sail, and new tree and garden bed planting.

This project is part of our Parks Improvement Program and will be delivered under our 2024/25 open space capital works program.

Share your thoughts on our concept design and help us create a more safe, fun and inclusive playground at Wombat Bend, Templestowe Lower. 

The proposed upgrade includes:

• a diverse range of play equipment suitable for all ages and abilities
• a dedicated swing zone with five different seat types
• a larger water play area
• a sand play zone with raised tables and a digger
• a refurbished maze zone
• improved access paths for better connectivity and movement
• upgraded amenities, including new seating, picnic areas, drinking fountains, shelters, and BBQs
• enhanced shade and expanded grassed areas
• a new fitness station.

The concept design has been shaped by community feedback gathered during our December 2024 consultation.

How to have your say

Complete our survey by Monday, 2 June 2025.

You can also join our onsite consultation at Wombat Bend Playground on Sunday 18 May, 10.30am to 12.00pm. 

Your feedback will help shape the final design of the playground.

We’re inviting community members to contribute their insights and ideas to help shape our draft 2026-27 Budget and draft 10-Year Financial Plan. 

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said: “We’re committed to ensuring the annual budget prioritises what matters most to our community, while delivering on our mission to be a financially sustainable council.

“Our council delivers more than 100 services across a diverse range of areas, from waste collection and libraries to community programs and infrastructure,” Cr Diamante said.  

“These services all play an important role in our community and we want to understand which areas our community sees as most important for us to prioritise spending,” she said. 

You can also register your interest to pitch your budget ideas to Councillors at an in-person meeting in early December.

“We want to hear from you about the projects and services you would like to see delivered in Manningham, now and in the future. Your ideas, passion and local knowledge are at the heart of what makes our community thrive,” Cr Diamante said.

Shortlisted in-person submitters will have 3 minutes each to present to Councillors at a meeting on Monday 1 December at the Manningham Council Chamber.

If you would prefer not to pitch your idea in person, your ideas will still be considered as part of the broader engagement process. 

Have your say

You can share your insights, ideas and register your interest to present to Council by completing our short survey by 9 November 2025 at Your Say Manningham.

Your responses will help shape the draft 2026-27 Budget and draft 10-Year Financial Plan. 

The final 2026-27 Budget and 10-Year Financial Plan will be considered for endorsement at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 23 June 2026.

Some ideas may be better suited to our Manningham Community Grant program, which supports eligible organisations to deliver community-focused projects. 

Learn more about the grants program and other ways to get involved.

Manningham’s leafy streets are a defining feature of our vibrant community. As our neighbourhoods continue to evolve, it’s more important than ever to protect and strengthen our tree canopy.

Why every tree counts in Manningham

Canopy trees are large, mature trees that provide shade. They reduce urban heat, support biodiversity, enhance air quality and create healthy environments for everyone.

With the largest loss of tree cover in Manningham occurring on private land, every tree matters – and your garden is one of the most powerful places to start. By planting and protecting canopy trees at home, you can help rebuild local tree cover and support our community’s long-term environmental health.

How to choose the right canopy tree for your garden

Manningham’s diverse landscapes mean different areas are better suited to different tree species.

Wondering which tree suits your garden best? Indigenous species are perfectly suited to our local climate and soils, and also improve biodiversity. Native Splendour provides a list of trees and shrubs indigenous to Manningham.

Alternatively, explore our Precinct and Tree Character Mapping Guide – a helpful tool to match your location with the ideal tree species.

Simply identify your precinct, then browse the recommended tree palette for your area. If you're looking to plant a canopy tree, be sure to check the column marked ‘Large’ for options that offer generous shade and long-term impact.

Things to keep in mind when selecting your tree

• Growth and space: Select a tree that will have the space to reach its natural size. Consider how close the tree is to buildings and other structures. If you’re unsure about the underground utility infrastructure in your garden, check out Before You Dig Australia (BYDA). 
• Supporting wildlife: Native trees provide food and shelter for local wildlife and boost biodiversity. Explore our gardening guide, Native Splendour, to find a list of our indigenous trees and shrubs.  
• Seasonal changes: Evergreen trees keep their leaves all year long, providing consistent greenery, while deciduous trees drop them seasonally – allowing for more winter sun. With both providing benefits, it’s a matter of preference.  
• Soil type: Different trees grow best in different soils. Consider whether your soil is sandy, clay-based or well-draining – and choose a tree that suits.  

We deeply appreciate your efforts in helping us preserve and grow our urban forest. 
 

Looking to make home energy upgrades, but not sure where to start? 

Come along to a Solar Savers webinar this August to meet the new supplier panel and hear about their new product and services. 

Alongside solar panels, batteries, reverse cycle air conditioners and hot water heat pumps, Solar Savers now also supports upgrades like EV chargers, induction cooktops, draught-proofing and insulation. 

Solar Savers takes the hassle out of home energy upgrades by vetting suppliers and negotiating competitive prices. 

Free informative webinars

Each webinar will focus on one of Solar Savers’ products or services:

• solar, batteries and Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers 
• heat pump hot water systems
• reverse cycle air conditioners
• induction cooktops
• insulation and draughtproofing 
• home energy assessments

In the webinars, you’ll learn about what’s involved, how it works and the benefits of having that product. Solar Savers’ panel of trusted suppliers will also be there to answer any questions.

Explore the webinars below. Registration is essential. 

August webinars

Pick up a copy of your 2026 Community Calendar from one of the collection points across Manningham.

• Manningham Civic Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster
• Doncaster Library, MC Square, 687 Doncaster Road, Doncaster
• Bulleen Library, Bulleen Plaza, 79/109 Manningham Road, Bulleen
• The Pines Library, Corner of Reynolds and Blackburn roads, East Doncaster
• Warrandyte Library, 168 Yarra Street, Warrandyte
   

Unable to pick up a copy? 

We're committed to being a financially and environmentally sustainable council. Printed calendars will only be mailed to residents who are unable to visit a collection point. 

You can request a copy by completing the below form. Calendars will be posted from early December.

We’re developing a Nature Plan to help protect and enhance our environment over the next 15 years. 

The Plan will set a strategic direction for the future of our biodiversity and tree canopy assets, while also responding to challenges such as urbanisation, habitat loss and biodiversity decline.

It will also look to enhance Manningham’s bushland areas, landscape scale habitat connections, tree canopy, and provide recommendations to allow our natural environment to thrive and communities to live in a cooler, greener environment. 

Make your voice heard 

We want to hear your thoughts on:

• What our top priorities should be in protecting and enhancing our environment?  
• What practical solutions can help address these challenges?
• What type of Council support would be most helpful to you and the community? 

Share your ideas by:

• Completing our online survey
• Registering your interest in a workshop 

To get involved, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/nature-plan.
 

Australia Post has informed us that their distribution of this issue will not reach all households in the Warrandyte and Park Orchards areas.

Manningham Matters is distributed via Australia Post's Unaddressed Mail Service, which can take up to a week to reach all households in Manningham.

If your copy of Manningham Matters hasn't arrived by Wednesday 11 June, please email us at manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au and we can send you a copy.

You can also read this month's edition online.  

We’re supporting residents to switch to wildlife-safe fruit tree nets with free netting swaps in November. 

Why using the right net matters

Using the right netting helps protect local bats, birds and small mammals, while keeping your fruit safe from Queensland Fruit Fly and sunburn. 

Manningham is ranked in the top 5 worst local government areas for bat deaths caused by illegal fruit tree netting.

Larger mesh netting is more likely to entangle, distress and seriously injure or kill wildlife. 

In 2021, it became illegal to use or sell household fruit tree netting with a mesh size larger than 5mm x 5mm in Victoria. Despite this, wildlife injuries caused by this netting persist. 

How to check if your net is legal

Try poking a finger through the mesh. If your finger can pass through, the net is too big and illegal. 

Learn more about household fruit netting regulations

How to swap your net for free

To swap one of your nets, you must:

• be a Manningham resident (ID or a recent rates notice is required at the swap)
• bring  illegal netting (only one net is available per household)
• register for your preferred day.

Where you can swap your net

Drop in sessions will be held at:

• Manningham Council Depot at 620-628 Blackburn Rd, Doncaster East
• Manningham Civic Centre at 1/699 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster 
• Doncaster Hill Community Garden at Hummell Way, Doncaster

Turning our netting around

All illegal netting that we receive will be recycled onshore via UPPAREL and turned into useful items, including building materials. 

This event is part of a Victorian Net Swap pilot in collaboration with other councils and the Conservation Regulator. 
 

We know that navigating large Council websites can be difficult, and sometimes it's hard to find what you need.

Help us make it easier for you

Answer a quick four question survey about your experience with our website. You don't need to provide any personal information to give feedback. 

If you would like to participate further, you can leave your details and we will contact you with additional opportunities to get involved.

The feedback form will be open until Sunday 15 June 2025.

Give feedback now

Are there other ways to get involved?

Yes. If you don't want to complete the feedback form but would like to participate in upcoming user research sessions, register your contact details below.

From aspiring gardeners to seasoned growers, there’s a session for everyone at this year’s Home Harvest. 

About Home Harvest

Our monthly gardening program, Home Harvest, teaches you how to grow delicious and nutritious food at home. 

From discovering how to choose the right crops to diving deeper into growing Asian vegetables, there’s a diverse array of topics on offer. 

Your new skills will lead to homegrown produce – and can even boost your physical and mental health. 

It’s also a simple, enjoyable and empowering action you can take against climate change.

Our 2025 program

Sessions run on a Wednesday evening from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, with a food swap commencing at 6.15pm. 

Everyone with an interest in gardening is welcome. No experience necessary.

Regardless of which holidays you celebrate; the festive season is a time when we often come together and it’s important to remember that sustainability never takes a holiday. The choices we make during this time have a profound impact on the environment, so here are a couple of tips to make this festive season more sustainable.

Plan your menu

Each year, Victorian households throw away 250,000 tonnes of food. That’s the equivalent weight of 100 Aquarena outdoor swimming pools! The reality is, about one third of all food produced for human consumption becomes waste. Luckily, reducing the amount of food we waste doesn’t need to be difficult, it just takes a bit of planning. 

Firstly, shop at local markets. Buying local produce is generally fresher, lasts longer, has less embodied energy and is usually free of packaging, meaning that you can purchase the quantity you need and reduce your waste from the source. 

Secondly, storing food correctly can also go a long way to reducing the amount of waste you create. Placing food in airtight containers and organising your fridge and pantry can help prevent unwanted spoilage. Too many leftovers? Try freezing them (if it’s safe to do so) or try new recipes that incorporate your leftovers. Not only does this reduce food waste, but it’s also a great way to discover new recipes! 

And lastly, if you must dispose of your food waste, ensure you are using your FOGO bin correctly so that it can be turned into nutrient rich compost.  

Dine wisely

In addition to food, we also produce a lot of waste when cooking and eating. Avoid disposable tableware such as plates, cups and cutlery as most of these can’t be recycled, and instead opt for reusable alternatives and wash them at the end of the day. Did you know you can also make your own bon bons from fabric napkins and a little bit of string? 

It wouldn’t be a summer festive season without a barbeque. If you must use disposable cookware, remember to choose aluminium trays and foil as these can be placed in your yellow lid recycling bin, even if there is a small amount of burnt-on food or oil. Simply remove food scraps and scrunch them into a ball.

Gift consciously

The most sustainable gifts are those that will be used. Making a conscious effort to give your family and friends items that they will actually use is a great way to reduce the amount of waste you contribute to this festive season. Consider shopping for second hand items at op shops or online marketplaces to divert other items from landfill and save some money in the process.

Wrap smart

Now that you’ve got your sustainable gifts organised, you need to wrap them. Did you know Australians use 150,000 km of wrapping paper over the festive season? That’s almost enough to circle the earth four times over! We can significantly reduce the amount of waste we create by ‘wrapping’ gifts in reusable bags or fabric. 

If you must wrap with paper, ensure that it is recyclable because not all wrapping paper can be put in your kerbside recycling bin. You can place any gift wraps made from kraft paper or recycled paper in your yellow lid recycling bin, although you cannot place any wrapping paper made from foil or with other items stuck to them (such as ribbons or bows). Paper cards can also be recycled, but not those embellished with glitter or foil – these must be placed in your red lid garbage bin.

There are many ways to make this festive season a more sustainable one. By making thoughtful decisions and considering the broader impact of your choices, you can celebrate in a way that honours both tradition and the environment.

If you are confused about what to do with an item this festive season, visit our webpage on how to dispose your items.

Manningham Council is seeking community feedback on a concept design for an upgrade at Wombat Bend Playground. 

Wombat Bend Playground is a much-loved regional playground catering to visitors of all abilities – created by the community, for the community. It embraces inclusive design to foster creative development, inspiration and imagination and to encourage the mind to explore.

The concept design developed for the playground upgrade reflects insights gathered from community consultations held in December 2024. The proposed upgrades include:

• a diverse range of play equipment suitable for all ages and abilities
• a dedicated swing zone with five different seat types
• a larger water play area
• a sand play zone with raised tables and a digger
• a refurbished maze zone
• improved access paths for better connectivity and movement
• upgraded amenities, including new seating, picnic areas, drinking fountains, shelters, and BBQs
• enhanced shade and expanded grassed areas
• a new co-located fitness station.

Community consultation now open

To have your say on the Wombat Bend Playground concept design, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/wombat-bend-playground-upgrade.

Council is also holding an onsite consultation session on Sunday 18 May.

Community members are invited to attend between 10:30am and 12:00pm (noon) to discuss the design directly with the project team.

Council values the input of the community in shaping the future of the Wombat Bend Playground and appreciates everyone’s involvement in making the playground a better space for all.

Consultation closes Monday 2 June 2025.

For more information, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/wombat-bend-playground-upgrade