A new landscape masterplan for Ruffey Lake Park has been given the green light, to make the park more accessible while preserving its diverse natural environment and historic qualities for years to come.

Following two rounds of community consultations and with more than 1,000 community members providing feedback, Manningham finalised the Ruffey Lake Park Landscape Masterplan 2021, giving the park a clear direction for its future design, development and management over the next 15 years.

Manningham Mayor Cr Andrew Conlon said the masterplan outlined Manningham’s commitment to open space that is connected, safe and accessible to the community.

“Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation process, providing valuable input on the draft masterplan and priority works in the park,” he said. 

The top elements the community are most excited about are:

• new tree planting
• path widening and additional connections
• toilet and infrastructure upgrades, including changing places at The Boulevarde and new toilet at Church Road North
• accessibility improvements including a new boardwalk and bridges 
• upgrades to the existing play space, including water play.

Initial works on the exercise stations and tree planting will begin by the end of 2021.

The Masterplan also makes considerations to projects identified in the Waldau Precinct Masterplan 2019 including a major upgrade of play equipment and a new café at Victoria Street Playground.

To see the full Ruffey Lake Park Landscape Masterplan 2021, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/ruffey-lake-park

We are seeking expressions of interests (EOI) from community members to join a Ruffey Lake Park Landscape Masterplan Community Reference Group.

The purpose of the reference group is to provide input into the development of the Ruffey Lake Park Landscape Masterplan. The Masterplan will provide clear direction for the future design, development and management of the park over the next 15 years.

Reference group members must:

• Have knowledge of or connection to Ruffey Lake Park
• Live or work within the municipality
• Have the ability to regularly attend and participate in meetings as scheduled in the terms of reference
• Have a mix of skills and attributes to complement other members of the group.

Applications to join the reference group open on Friday 18 October 2019 and close on Friday 1 November 2019.

We’ve developed a draft landscape masterplan for Ruffey Lake Park and we want to hear your feedback. The draft masterplan will provide clear direction for the future design, development and management of the park over the next 15 years.

The masterplan aims to maintain Ruffey Lake Park’s status as the green jewel of Manningham and outlines our plans to preserve, enhance and encourage greater use and enjoyment of the park’s diverse natural environmental and historic qualities.

The draft masterplan is based on community consultation undertaken late last year. We heard feedback from over 800 voices who told us what they love about the park and what they felt could be improved.

The top five most-loved qualities

• The walking paths
• The lake
• The trees
• The view
• The dog off-lead areas.

The top five items to be improved

• Toilets
• Trees
• Car parking
• Dog off-lead areas and walking paths
• Bushland areas.

Based on what we’ve already heard from the community, the masterplan’s major initiatives include:

• Lighting the Hill Top Circuit trail to allow for exercise and dog walking outside of daylight hours
• Accessibility improvements including a new lakeside boardwalk and bridges
• Infrastructure upgrades
• Exercise stations
• A youth space that may incorporate a pump track and climbing trail
• New tree planting
• Upgrades to existing playspaces including water play
• Improvements to Magic Mountain play area
• A small amphitheatre
• Art elements
• Investigating interest in the community for a Friends of Ruffey Lake Park group.

To view the draft masterplan and provide feedback visit Your Say Manningham.

Community consultation closes Friday 18 December.

Manningham Council is developing a management plan for Ruffey Creek Linear Park in Templestowe and is seeking feedback from the community on how they use the park and what they would like to see for its future.

Ruffey Creek Linear Park is an open space corridor spanning three kilometres and linking Ruffey Lake Park to the Yarra River in Templestowe.

The park offers a bushland experience for pedestrians and cyclists with an off road shared path, known as Ruffey Trail, travelling the length of the linear park with the exception of two sections: along Eumeralla Avenue and between Foote and Parker streets.

The management plan is being developed to guide future development of the park, including works to complete the missing links along the shared pathway, and ensure the park responds to the local community’s needs.

The Ruffey Creek Linear Park Management Plan will incorporate recommendations from Manningham’s Open Space Strategy 2014, Bicycle Strategy 2013 and Bushland Management Strategy 2012.

Manningham Mayor Cr Jennifer Yang said the park is a popular open space area and Ruffey Trail provides a range of opportunities for residents to get active in Templestowe.

“The Ruffey Creek Linear Park Management Plan will provide a long term plan for the future of this important local park, including connections along the Ruffey Trail.

“I encourage residents and interested parties to get involved and have their say to help us develop a plan for the future of Ruffey Creek Linear Park that responds to the needs of our community,” she said

For more information and to have their say, the community is invited to complete a short survey online at www.yoursaymanningham.com.au/ruffey-creek-linear-park or call our Economic and Environmental Planning Unit on 9840 9323.

Consultation closes on Monday 14 December.

National Tree Day is Australia’s largest tree planting event and Manningham Council is inviting everyone to take part in a community event at Ruffey Lake Park in Doncaster on Sunday 31 July from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm.

National Tree Day is an annual initiative of Planet Ark, that provides an opportunity for people of all ages to get involved and reconnect with nature, while helping to protect and enhance our natural environment.

This year, Manningham’s National Tree Day event will be held at the popular Ruffey Lake Park and planting will revegetate the area to the west of the lake and toward the King Street border of the park.

Event details:

National Tree Day
Sunday 31 July, 10.00 am – 12.30 pm (register from 9.30 am)
Ruffey Lake Park, The Boulevarde,  Doncaster (Meet at The Boulevarde car park), Melway ref. 33 E10

This free community event will include tree planting followed by a barbecue after the planting.

While tools will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring some gloves and wear appropriate clothing for the weather on the day.

For more information, call 9840 9323 or visit www.manningham.vic.gov.au/national-tree-day

Updated: 10 June 2022

Supplies of our 2022 Community Calendar have run out. We will no longer be taking requests for this year's edition. You will be able to request the 2023 calendar later in the year. 

This year our 2022 Community Calendar is available on request and is free for all Manningham residents.

To request a calendar:

• complete the form below, or
• contact us on 9840 9333.

Be sure to enter your full postal address and check it before submitting your form.

Once you have made a request, you will receive your copy of our 2022 Community Calendar in the mail.

Calendars will also be available for collection from our libraries and at our Civic Centre in the Customer Service area.

One of Australia’s most important national occasions, ANZAC Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day in which we remember all Australians who served and died in all wars and operational service past and present. Come along and mark the day at one of the RSL services in Manningham.

The sounds of Christmas are many and diverse, and Manningham Carols by Candlelight on Friday 13 December, offers just about everything.  

Set in the beautiful Ruffey Lake Park, the event is now in its 38th year with a range of international and local performers.   

Manningham Mayor, Cr Paul McLeish said Manningham Carols by Candlelight was a wonderful tradition for many families in Manningham and nearby residents.  

“It’s Manningham’s largest free Christmas event, with kids’ activities, food and a range of Carols to sing along to, there’s fun for the whole family,” Cr McLeish said.   

This year’s performers include former X Factor Australia winner, Isaiah Firebrace, Australia’s entrant to the 2018 Junior Eurovision Song Contest, Jael Wena and Manningham’s very own Leea Nanos from this year’s Eurovision Australia Decides. It also features a number of local performers from Manningham.   

“The Carols is a great opportunity to support some of our local talent,” Cr McLeish said.    

“There will also be an opportunity to help raise money for the Manningham Community Fund which helps support a number of locally based charities including Doncare, Onemda and Kevin Heinze Grow.”  

Manningham Carols by Candlelight begins at 6.00pm with a Kids Zone featuring free activities including face painting, jumping castles, entertainment and photos with Santa. 

The main concert starts at 8.00pm and will include a mix of traditional and contemporary Carols. 

Road closures and parking restrictions will be in place in streets surrounding Ruffey Lake Park. Residents will be informed about road closures and permits before the event. 

Free event parking is available via King Street, shuttle buses to and from Ruffey Lake Park will be available on the night.   

The night ends with a five minute fireworks display. If you live locally, please be aware and keep your pets safely indoors. 

For more information, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/carols    

The volunteer organising committee of the Manningham Relay For Life is excited to have received the go-ahead to schedule this year’s event after missing out in 2020.

From 4.00pm on Saturday 11 September to 12 noon on Sunday 12 September, teams will once again take to the Athletics Track in George Street, East Doncaster to raise vital funds to support the work of Cancer Council Victoria.

“It’s such a wonderful, vibrant family and community event, we’d love to see even more teams join us this year” said Sandra Said and Janelle Ferrante, co-chairs of this year’s committee.

“This annual event is so important to Manningham residents who have been touched by cancer, whether personally or by someone they care about having to travel the cancer journey” say Said and Ferrante. “Since our Relay started in 2008, we have raised over $500,000 but the job’s not yet done. We’ll keep going until we’ve given cancer the boot so people will no longer need to go through this very challenging and painful experience.”

Joining, or forming, a team is very simple. Groups from schools, businesses, friendship and interest groups and even neighbourhoods come together to raise funds prior to the event and enjoy the activities at the track throughout the weekend. Camping on the oval overnight is permitted but not required.

“Manningham Relay For Life is a fun and very significant way to make a positive contribution in our community. Many of our current participants have been with us for years and say the Relay weekend is a highlight each year for them”, say Said and Ferrante.

For more information, visit the Manningham Relay For Life Facebook page or call the Cancer Council on 1300 65 65 85.

Manningham Council is inviting community groups and organisations to submit an Expression of Interest for part of 39-41 Mayfair Avenue, Lower Templestowe (former Lower Templestowe Maternal and Child Health Centre).

Potential uses could include:

• Community group activities
• Clubs or community group meetings
• Other community based activities.

Facility for lease

The facility is located at 39-41 Mayfair Avenue, Lower Templestowe.

The leasable facility comprises of: 

• Entry foyer – (10 m²)
• Large meeting room (20 m²)
• Office (9 m²)
• Office (14 m²)
• Kitchen
• Access to licensed common areas and adult disabled toilet (shared with Twin Hills Preschool staff).

Terms of lease

All use arrangements will be subject to the terms and conditions of a signed facility user lease agreement.

Limitations to use of the facilities

Council will not accept any events which involve gambling, consumption of alcohol or loud music.

Fees and charges

A range of fees and charges are applied to the use of the facility. The fees and charges vary based on the type of user.

Concession rates

In order to qualify for the Concession Rate, your organisation or group need to be registered as a not-for-profit or incorporated organisation or charity. This is verified via your organisation’s ABN or a certificate of incorporation.

No concessions apply for local residents, students or concession-card holders.

Commercial rates

Commercial hire rates will apply to all other organisations or activities.

The current subsidised rate for community (not-for-profit organisations) is $296.05 per annum, GST exclusive (conditional on permitted use under the lease). Please note the new tenant will be 100 percent responsible for utility charges.

These rates are highly subsidised by Manningham Council in recognition of the community benefit provided by not-for-profit services who operate from these facilities.  The rental rates are determined by Manningham Council and are subject to change at the expiration of the leased or licenced term.  

If the use is for commercial use, then the rate would be assessed by Council’s Manager of Property Services.

Cost of services

The Tenant must pay to the Council, or the relevant authority:

• Local government rates and charges
• Water rates and changes, including water usage charges
• Sewerage and drainage rates and charges
• All other rates, taxes, charges and levies assessed in connection with the premises.

User agreements

The hirer is to sign the facility user lease agreement.

Length of tenure

In accordance with the standard lease and licence documents.

Viewing the facility

The facility will be available for viewing by interested persons/groups at the following times to assist you in the preparation of your application.

39-41 Mayfair Avenue, Lower Templestowe (former Lower Templestowe Maternal and Child Health Centre).

• Monday 26 April, 10.00am – 11.00am
• Friday 30 April, 2.00pm – 3.00pm

Submission

Submissions can be made online using the Expression of Interest online form (NOW CLOSED). Alternatively, you can download the

, and post the completed form to:

Sharon Peters
Community Facilities Project Officer
Manningham Council
PO Box 1, Doncaster, VIC 3108.

Please note, all applications must be received by 5.00pm, Friday 14 May. 

For more information, including floorplans, please download the 

Flu vaccines are now available at new evening flu clinics held at the Ted Ajani Community Centre, Lower Templestowe, for $25 per vaccine. Please book and pay online as we cannot accept walk-ins.

Government-funded flu vaccine is also available for the following residents:

• children aged between six months and under five years
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older
• pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
• people aged 65 years and older
• people aged six months and older with medical conditions that put them at increased risk of severe influenza and its complications, including cardiac disease, chronic respiratory conditions, chronic neurological conditions, immunocompromising conditions, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, renal disease, haematological disorders; and children aged six months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy. *A medical management plan must be provided as proof of eligibility.

Children under nine years receiving their flu vaccine for the first time require two doses of the vaccine, spaced by a minimum of four weeks.

Anyone that has received a COVID-19 vaccine and would like to book in for a flu vaccine must have a minimum of 14 days gap between injections.

Please note due to a limited venue capacity, the user pays flu vaccine is not available at our immunisation sessions at MC Square.

View the immunisation session times and book appointments online.  

Disc Golf, also known as Frisbee Golf, is an outdoor, fun and free activity offered right here in Manningham. Similar to traditional golf, disc golf involves participants throwing a disc into an elevated metal basket in the least amount of throws. Ruffey Lake Park is home to disc golf in Manningham and the course can be accessed with no booking required. The trees and change in terrain throughout provide a mix of obstacles and a challenge for players. The best thing about disc golf is it’s free and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Looking to give it a try? All you need to do is grab your photo ID and head down to the Doncaster Library. There you can borrow discs for free and get started– it’s that simple. You can borrow the discs for up to three weeks at a time and return them through the afterhours chute if the library is closed when you want to return them.

Grab a couple of your mates and head down to Ruffey Lake. To find the first tee and baskets, enter via Church Road North and you’ll find the start of the course near the picnic and playground area.

For more information about Disc Golf and the Ruffey Lake course, contact Melbourne Disc Golf Club.

The Templestowe World of Learning is inspiring literary joy with a new Community Corner complete with a little library and wooden bench.

Designed and created by Kai Menzies, a Box Hill TAFE furniture design student the intention of the little library and wooden bench is to inspire minds and encourage learning.  

Shelley Jacobson, Templestowe World of Learning Centre Manager said they wanted to deliver a community project for some time and Manningham’s Placemaking funding was the perfect way to make this a reality.

Shelley said the children’s reaction to the community corner was sheer delight.

“The children love it. As soon as they saw it they rushed to sit on the bench and explore all the books in the little library.”

Parents, grandparents and passers’ by are also enjoying the literary space.

“Some of the parents have even taken ownership of the bench seat, saying it should be named after them! We will set up a book exchange so everyone in the community can come and enjoy the little library space.

“We also like the fact the chair and library were built by a local student who has used his skills to benefit the whole community. 

“What he has created for us is absolutely beautiful and the children just love it."

The project was funded under Manningham's Placemaking Expression of Interest (EOI) program. 

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.

The event was funded by Manningham’s community-led Placemaking initiative.