Footy 4 Fun Multicultural is an offering for kids aged five to 12 years from diverse backgrounds that focuses on providing a safe and inclusive introduction to football. While the kids are learning all about the basic skills of the game, parents will be provided an opportunity to understand the game of Australia Rules Football too!
Click on the flyer below for more information.
Calling all people from multicultural backgrounds in Manningham and surrounds!
Come and learn more about the importance of looking after your mental health and wellbeing, and the support that is available in your local community.
Our next Strength Through Connection event is a forum on Mental Health and Multicultural Communities as part of national Mental Health Week.
This event will feature:
Mental health is a key component of overall health and well-being. 1 in 5 (21.4 per cent) Australians aged 16 to 85 have experienced a mental disorder in the past 12 months.
Many people may not be aware of what poor mental health means, how to support someone or how they can get help. The individual needs, backgrounds and identities of people can impact how, or even whether, they will seek support.
We will have a broad range of speakers who will provide information about:
We look forward to seeing you there!
This event has sold out.
This unique, fun 6-week dance program is designed to engage the mind and body to improve and enhance mind-body health.
This is an adult/open program for all genders. Participants are encouraged to attend all 6 sessions.
Multicultural dance for wellbeing is based on the principles of neuroplasticity and the proven benefits of dance.
This 6-week program incorporates breathing techniques to calm the mind, and an exercise routine to develop strength, flexibility, and fitness of the body. It also includes creative dance and music from different cultures to create a space to express yourself, as well as providing opportunities to make new social connections.
No previous dance experience is required.
Instructor: Anjali Sengupta
Manningham is a vibrant and diverse community with people of all cultures and backgrounds. We have a proud history of a multicultural community living, working and celebrating together.
Here you will find more information on what makes Manningham a multicultural community and how you can get involved.
Diversity and social inclusion is important to us. We consider the human rights, values and needs of our diverse communities.
We are proud to declare our commitment to welcoming refugees and migrants into the community. We celebrate the opportunity to enhance the cultural and religious diversity of our community.
Community learning centres encourages members of the community to participate in local activities, learning and education. They play an important part in strengthening local communities and we support such centres by providing funding and facilities.
As part of the Welcoming Cities initiative, we want to build an Australia that is welcoming and inclusive to everyone. By building benchmarks for cultural diversity and inclusion, we are taking steps to being more welcoming to everyone in the community.
Becoming an Australian citizen represents a commitment to Australia and its people. Applicants for Australian Citizenship Ceremonies will generally receive an invite to attend within three to six months from the date of their application approval. You will receive a written invitation to your ceremony from the Department of Home Affairs.
We have interpreter services in multiple languages. Choose the way you want to communicate with us.
We have several English language classes locally where you can learn and practice your English skills. You can get classes at:
Adult Multicultural Education Service (AMES) in Box Hill
Blackburn English Language School in Blackburn
Doncaster Library at MC Square in Doncaster
Manningham U3A in Doncaster East
Manningham Uniting Church in Doncaster East
Pines Learning Centre in Doncaster East
Living and Learning at Ajani in Templestowe Lower
This unique and fun dance session is designed to engage the mind and body to improve and enhance mind-body health.
This is an adult/open program for females during This Girl Can Week.
Multicultural dance for wellbeing is based on the principles of neuroplasticity and the proven benefits of dance.
This program incorporates breathing techniques to calm the mind, and an exercise routine to develop strength, flexibility and fitness of the body. It also includes creative dance and music from different cultures to create a space to express yourself, as well as providing opportunities to make new social connections.
No previous dance experience is required.
Registrations are essential.
Instructor: Anjali Sengupta
Community learning centres, such as Neighbourhood Houses, encourage members of the community to participate in local activities, learning and education, and play an important part in strengthening local communities. There are five Neighbourhood Houses in Manningham, which Council supports through the provision of funding and facilities.
These five Neighbourhood Houses are managed by voluntary community-based committees of management, who are responsible for the overall operation of each centre. Neighbourhood Houses employ professionally trained staff and tutors as well as experienced volunteers.
Courses at Neighbourhood Houses can include:
Several centres also have a registered childcare centre.
The five Neighbourhood Houses are:
Living and Learning @ Ajani
284 Thompsons Road, Lower Templestowe 3107
9850 3687
office@livelearnajani.org.au
Park Orchards Community House and Learning Centre Inc
572 Park Road, Park Orchards 3114
9876 4381
pochi@parkorchards.org.au
Pines Learning
1/520 Blackburn Road, Doncaster East 3109
9842 6726
info@pineslearning.com.au
Warrandyte Neighbourhood House
Level 1, 168 Yarra Street, Warrandyte 3113
9844 1839
info@wnh.org.au
Wonga Park Community Cottage
Unit 1, 9-13 Old Yarra Road, Wonga Park 3115
9722 1944
wpcc@bigpond.com.au
Manningham Council would like to congratulate local resident Faiza Rehman on her recent appointment to the Australian Multicultural Council (AMC).
Ms Rehman migrated to Doncaster from Pakistan in 1997, and is a valuable member of the Manningham community advocating for youth empowerment and inspiring young people to push their boundaries to achieve their goals.
Ms Rehman, a qualified lawyer, is currently a Youth Officer at the United Muslim Migrant Association. In 2005, she was nominated for the Young Muslim Australian of the Year for her community work, and in 2013 she was a contestant on MasterChef.
Manningham Mayor, Cr Paul McLeish, said Ms Rehman provides an important voice for our diverse population.
“Manningham is home to people from many different backgrounds, faiths and religions, and it is important that all of these views are represented.”
“I have no doubt Ms Rehman’s knowledge, enthusiasm, drive and compassion will make her a valuable asset to the AMC,” he said.
The AMC currently consists of six members who provide advice to the Federal Government on multicultural affairs policy and programs, including how to address racism and discrimination.
Get out your favorite outfit and enjoy a great meal and entertainment on us.
Interactions with strangers makes a big positive difference to our well-being, so come out this winter and warm your hearts.
All faiths, abilities and cultures welcome.
Donations are accepted if you are wanting to contribute to your meal.
Bookings Essential.
We’re celebrating 10 years of MC Square (Manningham City Square) with an anniversary event in December.
There’ll be fun for the whole family, including:
This is a free event, and no registration is required.
Join us to acknowledge Sorry Day and learn more about First Nations People and cultures.
This event will feature:
Catering will be provided by Mabu Mabu. Please advise if you have any dietary requirements by Monday 23 May by contacting spcs@manningham.vic.gov.au.
See what support services we offer for your needs - including links to official services by other providers.
We provide a range of grants, funding opportunities and local initiatives to support our community.
View all our Maternal and Child Health Centres opening hours and maps
Have you or has someone you know experienced racism or religious discrimination?
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and the Victorian Multicultural Commission are running a joint series of information sessions to educate and empower multicultural and multifaith communities about racism, understanding your rights and taking action.
These interactive sessions will provide information to better understand and exercise your rights if you or someone you know experiences racism, religious discrimination, or racial or religious vilification.
Attendees will also learn how to recognise racism, how to report it and where to seek advice and support.
All sessions will be delivered online, via the video call platform Zoom. The sessions will be interactive, with participants encouraged to contribute in a safe and confidential environment.
For more information on each session and to register your interest, visit the Victorian Multicultural Commission website.
If you have experienced racism, sexual harassment or discrimination of any kind, or if you have any human rights issues or concerns, visit the Community Reporting Tool to make a report.
We operate and have established a large number of internal advisory groups and other committees. We are also a member of or associated with a number of external bodies and committees.
The table below shows the members appointed to each committee. These appointments are reviewed on an annual basis.
All current appointments were made by Council on 13 December 2022, with the exception of the Gender Equality and LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee and the Multicultural Communities Advisory Committee, which were made on 24 May 2022.
|
Council Committee |
Appointee(s) for 2023 |
Chairperson Appointee for 2023 |
|
Audit and Risk Committee |
Independent Chairperson |
|
|
CEO Employment and Remuneration Committee |
Mayor |
|
|
Appointed Councillor |
||
|
Gender Equality and LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee |
Cr Lightbody |
|
|
Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee |
Cr Diamante |
|
|
Historical Societies Working Group |
Appointed Councillor |
|
|
Manningham |
Mayor |
|
|
Manningham Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) |
Nominated |
|
|
Multicultural |
Cr Lange |
|
|
Municipal Emergency Management Planning |
Director City Services or Delegate |
|
|
Municipal Fire management Planning Committee (MFMPC) |
Commander Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) |
|
|
Reconciliation Action |
|
|
|
Recreation and Sport Advisory Committee |
Cr Conlon |
|
External Bodies |
Appointee(s) for 2023 |
|
Australian Local Government Women’s Association - Victoria (ALGWA-Vic) |
|
|
Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance (EAHA) |
|
|
Eastern Region Group of Councils (ERG) |
|
|
Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) |
Alt Cr Chen |
|
Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) |
|
|
Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) |
Substitute |
|
Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (NAGA) Executive Committee |
|
|
Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) |
|
|
Whitehorse Manningham Regional Library Corporation (WMRLC) |
(Substitute) |
Becoming an Australian citizen represents a commitment to Australia and its people.
All applications for Australian citizenship are processed by the Department of Home Affairs. Further information on how to apply for Australian Citizenship is available from the Australian citizenship website (Australian Citizenship) or the Citizenship Information Line on 131 880.
For most people, the final step in becoming an Australian citizen is making the pledge of commitment at an Australian Citizenship Ceremony. Applicants for Australian Citizenship will generally be invited to attend a ceremony within 3 to 6 months from the date their application is approved. You will receive a written invitation to your ceremony from the Department of Home Affairs.
While Manningham hosts Australian Citizenship Ceremonies, the Council is unable to provide further information regarding the timing of your ceremony.
Manningham Council is inviting the community to come along and join a celebration to promote harmony, and recognise the many cultures that make up our vibrant community, at Ajani Community Hub on Saturday 27 August 12 noon – 4.00 pm.
This popular family fun day for the Bulleen and Templestowe community will showcase a range of cultural activities, food and market stalls in a fun and inviting atmosphere.
Children can enjoy the Giant Games and Backyard Sports and discover more about Scouts and other free activities and services in the area.
For younger kids, there will be a petting zoo, art activities, and face painting, and a special Ajani Treasure Hunt where every child will win a prize!
The Templestowe Rotary Club market will also be part of the celebration with indoor stalls including craft, fresh produce, plants and children’s goods.
Everyone is welcome to come and join in this community celebration with friends and neighbours.
The Ajani Multicultural Festival is proudly supported by Manningham City Council, Manningham Community Health, Doncare Community Services, Onemda, Whitehorse Manningham Libraries, 1st Lower Templestowe Scouts and the Rotary Club of Manningham, with funding from the Adult, Community and Further Education Board and the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
Where: Ajani Community Hub and Reserve, 284 Thompsons Road, Templestowe Lower.
When: Saturday 27 August, 12 noon – 4.00 pm
Join the Serenity for Women group for a free mat Pilates class.
This class is focused on bringing together women from different multicultural backgrounds, creating a diverse and enriching environment. It will focus on improving flexibility, strength, core stability and body awareness using low impact, repetitive moves for a full body workout.
Improved flexibility:
Who are these classes for?
What to bring:
Registration:
There are a range of health and support services, programs and resources to support our community.
These community-based agencies and organisations provide emergency relief and material aid such as food hampers, vouchers and pantries to people in financial crisis living in Manningham as part of the Food Relief Network.
Our community is diverse with residents from more than 140 countries.
Mental health is a state of emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also impacts how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Find online resources for mental health support.
Find online resources for mental health support
IMMEDIATE HELP
For Emergencies | call 000
SuicideLine Victoria | 1300 651 251
Suicide Victoria offers free professional online counselling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people at risk of suicide, concerned about someone at risk, bereaved by suicide and people experiencing emotional or mental health issues.
Lifeline Australia | 13 11 14
Lifeline provides mental health support and emotional assistance on the phone and online.
Kids Helpline | 1800 55 1800
Kids Helpline is a free phone and online counselling service for young people aged between 5-25 years.
Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636
Beyond Blue provides support programs to address issues related to depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental illness.
Nurse on Call | 1300 60 60 24
Nurse-on-call helpline provides health advice from registered nurse, 24 hours a day.
Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) | 1300 721 927
The Outer East Crisis Assessment Treatment team provide mobile assessments to people in psychiatric and short-term home treatment as an alternative to hospital.
Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL) | 1800 806 292
SACL is a state-wide after hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault.
Safe Steps | 1800 015 188
Safe Steps is a specialist support service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing family violence specialist support to anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence.
General Information
Mental Health Foundation Australia provides a range of networks, services, advocacy, events, and support groups for the community to seek support on mental health illness.
Translating and Interpreting Service provides access to services for people with limited or no English language ability. Phone 131 450
Ask Izzy is a mobile website that connects people who are in crisis with the services they need right now and nearby.
PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood.
MensLine Australia is a national 24 hour, 7 days a week men’s helpline offering support, information and referrals for men with emotional health, family and relationship concerns. Phone 1300 78 99 78
Parentline is a phone service for parents and carers of children from birth to 18 years old. Confidential and anonymous counselling and support on parenting issues is provided. Phone 13 22 89
NEAMI is a not-for-profit organisation providing mental health, homelessness and suicide prevention services.
SANE provides mental health support, information, resources and online forums for family and friends. Phone 1800 187 263
Mental health is a state of emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also impacts how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
A person’s mental health is affected by multiple factors including a person’s access to services, employment and living conditions.
Positive mental health allows a person to realise their full potential, cope with normal stresses of life, work productively and contribute to community life.
Mental wellbeing is influenced by other factors including:
Online resources to help you find support for mental health issues.
Resources are categorised by topic and listed in alphabetical order.
This content was correct as of February 2023 and will be reviewed frequently.
If amendments are identified or you know of another mental health service to be considered, contact us.
The Manningham community has been recognised for its work in helping migrants and refugees to feel more welcome, having won a 2016 Victorian Local Government Multicultural Award for Excellence.
Proudly presented by the Victorian Multicultural Commission, the award was received at a ceremony hosted by the Governor of Victoria at Government House on Thursday 13 October 2016.
The award recognises major initiatives by local government and community partners that promotes and strengthens multiculturalism, and enhances the participation and engagement of culturally and linguistically diverse communities in civic and community life.
Manningham has a wonderfully diverse multicultural population with residents from 140 countries and almost 40 per cent speak a language other than English at home.
To acknowledge this diversity, Council publically declared Manningham a Migrant and Refugee Welcome Zone in June 2015. This represents a commitment in spirit to welcome migrants and refugees, to uphold their human rights, demonstrate compassion, and enhance the cultural and religious diversity of our community.
In partnership with community organisations, the hugely successful ‘Welcome Tree’ initiative to help people from all cultural and faith groups to feel welcome, and to encourage people to be welcoming of others.
Four Migrant and Refugee Welcome Trees were designed and constructed by adult migrant English students from Swinburne University and spent over a year travelling between local schools, libraries, clubs, community groups, faith centres and events and venues all over Manningham.
Along the way, an incredible 10,000 welcome leaves for the Trees were enthusiastically created and shared by the community, each with personal messages of welcome written and drawn on them – a forest of welcomes!
Winning the award will help spread this message of welcome even further. A live Welcome Tree has been planted outside the front entrance of the Manningham Civic Centre, a special song titled ‘Welcome Home Mate’ composed of the words of welcome messages was recorded, and collections of the welcome leaf messages are on display in the Civic Centre meeting rooms and foyer.
Manningham Chief Executive Officer, Warwick Winn said, “To strengthen this diversity and enhance community wellbeing, Council and key community partners identified a need to ensure people from all cultural and faith groups feel welcome in Manningham, and are welcoming of others.”
“The messages of welcome written on the leaves of our Welcome Trees are inspiring. Each one welcomes people to Australia and to our community, expressing messages of friendship, hope, support and safety.”
“I invite you to read some of the thousands of welcome messages that we’ve collected so far.”
“Our Councillors, staff, Access and Equity Advisory Committee members and project partners – the Communities Council of Ethnic Issues, Swinburne University and AMES Box Hill – are thrilled about this award as it recognises the positive change and greater understanding and acceptance that can be achieved in our community by working together,” he said.
www.manningham.vic.gov.au/migrant-and-refugee-welcome-zone
Certified by Chief Executive, Warwick Winn, in accordance with Section 55D of the Local Government Act 1989
UPDATED 27 September 2022 with Manningham's response to the findings of the Strength through Connection forums.
Manningham is proactively creating a community where people of all cultural backgrounds are respected and valued.
Over two online forums, community leaders and key members of our multicultural communities met with Councillors and officers to identify how Manningham can best work with them now and into the future.
Mayor Cr Andrew Conlon said the initiative came out of the past 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While we’ve always had good relationships with our diverse and multi-cultural communities, the pandemic highlighted areas we could improve on,” he said.
“The forums helped us better understand the needs of our multicultural communities and determine the best methods to engage with each other.”
The forums were attended by 18 community leaders of various backgrounds and faiths.
The top three findings and suggestions from the forums include multicultural communities want:
Manningham is reviewing the findings and a new multicultural advisory committee will be set up in the coming months.
Applications to be part of the forthcoming Multicultural Advisory Committee will be sought through a public nomination process and will be advertised on Council’s website in the coming weeks.
The forums were attended by 18 community leaders of various backgrounds and faiths.
The top three findings and suggestions from the forums include multicultural communities wanted:
Manningham reviewed the findings from these workshops and have responded by:
The next event is entitled Mental Wellbeing and Multicultural Communities and is on 17 October 2022.
